Intraocular Lens Edge Design for Photic Effect Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lenses (IOLs) suffer from unwanted photic effects due to off-axis light rays being reflected or transmitted into the visual field, which can deteriorate visual quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a continuously curving edge design for IOLs, which redirects transmitted and reflected off-axis light to reduce negative visual effects, while also providing improved mechanical stability through a thickened periphery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional edge designs are used, then mechanical stability is achieved, but unwanted photic effects occur due to off-axis light reflection and transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a continuously curving edge design where the edge radius of curvature varies continuously from the optic periphery to the thickened periphery. This curvature design redirects off-axis light rays away from the visual field, reducing photic effects while maintaining mechanical stability through the integrated thickened periphery structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thin lens designs are used, then photic effects are reduced, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a thickened periphery structure that provides enhanced mechanical stability at the lens edge while maintaining a thinner central optic region. This local variation in thickness allows the lens to reduce photic effects through its overall thin profile while ensuring mechanical stability through the strategically thickened peripheral zone.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If edge designs are modified to steer light rays, then photic effects are reduced, but new photic effects may be created depending on incident angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a continuously curving edge with variable radius of curvature that dynamically adapts to different incident angles of off-axis light. The continuous variation in curvature allows the edge to effectively redirect light rays across a range of angles, preventing new photic effects that would arise from fixed geometric edge designs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The continuously curving edge design effectively reduces undesired photic phenomena by preventing substantial transmission of off-axis light and distributing internally reflected light away from the fovea, thereby enhancing visual quality.
Implementation Method 1
off-axis light rays can be reflected or transmitted into the visual field, producing undesirable photic effects
Implementation Method 2
off-axis light rays can be reflected or transmitted into the visual field
Data Source
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AI summary
An intraocular lens (100) formed from a soft, foldable material, comprising: an optic having an anterior optical surface (104) having a first base curvature and a posterior optical surface (106) having a second base curvature, wherein: a diameter of the posterior optical surface is greater than a diameter of the anterior optical surface; and the first and second base curvatures collectively define an optical power of the optic; and a peripheral rim (102) extending between the anterior optical surface and the posterior optical surface and intersecting each surface at a respective corner, the peripheral rim defining a cross section having a continuously curving outer edge having a constant radius (R) and that does not include any tangents parallel to an optical axis of the optic.