Intraocular Lens Virtual Aperture for Extended Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lenses (IOLs) fail to adequately correct defocus, astigmatism, higher-order monochromatic and chromatic aberrations, and provide an extended depth of field, leading to suboptimal vision quality, especially as pupil size increases.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a virtual aperture into the IOL design, which scatters light rays widely across the retina, reducing monochromatic and chromatic aberrations while increasing the depth of field, using micro-prism arrays and surface contours to disperse light evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard monofocal IOL is used, then vision at a single focal distance is restored, but vision quality over a range of distances remains poor and presbyopia is not corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL optic is divided into multiple functional zones: a central optical zone for distance vision, an intermediate zone with specific surface contours for intermediate focus, and a peripheral zone for near vision. This segmentation allows each zone to contribute to different focal distances, providing extended depth of field while maintaining sharp retinal images throughout the visual range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surface contour variations in the intermediate and peripheral zones that create additional optical paths and focal points. By modifying the three-dimensional surface geometry rather than simply changing aperture size or lens power, the design achieves multiple focal distances without compromising image quality on the retinal plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multifocal IOL elements with discrete foci are used, then extended depth of field is achieved, but stray light from various focal regions degrades vision quality
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to block or eliminate stray light from intermediate and peripheral zones, the patent designs these zones to intentionally generate controlled stray light patterns that form additional focal points on the retina. The stray light that would normally be harmful is redirected to create useful intermediate and near focal regions, converting the problem into a solution for extended depth of field.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the IOL optic have specialized surface contours optimized for their specific functions. The central zone maintains smooth surfaces for sharp distance vision, while intermediate and peripheral zones incorporate controlled surface irregularities and contours that generate the desired stray light patterns and focal points, allowing each region to have locally optimized properties.
3Illumination intensity
If a larger diameter optical zone IOL is used, then more light is captured for better image brightness, but depth of field is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical zone is segmented into central, intermediate, and peripheral regions, each contributing to different focal distances. This allows the full diameter of the IOL to be utilized for capturing light across multiple focal planes simultaneously, maintaining brightness while achieving extended depth of field through the combined effect of all zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The entire IOL optic surface serves multiple functions: the central zone provides distance vision and contributes to intermediate focus, while the intermediate and peripheral zones provide both intermediate and near vision. This multi-functionality allows the full aperture to be used effectively for extended depth of field without sacrificing brightness at any focal distance.
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 IOL design significantly improves vision quality by minimizing aberrations and extending the depth of field, providing high-definition retinal images with reduced stray light, and allowing for smaller implant sizes and easier surgical insertion.
Implementation Method 1
The construction and arrangement permit optical rays which intersect the virtual aperture and are widely scattered across the retina
Implementation Method 2
a first surface contour on an anterior surface of the intraocular lens, the first surface contour comprising at least one annular region; and a second surface contour on a posterior surface of the intraocular lens, the second surface contour comprising at least one annular region; wherein a second plurality of light rays incident on the anterior virtual aperture surface are dispersed widely downstream from the intraocular lens
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods that overcome limitations of lOLs at least by providing a phakic or aphakic IOL that provides correction of defocus and astigmatism, decreases higher-order monochromatic and chromatic aberrations, and provides an extended depth of field to improve vision quality. The IOL includes a virtual aperture integrated into the IOL. The construction and arrangement permit optical rays which intersect the virtual aperture and are widely scattered across the retina, causing the light to be virtually prevented from reaching detectable levels on the retina. The virtual aperture helps remove monochromatic and chromatic aberrations, yielding high-definition retinal images. For a given definition of acceptable vision, the depth of field is increased over a larger diameter optical zone IOL.