Laser-Formed Ophthalmic Lenslets for Myopia Progression Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic lenses do not effectively address myopic progression, which occurs due to environmental and genetic factors, leading to increased axial length of the eye, causing blurred vision at distances.
Innovation Solution
The method involves exposing ophthalmic lenses to laser radiation to form optical elements such as lenslets and scattering centers on the lens surface, which can have varying optical powers and refractive indices, thereby altering the light scattering and focusing properties to mitigate myopic progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ophthalmic lenses are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but they cannot effectively address myopic progression
Solution Approach 1:
The lens surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central clear aperture for distance vision, intermediate zones for near vision, and peripheral zones with scattering centers. This segmentation allows each zone to perform specific optical functions, effectively addressing myopic progression while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through systematic design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical properties: the central region provides clear distance vision, intermediate regions provide near vision support, and peripheral regions contain scattering centers with specific densities and sizes. This local differentiation optimizes the lens for treating myopic progression without requiring complete redesign of the entire lens structure
2Reliability
If multiple optical elements are formed on the lens surface, then myopic progression is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens design incorporates pre-calculated patterns for scattering center distribution, lenslet positioning, and zone boundaries based on optical modeling. These preliminary designs guide the manufacturing process, ensuring that multiple optical elements are formed with adequate precision to achieve myopic progression reduction without requiring excessive manufacturing tolerance control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies ranges for optical element parameters (scattering center size: 0.1-2.0 mm, density: 0.1-5.0 centers/mm², lenslet optical power: -0.5 to -4.0 D) rather than fixed values. This parameter flexibility allows manufacturing within acceptable tolerances while maintaining effectiveness in reducing myopic progression
3Reliability
If scattering centers and lenslets are distributed in specific patterns, then visual acuity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into distinct functional zones with specific scattering center and lenslet distributions: the clear aperture maintains distance visual acuity, intermediate zones support near vision, and peripheral zones with controlled scattering center density maintain overall visual function. This segmentation strategy preserves visual acuity while organizing complexity into manageable, functionally-driven regions
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 technique efficiently manufactures lenses that reduce myopic progression by individually customizing the amount of scattering and myopic defocus, providing clear vision while minimizing discomfort and maintaining visual acuity, suitable for children and adults.
Implementation Method 1
exposing a material at the surface to laser radiation sufficient to locally reshape the material to form a plurality of lenslets on the surface
Implementation Method 2
altering the light scattering and focusing properties to mitigate myopic progression
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing an ophthalmic lens having a prescribed optical power, the ophthalmic lens having a surface having a base curvature corresponding to the prescribed optical power, and exposing a material at the surface to laser radiation sufficient to locally reshape the material to form a plurality of lenslets on the surface. The lenslets each have a corresponding optical power that differs from the prescribed optical power of the ophthalmic lens.