Laser-Reshaped Ophthalmic Lenses with Customizable Lenslets
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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 blurry vision for distant objects.
Innovation Solution
The formation of optical elements such as lenslets and scattering centers on ophthalmic lenses through laser radiation, varying in size, shape, and distribution to provide myopic defocus and reduce image contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ophthalmic lenses are used, then clear vision is maintained, but myopic progression is not effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating optical elements (lenslets and scattering centers) at specific locations on the lens surface rather than uniformly across the entire lens. These elements are strategically positioned in peripheral regions to provide localized myopic defocus and light scattering effects, while maintaining clear central vision. This allows the lens to have different optical properties in different regions, addressing myopic progression without compromising overall visual clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lens surface into multiple discrete optical elements (lenslets and scattering centers) rather than using a single uniform optical design. Each element can be independently sized, shaped, and positioned to provide specific optical functions. This segmentation enables customized distribution patterns that can be tailored to individual patient needs, enhancing the lens's ability to address myopic progression while maintaining clear vision.
2Reliability
If optical elements are added to treat myopia, then myopic progression is reduced, but lens complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical lens design with a simplified base lens structure combined with optically active elements formed through laser irradiation. Instead of creating complex multi-element lens systems during manufacturing, the invention uses laser-induced optical elements that can be added to a simple base lens, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired myopia control effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite optical structure by combining the base lens material with optically active elements (lenslets and scattering centers) formed through laser irradiation. These elements may involve different material phases or compositions within the same lens structure, allowing the lens to exhibit multiple optical functions (clear vision, myopic defocus, light scattering) within a unified composite structure, thereby managing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform optical power is used, then manufacturing is simple, but individualized treatment for myopic progression is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first creating a simple base lens with uniform optical power that is easy to manufacture, then subsequently adding optically active elements through laser irradiation. This two-step approach allows the base lens to be produced using conventional simple manufacturing methods, while the customized optical elements are added in a secondary process that enables individualization without complicating the primary manufacturing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables customization by varying parameters of the optical elements (size, shape, density, distribution pattern of lenslets and scattering centers) rather than changing the base lens design. These parameter adjustments can be made through controlled laser irradiation processes that modify local optical properties without requiring different base lens manufacturing processes, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving individualized treatment effects.
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, maintaining clear vision while mitigating eye lengthening disorders.
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
The optical elements can be formed from, wholly or partly, from the one or more deposited materials. Optical elements can be sized, shaped, and distributed in a pattern making the ophthalmic lens suitable for treating eye-length related disorders
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.