Light Absorbing Monomers for UV and Violet Blocking in Optical Polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymeric intraocular lenses do not adequately block violet light wavelengths, which can contribute to ocular disorders, and existing UV-blocking compounds have limited absorption in this range, necessitating a solution that effectively filters out harmful UV-A and violet light while allowing transmission of blue light for visual clarity.
Innovation Solution
Development of optical polymeric materials incorporating specific light-absorbing monomers that block UV and violet light, with a transmission spectrum optimized to filter out UV radiation and allow significant blue light transmission, using monomers like those in formulas I, II, and III, and optionally combining with benzotriazole UV blockers to enhance UV protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional UV-absorbing compounds are used in polymeric intraocular lenses, then UV radiation protection is provided, but violet light transmission is insufficient leading to inadequate protection against violet light-induced ocular disorders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines UV-absorbing compounds with violet light-absorbing compounds in a single polymeric lens material. This composite approach allows the lens to simultaneously absorb both UV radiation (280-400 nm) and violet light (400-460 nm), providing comprehensive protection against both harmful factors that conventional single-function materials could not achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric lens material is designed to perform multiple protective functions simultaneously: it absorbs UV radiation, absorbs violet light, and maintains optical clarity for visible light transmission. This multi-functional design ensures that a single lens replacement provides complete spectral protection without requiring multiple separate interventions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light-absorbing compounds are added to block UV and violet light, then protection against harmful radiation is improved, but transmission of blue light necessary for visual clarity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light-absorbing compounds with specific absorption characteristics that selectively target UV and violet light wavelengths while maintaining transmission in the blue light range (460-500 nm). This localized spectral selectivity ensures that protection is provided only where harmful (UV and violet) without compromising beneficial wavelengths (blue light) needed for visual clarity and circadian rhythm regulation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If high concentrations of light-absorbing compounds are used to enhance violet light blocking, then protection against violet light is improved, but optical clarity and visual quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of light-absorbing compounds to achieve maximum violet light protection while maintaining optical clarity. By carefully controlling the amount and distribution of absorbing compounds within specific concentration ranges, the lens provides effective violet light blocking without causing excessive light absorption that would compromise visual quality and optical transparency
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 optical polymeric materials effectively block UV and violet light, providing enhanced protection for the retina while maintaining sufficient blue light transmission for visual clarity, particularly suited for use in contact lenses and intraocular lenses.
Implementation Method 1
Light absorbing compounds for optical polymers... block the transmission of select wavelengths of light through the materials
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical polymeric material that can substantially block the transmission of ultraviolet light as well as selected portion of violet light. The polymeric material will include monomeric units of one or more lens monomers, and monomeric units of a monomer of formula (I).