Microoptical Lens Element for Myopia Control via Retinal Blur
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for correcting abnormal refraction of the eye, such as myopia, do not effectively induce controlled blur on the periphery of the retina, which is necessary to slow down myopia progression.
Innovation Solution
A lens element with an arrangement of microoptical elements, including holographic micromirrors, refractive microlenses, and diffractive optical elements, is designed to produce secondary luminous intensity maxima on either side of the retina, creating a controlled blur effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lenses (progressive, bifocal, color filters) are used to correct abnormal refraction, then dioptric correction is provided, but controlled blur on the periphery of the retina is not effectively induced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple zones with different optical properties: a central zone for clear vision and a peripheral zone containing microoptical elements that induce controlled blur. This segmentation allows the lens to simultaneously provide clear central vision while inducing peripheral blur to slow myopia progression.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens have different optical characteristics. The central region maintains standard optical properties for clear vision, while the peripheral region incorporates microoptical elements with specific powers designed to create blur on the retinal periphery. This local differentiation addresses the need for both clear vision and controlled peripheral blur.
2Reliability
If microoptical elements are added to the lens to induce peripheral blur, then myopia progression control is improved, but lens complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions are merged into a single lens structure: dioptric correction for clear vision and peripheral blur induction for myopia control are combined in one optical element. The microoptical elements are integrated directly into the lens substrate, creating a unified structure that performs both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens serves multiple functions: it provides standard dioptric correction for clear vision while simultaneously inducing controlled peripheral blur to slow myopia progression. This multi-functionality is achieved by incorporating microoptical elements that create secondary focal points in addition to the primary focal point.
3Reliability
If multiple subsets of microoptical elements with different optical powers are used to create secondary luminous maxima, then controlled blur effect is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention varies the optical parameters of microoptical elements across different regions of the lens. Different subsets of microoptical elements have different optical powers designed to create secondary luminous maxima at specific distances in front of and behind the retina. This parameter variation is achieved through systematic design and manufacturing processes.
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 lens element effectively induces a controlled blur on the periphery of the retina, reducing contrast and potentially slowing down myopia progression while maintaining clear vision through the primary luminous intensity maximum.
Implementation Method 1
the microoptical elements comprise holographic micromirrors
Implementation Method 2
the microoptical elements comprise holographic micromirrors
Implementation Method 3
the microoptical elements further comprise spatially alternated refractive microlenses
Implementation Method 4
the microoptical elements further comprise diffractive optical elements
Data Source
AI summary
A lens element intended to be worn in front of an eye of a wearer, the lens element being adapted to provide a prescribed dioptric correction function in a prescription plane, the lens element including an arrangement of microoptical elements. When receiving a collimated beam of monochromatic light, the lens element is configured to produce a primary luminous intensity maximum in a prescription plane, and the arrangement of microoptical elements is configured to produce at least one first secondary luminous intensity maximum at a first proximity difference from the prescription plane and at least one second secondary luminous intensity maximum at a second proximity difference from the prescription plane, the first proximity difference and the second proximity difference having opposite signs.