Multi-Axis Aberrometer for Wide-Field Off-Axis Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for prescribing myopia control contact lenses lack a general methodology to effectively determine which lenses will slow myopia progression, as they rely on trial-and-error approaches and do not account for individual variations in off-axis refractions.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical system capable of making both on-axis and wide-field, peripheral off-axis wavefront measurements of an eye, allowing for the design and manufacturing of wavefront-guided customized contact lenses tailored to individual myopia control needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential single-axis measurements are used to measure off-axis refraction, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement time increases and eye focus changes between measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent optical paths, each capable of measuring a specific off-axis angle simultaneously. This allows parallel measurement of multiple refraction points that would otherwise require sequential measurement, eliminating the time delay and focus change issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-axis sequential measurement to multi-axis simultaneous measurement by adding spatial dimensionality. Multiple wavefront sensors are positioned at different angular orientations around the optical axis, enabling comprehensive off-axis refraction measurement in a single measurement cycle.
2Reliability
If cycloplegic eye drops are applied to fix eye focus, then measurement repeatability is improved, but natural viewing conditions are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system dynamically adapts to the eye's natural accommodative state by rapidly capturing multiple off-axis refraction measurements simultaneously. The system can measure during natural viewing conditions without cycloplegia, and can also accommodate different focus states by capturing the dynamic refractive profile at various gaze angles in a single snapshot.
3Ease of manufacture
If trial-and-error contact lens prescription is used, then lens selection process is simple, but effective myopia control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides objective feedback through comprehensive off-axis refraction mapping, enabling evidence-based contact lens prescription. By measuring the complete peripheral refractive profile and comparing it against ideal profiles, the system guides clinicians in selecting or customizing contact lenses that specifically address the patient's peripheral defocus characteristics, replacing trial-and-error with data-driven decision-making.
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
This approach enables clinicians to identify effective contact lens designs for each patient by measuring off-axis refractions, potentially reducing myopia progression by ensuring the correct optical correction is applied, thereby minimizing the degree of myopia developed over time.
Implementation Method 1
wavefront sensors for measuring on-axis (central vision) and wide-field, off-axis (peripheral vision) aberrations
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to optical methods and optical systems for making both on-axis and wide-field, peripheral off-axis wavefront measurements of an eye; and for designing and manufacturing wavefront-guided customized contact lens useful for myopia control. The wide-field optical instrument can comprise either (1) a multi-axis optical configuration using multiple off-axis beamlets, or (2) an instrument comprising a rotatable scanning mirror that generates off-axis probe beams.