Multi-Region Refractive IOLs With Vertex-Matched Distance Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) suffer from reduced distant vision quality due to refractive optical surfaces directing light energy towards differing focal distances, leading to vertex shifts that compromise image quality.
Innovation Solution
Designing ophthalmic lenses with a refractive profile that includes vertex-matched distance regions, where the power of outer regions is adjusted to compensate for vertex shifts, ensuring improved image quality across various focal distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If refractive optical surfaces are used to direct light energy towards differing focal distances, then near and intermediate vision are improved, but distant vision quality deteriorates due to vertex shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The lens applies different refractive powers to different regions: the central region maintains higher power for near vision, while peripheral regions have reduced power to minimize vertex shift effects. This spatial variation in optical properties allows the lens to provide multiple focal points while preserving distant vision quality by strategically placing lower-power regions where they least interfere with distance focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is divided into distinct optical zones with different refractive characteristics. The central optical zone provides near vision correction, while surrounding annular zones provide intermediate and distance vision correction. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the compromise between near and distant vision that plagues conventional multifocal lenses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multifocal refractive surfaces are implemented, then accommodation for near and intermediate distances is restored, but image quality and visual acuity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens systematically varies the refractive power parameter across its surface area, creating a gradient from higher power centrally to lower power peripherally. This continuous parameter change allows the lens to provide a range of focal points corresponding to different viewing distances, while the gradual transition minimizes optical disruptions that would otherwise degrade image quality and visual acuity.
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 vertex-matched design enhances image quality by maintaining consistent focus and reducing aberrations, particularly at larger pupil diameters, thus providing enhanced visual acuity and modulation transfer function.
Implementation Method 1
refractive optical surfaces to direct portions of the light energy toward differing focal distances
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing improved ophthalmic lenses, particularly intraocular lenses (IOLs), include features for vertex matching distance regions of such lenses. Exemplary ophthalmic lenses can include an optic disposed about an optical axis and having a refractive profile including a region having an add power and a first distance region and a second distance region extending outward from the first distance region and being vertex matched with the first distance region.