Multifocal Intraocular Lens with Segmented Diffractive and Refractive Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intraocular lenses (IOLs) do not effectively address the need for a lens that can provide distinct vision for far, intermediate, and near focal lengths with minimal halos and sensitivity to tilt or decentration, especially under varying lighting conditions.

Innovation Solution

A novel IOL design featuring a central region with a multifocal diffractive pattern and outer regions with varying refractive and diffractive powers, including intermediate and peripheral regions, to provide distinct focal lengths and reduce halos and sensitivity to tilt or decentration, using a combination of refractive and diffractive elements to optimize vision across different pupil sizes and lighting conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a multifocal diffractive pattern is used in the central region of the IOL, then distinct vision for far and near focal lengths is achieved, but halo effects increase and sensitivity to tilt or decentration worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual acuityVSAvoidhalo effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL is divided into distinct functional regions: a central region (first clear aperture) containing the multifocal diffractive pattern for near and far vision, and an outer region (second clear aperture) providing intermediate vision and reducing halos. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specialized function independently, reducing the harmful halo effects while maintaining sharp focal vision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the IOL are assigned different optical properties: the central region has high diffractive power for sharp near and far focus, while the outer region has varying refractive power that decreases with distance from the optical axis, optimized for intermediate vision and halo reduction. This local differentiation of optical quality resolves the contradiction between sharp focus and halo reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If a multifocal diffractive pattern is used in the central region of the IOL, then distinct vision for far and near focal lengths is achieved, but sensitivity to tilt or decentration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual acuityVSAvoidsensitivity to tilt or decentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the IOL into a central multifocal region and an outer refractive region, the system reduces sensitivity to tilt and decentration. The outer region's gradual power variation provides a larger tolerance zone for misalignment, while the central region maintains its sharp focal capabilities, thus improving reliability without sacrificing visual acuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer region is designed with varying refractive power optimized for intermediate distances and larger aperture utilization, creating a buffer zone that tolerates tilt and decentration. This local optimization of the outer region's optical properties reduces the overall system's sensitivity to implantation errors while preserving the central region's high-acuity performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the outer region has varying refractive power with distance from the optical axis, then intermediate vision and reduced halo effects are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintermediate visionVSAvoidlens structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL is segmented into two main clear aperture regions with distinct optical functions. The outer region's complexity is contained within a well-defined boundary, and its varying power profile is optimized for intermediate vision while working in conjunction with the central multifocal region. This segmentation manages device complexity by creating modular functional zones rather than requiring complex integration across the entire lens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 IOL design achieves sharp and distinct vision for far and near focal lengths with reduced halo effects and improved flexibility under different lighting conditions, providing enhanced visual acuity and reduced sensitivity to implantation-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

The central region is disposed about an optical axis and comprises a diffractive pattern having an add power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

The outer region comprises a peripheral region and at least one intermediate region between the central and peripheral regions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS8771348B2Multifocal intraocular lens
Publication Date: 2014.07.08 JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION INC
  • US8771348B2 patent drawing
  • US8771348B2 patent drawing
  • US8771348B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides an IOL, a method of making the IOL, and a method of using the IOL, wherein the IOL includes a central region and an outer region. An ophthalmic lens comprises a central region and an outer region. The central region is disposed about an optical axis and comprises a diffractive pattern having an add power. The central region also has a first power and a second power for visible light. The first power is a power for far focus and the second power equals to the sum of the power for far focus and the add power. The outer region encloses the central region and generally has no multifocal diffractive power. At least a portion of the outer region has a curvature that varies with distance from the optical axis. The outer region may include a peripheral region and at least one intermediate region that encloses the central region, wherein the peripheral region encloses the at least one intermediate region and the at least one intermediate region provides at least one intermediate power that is different from the first power and the second power.