Multifocal Ophthalmic Lens Ring Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multifocal lenses for addressing presbyopia often suffer from dysphotopsia, glare, and light loss due to diffractive patterns or transition zones between near and far vision zones, and are sensitive to pupil size variations and decentration, leading to optical disturbances.

Innovation Solution

A lens design featuring ring segments for near and far vision zones that alternate circumferentially along the full circumference, reducing the need for a substantial transition zone and minimizing differences in surface level, thus maintaining constant light distribution and visual acuity regardless of pupil size or lens positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If diffractive patterns are used to provide additional optical power for near vision, then multifocal vision is achieved, but dysphotopsia (blur, glare, halos) and light loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultifocal vision capabilityVSAvoiddysphotopsia and light loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the diffractive optical system with a refractive system. Instead of using a diffractive pattern to create multiple focal distances, the invention uses zones with different refractive powers arranged in concentric circles. This substitution of the optical mechanism eliminates the harmful dysphotopsia effects while maintaining the multifocal vision capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the lens into multiple discrete zones with different refractive powers. The lens comprises a first zone with a first refractive power and a second zone with a second refractive power, arranged in concentric circles. This segmentation allows each zone to independently focus light at different distances without the harmful effects of diffractive patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If zones with different refractive power are provided to create different focal distances, then near and far vision are improved, but loss of contrast occurs due to the transition zone between zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenear and far vision capabilityVSAvoidloss of contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a radial arrangement of zones to a concentric circular arrangement. By organizing the zones with different refractive powers in concentric circles rather than simple radial segments, the invention creates smoother transitions and reduces the abrupt contrast loss that occurs at zone boundaries in conventional designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multifocal lenses are used, then multifocal vision is provided, but the ratio between near and far vision light changes with pupil size variations and lens decentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultifocal visionVSAvoidconsistent light distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the lens zones to serve multiple functions across different viewing conditions. The concentric arrangement of zones with different refractive powers ensures that regardless of pupil size variations or lens decentration, the lens maintains its ability to provide both near and far vision with consistent light distribution. The design is universal enough to handle various operational conditions without requiring precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enhances visual acuity across distances with reduced optical disturbances, maintaining consistent light distribution and minimizing the impact of pupil size variations and lens decentration, while providing a smooth transition that improves wear comfort and reduces glare.

Implementation Method 1

the lens having zones with different refractive optical powers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3100101B1Multifocal ophthalmic lens to be worn in or on the eye

Publication Date: 2019.12.11 OPHTEC

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AI summary

An ophthalmic multifocal lens to be worn on or in a human eye. The lens has an optical portion with anterior and posterior surfaces and a circumferential peripheral boundary. The optical portion has far vision zones having a first refractive power and near vision zones having an add power. The far visions zones and near vision zones include ring segments having one of the refractive powers each radially bounding a more central zone of another one of the refractive powers. The ring segments include ring segments bordering on the peripheral boundary and alternating in circumferential sense along the full circumference of the peripheral boundary.