Multifocal Ophthalmic Simulator Using Dual Badal Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for simulating multifocal ophthalmic corrections, such as simultaneous vision systems in contact and intraocular lenses, often result in suboptimal patient adaptation due to trial and error processes and limitations in simulating retinal image superposition, leading to issues with contrast and resolution, especially in intraocular lenses where trial and error is not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A purely optical system using mirrors, beam splitters, and Badal systems to create two optical channels with different vergences that produce perfectly superimposed retinal images of the same size, eliminating artifacts from different optical magnifications and allowing for versatile simulation of near and distant vision corrections without the need for complex equipment or software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If trial and error procedure is used to identify suitable simultaneous vision contact lenses, then patient adaptation can be evaluated, but multiple visits and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient adaptation evaluationVSAvoidmultiple visits
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates an optical copy of the simultaneous vision effect using a trial lens system that replicates the retinal image superposition produced by multifocal contact lenses. This allows patients to experience and evaluate the visual effect before actual lens fitting, eliminating the need for multiple trial lens visits and extended adaptation periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If simultaneous vision systems are used in intraocular lenses, then presbyopia correction is achieved, but trial and error process is not feasible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepresbyopia correctionVSAvoidtrial and error feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables preliminary evaluation of simultaneous vision correction效果 through a trial optical system before intraocular lens implantation. Patients can assess their adaptation to the visual effect in advance, allowing surgeons to predict post-operative outcomes and adjust the optical design parameters before the irreversible surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If conventional Badal system is used to simulate different distances, then convergence is induced without changing magnification, but superposition of images like in simultaneous vision is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvergence simulation accuracyVSAvoidimage superposition
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the optical system into two separate channels: one channel maintains the conventional Badal system for accurate convergence simulation without magnification change, while the other channel introduces additional optical elements to achieve image superposition. This segmentation allows each channel to fulfill its specific function while working together to solve both problems simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If phase masks are used for simulation, then cost is reduced, but centration problems and fixed design occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces fixed phase masks with dynamic trial lenses that can be positioned and adjusted during the evaluation process. The trial lens system allows for dynamic adjustment of optical parameters including centration, addition power, and design type, providing versatility while maintaining cost-effectiveness through simple optical components rather than complex fixed masks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables a cost-effective, portable, and non-invasive means to simulate multifocal ophthalmic corrections, improving patient adaptation and selection of suitable lenses by providing a clear and accurate visual experience, reducing the need for multiple visits and potential suboptimal corrections.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the channels travels through a Badal system, which introduces a different vergence (in the terminology of the multifocality, it is said that the Badal system introduces an addition)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBadal system optical effect: Lens

Implementation Method 2

The instrument comprises two observation channels, one corresponding to distant vision and another for near vision, providing the eye different vergences (optical power)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeam splitting: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2417900B1Instrument for simulating multifocal ophthalmic corrections
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (CSIC)
  • EP2417900B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2417900B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an instrument for simulation of multifocal ophthalmic corrections, comprising two optical channels with different optical power values in the beams coming from the object observed, wherein at least one channel comprises a Badal system. This instrument simultaneously provides images of objects near and far focused. The system provides the same optical magnifications for each channel, regardless of the optical power thereof, and produces superimposed retinal images with different degrees of focus which, unlike other devices, are all of the same size. The instrument allows simulating different optical powers for near vision and different refractive corrections for distant vision.