Optical System for Myopia Control via Retinal Defocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing refractive disorders like myopia and hyperopia, such as corrective lenses, do not effectively retard or reverse the progression of these conditions and may not be suitable for all individuals, as they do not induce optimal defocus on the central retina.
Innovation Solution
A method and optical system using a transparent or reflective layer to simultaneously display a primary focused image and a secondary defocused image, either in front of or behind the central retina, to induce myopic or hyperopic defocus, thereby influencing eye growth and potentially retarding or reversing refractive disorders without the need for specialty lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If corrective lenses are used to provide clear vision, then visual clarity is improved, but progression of refractive disorders is not retarded
Solution Approach 1:
The visual field is segmented into central and peripheral zones with different optical properties. The central zone provides clear focus for vision, while the peripheral zone induces myopic defocus to retard progression, allowing both functions to occur simultaneously through spatial segmentation of the optical system
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical system are assigned different optical qualities: the central region is optimized for sharp imaging to maintain visual clarity, while the peripheral region is designed to create controlled defocus to inhibit eye growth progression, thereby resolving the contradiction between clear vision and progression control
2Reliability
If specialty lenses are prescribed to induce defocus, then progression retardation is achieved, but suitability for all people is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions within a single configuration: it provides clear central vision for all users while simultaneously inducing peripheral myopic defocus for progression control. This multi-functional design makes the system universally applicable to different individuals without requiring specialized lens prescriptions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex specialty lenses that modify the entire optical path, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple transparent layer that only modifies the peripheral visual field, leaving the central vision unchanged. This inversion simplifies the system while maintaining effectiveness across diverse populations
3Reliability
If peripheral optics are manipulated to induce relative peripheral myopic defocus, then progression may be retarded, but maximum effectiveness is not achieved due to lack of central retinal defocus
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented to distinguish between central and peripheral visual processing. The transparent layer is positioned and designed to affect only the peripheral rays, allowing the central retina to receive focused light while the peripheral retina receives defocused light, thereby optimizing the defocus stimulus without compromising central vision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to defocus induction by creating defocus specifically in the peripheral visual field rather than uniformly across the entire visual field. This spatial dimensionality change allows selective stimulation of peripheral retinal mechanisms involved in eye growth control while preserving central 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
This approach allows for clear vision while inducing necessary defocus stimuli to retard or reverse the progression of myopia and hyperopia, offering a widely applicable solution that does not rely on specialty lenses, making it suitable for children and young adults.
Implementation Method 1
providing a transparent layer between the viewer and the object and providing a primary image on the transparent layer. The transparent layer allows the viewer to see the object as a secondary image simultaneously with the primary image
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system including a layer having a reflective surface, the layer is adapted to provide a primary image and a secondary image. The secondary image is provided by a reflection of an object facing the reflective surface, and the primary and the secondary images are viewable by a viewer having a retina. The secondary image is focused in front of the retina to generate myopic defocus.