Myopia Control via Retinal Defocus Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing refractive disorders like myopia and hyperopia, such as concentric multi-zone bifocal lenses and contact lenses, may not effectively induce defocus on the central retina, limiting their ability to retard or reverse progression of these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method using non-immersive or immersive display units with dioptric positive lenses, fully-reflective mirrors, and semi-transparent mirrors to create a converged optical channel that generates myopic or hyperopic defocus by projecting secondary images in front of or behind the retina, thereby influencing eye growth and refractive development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concentric multi-zone bifocal lenses or contact lenses are used to manage refractive disorders, then clear vision is provided, but the ability to induce defocus on the central retina is limited, reducing effectiveness in retarding progression
Solution Approach 1:
The visual field is segmented into central and peripheral zones, with the central zone providing clear focused vision and the peripheral zone inducing myopic defocus. The optical system creates multiple image planes at different dioptric distances, with the first image plane on the retina for clear vision and the second image plane in front of the retina for defocus induction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dioptric distance dimension by creating image planes at different focal distances. Instead of using complex lens designs, the system projects visual content to multiple planes along the optical axis, with the first plane at retinal distance and the second plane at a closer dioptric distance to induce myopic defocus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialty lenses are prescribed to manage refractive disorders, then clear vision is achieved, but the lenses are not suitable for all people and have limited adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides clear central vision for viewing visual content and induces peripheral myopic defocus for myopia control. This dual functionality makes the system universally applicable to different users without requiring complex individualized lens prescriptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically provides both focused and defocused images without requiring user adjustment or complex prescription processes. The optical elements work together to naturally create the appropriate image planes based on the user's viewing distance and eye characteristics.
3Reliability
If peripheral optics are manipulated to induce relative peripheral myopic defocus without inducing myopic defocus on the central retina, then myopia may be counteracted, but the protective effect is reduced because defocus is not induced on the central retinal area
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the visual field receive different optical treatments: the central region receives focused light for clear vision while the peripheral regions receive defocused light to induce myopic defocus. This local differentiation maximizes the protective effect by ensuring both central and peripheral retinal areas receive appropriate optical stimuli.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of providing clear vision and inducing myopic defocus into a single optical pathway. Both the focused image plane for vision and the defocused image plane for protection are created simultaneously through the same optical elements, making the process easy to implement.
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 the simultaneous provision of clear vision and retardation or reversal of refractive disorders by inducing targeted defocus on the retina, potentially reducing the economic and social burden of these conditions without the need for specialty lenses.
Implementation Method 1
refracting the primary visual content through the dioptric positive lens to form a primary optical channel
Implementation Method 2
redirecting the primary optical channel with the fully-reflective mirror
Implementation Method 3
converging the primary optical channel and the secondary optical channel into a converged optical channel
Data Source
AI summary
A method for retarding or reversing progression of myopia of a viewer contains the steps of using an immersive or non-immersive device to create a plurality of image planes in the eye of the viewer. While an image plane is located on the retina, at least one image plane is not on the retina, thereby generating myopic defocus. Immersive and non-immersive devices and systems for such a method are also described.