Non-Coaxial Lenslets for Myopia Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corrective lenses for myopia do not address the underlying cause of the condition, instead providing prosthetic solutions that can compromise visual acuity and contrast sensitivity while trying to slow myopia progression through coaxial power regions.
Innovation Solution
Design of contact lenses with non-coaxial lenslets that provide myopic defocus across the retina, maintaining clear vision and regulating eye growth without interfering with foveal image quality, using a combination of primary distance correction zones and non-coaxial plus power zones arranged to deliver positive foci of light in front of the retina.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coaxial power regions are used to slow myopia progression, then myopia progression is reduced, but visual acuity and contrast sensitivity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into distinct functional zones: distance correction zones for clear vision and separate non-coaxial lenslets for inducing myopic defocus. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, preventing the compromise of visual acuity while maintaining myopia control efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical properties: the distance correction zones provide sharp focus for clear vision, while the non-coaxial lenslets provide myopic defocus for peripheral retinal stimulation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring each region optimizes for its specific purpose without interfering with the other.
2Reliability
If coaxial add power zones are introduced to prevent myopia, then myopia progression is slowed, but foveal image quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The lenslets are deliberately positioned non-coaxially relative to the distance correction zones, creating an asymmetric optical arrangement. This asymmetry ensures that the myopic defocus is delivered to peripheral retinal regions while the central foveal region receives only the distance correction, thereby preserving foveal image quality while maintaining myopia prevention benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-axis (coaxial) optical design to a multi-dimensional arrangement where lenslets are positioned at different locations and orientations relative to the optical axis. This dimensional change allows independent optimization of central and peripheral optical properties, resolving the contradiction between myopia prevention and foveal image quality.
3Measurement precision
If conventional corrective lenses are used, then visual acuity is improved, but the underlying cause of myopia is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens performs multiple functions simultaneously: it corrects refractive errors for clear vision through the distance correction zones and addresses the underlying cause of myopia by inducing myopic defocus through the non-coaxial lenslets. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating both corrective and preventive functions into a single optical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-coaxial lenslets act as intermediaries that deliver myopic defocus signals to peripheral retinal regions, thereby addressing the underlying cause of myopia without interfering with the primary distance correction function. This intermediary mechanism allows the lens to simultaneously improve visual acuity and treat the root cause of myopia progression.
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 contact lenses effectively slow or prevent myopia progression with minimal impact on visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, offering a cost-effective solution for reducing high myopia prevalence by enhancing myopic blur regulation.
Implementation Method 1
non-coaxial lenslets with add power...arranged to provide clear vision and myopic defocus to all regions of the retina...deliver positive foci of light in front of the retina
Implementation Method 2
Corrective lenses are used to alter the gross focus of the eye to render a clearer image at the retinal plane, by shifting the focus from in front of the retinal plane to correct myopia, or from behind the retinal plane to correct hyperopia
Data Source
AI summary
Contact lenses incorporating an array of non-coaxial lenslets with add power that create non-coaxial myopic defocus within the optic zone of the lens may be utilized to prevent and/or slow myopia progression. The positive, non-coaxial lenslets cover about twenty to eighty percent of the central pupil area to deliver positive foci of light in front of the retina to slow the rate of myopia progression.