Ophthalmic Lens Filter Selection Through Objective Light Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining ophthalmic filters are subjective and do not optimize filter characteristics based on the wearer's sensitivity to light environment characteristics, leading to compromises in visual performance and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A method to objectively determine the sensitivity of the wearer to light environment characteristics by measuring physiological and subjective responses, and adjusting filter parameters such as absorption rate and spectral response to optimize visual comfort and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If subjective testing methods are used to determine filters, then the wearer can try different filters, but the filter characteristics cannot be optimized based on objective sensitivity measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of filter selectionVSAvoidobjective sensitivity measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective mechanical testing (trying on different filters) with objective physiological measurement systems. The system uses photometers and spectrometers to measure the wearer's sensitivity to different wavelengths of light, substituting subjective judgment with precise instrumental measurement to determine optimal filter characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system between the wearer and the filter selection process. This intermediary system includes devices to measure intraocular diffusion, macular pigment density, and spectral sensitivity, which mediate the connection between the wearer's physiological characteristics and the optimal filter prescription.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If general filters are prescribed without personalization, then the determination process is simplified, but the filter cannot account for individual variations in intraocular diffusion and macular pigment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter determination processVSAvoidadaptation to individual physiological variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by measuring and addressing specific local physiological variations in the eye. Instead of applying a general filter prescription, the system measures local characteristics such as macular pigment density and intraocular diffusion at different wavelengths, then prescribes filters with localized spectral characteristics tailored to these specific measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary measurements of the wearer's physiological characteristics (intraocular diffusion, macular pigment density, spectral sensitivity) before determining the optimal filter prescription. This preliminary action allows the filter to be customized based on pre-measured individual variations, ensuring optimal performance for that specific wearer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If filters are designed to restore color vision, then color perception is improved, but other visual requirements such as contrast sensitivity and glare reduction are not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor vision restorationVSAvoidcomprehensive visual performance optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal filter determination system that addresses multiple visual functions simultaneously. The system measures and optimizes for color vision, contrast sensitivity, glare reduction, and overall visual comfort by considering the complete spectral sensitivity profile and physiological characteristics, making the filter prescription multi-functional rather than single-purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple parameters of the filter prescription based on comprehensive measurements. Instead of adjusting only color restoration parameters, the system modifies spectral transmission characteristics, density, and wavelength selection based on measured parameters including intraocular diffusion, macular pigment density, and spectral sensitivity to optimize overall visual performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If the filter determination does not consider the characteristic luminous flux, then the process is simpler, but the sensitivity to light environment characteristics cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination processVSAvoidsensitivity to luminous flux characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurements of the wearer's sensitivity to characteristic luminous flux before finalizing the filter prescription. The system measures spectral sensitivity under controlled lighting conditions that replicate the wearer's typical visual environment, allowing the filter to be optimized for those specific luminous flux characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback from measurements of the wearer's response to different luminous flux characteristics. The system measures spectral sensitivity, contrast sensitivity, and comfort under various lighting conditions, then uses this feedback to adjust and optimize the filter's spectral transmission characteristics for the specific light environments the wearer encounters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 method enhances visual comfort and performance by personalizing filters based on the wearer's sensitivity to light, compensating for intraocular diffusion and macular pigment variations, reducing glare and improving visual acuity.

Implementation Method 1

The filter is determined by adapting at least one optical characteristic of the filter, in particular the absorption rate and/or the spectral response

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The quantity representative of the sensitivity of the wearer's eye to the characteristic luminous flux is determined as a function of the density and/or distribution of the macular pigment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3245555B1Method for determining a filter for an ophthalmic lens and ophthalmic lens comprising such a filter
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3245555B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3245555B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3245555B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a filter for an ophthalmic lens to be placed in front of the eye of the wearer, said filter being able to improve or maintain the visual comfort and/or the visual performances of said wearer. According to the invention, the determination method comprises: a step of measuring a variable representative of sensitivity of the eye or both eyes of the wearer to a characteristic light flow, and a step of determining at least one optical characteristic of said filter according to the representative variable measured.