Ophthalmic Lenslet Patterning for Myopia Control and Clear Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic lenses do not effectively address myopic progression, and existing manufacturing techniques for lenses with optical elements are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based method is used to form optical elements such as lenslets and scattering centers on ophthalmic lenses by exposing the lens surface to laser radiation, allowing for the deposition and patterning of materials to create lenses that reduce myopic progression, with the ability to vary the nature and distribution of these elements for individualized scattering and defocus effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ophthalmic lenses are used without additional optical elements, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but they do not effectively address myopic progression
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is segmented into multiple functional zones with different optical elements (scattering centers, lenslets, defocus regions) distributed across the lens surface. Each segment performs a specific function related to myopia control, such as creating peripheral defocus or scattering light, while the central region maintains clear vision. This segmentation allows the lens to address myopic progression effectively while using efficient laser-based manufacturing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical properties and functions. The central region provides clear vision with minimal optical elements, while peripheral regions contain scattering centers and lenslets that create myopic defocus. The density, size, and distribution of optical elements are locally optimized to achieve the desired myopia control effect without compromising overall manufacturing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If molding techniques are used to form optical elements on lens surfaces, then manufacturing is automated, but it is costly and less flexible for varying configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical molding techniques with a laser-based manufacturing process. The laser directly writes and forms optical elements (scattering centers, lenslets, defocus regions) on the lens surface through controlled material modification. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive molds and tooling while providing greater flexibility to vary optical element configurations, densities, and distributions without changing manufacturing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser manufacturing process allows dynamic adjustment of multiple parameters including laser power, pulse duration, scan speed, and focal position to create different optical element types and configurations. By changing these parameters, the same manufacturing system can produce various lens designs with different densities, sizes, and distributions of optical elements, providing high adaptability without additional tooling costs.
3Reliability
If optical elements are densely distributed on the lens surface to maximize myopia control, then therapeutic effect is improved, but image contrast in peripheral vision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens implements a balanced distribution of optical elements where scattering centers and lenslets are placed in peripheral regions to create myopic defocus for myopia control, while the central vision area maintains higher image contrast. The density and distribution of optical elements are optimized to provide sufficient therapeutic effect without excessively degrading peripheral image quality. This partial action approach ensures that myopia control benefits are achieved while maintaining acceptable visual comfort.
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 enables efficient and economical manufacturing of ophthalmic lenses that reduce myopic progression by providing customizable optical elements, maintaining clear vision while minimizing image contrast in peripheral vision, thus potentially arresting eye-lengthening disorders.
Implementation Method 1
exposing a material at a surface of the ophthalmic lens to laser radiation to locally remove or restructure the coated layers
Implementation Method 2
shaping a material at the surface to yield an optical element such as a light scattering center or a lenslet
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A method includes providing an ophthalmic lens having a prescribed optical power, the ophthalmic lens having a surface having a base curvature corresponding to the prescribed optical power, and exposing a material at the surface to laser radiation sufficient to locally reshape the material to form a plurality of lenslets on the surface. The lenslets each have a corresponding optical power that differs from the prescribed optical power of the ophthalmic lens.