Ophthalmic Set Modulating Light Intensity for Myopia Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling myopia progression are not sufficiently effective, and there is a need for new solutions that are easy to use and integrate with existing ophthalmic devices, considering the role of circadian light exposure in myopia development.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmic set that modulates light intensity within specific spectral ranges (360 nm to 520 nm) throughout the day, with higher intensity in the morning and reduced intensity in the evening, using light sources and spectral filtering means to influence choroid thickness and circadian mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods (microlenses, atropine, rigid contact lenses) are used to control myopia progression, then some level of myopia control is achieved, but the methods are not efficient enough and require significant user attention or complex compliance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemyopia progression control efficiencyVSAvoiduser compliance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ophthalmic set automatically modulates light intensity based on circadian time without requiring user intervention. The control means autonomously adjusts the light source intensity according to the predetermined intraday time-configuration, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining effective myopia progression control through consistent circadian-rhythm-aligned light exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If light intensity is continuously high to maximize choroid thickening effect, then myopia progression control is enhanced, but visual comfort and acuity may be compromised during evening hours

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemyopia progression control efficiencyVSAvoidvisual comfort degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light source intensity is periodically modulated according to circadian rhythms, with higher intensity during morning hours to promote choroid thickening and myopia control, and reduced intensity during evening hours to preserve visual comfort. This periodic variation aligns with natural circadian cycles, effectively controlling myopia progression while avoiding the harmful effects of continuous high-intensity light exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If spectral filtering means are added to the ophthalmic set to modulate light intensity, then circadian regulation and myopia control are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircadian regulation effectivenessVSAvoidophthalmic set structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spectral filtering means are integrated into the existing spectacle lens structure, combining the myopia correction function with the circadian light modulation function in a single unified device. This merging approach allows the ophthalmic set to simultaneously provide refractive correction and circadian-rhythm-aligned light intensity modulation without requiring separate complex systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced myopia control effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 daily modulation of light intensity helps control myopia progression by inhibiting factors that contribute to eyeball lengthening, providing a more efficient means of slowing down myopia increase while maintaining visual comfort and acuity.

Implementation Method 1

first means suitable for varying an amount of light that has wavelength values comprised in a modulation spectral range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from light sources: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

spectral filtering means, arranged to filter light having wavelength values in the modulation spectral range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpectral filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentEP4057053A1Ophthalmic set for myopia progression control
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP4057053A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4057053A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4057053A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An ophthalmic set for myopia progression control comprises first means suitable for varying an amount of light that has wavelength values comprised in a modulation spectral range and enters an eye (E) of a user. It further comprises control means configured for controlling the first means so that light with wavelength values in the modulation spectral range enters the user's eye with varied intensity during daytime. The first means may comprise light sources (1, 2) and/or spectral filtering means, in particular arranged so as to be fitted on the user's face during appropriate durations. Preferably, light with wavelength values comprised between 360 nm and 520 nm, or between 440 nm and 520 nm, is increased in the morning and reduced in the evening.