Opto-Electronic Module for Myopia Treatment via Retinal Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating myopia are inadequate in effectively preventing or reversing the progression of myopia, and the manufacturing of smart contact lenses with multiple light sources is not optimally suited for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
An opto-electronic module is integrated into a contact lens, comprising a plurality of light sources with projection optics, positioned between the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lens, which directs defocused light to the retina to alter the axial length and choroidal thickness of the eye, thereby addressing refractive errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an opto-electronic module with multiple light sources is integrated into a contact lens to treat myopia, then the effectiveness of myopia treatment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is divided into multiple layers (first layer, second layer) with the opto-electronic module positioned between them. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and simplifies manufacturing by enabling separate fabrication of components that are later integrated together.
Solution Approach 2:
The opto-electronic module is nested between the first and second layers of the contact lens, with each layer providing structural support and optical functionality. This nested structure allows the complex opto-electronic components to be integrated within the compact form factor of the contact lens without significantly increasing overall size or manufacturing difficulty.
2Reliability
If the opto-electronic module is positioned between anterior and posterior surfaces of the contact lens, then the treatment efficacy is improved by directing light to the retina, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opto-electronic module is positioned at a specific location between the first and second layers of the contact lens, optimized for directing light to the retina. This localized positioning ensures that the light sources and projection optics are arranged to achieve the desired optical effect on the retina while maintaining a simple overall device structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple light sources with projection optics are used to direct defocused light to the retina, then the ability to alter axial length and choroidal thickness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The projection optics are pre-coupled to each light source before integration into the contact lens assembly. This preliminary action ensures proper optical alignment is established during a controlled manufacturing step, reducing the precision requirements for the final assembly process and simplifying overall manufacturing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the contact lens is designed to track and adjust to axial length changes, then the adaptability to patient-specific conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is designed with the capability to track axial length changes and adjust treatment parameters dynamically. This is achieved through the opto-electronic module that can modify light projection based on detected changes in eye geometry, providing patient-specific adaptation without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 solution effectively decreases or reverses myopia progression by altering the eye's refractive properties through targeted illumination, providing a potential treatment option that tracks and adjusts to the patient's axial length changes.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of projection optics comprises one or more of a lens or a mirror and is configured to substantially collimate light emitted from an OLED or i-LED
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of projection optics can be coupled to an OLED or i-LED with an adhesive prior to placing the opto-electronic module on the flex PCB
Data Source
AI summary
An opto-electronic module is configured to fit between anterior and posterior surfaces of a contact lens. The opto-electronics module may comprise a plurality of light sources configured to direct a plurality of light beams to a region of the retina away from the fovea and in some embodiments away from the macula. Each of the plurality of light sources may comprises an LED and one or more projection optics. Each of the projection optics can be coupled to an LED with an adhesive prior to placing the opto-electronics module on a layer of contact lens material. The opto-electronics module may comprise a flex PCB with the plurality of light sources, an antenna, a battery, a capacitor and a processor supported on the flex PCB.