Orthokeratology Lens Peripheral Zone Design for Myopia Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting refractive errors, such as orthokeratology, do not fully understand the optimal shape of the cornea for effective myopia control, leading to inconsistent results in slowing or halting myopia progression, as they primarily focus on central vision without adequately addressing peripheral vision.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that assess central and peripheral refractive error parameters to determine the optimal anterior surface profile of the eye, using an orthokeratology lens to reshape the cornea, ensuring the peripheral image is positioned anteriorly to the retina, thereby controlling myopia progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If orthokeratology lenses are used to reshape the cornea, then central vision is improved, but peripheral refraction is not adequately controlled leading to inconsistent myopia progression control
Solution Approach 1:
The lens design applies different optical properties to different regions: the central optical zone corrects central refraction while the peripheral zone specifically addresses peripheral refraction. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both central vision and peripheral myopia control, resolving the contradiction between central correction effectiveness and overall myopia progression reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens is divided into distinct functional zones: a central optical zone for correcting central refractive error and a peripheral zone for controlling peripheral refraction. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each zone's optical characteristics, allowing the lens to simultaneously achieve precise central vision correction and reliable peripheral myopia control.
2Measurement precision
If traditional orthokeratology lenses are used, then central refractive error is corrected, but the optimal shape for effective myopia control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The lens design incorporates specific optical parameters including power distribution across different zones, diameter ratios between central and peripheral zones, and curvature profiles that differ from traditional lenses. These parameter changes enable the lens to reshape the cornea into the optimal configuration for both central correction and peripheral myopia control, achieving superior manufacturing precision for the target corneal shape.
3Measurement precision
If surgical techniques are used to alter corneal shape, then refractive errors are corrected, but there is risk of procedure complications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces surgical mechanical intervention with a non-invasive mechanical reshaping approach using orthokeratology lenses. Instead of using lasers or surgical instruments to physically alter the cornea, the lens uses controlled mechanical pressure and optical forces to gradually reshape the corneal surface, eliminating surgical risks while achieving comparable refractive correction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthokeratology lens performs preliminary corneal reshaping before final visual correction is needed. By wearing the lens overnight, the cornea is gradually molded into the desired shape in advance, allowing the patient to wake up with corrected vision without undergoing surgical procedures. This preliminary mechanical action replaces potentially harmful surgical intervention.
4Measurement precision
If orthokeratology treatment focuses only on central vision, then central acuity is improved, but long-term refractive state is potentially damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens performs multiple functions simultaneously: it corrects central refractive error for acute vision and controls peripheral refraction for long-term myopia prevention. This multi-functionality ensures that the lens not only improves central visual acuity but also protects the long-term refractive stability by addressing the peripheral factors that drive myopia progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens design incorporates feedback mechanisms where the peripheral zone's optical power is specifically engineered to create myopic defocus in the peripheral retina, which provides negative feedback to slow axial eye growth. This feedback control ensures that while central vision is corrected, the long-term refractive state is stabilized by counteracting the natural progression of myopia.
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
This approach allows for predictable and effective slowing, halting, or reversing of myopia progression by accurately reshaping the cornea to correct both central and peripheral refractive errors, improving vision and reducing long-term refractive state damage.
Implementation Method 1
a contact lens is applied to the eye to temporarily alter the shape or curvature of the cornea by mechanical reshaping of the corneal surface imparted by the lens
Implementation Method 2
the manner in which such lenses operate, and in particular the physiology of the process of corneal reshaping
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to methods of shaping the anterior surface of the eye for controlling the progression of refractive error of the eye, in particular, myopia. The method employs the fitting of orthokeratology lenses having a precisely shaped posterior surface adapted to accurately shape the peripheral region of the eye. The method includes the steps of assessing central and peripheral refractive error parameters for the eye, determining the optimal anterior surface profile for the eye, including at both the optical centre of the cornea and at a selected optical periphery of the cornea, which would result in a desired refractive correction to achieve good vision for the eye and the desired peripheral refraction (curvature of field) for the eye for controlling progression of myopia. Accurate measurement of the shape of the pre-treated eye is important, thereby enabling a corresponding lens profile to be designed or selected so that the treatment process achieves a post-treatment peripheral profile which optimally focuses peripheral rays anteriorly of the retina, thereby controlling the progression of myopia. The invention extends to a lens manufactured so as to optimally treat the peripheral region of the eye.