Peripheral Retinal Image Projection to Reduce Myopia Progression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating myopia, such as spectacle lenses and refractive surgery, fail to adequately address changes in retinal thickness and axial length of the eye, leading to continued progression of myopia due to insufficiently aspheric image shells and neglect of chromatic aberration, resulting in compromised vision and limited peripheral correction.
Innovation Solution
A device is configured to project images on the peripheral retina using micro-displays and optics, providing myopic or hyperopic defocus to stimulate changes in axial length and choroidal thickness, while maintaining clear central vision, utilizing micro-lenses and light sources to create images with specific spatial frequencies and eccentricities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spherical or toric lenses are used for refractive correction, then central vision is maintained, but the peripheral aspheric retina receives light focused behind the retina which triggers a growth signal and worsens myopia progression
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens applies different optical properties to different regions: the central zone provides spherical/toric correction for foveal vision, while the peripheral zone introduces asphericity to focus light on the peripheral retina, creating local quality variations that address both central vision and peripheral retinal stimulation needs
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens incorporates asymmetric aspheric zones that create different focal points for different retinal regions, with the peripheral zones designed to produce myopic defocus specifically on the peripheral retina while maintaining emmetropic focus on the fovea, breaking the symmetry of traditional spherical lenses
2Manufacturing precision
If highly aspheric optics are used to focus light onto peripheral retina, then peripheral correction is improved, but central image quality degrades with substantial aberration
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is divided into distinct optical zones: a central zone for foveal vision with spherical or toric power, and peripheral zones with aspheric power for retinal stimulation, allowing each segment to optimize its function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens transitions from two-dimensional spherical surfaces to three-dimensional aspheric surfaces with varying curvature across the lens aperture, creating depth variations that enable simultaneous focal points at different locations (central fovea and peripheral retina)
3Length of moving object
If pharmaceutical treatments like atropine are used to slow myopia progression, then axial length growth is reduced, but side effects and rebound effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical/pharmaceutical interventions (atropine) with a mechanical/optical intervention (aspheric contact lens) that uses light focusing principles to stimulate retinal feedback mechanisms, thereby controlling axial length growth through optical rather than chemical means
4Measurement precision
If spectacle lenses are used to correct myopia, then refractive error is corrected, but they fail to address changes in retinal thickness and axial length
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens acts as an intermediary device that directly interfaces with the eye's optical system and retinal surface, mediating between the external environment and the retina to provide both refractive correction and retinal stimulation, unlike spectacle lenses that work indirectly through air gaps and cannot address retinal thickness changes
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 device effectively modulates retinal signals to reduce myopia progression by promoting choroidal thickness changes without degrading central vision, offering a more precise refractive correction and addressing chromatic aberration issues.
Implementation Method 1
A device is configured to project images on the peripheral retina using micro-displays and optics
Implementation Method 2
providing myopic or hyperopic defocus to stimulate changes in axial length
Data Source
AI summary
A device to stimulate the retina comprises one or more light sources coupled to one or more optical elements. The one or more optical elements is configured to illuminate the retina with one or more images at a location away from a fovea of a wearer. In some embodiments, each of the one or more images comprises a depth of focus and a spatial resolution. The one or more images can be formed at a distance anterior to the retina, at a distance posterior to the retina or on the retina. In some embodiments, the depth of focus is less than the distance, and the spatial resolution greater than a spatial resolution of the retina at the location.