Photocured Asymmetric Gradient-Index Elements for Myopia Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic lenses for myopia and presbyopia correction often cause visual side effects such as halos around images and require frequent replacement due to changing user needs, and there is a need for a cost-effective solution to prevent or slow myopia progression while improving vision for hyperopia, astigmatism, and keratoconus.

Innovation Solution

A method of manufacturing ophthalmic lenses using a photocurable film with gradient index optical elements having an asymmetric refractive index profile, applied via digital light projection, to create defocusing effects that reduce myopia progression and enhance vision quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional lenses are used to fully correct myopia, then distance vision is improved, but myopia progression cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance vision correctionVSAvoidmyopia progression control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lens incorporates multiple regions with different optical properties: a central region that provides full distance correction and peripheral regions that provide myopic defocus. This local differentiation allows the lens to simultaneously address distance vision needs while controlling myopia progression through region-specific optical effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lens is divided into distinct functional zones including central distance vision zones and peripheral myopic defocus zones. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each region's optical characteristics to achieve both clear distance vision and myopia control without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If annular add power regions are introduced to provide myopic defocus, then myopia progression is controlled, but visual side effects such as halos appear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemyopia progression controlVSAvoidvisual side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical elements feature asymmetric refractive index profiles where the gradient varies differently in radial and tangential directions. This asymmetry enables precise control of light focusing patterns to achieve myopic defocus while minimizing the formation of halo artifacts that typically occur with symmetric annular designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The refractive index gradient parameters are specifically optimized to control light propagation. By adjusting the gradient magnitude and directionality, the lens achieves effective myopic defocus while reducing unwanted optical effects such as halos and starbursts that degrade visual quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If scattering elements are embedded in the lens to increase light scattering, then myopia progression is controlled, but image contrast is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemyopia progression controlVSAvoidimage contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical scattering elements with gradient index optical elements that control light through refractive index gradients rather than mechanical scattering. This substitution achieves myopic defocus through optical refraction mechanisms while preserving image contrast by avoiding the light scattering that degrades visual quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If bifocal or progressive lenses are used to correct presbyopia, then near and distance vision are improved, but the lenses require frequent replacement due to changing user needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevision correction qualityVSAvoidadaptability to changing needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gradient index optical elements enable dynamic control of light focusing by varying the refractive index distribution. This dynamic optical property allows the lens to adapt to different viewing conditions and changing presbyopic needs without requiring physical replacement, providing versatile vision correction for multiple distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 lenses provide improved image contrast and reduced myopia progression by defocusing light, while being adaptable to changing user needs and offering cost-effective solutions for various refractive anomalies.

Implementation Method 1

using a digital light projection system to photocure at least one region of the film, thereby producing at least one gradient index optical element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocuring: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS12420502B2Methods of manufacturing an ophthalmic lens including asymmetric gradient index optical elements

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 COOPERVISION INT LTD

AI summary

A method (100) of manufacturing an ophthalmic lens is described. The method comprises providing a lens substrate (103) and providing a photocurable film (105). The method comprises using a digital light projection system to photocure at least one region of the film, thereby producing at least one photocured gradient index optical element having an asymmetric refractive index profile (107). The method comprises applying the film to a surface of the lens substrate (109).