Polarized Contact Lens Apparatus for Scotoma Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simulating visual field scotomas during free ocular scanning are limited by unnatural stimulus presentation, eye movement control requirements, and inability to achieve accurate and comfortable prolonged binocular hemi-field restriction or stimulation without diffraction issues or eye suction.
Innovation Solution
A combination of rotationally and positionally stabilized contact lenses and rotatable spectacle lenses that linearly polarize light in different planes, allowing selective occlusion of visual hemi-fields during binocular movement without eye suction or lubrication, using the same material for occluded and non-occluded areas to minimize diffraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If partially occluded contact lenses are used for selective hemi-field restriction, then the lenses track eye movements, but light diffraction occurs at the edges of occluded areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic edge interface between occluded and non-occluded areas by using a contact lens made entirely of the same transparent material. The occlusion is achieved by adding an external opaque overlay (such as a sticker or paint) on the posterior surface of the lens, eliminating the edge diffraction problem that occurs when different materials meet at an interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary opaque layer (sticker, paint, or other opaque material) placed on the posterior surface of the contact lens to create the occlusion. This intermediary layer serves as the occluding element while the contact lens material itself remains uniform and transparent, preventing diffraction at the occlusion boundary.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the Z-lens apparatus is used for prolonged stimulation, then visual hemi-field restriction is achieved, but eye suction is required which limits use to approximately 30 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the harmful suction mechanism entirely by using standard contact lenses that rest on the cornea through natural adhesion and eyelid pressure. The occlusion is achieved through opaque overlays on the lens rather than through a complex suction apparatus, eliminating the 30-minute time limit and corneal damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable or replaceable opaque overlays (stickers, painted sections) on standard contact lenses rather than expensive, complex, reusable suction apparatus. The contact lenses themselves are standard, readily available medical devices that can be easily replaced if needed.
3Measurement precision
If tachistoscopic methods are used for selective hemi-field stimulation, then visual field restriction is achieved, but unnatural millisecond range stimulus presentation and eye fixation requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using brief flash presentations that require eye fixation (tachistoscopy), the invention inverts the approach by using continuously worn contact lenses with opaque sections. This allows natural, prolonged ocular scanning while maintaining precise hemi-field restriction through the physical occlusion provided by the lens design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static, brief stimulus presentations requiring fixed eye position to a dynamic system where the occlusion moves naturally with eye movements. The contact lens occlusion automatically tracks eye position, allowing free ocular scanning while maintaining accurate hemi-field separation.
4Measurement precision
If contact lenses made of different materials are used for occluded and non-occluded areas, then selective hemi-field restriction is achieved, but light diffraction occurs at material interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains uniform material quality throughout the contact lens while achieving local occlusion through an external opaque overlay. The contact lens itself is made of a single transparent material, and the occlusion is created by adding opaque material (sticker, paint) on the posterior surface, preserving optical quality at the occlusion boundary.
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
Enables accurate, ergonomic, and comfortable simulation of various visual field deficits like homonymous hemianopia and quadrantanopia during prolonged binocular scanning, with easy modulation of scotomas and no obstruction to blinking.
Implementation Method 1
contact lenses and spectacle lenses that linearly polarize light in different planes, allowing selective occlusion of visual hemi-fields
Implementation Method 2
The contact lenses are rotationally and positionally stabilized, such that the contact lenses move in sync with eye movements and do not rotate.
Data Source
AI summary
Selective visual field restriction or stimulation during ocular movement is a challenging task that holds promise for basic research and for simulating, measuring, monitoring, and treating psychological, neurological, and ophthalmological conditions. This invention discloses an optical apparatus and method that can restrict visual information from reaching selected areas of one or both retina of a human user during free ocular scanning, using a combination of (1) polarized contact lenses that have at least two areas that each linearly polarize light in planes orthogonal to one another, (2) spectacle lenses that linearly polarize light uniformly across the lenses, and (3) spectacle frames that allow said spectacle lenses to rotate. Depending upon the rotational degree difference between the planes of polarization between the spectacle lenses and each area of the contact lenses, light can be restricted from reaching certain areas of the retina of one or both eyes of a human user.