Prism Ophthalmic Lens for Visual-Optical Axis Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic devices struggle with misalignment between the visual and optical axes of the human eye, leading to inconsistent laser treatment outcomes, particularly in the inferior hemisphere, and introduce high-order aberrations when tilted to visualize the entire retina, affecting laser spot fluence and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a prism and optionally an aspheric lens, arranged to correct the misalignment between the visual and optical axes, with optional additional prisms to compensate for natural distortions, ensuring uniform laser spot diameter and radiance, and providing a larger optical zone without tilting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the lens device is tilted to visualize the inferior hemisphere and nasal/temporal quadrants of the retina, then the field of view is improved, but high-order aberrations are introduced which deform the laser light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidhigh-order aberrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A prism is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the lens and the retina. The prism redirects the optical path to enable visualization of the inferior hemisphere without tilting the entire lens device, thereby avoiding the introduction of high-order aberrations while expanding the accessible field of view

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the lens for focusing, the prism for path redirection, and the housing for structural support. This segmentation allows the prism to independently correct the optical path without affecting the lens alignment, enabling field expansion without aberration introduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lens device is tilted to treat and visualize parts of the inferior hemisphere, then the accessibility to retinal areas is improved, but laser spot fluence consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to retinal areasVSAvoidlaser spot fluence consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The prism acts as a mediator that redirects the laser beam path through the lens without requiring physical tilting of the lens-device assembly. This maintains the optical alignment and ensures consistent laser spot fluence across different retinal quadrants while improving accessibility to previously difficult-to-reach areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the visual axis is misaligned relative to the optical axis, then the natural eye geometry is preserved, but laser treatment accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural eye geometryVSAvoidlaser treatment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The prism serves as an intermediary that bridges the misalignment between the visual axis and optical axis. By redirecting the optical path through the prism, the system maintains the natural geometry of the eye while achieving accurate laser treatment delivery along the visual axis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves uniform laser spot diameter and radiance, preserves laser spot fluence, and simplifies treatment by compensating for natural eye distortions, enhancing treatment accuracy and reducing the need for lens tilting.

Implementation Method 1

a plus powered aspheric contact element and at least one anterior lens element which may also have aspheric surfaces and/or positive refractive power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpherical aberration compensation: Lens

Implementation Method 2

Document US 5 200 773 A also describes a reinverting prism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction and reflection: Prism

Implementation Method 3

a plus powered aspheric contact element and at least one anterior lens element which may also have aspheric surfaces and/or positive refractive power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3649922B1Device for compensating physical and/or optical distortions of a human eye
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 ELLEX MEDICAL
  • EP3649922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3649922B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3649922B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for compensating physical and/or optical distortions of a human eye comprising a housing and a lens arranged in an inner space of the housing. The device is characterized in that the device comprises a prism arranged in the inner space.