Encapsulated Rigid Insert in Hydrogel Contact Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contact lenses for astigmatism correction, whether rigid gas permeable or soft, face challenges in comfort and effectiveness, particularly for severe astigmatism cases, as they either cause discomfort and are expensive or lose effectiveness due to natural conformation to the eye shape.
Innovation Solution
The development of an Ophthalmic Lens with a Rigid Insert that is encapsulated within a hydrogel matrix, utilizing thermoforming and precise alignment of Stabilizing Features to correct astigmatic characteristics, providing a more effective and comfortable solution by maintaining the necessary topography and refractive zones without direct contact with the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid gas permeable lens is used to correct astigmatism, then vision correction effectiveness is improved, but comfort and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into two functional segments: a rigid insert for optical correction and a soft hydrogel matrix for comfort and encapsulation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid insert is nested within the soft hydrogel matrix, creating a composite structure where the rigid component provides optical correction while the soft external layer ensures comfort and biocompatibility with the eye.
2Ease of operation
If a soft contact lens is used to correct astigmatism, then comfort is improved, but vision correction effectiveness is worsened due to natural conformation to eye shape
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into two functional segments: a rigid insert for optical correction and a soft hydrogel matrix for comfort and encapsulation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid insert is nested within the soft hydrogel matrix, creating a composite structure where the rigid component provides optical correction while the soft external layer ensures comfort and biocompatibility with the eye.
3Reliability
If a rigid insert is integrated into an ophthalmic lens, then vision correction for astigmatism is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid insert is pre-formed with the desired astigmatism correction topology before being integrated into the hydrogel matrix. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall manufacturing process by allowing the insert to be treated as a pre-finished component.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel matrix serves as an intermediary material that facilitates the integration of the rigid insert. It provides a compatible medium for bonding and encapsulation, simplifying the manufacturing interface between the rigid insert and the final lens structure.
4Device complexity
If traditional sealing methods are used for rigid inserts, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but lens defects and contamination are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel matrix serves as an intermediary sealing layer between the rigid insert and the external environment. This intermediary material provides effective sealing and contamination prevention while maintaining compatibility with both the rigid insert and the eye, eliminating the need for complex traditional sealing methods.
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 encapsulated Rigid Insert within the Ophthalmic Lens effectively corrects astigmatic vision by maintaining the required topography and refractive zones, enhancing comfort and effectiveness, especially for severe astigmatism cases, while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional lenses.
Implementation Method 1
The Ophthalmic Lens may be formed from a reactive monomer mixture that is polymerized to form a hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
sealing and encapsulation of a Rigid Insert within an Ophthalmic Lens
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims below, provides methods for forming an Ophthalmic Lens that encapsulates a Rigid Insert, wherein the Rigid Insert may be tailored to correct specific astigmatic characteristics of an eye and apparatus for implementing such methods, as well as Ophthalmic Lenses formed with the Rigid Inserts.