Segmented Lens Element for Myopia Progression Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single vision optical lenses fail to accurately focus close objects for individuals with myopia or hyperopia, leading to increased progression of abnormal eye refractions over time.

Innovation Solution

A lens element comprising a prescription portion for correcting abnormal refractions and a plurality of contiguous optical elements with simultaneously bifocal optical functions, which provide different optical powers to slow down the progression of abnormal refractions by controlling where light is focused in relation to the retina.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional single vision optical lenses are used to correct abnormal refraction, then the prescription optical power is provided for distance vision, but the image of close objects is formed behind the retina causing focusing defect and myopia progression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus accuracyVSAvoidnear vision capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into multiple contiguous optical elements with different optical powers. Each optical element focuses light at different locations relative to the retina, creating a segmented approach to light distribution that simultaneously addresses distance and near vision requirements while controlling myopia progression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the lens provide different optical functions. The optical elements are arranged to provide localized optical powers in different zones, with some elements focusing on the retina for distance vision and others focusing in front of or behind the retina for near vision and myopia control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional single vision optical lenses are used, then the lens structure is simple, but the myopia progression cannot be suppressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemyopia progression controlVSAvoidlens structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into multiple contiguous optical elements with different optical powers. Each optical element focuses light at different locations relative to the retina, creating a segmented approach to light distribution that simultaneously addresses distance and near vision requirements while controlling myopia progression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plurality of optical elements serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing distance vision correction, providing near vision capability, and controlling myopia progression. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated lens structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple optical elements with different optical powers are used, then myopia progression can be controlled, but the lens configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemyopia progression controlVSAvoidlens configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple optical elements with different optical powers are merged into a single integrated lens structure. The contiguous optical elements are arranged and configured together to work as a unified optical system, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to control myopia progression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plurality of optical elements serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing distance vision correction, providing near vision capability, and controlling myopia progression. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated lens structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 lens element effectively reduces the progression of myopia or hyperopia by distributing light focus both on and off the retina, allowing for easier configuration and improved visual acuity.

Implementation Method 1

a prescription portion configured to provide to the wearer in standard wearing conditions a first optical power based on the prescription of the wearer for correcting an abnormal refraction of said eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20250116887A1Lens element

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

AI summary

A lens element intended to be worn in front of an eye of a wearer having a prescription portion configured to provide to the wearer in standard wearing conditions a first optical function based on the prescription of the wearer for correcting an abnormal refraction of said eye of the wearer, and a plurality of contiguous optical elements, wherein each optical element has a simultaneously bifocal optical function that provides simultaneously: a second optical function in standard wearing conditions and a third optical function of not focusing an image on the retina of the eye in said standard wearing conditions so as to slow down the progression of the abnormal refraction of the eye.