Sinusoidal Amplitude Modulated Intraocular Lens for Extended Depth of Focus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intraocular lenses (IOLs) fail to provide adequate focus for intermediate distances, a common requirement for elderly patients, as they primarily focus on distance and near vision correction, leaving a gap in extended functional vision needs.

Innovation Solution

The development of ophthalmic lenses with sinusoidal optic designs incorporating amplitude and frequency modulation techniques to enhance depth of focus, allowing for improved vision over a range of distances by concentrating light energy to a single focal plane and varying effective lens power with pupil radius.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional IOL designs focus on distance and near vision correction, then clear distance vision and near vision are achieved, but intermediate distance vision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus accuracyVSAvoidfunctional vision range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL optic is segmented into multiple focal points through diffractive zones that create distinct focal planes for distance, intermediate, and near vision. This segmentation allows the lens to provide multiple discrete focus points rather than a single focal point, thereby expanding the functional vision range while maintaining focus accuracy at each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a longitudinal dimension to focus by creating multiple focal planes at different depths along the optical axis. Instead of focusing only on lateral resolution, the lens extends focus across three-dimensional space by distributing light energy to create focal points at various distances, thereby providing extended depth of focus from distance to near vision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multifocal IOL designs are used to provide far and near vision, then multiple focal points are achieved, but intermediate distance vision and extended functional vision remain insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple focal pointsVSAvoidintermediate focus accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different zones of the IOL optic are assigned different local qualities with varying diffractive patterns and focal powers. The optic contains regions optimized for distance vision, intermediate vision, and near vision, with each local zone providing enhanced focus accuracy for its specific focal range. This local optimization ensures that intermediate distance vision receives dedicated attention rather than being an afterthought.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The IOL design incorporates dynamic light distribution that adapts to viewing conditions. The diffractive optic dynamically directs light energy to appropriate focal planes based on the object distance, providing accurate intermediate focus when needed while maintaining overall multifocal functionality. This dynamic behavior allows the lens to prioritize intermediate vision under appropriate conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If sinusoidal optic designs with amplitude modulation are used to concentrate light energy, then depth of focus is enhanced, but light distribution uniformity may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth of focusVSAvoidlight energy distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL optic employs sinusoidal amplitude modulation with periodic variations in light transmission across the optic aperture. This periodic modulation pattern creates constructive and destructive interference that concentrates light energy at specific focal planes while maintaining a controlled distribution pattern. The periodic nature of the modulation ensures predictable and stable light energy distribution across different focal depths, enhancing depth of focus without creating chaotic light patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

These lenses provide an extended depth of field with sufficient contrast for image resolution across a range of defocus distances, reducing the need for spectacles post-cataract surgery and improving visual performance by minimizing the impact of residual refractive errors.

Implementation Method 1

embodiments of the present invention incorporate amplitude modulation and frequency modulation techniques to provide enhanced depth of focus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

embodiments of the present invention incorporate amplitude modulation and frequency modulation techniques to provide enhanced depth of focus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

Based on a classical sinusoidal technique, embodiments of the present invention incorporate amplitude modulation and frequency modulation techniques

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSinusoidal technique: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 4

The present invention provides ophthalmic lenses that exhibit extended depth of field while providing sufficient contrast for resolution of an image over a selected range of defocus distances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9101466B2Intraocular lens with extended depth of focus
Publication Date: 2015.08.11 ALCON INC
  • US9101466B2 patent drawing
  • US9101466B2 patent drawing
  • US9101466B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An ophthalmic lens is disclosed, one embodiment comprising an optic having an anterior surface and a posterior surface disposed about an optical axis, wherein at least one of the surfaces has a profile characterized by superposition of a base profile and an auxiliary profile, the auxiliary profile comprising a continuous pattern of surface deviations from the base profile. The auxiliary profile is a sinusoidal profile and can be amplitude modulated, frequency modulated or both amplitude and frequency modulated. The ophthalmic lens can be an IOL.