Truncated Translating Contact Lens Eyelid Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing translating contact lenses for presbyopia correction face challenges in maximizing translation while maintaining comfort, as they do not adequately consider the anatomy and interaction of the eye and eyelids, leading to suboptimal vision and discomfort due to factors like tear film quality, lens fit, and asymmetrical eyelid movement.

Innovation Solution

A truncated contact lens design with parametrized thickness variations and optimized back peripheral radius changes, incorporating asymmetric and ramp shapes to enhance translation and comfort, ensuring smooth interaction with both upper and lower eyelids, and minimizing lens thickness for improved centration and vision correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the lens is designed to maximize translation ability through interaction with eyelids, then lens translation is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to mechanical interaction with eyelids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens translationVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lens incorporates localized thickness variations and specific peripheral zone designs (such as truncated inferior portions or ramp-shaped edges) that create mechanical interaction with eyelids only in specific regions. This allows translation to be driven by eyelid interaction in designated zones while other zones maintain comfort-oriented designs, resolving the contradiction between translation capability and overall comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lens is divided into functional zones with different design characteristics - optical zones for vision correction, peripheral zones for translation control, and transition zones for comfort. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently, with peripheral zones designed to interact with eyelids for translation while optical zones maintain comfort and visual performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the lens thickness is reduced for improved centration, then centration is improved, but structural integrity and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecentrationVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lens employs non-uniform thickness distribution with thinnest regions positioned to optimize centration and visual optics, while thicker peripheral regions or reinforced zones maintain structural integrity and comfort. This localized thickness optimization allows the lens to achieve improved centration without compromising overall strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lens utilizes composite material structures or multi-layer constructions that provide varying mechanical properties in different regions. This allows thin optical zones for centration optimization while incorporating stronger peripheral zones or support structures that maintain structural integrity and comfort during wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Speed

If the lens design is optimized for translation through asymmetric shapes, then translation ability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens translationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lens incorporates asymmetric designs such as truncated inferior portions, ramp-shaped edges, or non-circular peripheries that create preferential interaction with eyelids to drive vertical translation. These asymmetric features are strategically positioned to maximize translation efficiency while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The lens design utilizes controlled variations in geometric parameters (thickness, curvature, peripheral shape) that can be precisely defined through mathematical models and manufactured using modern contact lens fabrication techniques. These parameter changes enable asymmetric translation-optimized designs while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through computer-controlled processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Speed

If the lens interacts more with eyelids to achieve translation, then translation is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to increased mechanical interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens translationVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lens design creates localized interaction zones where eyelid contact is concentrated to drive translation, while other regions maintain comfort-oriented designs with smoother edges and optimized fit. This spatial differentiation allows translation to be achieved through focused mechanical interaction in specific zones without compromising overall comfort across the entire lens surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lens incorporates dynamic features such as flexible peripheral zones or shape-memory materials that adapt to eyelid interaction forces during blinking and eye movements. These dynamic characteristics allow the lens to engage with eyelids for translation when needed while returning to a comfortable neutral position, reducing continuous mechanical stress and improving overall comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3168674B1Truncated translating contact lens with optimized performance and method of design
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC
  • EP3168674B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3168674B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3168674B1 patent drawingFigure 1D

AI summary

Translating contact lenses which are truncated for correcting presbyopia and whose design is optimized to maximize translation ability while maintaining comfort when the lens is worn on eye. Truncation of the lenses results in a non-round geometry while still retaining under-lid residency in select portions of the lens itself. Maximum thickness and back surface radius of curvature along with ramp shape can be optimized individually or in combination to maximize translation of the lens relative to the eye, when the lens is positioned on eye.