Electrically-Tunable Vision Aid for Myopia Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vision correction methods, such as tunable lenses, struggle to maintain clear central vision while applying myopic defocus in the peripheral vision to control myopia progression, due to eye rotation which disrupts the intended defocus area.

Innovation Solution

An electrically-tunable optical phase modulator is used, with control circuitry applying distinct phase modulation profiles to a central zone for clear vision and a peripheral zone for myopic defocus, allowing the lens to adjust dynamically based on eye movement and line of sight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a tunable lens applies uniform phase modulation across the entire lens surface, then the refractive error can be corrected for central vision, but myopic defocus cannot be applied to peripheral vision simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentral vision clarityVSAvoidperipheral defocus control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into distinct functional zones: a central zone for clear vision correction and a peripheral zone for myopic defocus. This segmentation allows each zone to independently perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between central vision clarity and peripheral defocus control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical properties: the central zone maintains standard refractive correction while the peripheral zone applies myopic defocus. This local differentiation enables simultaneous optimization of central vision and peripheral myopia control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the lens applies myopic defocus in the peripheral zone, then myopia progression can be controlled, but eye rotation causes the defocus area to shift and disrupt the intended defocus zone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemyopia control effectivenessVSAvoidstability under eye movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lens incorporates dynamic tracking of eye movement to continuously adjust the phase modulation profile. When eye rotation is detected, the lens dynamically shifts the peripheral defocus zone to maintain its intended position relative to the eye, ensuring stable myopia control despite eye movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from eye movement detection to continuously adjust and maintain the correct alignment of the peripheral defocus zone. This closed-loop control ensures that the defocus area remains properly positioned even as the eye rotates, preserving myopia control effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If distinct phase modulation profiles are applied to central and peripheral zones, then both central vision clarity and peripheral myopic defocus can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-zone phase controlVSAvoidcontrol circuitry and electrode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional zones with different phase modulation requirements are combined into a single integrated lens structure. The control circuitry and electrode system are merged to simultaneously manage both central and peripheral zones, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-zone functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enables effective myopia control by maintaining clear central vision while applying myopic defocus in the peripheral vision, even as the eye rotates, thereby reducing myopia progression without degrading central vision sharpness.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically-tunable optical phase modulator... An electrode or array of electrodes is used to apply the desired voltages in order to locally adjust the refractive index to the desired value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optical effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

Liquid crystals are the electro-optical material that is most commonly used for this purpose (wherein the applied voltage rotates the molecules, which changes the axis of birefringence and thus changes the effective refractive index)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBirefringence: Birefringence

Data Source

PatentUS12321045B2Electrically-tunable vision aid for treatment of myopia

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 OPTICA AMUKA (AA) LTD

AI summary

Apparatus for vision correction includes an electrically-tunable optical phase modulator (42, 44), which is configured to be mounted in proximity to an eye of a subject. Control circuitry (26) is configured to apply drive signals to the optical phase modulator so as to generate in the optical phase modulator a first phase modulation profile in a central zone (37) that intercepts a line of sight (32) of the eye and a second phase modulation profile, different from the first phase modulation profile, in a peripheral zone (39) extending peripherally around the central zone over at least 180° of arc. The first phase modulation profile is selected so as to enable clear vision by the eye in the central zone, while the second phase modulation profile is selected so as to blur light that is incident on the eye through the peripheral zone.