Wavefront Sensing Optics for One-Shot Peripheral Ocular Aberration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods for determining ocular aberrations of the eye are limited by the need for manual adjustment of the eye to different eccentricities, prolonged measurement times, and reliance on trained professionals, and lack a one-shot measurement capability for peripheral defocus assessment.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a wavefront sensing unit and diffractive elements to generate multiple diffraction orders in two meridians, allowing automated measurement of ocular aberrations across different eccentricities, enabling a one-shot assessment of ocular defocus maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of the eye to different eccentricities is used, then measurement of ocular aberrations at different eccentricities is achieved, but measurement time is prolonged and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by using a diffractive element to simultaneously generate multiple diffraction orders (e.g., 0th, ±1st, ±2nd orders) that correspond to different eccentricities. This allows parallel measurement of ocular aberrations at multiple eccentricities rather than sequential manual adjustment, reducing measurement time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the measurement system by adding a diffractive element that creates spatial separation of diffraction orders in the detection plane. This dimensional addition allows simultaneous capture of multiple eccentricity measurements without requiring temporal sequencing or manual eye adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of the eye to different eccentricities is used, then measurement of ocular aberrations at different eccentricities is achieved, but device complexity and operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented between the diffractive element (which handles spatial separation) and the wavefront sensing unit (which handles aberration measurement). This segmentation automates the process, reducing device complexity in terms of operational complexity while adding a simple optical component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment through the diffractive element's inherent property of generating symmetric diffraction orders. The automated detection of light spots at different positions eliminates the need for manual alignment procedures, reducing both device complexity and operator skill requirements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fixation targets are used for different eccentricities, then comprehensive ocular aberration measurement is achieved, but measurement time is prolonged due to sequential fixation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the spatial dimension created by diffraction orders to simultaneously present multiple virtual fixation targets at different eccentricities. The wavefront sensing unit captures all these measurements in a single shot, eliminating sequential fixation requirements and improving measurement throughput while maintaining comprehensive peripheral defocus assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions (different eccentricities, different meridians) into a single measurement shot by combining the diffractive element with the wavefront sensing unit. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of all required data, increasing productivity without compromising measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If scanning systems with rotational mirrors are used, then off-axis wavefront aberrations can be measured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system (rotational mirrors, sequential scanning) with a static diffractive element that optically generates multiple measurement beams simultaneously. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining the ability to measure off-axis wavefront aberrations, reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is segmented into multiple static diffraction orders rather than using a single dynamic scanning beam. This segmentation allows parallel measurement of multiple off-axis positions without requiring mechanical movement, simplifying the device while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables efficient, automated, and rapid determination of ocular aberrations, facilitating personalized optical lens designs for myopia control and management, such as multifocal contact lenses or progressive spectacles, without the need for trained professionals.
Implementation Method 1
at least one diffractive element designated for generating multiple diffraction orders in the at least one light beam in two meridians in a manner that the multiple diffraction orders are spatially separated on the wavefront sensing unit and in the at least one eye of the user
Implementation Method 2
a wavefront sensing unit designated for measuring at least one optical wavefront comprised by the at least one light beam, wherein an ocular aberration of the at least one eye of the user is determined from the at least one optical wavefront
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (110) and a method (210) for determining an ocular aberration of at least one eye (112) of a user, the device (110) comprising: - a wavefront sensing unit (128) designated for measuring at least one optical wavefront comprised by at least one light beam (118), wherein an ocular aberration of the at least one eye (112) of the user is determined from the at least one optical wavefront; - at least one diffractive element designated for generating multiple diffraction orders (184) in the at least one light beam (118) in two meridians in a manner that the multiple diffraction orders (184) are spatially separated on the wavefront sensing unit (128) and in the at least one eye (112) of the user; - at least one optical element designated for guiding the at least one light beam (118) to the at least one eye (112) of the user and to a wavefront sensing unit (128), wherein the at least one optical element comprises: o a beam splitter (122) designated for splitting the at least one light beam (118) into at least two partial light beams (124, 126), wherein at least one of the partial light beams (124) is guided to the at least one eye (112) of the user; and o an optical relay system (142) designated for relaying an entrance pupil plane (140) onto a pupil (144) plane of the at least one eye (112) of the user, wherein the at least one diffractive element is placed in the entrance pupil plane (140); wherein the beam splitter (122) is placed in a manner that the same optical relay system (142) is designated for relaying the entrance pupil plane (140) to a surface (150) plane of the wavefront sensing unit (128).