Wavelength-Selective Ophthalmic Lens Coatings for Light Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic devices lack the ability to provide precise and non-disruptive light therapy by selectively reflecting specific wavelengths of light for therapeutic effects while allowing other wavelengths to pass through, thereby interfering with normal vision and daily activities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dichroic coatings and waveguide designs on ophthalmic lenses that reflect and transmit light based on wavelength, combined with controllable light sources and sensors, to adaptively deliver light therapy without disturbing normal vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light therapy is provided using conventional ophthalmic devices, then therapeutic effects can be achieved, but normal vision is interfered with and daily activities are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple functional zones: a central clear zone for normal vision and peripheral coating regions for light therapy. This segmentation allows different parts of the lens to serve different functions simultaneously, providing therapeutic light while preserving central visual clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are given different optical properties. The peripheral regions have wavelength-selective coatings that reflect specific therapeutic wavelengths, while the central region maintains uniform transparency for normal vision. This local differentiation enables simultaneous light therapy and vision preservation.
2Measurement precision
If wavelength-selective coatings are applied to the entire lens, then light therapy precision is improved, but normal vision is more severely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The lens surface is segmented into a central uncoated zone and peripheral coated zones. This spatial segmentation ensures that wavelength-selective properties are applied only where needed for therapy, while the central vision area remains unaffected by the coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens exhibits different optical qualities in different locations: the peripheral regions have dichroic or wavelength-selective coatings with specific reflectance properties for therapeutic wavelengths, while the central region has uniform transparency optimized for vision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are added to provide different therapeutic effects, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides normal vision through the central zone, delivers various light therapies through peripheral wavelength-selective coatings, and can be configured with different coating combinations to target different therapeutic needs from a single device platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength-selective coatings are pre-applied to specific peripheral zones during manufacturing, establishing the therapeutic functionality in advance. This preliminary preparation allows the device to provide multiple therapeutic effects without requiring complex active switching mechanisms.
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 precise control of light therapy for circadian rhythm, mental health, and other therapeutic effects by selectively reflecting desired wavelengths, minimizing interference with daily activities and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The optical device includes a coating that is deposited in multiple sub-regions of the ophthalmic lens. The multiple sub-regions are coated using different coating formulas... a portion of the light beams reflected by the multiple sub-regions of the ophthalmic lens forms a spectrum of light that has different wavelength bands
Implementation Method 2
The light source is controllable to emit light beams directed at the coating of the ophthalmic lens such that a portion of the light beams reflected by the multiple sub-regions of the ophthalmic lens forms a spectrum of light
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices related to light therapy using ophthalmic lenses are disclosed. In one example aspect, an optical device includes an ophthalmic lens and a frame comprising a frame front configured to support the ophthalmic lens. The frame includes two temples configured to allow a user to wear the optical device. The optical device includes a coating that is deposited in multiple sub-regions of the ophthalmic lens. The optical device includes a light source coupled to each of the two temples of the frame. The light source is controllable to emit light directed at the coating of the ophthalmic lens such that a portion of the light reflected by the multiple sub-regions of the ophthalmic lens forms a spectrum of light that has different wavelength bands corresponding to different therapeutical effects on the user.