Chromatic aberration tuning ophthalmic corrector lens methods
Inventors
Reardon, Patrick John • GAWNE, Timothy Jerner • NORTON, Thomas Tolles
Assignees
Albama For And Behalf Of University Of Alabama Huntsville, University of, Trustees of • UAB Research Foundation • University of Alabama in Huntsville
Publication Number
US-12271057-B1
Publication Date
2025-04-08
Expiration Date
2040-12-21
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Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to methods of tuning chromatic aberration of the eyes of a subject for the treatment of myopia. Refractive errors of an eye of the subject are assessed in the presence of one or more of red, blue, or green colored light, individually. A hybrid achromatic lens having a refractive portion and a diffractive portion is then designed, with the hybrid lens having a distribution of power varied between the refractive portion and diffractive portion. As such, the hybrid lens produces a state of chromatic aberration for the eyes of the subject capable of reducing or eliminating myopia advancement for the eyes of the subject.
Core Innovation
The invention concerns methods for tuning the chromatic aberration of the eyes for the treatment of myopia using a hybrid lens comprising both refractive and diffractive portions. The method involves first assessing the refractive error of the eye under illumination by individual colored light components—such as red, green, or blue light. Each colored light is used individually to determine the eye’s refractive error, thereby identifying specific corrections for different wavelengths.
A hybrid achromatic lens is subsequently designed, with its optical power distributed between the refractive and diffractive portions to produce a controlled state of chromatic aberration unique to the needs of the subject. This tailored chromatic aberration is used to reduce or eliminate myopia advancement in the eye by shifting the focal point of at least one colored light (such as blue) away from the retina and away from the focal point of another colored light (such as red), based on the refractive error results. The method allows independent and precise control of chromatic focus for different wavelengths, enabling targeted training of eye growth.
The background problem addressed is the increasing prevalence of myopia among young people, which is believed to be connected to chromatic aberration effects in the eye—particularly the influence of blue light on eye growth. Conventional corrective lenses do not allow independent correction of different wavelengths, while the disclosed hybrid lens method provides a simple, effective approach to chromatic aberration management without blocking light or using dyes, instead leveraging refractive and diffractive optical elements to achieve the desired focal adjustments for specific colors.
Claims Coverage
The patent comprises three independent claims, each covering a distinct inventive feature related to methods and manufacturing of hybrid lenses for training eye growth to reduce or eliminate myopia.
Providing a hybrid lens with varied power distribution for chromatic aberration tuning
This method involves: 1. Assessing the refractive error of an eye in the presence of a specific color component of the visible spectrum. 2. Designing a hybrid lens that includes both a refractive portion and a diffractive portion. The lens has a distribution of power varied between these portions, producing increased chromatic aberration tailored to reduce or eliminate advancement of myopia in the subject. 3. Configuring the hybrid lens to shift the focal point of the first color component away from the retina and distinct from the focal point of a second color component when worn on the eye. 4. Providing the hybrid lens to the subject.
Shifting focal points of blue and red light independently in a hybrid lens for myopia treatment
A method that comprises: 1. Illuminating the subject’s eye with a first color component from the visible spectrum. 2. Assessing refractive error in the presence of this color component. 3. Determining corrections for red, blue, and green light to create a desired state of increased chromatic aberration aimed at reducing or eliminating myopia advancement. 4. Designing a hybrid lens having diffractive and refractive portions to deliver this chromatic state, specifically shifting the focal point of the blue light away from the retina and apart from the focal point of red light when the lens is worn. 5. Providing the hybrid lens to the subject.
Manufacturing a hybrid lens based on refractive error assessment in presence of different color components
This method covers: 1. Determining information indicative of the subject’s refractive error under a first color component and a second color component of the visible spectrum. 2. Manufacturing a hybrid lens with both refractive and diffractive portions, configuring these portions based on the obtained refractive error information. 3. Ensuring the hybrid lens produces increased chromatic aberration tailored to reduce or eliminate myopia advancement, and shifts the focal point of the first color component away from both the retina and the focal point of the second color component when worn.
In summary, the inventive features covered in the claims include assessment of refractive error under specific color conditions, precise designing and manufacturing of hybrid lenses with tailored power distributions, and independently shifting the focus of different colored lights to control eye growth and address myopia.
Stated Advantages
The methods can reduce or eliminate the advancement of myopia in a subject by training eye growth using precise chromatic aberration tuning.
Hybrid lenses provide a simple way to induce desired chromatic aberration states without blocking light, offering better transmission compared to methods using dyes or coatings.
These methods may function to prevent or reduce the occurrence of eye diseases associated with extreme myopia, such as cataracts and retinal disorders.
The hybrid lens design allows independent and precise control of refractive correction for specific wavelengths (e.g., blue, red, and green light).
Documented Applications
Treatment of myopia by training eye growth using hybrid achromatic lenses tailored for individual chromatic aberration correction.
Prevention or reduction of eye diseases correlated with extreme myopia, such as cataracts and retinal disorders.
Mitigation of the adverse effects of blue light exposure on eye growth, particularly in populations with high electronic device usage.
Manufacture of spectacle lenses and contact lenses (including rigid and hybrid types) designed according to the disclosed chromatic aberration tuning methods.
Initial animal testing (such as use on tree shrews) for lenses developed with the disclosed methods.
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