LIRIC writing induces refractive index changes in dehydrated hydrogels, offering potential for dry contact lens production
Institute Reference: 2-23005
Refractive errors, such as myopia, affect over 43% of the global population, with corrective devices like glasses and contact lenses relying on lens shape to correct vision. However, this approach limits the range of optical powers and requires complex manufacturing for advanced lenses, such as multifocal designs. Laser Induced Refractive Index Change (LIRIC) offers an innovative approach by altering the refractive index of ophthalmic materials without reshaping, providing finer control over optical power. This process can create gradient lenses, where the optical power is produced through localized refractive index changes instead of physical shape alterations. Traditionally, LIRIC has been applied to hydrated materials, but because mass production of traditional contact lenses is performed using dehydrated materials, LIRIC is not well suited for existing manufacturing processes.
The invention focuses on applying the LIRIC process to dehydrated hydrogels, which are commonly used in contact lenses. LIRIC can successfully induce refractive index changes in both materials, whether in a dehydrated or never-hydrated state. In fact, LIRIC in dehydrated hydrogels results in a larger index change than is possible in a hydrated hydrogel using the same processing parameters.
Performing LIRIC processing of hydrogels in their dehydrated form offers the potential for streamlining contact lens manufacturing by integrating seamlessly into existing production lines that use dehydrated materials. This eliminates the need for complex and expensive mold designs typically required for creating lenses with various optical powers. Additionally, LIRIC provides greater optical precision by enabling fine-tuned vision corrections directly within the lens material, without the need to alter its physical shape. The scalability of the process makes it cost-effective, as it can be applied within current methods like injection molding, allowing manufacturers to produce advanced lenses more efficiently and affordably.
LIRIC technology enables the creation of customized contact lenses, offering precise, on-demand vision correction, including advanced designs like multifocal and gradient index lenses. This method supports the efficient mass production of custom lenses, eliminating the need for multiple molds or complex manufacturing processes. Looking ahead, the LIRIC technique has the potential to expand beyond contact lenses, influencing the development of other ophthalmic devices that benefit from the manipulation of refractive index for improved visual correction.
The University of Rochester is open to exploring funded research collaborations, licensing agreements, and other partnership opportunities.