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System for the precise and error-free determination for measuring dioptres of an astigmatic lens

Country of Origin: Spain
Reference Number: TOES20181029001
Publication Date: 29 October 2018

Summary

A Spanish university has developed a method for measuring the back surface lens power of an astigmatic. It is based on a modified phoropter that incorporates a Stokes lens with a rotational axis aligned with the optical axis of the phoropter. It solves the problems of the standard measuring procedure by improving its performance, in terms of speed and simplicity. It also reduces the probability of error in measurement. Researchers are looking enterprises for licensing or technical cooperation.

Description

In the field of optometry and optics, a lensmeter is an essential instrument in ophthalmic optics as it enables dioptre lens power to be measured. Its basic function is to determine back surface lens power to compensate refractive error as well as marking the correct position of the lens.
In conventional manual lensmeters a cross-shaped test is used where the user works manually on a variable dioptre power wheel. When the lens to be measured is astigmatic, the T-test image is out of focus and the measurement is made by focusing on each meridian separately and taking note of the powers with which these consecutive approaches are conducted. This leads to ambiguities in the note taking process of the dioptric power and increases the probability of lens error, in addition to the high time associated with the standard measurement procedure. This mistake is crucial in a refraction measurement process, since the glasses delivered to the client do not match the refraction obtained in-office. And the only way to solve it is by ordering another lens from the manufacturer to measure and position it properly to then be able to fit it to the glasses’ frame.

This invention is the solution to the problems that arise in the standard measuring procedure by means of a new method to measure the back surface lens power of an astigmatic lens. Using this new method, the measurement time and the positioning error is reduced.

The main applications of the technology are the measurement of ophthalmic lenses with a manual lensmeter as well as those based on a new generation technology developed with automatic parts, intended both manual lensmeter manufacturers and ophthalmic equipment and lenses manufacturers, and the in-office subjective refraction process measurement, by means of adapting the invention to phoropters to guide it more efficiently and accurately.

Researchers are seeking companies in the ophthalmic equipment sector, to reach license agreements. But they are opened to technical or research collaborations to further development of the invention.

Advantages and Innovations

The most innovative aspect of this invention is that it allows solving the problems of the standard measuring procedure. And the main advantages provided by the invention are:

- Measurement time is reduced as opposed to the standard measurement procedure; since both meridians do not have to be checked (everything is clearly defined at once).

- Positioning error is reduced to zero when compared to conventional methods, as there is no likelihood of errors with inverse measurements in the principle meridians.

Stage Of Development

Under development/lab tested

Requested partner

- Type of partner sought: companies
- Specific area of activity of the partner: manufacturing of manual lensmeter, ophthalmic lens and ophthalmic equipment
- Task to be performed: licensing the invention, testing of applications, adaptation to specific needs, production and marketing.

Cooperation offer is closed for requests