AU2020273147B2 - High definition and extended depth of field intraocular lens - Google Patents

Abstract

A virtual aperture integrated into an intraocular lens is disclosed. Optical rays which intersect the virtual aperture are widely scattered across the retina causing the light to be virtually prevented from reaching detectable levels on the retina. The use of the virtual aperture helps remove monochromatic and chromatic aberrations yielding high-definition retinal images. For a given definition of acceptable vision, the depth of field is increased over a larger diameter optical zone. In addition, thinner intraocular lenses can be produced since the optical zone can have a smaller diameter. This in turn allows smaller corneal incisions and easier implantation surgery.

Description

HIGH DEFINITION AND EXTENDED DEPTH OF FIELD INTRAOCULAR LENS PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Patent

Application 16/380,622 entitled “HIGH DEFINITION AND EXTENDED

DEPTH OF FIELD INTRAOCULAR LENS” filed April 10, 2019. The 2020273147

contents of the above referenced application are incorporated

herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The human eye often suffers from aberrations such as

defocus and astigmatism that must be corrected to provide

acceptable vision to maintain a high quality of life. Correction

of these defocus and astigmatism aberrations can be accomplished

using a lens. The lens can be located at the spectacle plane,

at the corneal plane (a contact lens or corneal implant), or

within the eye as a phakic (crystalline lens intact) or aphakic

(crystalline lens removed) intraocular lens (IOL).

[0003] In addition to the basic aberrations of defocus and

astigmatism, the eye often has higher-order aberrations such as

spherical aberration and other aberrations. Chromatic

aberrations, aberrations due to varying focus with wavelength

across the visible spectrum, are also present in the eye. These

higher-order aberrations and chromatic aberrations negatively

affect the quality of a person’s vision. The negative effects

of the higher-order and chromatic aberrations increase as the

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pupil size increases. Vision with these aberrations removed is 23 Feb 2026

often referred to as high definition (HD) vision.

[0004] Presbyopia is the condition where the eye loses its

ability to focus on objects at different distances. Aphakic

eyes have presbyopia. A standard monofocal IOL implanted in an 2020273147

aphakic eye will restore vision at a single focal distance. To

provide good vision over a range of distances, a variety of

options can be applied, among them, using a monofocal IOL

combined with bi-focal or progressive addition spectacles. A

monovision IOL system is another option to restore near and

distance vision - one eye is set at a different focal length

than the fellow eye, thus providing binocular summation of the

two focal points and providing blended visions.

[0005] Monovision is currently the most common method of

correcting presbyopia by using IOLs to correct the dominant eye

for distance vision and the non-dominant eye for near vision in

an attempt to achieve spectacle-free binocular vision from far

to near. Additionally IOLs can be bifocal or multifocal. Most

IOLs are designed to have one or more focal regions distributed

within the addition range. However, using elements with a set

of discrete foci is not the only possible strategy of design:

the use of elements with extended depth of field (EDOF), that

is, elements producing a continuous focal segment spanning the

required addition, can also be considered. These methods are

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not entirely acceptable as stray light from the various focal 23 Feb 2026

regions degrade a person’s vision.

[0006] What is needed in the art is an improved virtual

aperture IOL to overcome these limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 2020273147

[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, there is

provided an intraocular lens providing improved vision by

spreading defocused rays, caused by light impacting aberrations

on an individual's eye, widely across the individual's retina,

comprising: an intraocular lens constructed of a biocompatible

material having a virtual aperture positioned in a first

periphery of said intraocular lens and connected to an optical

zone by a transition region having a variable width, and a haptic

positioned in a second periphery and connected to said virtual

aperture by said transition region, said transition region

having a zero-order and first-order continuity; said virtual

aperture having a two-dimensional optical profile in conjunction

with alternating high-power positive and negative lens profiles

in both radial and azimuthal directions, the profiles selected

from the group consisting of sequential conics, polynomials,

rational splines, and diffractive profiles wherein light rays

intersecting said transition region and said virtual aperture

are widely distributed across the retina using refraction to

reduce monochromatic and chromatic aberrations and defocus due

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to a change in focal length thereby enhancing the individual's 23 Feb 2026

depth of field.

[0008] According to aspects and embodiments, there is

disclosed is a virtual aperture integrated into an intraocular

lens (IOL). The construction and arrangement may permit optical 2020273147

rays which intersect the virtual aperture and are widely

scattered across the retina, causing the light to be virtually

prevented from reaching detectable levels on the retina. The

virtual aperture may help remove monochromatic and chromatic

aberrations, yielding high-definition retinal images. For a

given definition of acceptable vision, the depth of field is

increased over a larger diameter optical zone IOL. Eyes with

cataracts can have secondary issues due to injury, previous eye

surgery, or eye disorder that would not be well corrected with

normal IOL designs. Examples of eyes with complications

include: asymmetric astigmatism, keratoconus, postoperative

corneal transplant, asymmetric pupils, very high astigmatism,

and the like. Because of its ability to remove unwanted

aberrations, our virtual aperture IOL design may be very

effective in provided enhanced vision compared to normal large

optic IOLs.

[0009] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein may teach a

method of making thinner IOLs since the optical zone can have a

smaller diameter, which allows smaller corneal incisions and

easier implantation surgery. Eyes with cataracts can have

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secondary issues due to injury, previous eye surgery, or eye 23 Feb 2026

disorder that would not be well corrected with normal IOL

designs. Examples of eyes with complications include:

asymmetric astigmatism, keratoconus, postoperative corneal

transplant, asymmetric pupils, very high astigmatism, and the 2020273147

like. Because of its ability to remove unwanted aberrations,

the disclosed virtual aperture IOL design according to aspects

and embodiments may be effective in providing enhanced vision

compared to normal large optic IOLs.

[0010] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein provide a

virtual aperture IOL that may exhibit reduced monochromatic and

chromatic aberrations, as well as an extended depth of field,

while providing sufficient contrast for resolution of an image

over a selected range of distances.

[0011] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein provide a

virtual aperture IOL that may provide a smaller central

thickness compared to other equal-powered IOLs.

[0012] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein provide a

virtual aperture that may be realized as alternating high-power

positive and negative lens profiles.

[0013] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein also provide

a virtual aperture that may be realized as high-power negative

lens surfaces.

[0014] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein also provide

a virtual aperture that may be realized as high-power negative

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lens surfaces in conjunction with alternating high-power 23 Feb 2026

positive and negative lens profiles.

[0015] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein also provide

a virtual aperture that may be realized as prism profiles in

conjunction with alternating high-power positive and negative 2020273147

lens profiles.

[0016] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein also provide

a phakic or aphakic IOL which may simultaneously: provide

correction of defocus and astigmatism, decrease higher-order and

chromatic aberrations, and provide an extended depth of field

to improve vision quality.

[0017] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein also provide

a virtual aperture that may be employed in phakic or aphakic

IOLs, a corneal implant, a contact lens, or used in a cornea

laser surgery (LASIK, PRK, etc.) procedure to provide an

extended depth of field and/or to provide high-definition

vision.

[0018] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein also provide

an IOL for eyes with complications such as asymmetric

astigmatism, keratoconus, postoperative corneal transplant,

asymmetric pupils, very high astigmatism, and the like.

[0019] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein also provide

an IOL that may be capable of removing unwanted aberrations to

provide enhanced vision compared to normal large optic IOLs.

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[0020] Also disclosed herein is replacement of the virtual 23 Feb 2026

aperture with an actual opaque aperture and realize the same

optical benefits as the virtual aperture.

[0021] Further advantages and benefits associated with this

invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the 2020273147

description, examples and claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention are described

below by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to

the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates the basic method of reducing

monochromatic aberrations using pupil size;

[0024] Fig. 2 (A&B) illustrates the basic method of reducing

chromatic aberrations using pupil size;

[0025] Fig. 3 (A&B) illustrates the basic concept of the

virtual aperture to limit the effective pupil size;

[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates the virtual aperture as a high-

power lens section integrated into an IOL;

[0027] Fig. 5 illustrates the virtual aperture as a negative

lens section;

[0028] Fig. 6 (A&B) illustrates the virtual aperture as a

negative lens (or prism) section in conjunction to a high-power

lens section;

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[0029] Fig. 7 (A&B) illustrates using the virtual aperture 23 Feb 2026

to prevent the negative effect of a small optic zone;

[0030] Fig. 8 illustrates lens A example of an oblong shaped

optical zone and lens B example of a circular shaped optical

zone; 2020273147

[0031] Fig. 9 illustrates azimuthally symmetric radial

profiles;

[0032] Fig. 10 illustrates symmetric radial profiles

comparing elements A, B, C, D, & E;

[0033] Fig. 11 illustrates two-dimensional lens regions; and

[0034] Fig. 12 illustrates the geometry for one of the two-

dimensional high-power lenses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035] Detailed embodiments of the instant invention are

disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the

disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention,

which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific

functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to

be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims

and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the

art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any

appropriately detailed structure.

[0036] Figure 1 illustrates a single converging lens 1

centered on an optical axis 2. An incident ray 3 is parallel

to the optical axis and will intersect the focal point 4 of the

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lens. If the observation plane 5 is located a further distance 23 Feb 2026

from the focal point, the incident ray will continue until it

intersects the observation plane. If we trace all incident rays

with the same ray height as incident ray 3, we will locate a

blur circle 6 on the observation plane. Other incident rays 2020273147

with ray height less than incident ray 3 will fall inside this

blur circle 6. One such ray is incident ray 7 which is closer

to the optical axis than incident ray 3. Incident ray 7 also

intersects the focal point 4 and then the observation plane 5.

Tracing all incident rays with a ray height equal to incident

ray 7 traces out blur circle 8 which is smaller than blur circle

6.

[0037] The optical principle represented here is that as the

height of parallel incident rays is reduced, the corresponding

blur circle is also reduced. This simple relationship is

applicable to the human eye. Stated another way, for a given

amount of defocus (dioptric error) in the eye, vision is improved

as the height of incident rays is reduced. This principle is

used when someone squints in an attempt to see an out-of-focus

object more clearly.

[0038] The tracing in Figure 1 is for a single wavelength of

incident light. For polychromatic light, three wavelengths in

this case, we have the situation in Figure 2. It is well known

for the components of the eye and typical optical materials

that, as wavelength increases, the refractive index decreases.

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In Figure 2A, a converging lens 21 has optical axis 22. An 23 Feb 2026

incident ray 23 consists of three wavelengths for blue (450 nm),

green (550 nm), and red (650 nm) light. Due to different indices

of refraction for the three wavelengths, the blue light ray 24

is refracted more than the green light ray 25, and the green 2020273147

light ray is refracted more than the red light ray 26. If the

green light ray is in focus, then it will cross the observation

plane 27 at the optical axis. The chromatic spread of these

three rays lead to a chromatic blur circle 28 on the observation

plane. In Figure 2B, the incident chromatic ray 29 has a lower

ray height than the chromatic ray 23 in 2A. This leads to the

smaller chromatic blur circle 33 at the observation plane. Thus,

just as for the monochromatic of Figure 1, chromatic blur is

decreased as the chromatic ray height is decreased.

[0039] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that decreasing ray height

(decreasing the pupil diameter) decreases both monochromatic and

chromatic aberrations at the retina, thus increasing the quality

of vision. Another way to describe this is that the depth of

field is increased as the ray height is decreased.

[0040] Figure 3A illustrates a converging lens 34 with

optical axis 2 and aperture 35. Incident ray 36 clears the

aperture and thus passes through the lens focal point 37 and

intersects the observation plane 38 where it traces a small blur

circle 39. Incident ray 40 is blocked by the aperture, and thus

it cannot continue to the observation plane to cause a larger

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blur circle 41. An aperture which limits the incident ray height 23 Feb 2026

reduces the blur on the observation plane. In Figure 3B we

illustrate what we describe as a “virtual aperture”. That is,

it is not really an aperture that blocks rays, but the optical

effect is nearly the same. Rays 43 which propagate through the 2020273147

virtual aperture 42 are widely spread out so there is very little

contribution to stray light (blurring light) at any one spot on

the observation plane. This is the principal mechanism of

operation of the IOL invention. Occasionally, a few months to

a few years following cataract surgery and IOL implantation, a

condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) develops

over the clear posterior capsule and can interfere with quality

vision. The incidence of PCO has been reported to be in the

range of 5% to 50% of eyes undergoing cataract surgery and IOL

implantation. Treatment to remove the PCO often involves

intervention with a Nd:YAG laser to perform a posterior

capsulotomy. In this case, the laser is focused through the IOL

to perform the capsulotomy. If the virtual aperture were instead

opaque, such as a true aperture, then this treatment would be

inhibited. The disclosed virtual aperture is intentionally

designed to provide the benefits of a small aperture while at

the same time allowing a YAG capsulotomy to treat PCO.

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates a basic layout of an IOL which

employs the virtual aperture. In this figure, a central optical

zone 46 provides correction of defocus, astigmatism, and any

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other correction required of the lens. Generally, for an IOL 23 Feb 2026

using a virtual aperture, the central optical zone diameter is

smaller than a traditional IOL. This leads to a smaller central

thickness which makes the IOL easier to implant and allows a

smaller corneal incision during surgery. The virtual aperture 2020273147

48 is positioned further in the periphery and the IOL haptic 50

is located in the far periphery. The virtual aperture is

connected to the optical zone by transition region 47 and the

haptic is connected to the virtual aperture by transition region

49. The transition regions 47 and 49 are designed to ensure

zero-order and first-order continuity of the surface on either

side of the transition region. A common method to implement

this is a polynomial function such as a cubic Bezier function.

Transition methods such as these are known to those skilled in

the art.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the virtual aperture zone

48 is a sequence of high-power positive and negative lens

profiles. Thus, light rays which intersect this region are

dispersed widely downstream from the IOL. These profiles could

be realized as sequential conics, polynomials (such as Bezier

functions), rational splines, diffractive profiles, or other

similar profiles, as long as the entire region properly

redirects and/or disperses the refracted rays. The preferred

use is smooth high-power profiles over diffractive profiles as

this simplifies manufacturing the IOL on a high-precision lathe

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or with molds. As known to those skilled in the art, the 23 Feb 2026

posterior side of the haptic should include a square edge to

inhibit cell growth leading to posterior capsule opacification.

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates another profile for the virtual

aperture zone 51, namely a diverging lens profile. Note that 2020273147

this requires a thicker edge profile than the approach in Figure

4. In Figure 6A we show a close up of the preferred high-powered

alternating positive and negative lens profiles with the

incident and transmitted rays. Figure 6B illustrates the effect

of combining the profile in 6A with either an underlying prism

or negative lens. In this case not only are the emergent rays

scattered widely, they are directed away from the eye’s macula,

or central vision section of the retina, again, at the cost of

a wider lens edge.

[0044] Figure 7A illustrates a high-power IOL 60, usually

with a relatively small optical diameter and large central

thickness. When the eye’s pupil is larger than the optical

zone, incident rays 64 can miss the optic entirely and only

intersect the haptic 61 on their way to the retina 63. This

situation would cause noticeable artifacts in the peripheral

vision of the eye. Incident rays 62, which intersect the optic

zone as expected, are correctly refracted to the central vision

of the retina. In Figure 7B we illustrate the same optic, but

now with a virtual aperture 65 between the optic and the haptic.

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In this case, incident rays 64 which intersect the lens outside 23 Feb 2026

of the optical zone, are dispersed across the retina causing no

apparent artifacts.

[0045] Taken together, these characteristics of an IOL which

incorporates the virtual aperture can accurately be described 2020273147

as high definition (HD) and extended depth of field (EDOF).

[0046] The basic layout of the virtual aperture IOL is

illustrated in Figure 4. In the preferred embodiment, the

diameter of the central optical zone 46 is 3.0 mm and the width

of the virtual aperture 48 is 1.5 mm. Thus, the combination of

central optical zone and virtual aperture is a 6.0-mm diameter

optic, which is similar to common commercially available IOLs.

[0047] Spherical, Toric and zero aberrations optic zone. A

significant portion of cataract patients have astigmatism in

their cornea. After removal of the crystalline lens, the

remaining optical system of the astigmatic cornea eye is ideally

corrected with a toric, or astigmatic lens. For these patients,

the central optical portion of our lens is made toric to provide

improved visual correction. In addition, even though the

optical portion is small, there is still some amount of spherical

aberrations that could be corrected. Thus, the optimally

corrected optical zone would provide spherical aberration

correction for all lenses and toric correction for those

patients who have corneal astigmatism.

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[0048] The toric correction is easily made by those skilled 23 Feb 2026

in the art by providing two principle powers at two principle

directions which would be aligned with the eye’s corneal

astigmatic powers.

[0049] The spherical aberrations for either the spherical or 2020273147

toric lens are corrected by employing a conic profile on one or

more surfaces of the lens. Such a lens is said to have zero

aberrations as there are zero monochromatic aberrations in the

lens for an on-axis, distant object. The apical radius Ra of

the conic profile is computed as usual for the desired paraxial

power of the lens. A conic constant K is then selected based

upon the lens material index of refraction, the lens center

thickness, and the shapes of the front and back surface of the

lens.

[0050] In the case where the correction is to be astigmatic,

at least one of the lens surface shapes is biconic, having a

conic profile in two orthogonal principal directions. In the

preferred embodiment, the toric optic has an equal biconvex

surface design where each surface is biconic. The non-toric

optic has an equal biconvex surface design where each surface

is conic. In both the biconic or conic surface case, the optimal

conic constant K for the surfaces is determined using optical

ray tracing known to those skilled in the art.

[0051] Multiple focal points. Some patients may prefer a

multi-focal point optic providing vision correction for specific

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distances. One example is a bifocal optic which generally 23 Feb 2026

provides focusing power for both near and distant vision.

Another example is a trifocal optic which provides focusing

power for near, intermediate, and distant vision. In either

case, to implement the multi-focal points IOL, the optical zone 2020273147

is modified to yield these focal zones using refractive or

diffractive optical regions and the virtual aperture remains

outside the last focal zone.

[0052] In some applications, the virtual aperture can appear

as an annular region with optical zones on each side of the

annular region. The shape of the annular virtual aperture can

also be free form, for example to accommodate an astigmatic

optical zone or non-symmetric haptic region. This is

illustrated in Figure 8. In this Figure, lens A indicates an

oblong shaped optical zone and so the inner contour of the

virtual aperture must adapt to the shape. The inner haptic zone

contour is circular, so the outer virtual aperture contour is

circular. In this Figure, lens B depicts the optical zone as

circular, so the virtual aperture inner contour is circular.

The inner haptic contour is oblong, so the outer virtual aperture

contour is oblong. In each case there are transition zones

between each of the zones to smoothly connect the regions so

that no visual artifacts are introduced into the eye.

Alternatively, the transition regions can be of variable width

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so that the inner and outer virtual aperture contours can be any 23 Feb 2026

desired shape.

[0053] The IOL designs contemplated here can be made of any

biocompatible optical material normally used for IOLs including

hard and soft materials. They also can be manufactured using 2020273147

CNC machines or molds or other methods used to manufacture IOLs.

The virtual aperture can be implemented as a one-dimensional

profile that is symmetric in the azimuthal direction or a two-

dimensional profile that implements tiny lens regions.

[0054] In Figure 9, illustrated is azimuthally symmetric

radial profiles. The profiles can be all the same or adjusted

in the azimuth direction. These profiles can be refractive or

diffractive in nature. Although, eight distinct radial profiles

are illustrated, the radial profiles are continuous in the

azimuth direction. The radial profiles can have alternating

positive and negative power, all positive power, or all negative

power sections. The connections between all the power regions

are smooth to prevent visual artifacts.

[0055] In Figure 10, illustrated are other symmetric radial

profiles include combinations of planar, negative power, and

ramp base shapes in addition to or instead of the high-power

curves indicated in Figure 8. Referring to Figure 10, element

A depicts a simple plane base shape. In Figure 10, element B

depicts a negative power base shape. This generally negative

power curved profile can be represented by a portion of a sphere,

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a conic, or higher order curve such as a polynomial. Figure 10, 23 Feb 2026

element C depicts a segmented negative power profile of element

B, where the curve has been segmented similar to a Fresnel lens,

to keep the overall lens thickness small. Figure 10, element D

depicts a ramp base shape profile and Figure 10, element E 2020273147

depicts a segmented version of the ramp base shape, where the

ramp has been segmented similar to a Fresnel lens, to keep the

overall lens thickness small. Although the segmented profiles

of elements C and E are illustrated with sharp discontinuities,

in practice, the boundaries of the segments are implemented

using smooth functions such as filets or Bezier curves to prevent

observable artifacts caused by the sharp discontinuities.

Additionally, a smooth transition region is placed between the

optic zone and the virtual aperture as described elsewhere in

this document. These base shapes can be used in conjunction with

or instead of the high-power features to improve the

effectiveness of the virtual aperture.

[0056] Figure 11 illustrates two-dimensional lens regions

oriented in a polar sampling. The high-power lenses alternate

in positive and negative power in both the radial and azimuthal

directions. Two positive power lenses and two negative power

lenses are illustrated in the figure. The actual geometry of

these two-dimensional polar lenses is on the order of the radial

profiles.

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[0057] Alternatively, the two-dimensional high-power lenses 23 Feb 2026

could be all positive or all negative lenses. In this case, the

high-power lenses are separated by small smooth transition

regions (for example, a continuous polynomial interpolator such

as a Bezier curve) to prevent visual artifacts. This is the 2020273147

preferred two-dimensional high-power lens structure when there

is more than one lens sample rate in the azimuth direction. In

this case, the individual lenses look like small pillows where

the pillows are above the base surface for positive power lenses

and are below the surface for negative power lenses.

[0058] Figure 12 illustrates the geometry for one of the two-

dimensional high-power lenses. In the upper right portion of

the figure we show a front view of the high-power lens. There

is a central high-power optical region and a surrounding

transition region. The radial extent of this region is given

by r, the width of the transition region is given by t, and the

azimuthal subtense is given by theta. In the lower left portion

of the figure we show a side view of one of the profiles of the

lens. The central part represents the high-power optical zone

and the two side curves represent the transition zones. The

interface between the optical zone and the transition zones has

zero- and first-order continuity. At the edge of the lens

boundary, the transition is coincident with the virtual aperture

base shape (which is typically a vertical line on the IOL). At

the edge of the lens there is also zero- and first-order

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continuity between the transition curve (typically a polynomial 23 Feb 2026

curve) and the edge. The shape of this small high-power lens

region is set so that the radial extent r is approximately equal

to the arc-length of the center portion of the region.

[0059] The central optical zone can be designed using 2020273147

standard IOL design concepts to provide sphere, cylinder, and

axis correction, as well as higher-order correction such as

spherical aberration control. These design concepts are known

to those skilled in the art.

[0060] The preferred virtual aperture profiles illustrated

in Figure 4 have alternating positive and negative lens profiles

with focal lengths on the order of +/- 1.5 mm. These lens

surface profiles can be generated using conics, polynomials

(such as cubic Bezier splines), rational splines, and

combinations of these and other curves. The geometry of the

lens profiles is selected to adequately disperse the transmitted

optical rays across the retina and at the same time be relatively

easy to manufacture on a high-precision lathe or with a mold

process. It is also possible to place a smooth surface on one

profile (for example the front surface) and the small high-power

lens profiles on the other surface profile (for example the back

surface).

[0061] Using the preferred virtual aperture profiles

illustrated in Figure 4, the edge thickness of the IOL and the

center thickness of the central optical zone can be quite small,

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even for high-power IOLs. The material of the lens is the same 23 Feb 2026

as those used for other soft or hard IOL designs.

[0062] The IOL design provides very good, high-definition,

distance vision and the range of “clear vision” can be controlled

by specification of what is meant by “clear vision” (e.g., 20/40 2020273147

acuity), and the relative size of the central optic zone and the

virtual aperture width. A simple equation [Smith G, Relation

between spherical refractive error and visual acuity, Optometry

Vis. Sci. 68, 591-8, 1991] for estimating the acuity given the

pupil diameter and spherical refractive error is given in

equation (1a and 1b).

(1a)

(1b)

A = acuity in minutes of arc (A = Sd/20), that is, the minimum angle of resolution k = a constant determined from clinical studies, mean value of 0.65 D = pupil diameter in mm E = spherical refractive error in diopters Sd = Snellen denominator

[0063] The second equation is postulated as being more

accurate for low levels of refractive error, and gives a

reasonable result.

For E = 0, A = 1 min of arc or 20/20.

Solving (1b) for E yields equation (2).

(2)

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Equation (1b) tells us the acuity A given the range of depth of 23 Feb 2026

field (E x 2) in diopters and the pupil diameter D.

Equation (2) tells the range of depth of field in diopters given

the acuity A and the pupil diameter D. For example, for:

Acuity of 20/40, A = 40/20 = 2 min arc 2020273147

D = 3.0 mm

k = 0.65

√ = = 0.89 . .

Depth of field = 2E = 1.8 D. Using (1b),

[0064] The concept of the virtual aperture can be employed

in phakic or aphakic IOLs, a corneal implant, a contact lens,

or used in a cornea laser surgery (LASIK, PRK, etc.) procedure

to provide an extended depth of field and/or to provide high-

definition vision. Also, it would be possible to replace the

virtual aperture with an actual opaque aperture and realize the

same optical benefits as the virtual aperture.

[0065] It is to be understood that while a certain form of

the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the

specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It

will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes

may be made without departing from the scope of the invention

and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is

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shown and described in the specification and any 23 Feb 2026

drawings/figures included herein.

[0066] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that

the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives

and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those 2020273147

inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and

techniques described herein are presently representative of the

preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not

intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other

uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed

within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope

of the appended claims. Although the invention has been

described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it

should be understood that the invention as claimed should not

be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various

modifications of the described modes for carrying out the

invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are

intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

[0067] Throughout this specification and the claims which

follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word

‘comprise’, and variations such as ‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’,

will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer

or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of

any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Attorney Docket No. 056888-502002WO

[0068] The reference in this specification to any prior 23 Feb 2026

publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter

which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an

acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that

prior publication (or information derived from it) or known 2020273147

matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field

of endeavor to which this specification relates.

Claims (10)

Attorney Docket No. 056888-502002WO THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 23 Feb 2026

1. An intraocular lens providing improved vision by spreading

defocused rays, caused by light impacting aberrations on an 2020273147

individual's eye, widely across the individual's retina,

comprising:

an intraocular lens constructed of a biocompatible material

having a virtual aperture positioned in a first periphery of

said intraocular lens and connected to an optical zone by a

transition region having a variable width, and a haptic

positioned in a second periphery and connected to said virtual

aperture by said transition region, said transition region

having a zero-order and first-order continuity;

said virtual aperture having a two-dimensional optical

profile in conjunction with alternating high-power positive and

negative lens profiles in both radial and azimuthal directions,

the profiles selected from the group consisting of sequential

conics, polynomials, rational splines, and diffractive profiles

wherein light rays intersecting said transition region and said

virtual aperture are widely distributed across the retina using

refraction to reduce monochromatic and chromatic aberrations and

defocus due to a change in focal length thereby enhancing the

individual's depth of field.

Attorney Docket No. 056888-502002WO

2. The intraocular lens according to Claim 1 wherein said 23 Feb 2026

virtual aperture is constructed and arranged to allow posterior

capsule opacification treatment using Nd:YAG laser.

3. The intraocular lens according to Claim 1 wherein said 2020273147

optical zone is constructed and arranged to correct spherical

aberrations.

4. The intraocular lens according to Claim 1 wherein a lens

surface shape of the optical zone is biconic constructed and

arranged to correct an astigmatism.

5. The intraocular lens according to any one of Claims 1 to 4

wherein said virtual aperture provides a contrast for resolution

of an image over a selected range of distances.

6. The intraocular lens according to any one of Claims 1 to 5

wherein said optical profile is located on one side of the

intraocular lens.

7. The intraocular lens according to any one of Claims 1 to 6

wherein said optical profile is located on both sides of the

intraocular lens.

Attorney Docket No. 056888-502002WO

8. The intraocular lens according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 23 Feb 2026

wherein said virtual aperture region is shaped to improve light

scattering.

9. The intraocular lens according to any one of Claims 1 to 8 2020273147

wherein said virtual aperture includes variable shaped

transition zones.

10. The intraocular lens according to any one of Claims 1 to

9 wherein said optical zone provides one or more focal powers.

Figure 1

A

21 27

29 33

22

31 32 30

B

Figure 2

A

43

34 38 40 39

35

37 37

36 42 41

B

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

A

B

Figure 6

I 64 60 60 A

62

63

T

61 I 65

64 60 B

62

63

T

Figure 7

WO WO 2020/210305 2020/210305 PCT/US2020/027197

8/10

Haptic Zone

Virtual Aperture Zone

Optic Zone

Transition Zones

A B

Figure 8.

Radial profiles

Virtual aperture

Figure 9.

Optic zone Virtual Aperture Base Shape

Plane Base Shape A

Negative Power Base Shape B

Segmented Negative Power Base Shape C

Ramp Base Shape D

Segmented Ramp Base Shape E

Figure 10.

WO wo 2020/210305 PCT/US2020/027197

10/10 10/10

High-power lenses

positive power lenses

negative power lenses

Virtual aperture

Figure 11.

High-power optic zone

Transition zone

Sample profile 0

t Transition zone rr

Front view

High-power optic zone

Side view

Figure 12.