New spiral-shaped lens could revolutionize eyewear technology

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

A ground-breaking new spiral-shaped lens could massively improve eyewear technology by providing "clear vision" at a range of distances and in varying light conditions.

It could help people with cataracts or age-related vision problems, say scientists.

They say it works much like progressive lenses used for vision correction - but without the distortions typically seen with those lenses.

The French research team says It could help advance contact lens technologies, intraocular implants for cataracts and miniaturized imaging systems.

The study was led by Professor Bertrand Simon, of Photonics, Numerical and Nanosciences Laboratory (LP2N), a joint research unit between the Institut d'Optique Graduate School, the University of Bordeaux and the CNRS in France.

Simon said: “Unlike existing multifocal lenses, our lens performs well under a wide range of light conditions and maintains multifocality regardless of the size of the pupil.

“For potential implant users or people with age-related farsightedness, it could provide consistently clear vision, potentially revolutionizing ophthalmology.”

The new lens - which the researchers call the "spiral diopter" - was described in the journal Optica.

Its spiraling features are arranged in a way that creates many separate points of focus, much like having multiple lenses in one, making it possible to see clearly at various distances.

Simon said: “In addition to ophthalmology applications, the simple design of this lens could greatly benefit compact imaging systems.

“It would streamline the design and function of these systems while also offering a way to accomplish imaging at various depths without additional optical elements.

"These capabilities, coupled with the lens's multifocal properties, offer a powerful tool for depth perception in advanced imaging applications.”

The inspiration for the spiral lens design came when the paper’s first author Laurent Galinier, of SPIRAL SAS in France, was analyzing the optical properties of severe corneal deformations in patients.

That led him to conceptualize a lens with a unique spiral design that causes light to spin, like water going down a drain.

The phenomenon - known as an "optical vortex" - creates multiple clear focus points, which allow the lens to provide clear focus at different distances.

Galinier said: “Creating an optical vortex usually requires multiple optical components.

“Our lens, however, incorporates the elements necessary to make an optical vortex directly into its surface.

"Creating optical vortices is a thriving field of research, but our method simplifies the process, marking a significant advancement in the field of optics.”

The research team created the lens by using advanced digital machining to mould the unique spiral design with high precision.

They then validated the lens by using it to image a digital ‘E’ - like those used on an optometrist's light-up board.

The team observed that the image quality remained satisfactory regardless of the aperture size used.

They also discovered that the optical vortices could be modified by adjusting the topological charge, which is essentially the number of windings around the optical axis.

Volunteers using the lenses also reported noticeable improvements in visual acuity at a range of distances and lighting conditions.

Bringing the new lens to fruition required combining the intuitively crafted design with advanced fabrication techniques.

Simon said: “The spiral diopter lens, first conceived by an intuitive inventor, was scientifically substantiated through an intensive research collaboration with optical scientists.

“The result was an innovative approach to creating advanced lenses.”

The researchers are now working to better understand the unique optical vortices produced by their lens.

They also plan to perform systematic trials of the lens’ ability to correct vision in people to establish its performance and advantages in real-world conditions.

The team is also exploring the possibility of applying the concept to prescription eyeglasses, which could potentially offer users clear vision across multiple distances.

Simon added: “This new lens could significantly improve people’s depth of vision under changing lighting conditions.

“Future developments with this technology might also lead to advancements in compact imaging technologies, wearable devices and remote sensing systems for drones or self-driving cars, which could make them more reliable and efficient.”