Micro-Thin Lens Final Report CRADA No. TC-0331-92

Technical Report · Tue Jan 20 04:00:00 EST 1998

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/756364· OSTI ID:756364

Sweeney, D ^[1]

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1. LLNL

The general objective of the CRADA was to develop ophthalmic optical elements that are so thin that they can be placed on the human eye in revolutionay new ways. More specifically,the major accomplishment of this CRADA was to study the feasibility of producing a prototype optical element in the form of a bifocal contact lens, for presbyopic vision correction. LLNL has expertise, resources, and capabilities to solve complex optical problems as well as an infrastructure in microfabrication and thin film technologies to fabricate and test complex optical elements. The principal role of LLNL in the development of the bifocal contact lens was to provide optical design, fabrication and testing of thin optical elements. CIBA Vision has extensive experience in psychophysical vision issues, optical strategies for vision correction, FDA approval processes, polymer materials, clinical trials, and commercial marketing and manufacturing. CIBA Vision�s role in this project was to steer the MTL technology toward a product concept that leveraged the technical strengths of both organizations. In addition, CIBA Vision provided the materials necessary for demonstrating concept feasibility. As a result of the development of the basic concepts for a new bifocal contact lens device, CIBA Vision is prepared to advance this project from a seed program to a full-fledged pre-product development program. They have assembled an in-house team of full-time staff members to advance the goals of this project The next phase of this project requires the refinement of the recently conceived bifocal contact lens technology. The areas of refinement include optical design, materials development and manufacturing. LLNL will be involved most intensely with the optical design, while providing consulting support to CIBA Vision on the materials development and manufacturing issues. In addition, CIBA Vision will begin a series of clinical trials to assess the device performance. Major hurdles in the refinement include reduction of optical aberrations and ease of manufacturing.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Defense Programs (DP)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 756364
• Report Number(s): UCRL-ID-137977; LLNL--TR-747179; CRADA No. TC-0331-92
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
Lenses