The loss of the eye’s capability to accommodate near and far objects (known as presbyopia) affects 100% of the population >45, i.e. 200 million in Europe and 1.200 million worldwide. Multifocal corrections, in the form of contact lenses (CLs), intraocular lenses (IOLs) or corneal surgery are increasingly used solutions to restore vision functionality in presbyopes. These corrections are based on the simultaneous vision principle, where a focused image and a defocused image are simultaneously projected on the retina. How a simultaneous image looks like is difficult to imagine. To date, prescription of a multifocal correction is based on the surgeon’s experience and conversations with the patient. In CLs solutions, the process requires multiple trials and errors with different lenses. In cataract surgery, patient’s unsatisfaction often results in IOL explanation.
The PRESBYOPIA ERC-Advanced Grant investigates basic mechanisms of the crystalline lens accommodation, to propose nature-inspired designs to correct presbyopia, multifocal lenses in particular. We have developed Adaptive-Optics visual simulators to simulate corrections before they are manufactured or implanted in a patient. In particular, we have developed novel simultaneous vision simulators (an optical bench instrument, and a see-through portable clinical prototype) that allow patients to see the world under programmed multifocal IOLs and CLs. We have demonstrated their capabilities to mimic commercial multifocal designs, visual performance with different design parameters and neural adaptation to simultaneous vision.
The SimVisSim ERC-Proof of Concept has verified the innovation potential of ideas arising from PRESBYOPIA ERC-Advanced Grant, in particular, the marketability of the SimVis Technology. The project has allowed generating new IP, developed a technology transfer strategy, and a product commercialization plan and stimulated a solid and successful fund raising and investment plan boosting the spin-out company launched to commercialize SimVis. The product has been approached to ophthalmic surgeons and leading manufacturers of IOLs and CLs, and has undergone the first clinical tests in the clinic. Sales are expected in 2018.
