New patent unlocks superior trifocal and Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) designs in ophthalmic materials
ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Clerio Vision, Inc., a developer of next-generation laser-based vision correction platforms, today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 12,449,675, titled "Subsurface Optical Structure with Enhanced Distribution of Refractive Index Values." The patent, awarded to inventors Lisen J. Xu, PhD, and colleagues, covers a novel optical design that significantly improves the efficacy of the company's proprietary LIRIC® (Laser Induced Refractive Index Change) technology in hydrophobic ophthalmic materials.
This intellectual property milestone represents a major leap forward in the manufacturing and clinical application of diffractive optics. The patented "Enhanced LIRIC Design" allows for a precise redistribution of light energy to create balanced, high-performance multifocal lenses.
Optimizing Energy for Trifocal and EDOF Performance
Traditional diffractive designs often struggle to achieve the ideal split of light energy between distance and near vision. The newly patented design successfully shifts this balance.
"The core of this invention is the ability to manipulate the 'energy budget' of the lens with unprecedented control," said Dr. Lisen Xu, Senior Optical Scientist at Clerio Vision and lead inventor of the technology. "By employing this enhanced LIRIC design, we can drive more energy into the near focal point for presbyopia correction while effectively managing the background light. The result is a trifocal or Extended Depth of Focus lens that delivers sharp vision across the full range of focus."
Breakthrough for Hydrophobic Materials
One of the most significant implications of this patent is its application to hydrophobic materials. These are lens materials with low water content that are commonly used in premium Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) but have historically been more challenging for laser writing.
"This invention overcomes the physical limitations often seen when applying LIRIC to low-water materials," said Alex Zapesochny, CEO of Clerio Vision. "By enabling high-efficiency diffractive structures in hydrophobic polymers, we are opening the door to a new class of premium IOLs and lower water contact lenses that combine the durability of hydrophobic materials with the superior optical performance of LIRIC."
Superior Clinical Performance
Beyond manufacturing flexibility, the "Enhanced LIRIC" design offers direct clinical benefits:
- Less Perturbation: The optical structures perturb the base lens material less than previous generations, resulting in higher overall image quality.
- Customizable Profiles: The design supports the creation of bespoke EDOF and trifocal profiles that can be tailored to specific patient needs.
About Clerio Vision
Clerio Vision is developing a breakthrough laser technology platform to treat vision issues. The company's proprietary LIRIC technology modifies the refractive index of existing lens materials, enabling the non-invasive correction of refractive errors and the creation of advanced optical designs for presbyopia, myopia, and higher-order aberration correction.
Media Contact
J. Mikael Totterman, Clerio Vision, Inc., 1 6172167881, [email protected], www.cleriovision.com
SOURCE Clerio Vision, Inc.
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