Octave Kummer Thesis defense

Presbyopia is the progressive loss of the ability to accommodate near objects. It is an unavoidable phenomenon linked to the loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens with age, and affects the entire population. This thesis focuses on the design and manufacturing of intracorneal implants to correct presbyopia.

The first two chapters present existing optical solutions, in particular those based on the photon sieve principle, followed by the modeling and characterization tools used.

We then study how the various parameters of a photon sieve configuration can be optimized to create a multifocal implant, and identify its limitations.       We then showed how the 3D shape of the sieve holes could be used to define a new optical surface to overcome the previous limitations. In particular, we have shown how the use of beveled and apodized holes can be used effectively in a mix&match approach.

The final chapter presents the manufacturing methods used to prototype and experimentally validate the configurations studied. The proscpects for more industrial manufacturing are discussed.