In-situ adjustable intraocular lens

Abstract

To provide an improved in-situ adjustable intraocular lens.SOLUTION: The present disclosure provides an intraocular lens (IOL) or ophthalmic device including an optical unit and at least one support unit, at least a part of the units is formed of an optical induction shape memory polymer network such as a polydomain azobenzene liquid crystal polymer network (PD-LCN). The present disclosure further provides a system and a method for adjusting a position of such an IOL or other ophthalmic device by using polarized laser radiation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 831,520, entitled "IN-SITU ADJUSTABLE INTRAOCULAR LENS," filed April 9, 2019, by inventors Xuwei Jiang, Ali Akinay, Jingbo Liu, and Jian Liu, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an intraocular lens (IOL) whose position can be adjusted in situ within the capsular bag of an eye. The present disclosure further relates to a method for adjusting the position of such an IOL and a system for adjusting the position of an IOL. [Background technology]

[0003] The human eye includes a cornea and a lens, which focus light incident on the eye's pupil onto the retina. However, the eye may exhibit various refractive errors, which may result in light not being properly focused onto the retina and reduced visual acuity. Over the years, many interventional methods have been developed to correct various ocular aberrations, including spectacles, contact lenses, corneal refractive surgery such as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or corneal transplants, and IOLs. IOLs are also used to treat cataracts by replacing a diseased natural lens in a patient's eye. In a typical IOL placement procedure, an IOL is inserted into the patient's capsular bag to replace the natural lens.

[0004] Whether the IOL is implanted for refractive error or for cataract treatment, it may not always be located at the target position after surgery. In addition, the IOL may shift over time, possibly rotationally or axially or a combination thereof in the capsular bag, so that it is no longer in the target position. An incorrect IOL position may adversely affect the quality of the patient's vision, since the IOL position in the eye affects the refractive power and, if applicable, the astigmatism correction. Therefore, the target position of the IOL in the eye is used to plan the surgery and select the IOL for the patient. If the actual position of the IOL deviates from the target position in the surgical plan, it may be suboptimal after surgery. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides an intraocular lens (IOL) that includes an optic and at least one haptic formed at least in part from a poly-domain azo liquid crystalline polymer network (PD-LCN).

[0006] In further detail, which may be combined in any combination with each other or with any other part of this disclosure unless expressly mutually exclusive, the present disclosure further provides the following: i) at least one support may include a support interface at least a portion of which is formed from PD-LCN; ii) the at least one haptic may be attached to the optic via a haptic joint; iv) the IOL may further include a base that holds the optic, and the at least one haptic may be attached to the base; v) the IOL may include a plurality of haptics, each of which may be formed at least in part from PD-LCN; vi) each support may include a support interface, at least a portion of which may be formed from PD-LCN; vii) PD-LCN may comprise crosslinked diacrylate liquid crystal monomers and diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomers; viii) the PD-LCN may contain up to 25 wt% of diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer; ix) The crosslink density of PD-LCN is 1.0 mol / dm 3 ~8.0 mol / dm 3 and x) the diacrylate liquid crystal monomer may comprise 4-(3-acryloyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester; xi) Diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer is 4,4'-bis[6-acryloyloxy]

[0033] The compound may contain azobenzene, xii) The diacrylate liquid crystal monomer may include 4-(3-acryloyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester, and the diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer may include 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene.

[0007] The present disclosure further provides an ophthalmic device comprising a base including an opening configured to receive an optic portion of an intraocular lens, and at least one haptic coupled to the base, at least a portion of the at least one haptic comprising a light-induced shape memory polymer network.

[0008] In further detail, which may be combined in any combination with each other or with any other part of this disclosure unless expressly mutually exclusive, the present disclosure further provides the following: i) the photoinduced shape memory polymer network may comprise a polydomain azo liquid crystal polymer network (PD-LCN); ii) at least one support may include a support joint, at least a portion of which may be formed from a light-induced shape memory polymer network; iii) the at least one haptic may be attached to the optic via a haptic joint; iv) the at least one support may include a plurality of supports, each at least partially formed from a light-induced shape memory polymer network; v) the PD-LCD may comprise crosslinked diacrylate liquid crystal monomers and diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomers; vi) PD-LCN may contain 25 wt% or less of diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer; vii) The crosslink density of PD-LCN is 1.0 mol / dm 3 ~8.0 mol / dm 3 and viii) the diacrylate liquid crystal monomer may comprise 4-(3-acryloyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester; ix) the diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer may comprise 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene; x) The diacrylate liquid crystal monomer may include 4-(3-acryloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester, and the diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer may include 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene.

[0009] The present disclosure may include a method of adjusting an IOL or ophthalmic device. The IOL or ophthalmic device may be any IOL or ophthalmic device described above or anywhere in this disclosure. The method may include irradiating a portion of a haptic of the IOL or ophthalmic device, the haptic including a light-induced shape memory polymer network such as PD-LCN, with the polarized laser radiation causing the light-induced shape memory polymer network such as PD-LCN to bend to a bending angle, thereby pressing against a capsular bag in which the IOL or ophthalmic device is positioned, and adjusting the position of the IOL or ophthalmic device within the capsular bag.

[0010] In further detail, which may be combined in any combination with each other or with any other part of this disclosure unless expressly mutually exclusive, the present disclosure further provides the following: i) the polarized laser radiation may have a wavelength in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, inclusive; ii) the position of the IOL may be adjusted axially anteriorly and posteriorly; iii) the position of the IOL may be adjusted radially by an angle; iv) the IOL may have an actual position that is different from a target position within the capsular bag, and adjusting the position of the IOL may include moving the IOL to the target position; v) The irradiation may be for a period of 0.5 seconds to 5 minutes, inclusive.

[0011] The present disclosure provides a method of correcting refractive error, comprising the steps of: implanting an IOL or ophthalmic device in a patient's eye, the IOL or ophthalmic device including at least one haptic, at least a portion of the at least one haptic including a light-induced shape memory polymer network; acquiring post-operative biometric data about the patient's eye; identifying a post-operative refractive error of the patient's eye; generating a nomogram based on the post-operative biometric data and the post-operative refractive error for controlling a laser to apply polarized laser radiation to the light-induced shape memory polymer network to induce a shape change of the haptic, thereby causing the intraocular lens to at least one of translate and rotate in the patient's eye, thereby correcting the post-operative refractive error; and applying radiation to the light-induced shape memory polymer network using a laser. The IOL or ophthalmic device may be any IOL or ophthalmic device described above or anywhere else in this disclosure.

[0012] In further detail, which may be combined in any combination with each other or with any other part of this disclosure unless expressly mutually exclusive, the present disclosure further provides the following: i) the photoinduced shape memory polymer network comprises PD-LCN; ii) the polarized laser radiation may have a wavelength in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, inclusive; iii) the position of the IOL may be adjusted axially anteriorly and posteriorly; iv) the position of the IOL may be adjusted radially by an angle θ; v) the irradiation may be carried out for a period of 0.5 seconds to 5 minutes, inclusive; vi) The illuminated portion of the support that includes PD-LCN may include the support joint.

[0013] The present disclosure further provides a surgical system for adjusting the position of an IOL or ophthalmic device, such as any IOL or ophthalmic device described above or anywhere else in this disclosure. The system includes a laser capable of providing laser radiation in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, inclusive, a polarizing filter capable of adjusting the polarization angle of radiation from the laser, and a computer including a processor, memory, and a communications interface, the computer can execute instructions stored in the memory using the processor to cause the instructions transmitted over the communications interface to cause the laser and polarizing filter to irradiate polarized laser radiation onto at least a portion of a haptic of the IOL or ophthalmic device within a capsular bag of a patient's eye, the irradiated portion including a photoinduced shape memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, that bends to a bending angle in response to the irradiation. The instructions may include all or a portion of any method described above or otherwise disclosed herein.

[0014] In further detail, which may be combined in any combination with each other or with any other part of this disclosure unless expressly mutually exclusive, the present disclosure further provides the following: i) the portion of the support that is irradiated includes a support joint; ii) The laser may include a femtosecond laser or an excimer laser.

[0015] For a fuller understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, as follows, in which like elements are numbered like numbers, including 10a, 10b, etc., and in which variations are designated alphabetically: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic top view of a one-piece IOL having two haptics. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the one-piece IOL of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a schematic side view of the one-piece IOL of FIGS. 1A and 1B with the PD-LNC bent to a bending angle of about 40°. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a schematic top view of a two-piece IOL. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a schematic side view of the two-piece IOL of FIG. 2A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a one-piece IOL having three haptics. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a one-piece IOL having four haptics. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a one-piece IOL having two haptics of complex construction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a one-piece IOL with two loop haptics. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a one-piece IOL having two haptics. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method for implanting and adjusting an IOL. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary graph of the relationship between the PD-LCN bending angle and the polarization angle of the laser radiation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a surgical system for adjusting the position of an IOL. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present disclosure relates to an intraocular lens (IOL) whose position may be adjusted in situ. The present disclosure further relates to a method for adjusting the position of such an IOL and a system for adjusting the IOL position. In particular, the IOL of the present disclosure may include at least one haptic, at least a portion of which is formed from a photoinduced shape memory polymer network, such as a polydomain azo liquid crystal polymer network (PD-LCN). The PD-LCN bends in a targeted direction in response to a specific wavelength of laser radiation of a specific polarization, thereby allowing the adjustment of the IOL position in the eye. In addition, the PD-LCN remains in that shape, thereby retaining the adjusted IOL position. Furthermore, the bending of the PD-LCN, and therefore the IOL position adjustment, is reversible in response to different polarizations of laser radiation.

[0018] The IOLs of the present disclosure may be one-piece or modular IOLs (e.g., two-piece or three-piece IOLs). In general, an IOL includes at least one optic and at least one haptic. The haptics are located to the sides of the optic and help hold the IOL in a stable position within the eye. Depending on the design of the IOL, the haptics may be integral with the optic or directly connected thereto. In some designs, the IOL may also include a separate or integral base, with which the optic and / or haptics may be integral or connected. The base may hold the optic and the haptics may be attached to the base. The areas of the haptics that are attached to the optic or base are referred to herein as haptic interfaces. The components of a modular IOL may be inserted separately and assembled in the eye during surgery.

[0019] The entire haptic, a portion of it, or only the haptic joints may be formed from PD-LCN. Some IOLs of the present disclosure may include multiple haptics. In such cases, all of the haptics may include at least a portion formed from PD-LCN. For example, all of the haptics may have haptic joints formed from PD-LCN. In some IOLs with multiple haptics, symmetrically placed haptics, such as haptics opposite each other or haptics at 120 degrees angles, may have the same arrangement of PD-LCN to allow symmetric adjustment of the position of the IOL. In addition, in some IOLs with multiple haptics, groups of haptics, especially groups whose members are symmetrically placed, may have different arrangements of PD-LCN to allow the haptics to respond differently to polarized laser radiation, thereby allowing for more fine-tuned adjustment of the position of the IOL.

[0020] The present disclosure is applicable to any type of IOL, as any IOL may be improperly positioned. Specific IOLs are shown in Figures 1-7, illustrating how PD-LCNs may be used within the IOL. One of skill in the art may use the present disclosure to identify suitable PD-LCNs in many other types of IOLs in addition to those specifically exemplified.

[0021] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an IOL 10a including an optic 20a and two haptics 30a attached to the optic 20a and / or base (not shown). Each of the haptics 30a has an arm 40a and a haptic joint 50a between the arm 40a and the optic 20a. The haptic joint 50a may attach the haptic 30a to the optic 20a (or base). The IOL also has a center 60a. After it is implanted and secured in the capsular bag, the IOL 10a may be rotated by an angle θ in a direction 70 or a direction 80 about the center 60a by applying radiation to one or more of the haptic joints 50a to cause a shape change in the PD-LNC. As shown in FIG. 1B, the IOL 10a may also be moved anteriorly (frontward) in the eye in a direction 90 or posteriorly (backward) in the eye in a direction 100. FIG. 1C shows IOL 10a with both haptic joints 50a irradiated, bending the PD-LNC to a bending angle of approximately 40°, and then pushing the IOL backwards (posteriorly) within the eye in direction 100.

[0022] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an IOL 10b including an optic 20b and two haptics 30b attached to the optic 20b or base (not shown). Each of the haptics 30b has an arm 40b and a haptic joint 50b between the arm 40b and the optic 20b. After it is implanted and fixed in the capsular bag, the optic of the IOL 10b can be rotated by an angle θ in a direction 70 or a direction 80 around a center 60b. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, the optic 20b of the IOL 10b can be adjusted forward or backward in the eye in a direction 90 or 100, respectively, by applying radiation to the haptic joint 50b to change its shape to PD-LNC. FIG. 2B also illustrates how the optic 20b may be positioned in the base 110 according to some embodiments of a two-piece IOL.

[0023] 3 is a schematic diagram of another IOL 10c including an optic 20c and three haptics 30c attached to the optic 20c or base (not shown). Each of the haptics 30c has an arm 40c and a haptic joint 50c between the arm 40c and the optic 20c. The haptic joint 50c may attach the haptic 30c to the optic 20c. The IOL also has a center 60c. After it is implanted and secured in the capsular bag, the optic of the IOL 10c can be rotated around the center 60c by an angle θ in a direction 70 or a direction 80 and / or adjusted posteriorly or anteriorly in the eye by irradiating one or more of the haptic joints 50c to change their shape to PD-LNC.

[0024] 4 is a schematic diagram of another IOL 10d including an optic 20d and four haptics 30d attached to the optic 20d or base (not shown). Each of the haptics 30d has an arm 40d and a haptic joint 50d-1 or 50d-2 between the arm 40d and the optic 20d. Each haptic joint 50d-1 or 50d-2 may attach the haptic 30d to the optic 20d or base. The IOL also has a center 60d. After it is implanted and fixed in the capsular bag, the optic of the IOL 10d can be rotated around the center 60d by an angle θ in a direction 70 or a direction 80 and / or adjusted posteriorly or anteriorly in the eye by applying radiation to one or more of the haptic joints 50d-1 and / or 50d-2 to change their shape to PD-LNC. Support joint 50d-1 may be formed from the same PD-LCN as support joint 50d-2 or from a different PD-LCN, for example, support joint 50d-1 may have a different wt% diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer or a different crosslink density than support joint 50d-2, causing the support joints to exhibit different responses to polarized laser radiation.

[0025] 5 is a schematic diagram of another IOL 10e including an optic 20e and two haptics 30e attached to the optic 20e or base (not shown). Both haptics 30e have arms 40e and haptic joints 50e between the arms 40e and the optic 20e. The haptic joints 50e may attach the haptics 30e to the optic 20e. The IOL also has a center 60e. After it is implanted and secured in the capsular bag, the optic 20e of the IOL 10e can be rotated around the center 60e by an angle θ in a direction 70 or a direction 80 and / or adjusted posteriorly or anteriorly in the eye by applying radiation to one or more of the haptic joints 50e to change their shape to PD-LNC.

[0026] 6 is a schematic diagram of another IOL 10f including an optic 20f and two loop-shaped haptics 30f attached to the optic 20f or base (not shown). Each of the haptics 30f has an arm 40f and at least one haptic joint 50f between the arm 40f and the optic 20f. The haptic joint 50f may attach the haptic 30f to the optic 20f. The IOL also has a center 60f. After it is implanted and secured in the capsular bag, the optic 20f of the IOL 10f can be rotated by an angle θ in a direction 70 or a direction 80 around the center 60f and / or adjusted posteriorly or anteriorly in the eye by applying radiation to one or more of the haptic joints 50f to change their shape to PD-LNC.

[0027] 7 is a schematic diagram of another IOL 10g including an optic 20g and two haptics 30g attached to the optic 20g or base (not shown). Each of the haptics 30g, which in this embodiment has a complex 3D structure, has an arm 40g and at least one haptic joint 50g between the arm 40g and the optic 20g. The haptic joint 50g can attach the haptic 30g to the optic. The IOL also has a center 60g. After it is implanted and fixed in the capsular bag, the optic 20g of the IOL 10g can be rotated by an angle θ in a direction 70 or a direction 80 around the center 60g and / or adjusted backward or forward in the eye by irradiating one or more of the haptic joints 50g to change their shape to PD-LNC.

[0028] 1A-7, the entire haptic 30 may be formed from PD-LCN, or only a portion thereof may be formed from PD-LCN. In particular, the haptic joint 50 may be formed from PD-LCN and attached to both the holding portion of the haptic 30, such as the arm 40, and the optic 20 or the base 110. In addition, the haptic 30 or the haptic joint 50 may be formed from multiple types of PD-LCN. For example, the PD-LCN in different portions of the haptic 30 or the haptic joint 50 may have different compositions or crosslink densities to provide different degrees of responsiveness to polarized laser radiation.

[0029] A PD-LCN suitable for use in the present disclosure may be any biocompatible PD-LCN that bends in response to exposure to polarized laser radiation in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, in the range of 457 nm to 514 nm, or in the range of 440 nm to 445 nm, in particular 442 nm, inclusive.

[0030] The PD-LCN may include crosslinked diacrylate liquid crystal monomers and diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomers. The diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomers may be 25 wt% or less, 20 wt% or less, 15 wt% or less, 10 wt% or less, 5 wt% or less, 0.1 wt% to 25 wt, 0.1 wt% to 20 wt, 0.1 wt% to 15 wt, 0.1 wt% to 10 wt, 0.1 wt% to 5 wt, 1 wt% to 25 wt, 1 wt% to 20 wt, 1 wt% to 15 wt, 1 wt% to 10 wt, 1 wt% to 5 wt, 3 wt% to 2 ... In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid may be present in an amount of from 1wt% to 20wt%, 3wt% to 15wt%, 3wt% to 10wt%, 3wt% to 5wt%, 5wt% to 25wt%, 5wt% to 20wt%, 5wt% to 15wt%, 5wt% to 10wt%, 10wt% to 25wt%, 10wt% to 20wt%, 10wt% to 15wt%, 15wt% to 25wt%, 15wt% to 20wt%, or 20wt% to 25wt%, with the ranges between the two amounts being inclusive.

[0031] PD-LCNs with low crosslink density exhibit a more pronounced bending response to polarized laser radiation than PD-LCNs with higher crosslink density. For many IOLs, a more pronounced bending response is desirable to limit the time it takes to induce a response. However, for IOLs where more controlled bending is beneficial, the PD-LCN crosslink density may be higher. In addition, some crosslinking is necessary to form a stable PD-LCN.

[0032] The crosslink density can be affected by the formation conditions, particularly the length of time the monomers are photocured in the presence of each other to induce crosslinking. In addition, the crosslink density can be affected by the molecular weight of the monomer, with lower molecular weight monomers producing higher crosslink density PD-LCNs, all other factors being equal.

[0033] Typically, the crosslink density of the PD-LCN used in the support section 30 or the support section joint 50 is 1.0 mol / dm 3 ~8.0 mol / dm 3 It would be.

[0034] One diacrylate liquid crystal monomer suitable for use in the present disclosure is 4-(3-acryloyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester (also known as 2-methylbenzene-1,4-diylbis{4-[3-(acryloyloxy)propoxy]benzoate}), which has the following structural formula: [ka]

[0035] Diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomers suitable for use in the present disclosure include those having the following structural formula: [ka] In addition to 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene having the formula: 4-heptyl 4'-propyl azobenzene, 4-octyl 4'-propyl azobenzene, 4-cyano 4'-heptyloxyazobenzene, and 4-cyano 4'-octyloxyazobenzene.

[0036] Although PD-LCN is discussed in detail as an example of a photoinduced shape memory polymer network, other photoinduced shape memory polymer networks may be used in the same manner as PD-LCN. For example, photoinduced shape memory polymer networks including one or more crosslinkers other than diacrylates or having different monomers may be used. Additives may be used in photoinduced shape memory polymer networks including PD-LCN. In general, the photoinduced shape memory polymer network only needs to bend in a targeted manner, for example at a targeted bending angle, in response to polarized laser radiation, particularly polarized laser radiation at a certain polarization angle.

[0037] The present disclosure further provides a method 200 for implanting and fitting an IOL, e.g., IOL 10, including a light-induced shape memory polymer network such as PD-LCN, in a patient's eye, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 8. In step 210, the lens (typically the natural lens, but may also be a previously placed IOL) is removed from the capsule. In step 220, the IOL is placed in the capsule. During this step, the surgeon attempts to place the IOL in a selected position, but is not always successful. In step 230, the eye is allowed to heal for a period of time, typically 2-4 weeks. During this period, the IOL may be moved or repositioned within the eye.

[0038] At step 240, a diagnostic eye exam is performed on the patient, typically days, weeks, or months after surgery, to obtain post-operative data. At step 240, biometric data of the eye may be obtained. At step 240, data regarding vision quality, such as refractive error, including simple refractive power measurements or more complex measurements such as astigmatism axis, if appropriate, may also be obtained. Step 240 may also be initiated as an IOL maintenance step, often weeks, months, or years after initial IOL placement.

[0039] At step 250, it is determined whether the patient's quality of vision has improved based at least in part on the post-operative biometric data and information from the diagnostic eye exam, such as post-operative refractive error. For example, the patient may perceive less than optimal refractive power in the eye, or may still perceive astigmatism. The diagnostic eye exam may, for example, measure the refractive power or astigmatism using, for example, a refractometer or aberrometer.

[0040] In step 250, based on the postoperative biometric data and data from a diagnostic ophthalmology test, such as postoperative refractive error, a nomogram may be generated to control the laser to apply polarized laser radiation to a light-induced shape memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, to induce a shape change of the haptics, thereby causing the intraocular lens to translate and / or rotate within the patient's eye, thereby correcting the postoperative refractive error. The nomogram may be used, for example, to specify a bending angle of the light-induced shape memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, and a polarized laser radiation including a polarization angle that achieves the bending angle. Alternatively, a non-nomogram-based algorithm may be used to control the laser in a similar manner. The nomogram may be generated or the non-nomogram-based algorithm may be executed using a programmed computer, which may also receive and store data from a diagnostic ophthalmology test.

[0041] In step 260, polarized laser radiation is applied to at least a portion of the IOL haptics, which include a light-induced shape memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, at a polarization angle and for a time sufficient to bend a portion of the IOL to adjust the position of the IOL within the capsular bag.

[0042] The radiation may be directed at the haptic interface or other portions of the haptics that are accessible to the polarized laser radiation when the pupil of the eye is dilated. Thus, the pupil of the patient's eye may be dilated to allow access to the light-induced shape memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, before the polarized laser radiation is directed at the portions of the IOL haptics that are accessible to the light-induced shape memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN. If the portions of the IOL that are accessible to the light-induced shape memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, are normally covered by the pupil and not exposed to light, the patient may not need to wear protective eyewear after any surgical procedures to implant and reposition the IOL.

[0043] The polarized laser radiation may be provided by any laser capable of providing a wavelength capable of bending a photoinduced shape memory polymer network such as PD-LCN when passed through a polarizing filter. For example, the laser may be a femtosecond or maxima laser. The wavelength may be in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, inclusive, in the range of 457 nm to 514 nm, or in the range of 440 nm to 445 nm, or specifically 442 nm.

[0044] The polarizing filter may be part of the laser or may be otherwise placed between the laser and the eye using appropriate optics.

[0045] The polarization angle may be selected based on the degree of bending of a photoinduced shape memory polymer network such as PD-LCN that is to be achieved. As shown in FIG. 9, a thin strip of PD-LCN may be included in the support and bend to a targeted angle in response to a particular degree of polarized laser radiation. The relationship between the bending angle and the polarization angle tends to be linear. The bending angle response may be determined in part by the crosslink density of the PD-LCN.

[0046] The polarized laser irradiation continues for a length of time specified as appropriate to achieve the target bend angle, for example, 5 minutes or less, 2 minutes or less, 1 minute or less, 0.5 seconds to 1 minute, 0.5 seconds to 2 minutes, 0.5 seconds to 5 minutes, 5 seconds to 1 minute, 5 seconds to 2 minutes, or 5 seconds to 5 minutes, inclusive of the two length ranges. The irradiation may be constant or pulsed.

[0047] The same support may be irradiated multiple times to obtain the correct bend angle, and in addition, while only one support may be irradiated, multiple or all of the supports may be irradiated to achieve multiple adjustments.

[0048] Depending on the physical shape of the haptics being irradiated, which haptics are irradiated with radiation, the location of the haptics within the capsular bag, and the degree of induced bending of the light-induced shape memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, the IOL will move to an adjusted position within the capsular bag.

[0049] For example, when the haptics of an IOL are exposed to laser radiation at a polarization angle that causes the haptics to be pressed against a posterior region of the capsular bag, the IOL is moved axially anteriorly within the capsular bag to a more anterior position in the eye. When the haptics of an IOL are exposed to laser radiation at a polarization angle that causes the haptics to be pressed against an anterior region of the capsular bag, the IOL is moved axially posteriorly within the capsular bag to a more posterior position in the eye. These simple anterior-posterior axial adjustments can change the diopter of the IOL to correct refractive errors.

[0050] More complex IOLs may bend and press into different parts of the capsule or rotate internally to rotate the optics of the IOL a target angle about its center, which can be beneficial, for example, if the patient has astigmatism and the IOL does not align properly with the axis of astigmatism.

[0051] The position, bending angle and polarization angle may be calculated using a computer programmed to access data regarding the eye and the IOL, calculate the effect of the laser irradiation on the bending and position of the IOL optic, and select the proper position and duration of the laser irradiation to achieve the target position of the IOL.

[0052] The location, duration, and in some systems, the placement of the polarizing filter, and therefore the polarization angle, of the laser emission may be implemented using a computer programmed to control the laser, which may be the same computer programmed to calculate how to achieve the target position of the IOL, or may be a separate computer.

[0053] For purposes of this disclosure, a computer includes a processor, a memory, and a communication interface.

[0054] The eye is then allowed to recover for a length of time sufficient to obtain an accurate eye test result, step 270. Typically, the pupil is dilated prior to step 260, and thus the duration may be at least long enough for pupil dilation to subside. For example, the duration may be at least one day or at least one week.

[0055] The process then returns to step 240 to evaluate the patient again to determine whether the actual IOL position is at the target position.

[0056] Although method 200 is described with multiple steps, the present disclosure also includes other methods that include only a portion of these steps, for example, steps 240-260, or steps 250-270.

[0057] After bending, the light-induced shape-memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, will remain in that position indefinitely, thereby making the adjustment using method 200 permanent, unless the IOL shifts due to other causes. However, a light-induced shape-memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, can be easily bent multiple times to different degrees by irradiating the light-induced shape-memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, with laser radiation of different polarization angles. Thus, for example, if the IOL optic is moved too far forward in the eye in step 260, the same haptic may be irradiated with laser radiation of a different polarization angle to bend it to a lesser degree, effectively moving the IOL optic back in the eye.

[0058] The present disclosure further includes a surgical system 300 as shown in FIG. 10 for adjusting the position of an IOL, such as IOL 10, within the capsular bag of an eye. System 300 includes a computer 310, which includes a processor 320, a memory 330, and a communication interface 340. System 300 also includes a laser 350, which can provide laser radiation in a suitable range to induce a shape change in the material of the haptics, for example, in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, inclusive, in the range of 457 nm to 514 nm, or in the range of 440 nm to 445 nm, or in particular, 442 nm. System 300 can further include a polarizing filter 360, which can adjust the polarization angle of radiation from laser 350. Polarizing filter 360 can be part of laser 350 or a separate component.

[0059] The computer 310 may include instructions in the memory 330 that, when executed by the processor 320, are transmitted through the communications interface 340 to cause the laser 350 and polarizing filter 360 to apply radiation to a particular portion of the IOL within the capsular bag of the patient's eye to bend the light-induced shape memory polymer network, such as PD-LCN, of the IOL. In particular, the instructions, when executed by the processor 320, may cause the laser 350 and polarizing filter 360 to perform step 260 of the method 200. Additionally, the memory 330 may store instructions for generating an algorithm or nomogram based on the patient's biometric, wavefront, and / or other measurements taken post-operatively, such that the laser 350 applies light to the haptics to reposition the lens, thereby inducing a shape change to correct any residual refractive error and / or toric misalignment.

[0060] The subject matter described above is considered to be illustrative and not limiting, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such improvements, modifications, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, to the maximum extent permitted under law, the scope of the present disclosure is not to be restricted or limited by the above detailed description, as defined by the broadest possible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents. The present disclosure also includes the following inventions. The first aspect is An optical section; At least one support, at least a portion of which comprises a polydomain azo liquid crystal polymer network (PD-LCN); and an intraocular lens (IOL) including: The second aspect is The IOL of a first aspect, wherein the at least one haptic comprises a haptic interface, at least a portion of the haptic interface being formed from PD-LCN. The third aspect is The IOL of the first or second aspect, wherein the at least one haptic is attached to the optic via the haptic interface. The fourth aspect is The IOL of the first or second aspect, further comprising a base configured to hold the optic, the at least one haptic being attached to the base. The fifth aspect is The IOL of any one of the first to fourth aspects, comprising a plurality of haptics, at least a portion of each of the plurality of haptics comprising PD-LCN. The sixth aspect is The IOL according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the PD-LCN comprises a crosslinked diacrylate liquid crystal monomer and a diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer. The seventh aspect is In a sixth embodiment, the IOL comprises 25 wt % or less of a diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer. The eighth aspect is The crosslink density of the PD-LCN is 1.0 mol / dm 3 ~8.0 mol / dm 3 In a sixth aspect, the IOL is The ninth aspect is In a sixth embodiment, the IOL comprises a diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer comprising 4-(3-acryloyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester. A tenth aspect is In a sixth embodiment, the IOL comprises a diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer comprising 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene. An eleventh aspect is A method of adjusting an intraocular lens (IOL), comprising the steps of irradiating a portion of a haptic of the IOL, the portion including a polydomain azo liquid crystal polymer network (PD-LCN), with polarized laser radiation to bend the PD-LCN to a bending angle, thereby pressing against a capsular bag containing the IOL, and adjusting the position of the IOL within the capsular bag. A twelfth aspect is A method according to an eleventh aspect, wherein the wavelength of the polarised laser radiation is in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, inclusive. A thirteenth aspect is The method of the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein the position of the IOL is adjusted axially back and forth. A fourteenth aspect is The method according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, wherein the position of the IOL is adjusted radially by an angle θ. The fifteenth aspect is The method according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects, wherein the irradiated portion of the support including the PD-LCN includes a support joint.

Claims

1. An optical section; a plurality of supports, at least a portion of which comprises a polydomain azo liquid crystal polymer network (PD-LCN); Including, the PD-LCN portion of the haptic is configured to reversibly adjust the position of the optic; An intraocular lens (IOL), wherein the haptics include haptic junctions, and the haptic junctions of two of the haptics have different wt % of diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer or different crosslink densities.

2. The IOL of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the haptic interface is formed from PD-LCN.

3. The IOL of claim 2 , wherein the haptics are attached to the optic via the haptic interfaces.

4. The IOL of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a base configured to hold the optic, the haptics being attached to the base.

5. The IOL of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the PD-LCN comprises crosslinked diacrylate liquid crystal monomers and diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomers.

6. The IOL of claim 5 , wherein the PD-LCN comprises up to 25 wt % diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer.

7. The crosslink density of the PD-LCN is 1.0 mol / dm ３ ~8.0 mol / dm ３ The IOL of claim 5 .

8. The IOL of claim 5 , wherein said diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer comprises 4-(3-acryloyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester.

9. 6. The IOL of claim 5, wherein said diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer comprises 4,4'-bis[6-acryloyloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene.

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