Intraocular lenses that can be adjusted on the spot

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 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 831,520, filed on April 9, 2019, entitled "IN - SITU ADJUSTABLE INTRAOCULAR LENS" with inventors Xuwei Jiang, Ali Akinay, Jingbo Liu, and Jian Liu, the entire disclosure of which is 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 lens capsule of an eye. The present disclosure further relates to a method of adjusting the position of such an IOL and a system for adjusting the position of an IOL.

Background Art

[0003] The human eye includes a cornea and a lens, which focus light incident on the pupil of the eye onto the retina. However, the eye can exhibit various refractive abnormalities, as a result of which light is not correctly focused onto the retina and vision can be reduced. Over the years, many intervention methods have been developed to correct various eye aberrations. These include glasses, contact lenses, refractive corneal surgeries such as laser - assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or corneal transplantation, and IOLs. IOLs are also used to treat cataracts by replacing the diseased natural lens of a patient's eye. In a typical IOL implantation surgery, the IOL is inserted into the patient's lens capsule and replaces the natural lens.

[0004] Whether implanted for refractive errors or cataract treatment, IOLs may not always be positioned in their target location postoperatively. Furthermore, over time, IOLs may shift within the lens capsule, possibly rotationally, axially, or a combination of both, resulting in them no longer being in their target position. An improperly positioned IOL can negatively impact the patient's visual quality, as its intraocular position affects refractive power and, where applicable, astigmatism correction. Therefore, the target intraocular position of the IOL is used to plan the surgery and select the appropriate IOL for the patient. If the actual position of the IOL deviates from the target position in the surgical plan, postoperative outcomes may not be optimal. [Overview of the project]

[0005] This disclosure provides an intraocular lens (IOL) comprising an optical portion and at least one support portion, at least in part, formed from a poly-domain azo liquid crystalline polymer network (PD-LCN).

[0006] Unless explicitly mutually exclusive, the Disclosure may be combined with each other or with any other part of the Disclosure in any combination, and in more detail, it further provides the following: i) At least one support portion may include a support joint portion, at least a part of which is formed from PD-LCN. ii) At least one support may be attached to the optical unit via a support joint, iv) The IOL further includes a base for holding the optical section, and at least one support may be attached to the base. v) The IOL may include multiple support parts, at least a portion of each of which may be formed from PD-LCN. vi) Each support portion may include a support joint portion, at least a part of which may be formed from PD-LCN. vii) PD-LCN may contain a crosslinked diacrylate liquid crystal monomer and a diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer. viii) PD-LCN may contain 25 wt% or less of diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer. ix) The crosslinking density of PD-LCN is 1.0 mol / dm 3 ~8.0 mol / dm 3 It is fine to be that way, x) The diacrylate liquid crystal monomer may contain 4-(3-acryloyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester, xi) Diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer is 4,4'-bis[6-acrylopropyl alcohol It often contains hexyl oxyazobenzene, xii) The diacrylate liquid crystal monomer may contain 4-(3-acryloyloxyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester, and the diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer may contain 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene.

[0007] The disclosure further provides an ophthalmic device comprising a base including an aperture configured to receive the optical portion of an intraocular lens, and at least one support connected to the base, wherein at least a portion of the at least one support includes a photo-induced shape-memory polymer network structure.

[0008] Unless explicitly mutually exclusive, the Disclosure may be combined with each other or with any other part of the Disclosure in any combination, and in more detail, it further provides the following: i) The photo-induced shape memory polymer network structure may include a polydomain azo liquid crystal polymer network structure (PD-LCN), ii) At least one support portion may include a support joint portion, at least a part of which may be formed from a photo-induced shape memory polymer network structure. iii) At least one support may be attached to the optical unit via a support joint, iv) At least one support may include a plurality of support parts, each of which at least a portion may be formed from a photo-induced shape memory polymer network structure. v) PD-LCD may contain a crosslinked diacrylate liquid crystal monomer and a diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer. vi) PD-LCN may contain 25 wt% or less of diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer. vii) The crosslinking density of PD-LCN is 1.0 mol / dm 3 ~8.0 mol / dm 3 It is fine to be that way, viii) The diacrylate liquid crystal monomer may contain 4-(3-acryloyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester, ix) Diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomers often contain 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene. x) The diacrylate liquid crystal monomer may contain 4-(3-acrylooxyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester, and the diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer may contain 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene.

[0009] This disclosure may include a method for adjusting an IOL or ophthalmic device. The IOL or ophthalmic device may be any of the IOLs or ophthalmic devices described above or in any part of this disclosure. The method may include the step of irradiating a portion of the support of the IOL or ophthalmic device with radiation, the support comprising a photo-induced shape memory polymer mesh structure such as PD-LCN, and the photo-induced shape memory polymer mesh structure such as PD-LCN is bent to a certain bending angle by polarized laser radiation, thereby pressing the IOL or ophthalmic device in which it is positioned against the lens capsule, and adjusting the position of the IOL or ophthalmic device within the lens capsule.

[0010] In more detail, the Disclosure provides the following, which may be combined with each other or with any other part of the Disclosure in any combination, unless explicitly mutually exclusive: i) Polarized laser radiation may have wavelengths in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, including values ​​at both ends. ii) The position of the IOL may be adjusted forward and backward in the axial direction. iii) The position of the IOL may be adjusted by an angle in the radial direction. iv) The IOL may be in a different position than the target position within the lens capsule, and adjusting the position of the IOL may involve moving the IOL to the target position. v) Irradiation may be performed for a period of 0.5 seconds to 5 minutes, including the values ​​at both ends.

[0011] This disclosure provides a method for correcting refractive errors. The method includes the steps of: implanting an IOL or ophthalmic device in a patient's eye, which includes at least one support, the portion of which includes a photo-induced shape memory polymer mesh structure; acquiring postoperative biometric data about the patient's eye; identifying a postoperative refractive error in the patient's eye; controlling a laser based on the postoperative biometric data and the postoperative refractive error to direct polarized laser radiation onto the photo-induced shape memory polymer mesh structure to induce a change in the shape of the support, thereby generating a calculation chart to cause at least one of translational movement or rotation of the intraocular lens in the patient's eye, thereby correcting the postoperative refractive error; and irradiating the photo-induced shape memory polymer mesh structure with radiation using a laser. The IOL or ophthalmic device may be any IOL or ophthalmic device described above or elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0012] Unless explicitly mutually exclusive, the Disclosure may be combined with each other or with any other part of the Disclosure in any combination, and in more detail, it further provides the following: i) The photo-induced shape memory polymer network structure contains PD-LCN, ii) The polarized laser emission may have a wavelength in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, including the values at both ends. iii) The position of the IOL may be adjusted back and forth in the axial direction. iv) The position of the IOL may be adjusted by an angle θ in the radial direction. v) The irradiation may be performed over a period of 0.5 seconds to 5 minutes, including the values at both ends. vi) The irradiated portion of the support including PD-LCN may include the support joint.

[0013] The present disclosure further provides a surgical system for adjusting the position of an IOL or an ophthalmic device, such as any of the IOLs or ophthalmic devices described above or elsewhere in the present disclosure. The system includes a laser capable of providing laser emission in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, including the values at both ends, a polarization filter capable of adjusting the polarization angle of the emission from the laser, and a computer including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The computer uses the processor to execute instructions stored in the memory, and the instructions are transmitted through the communication interface so that the laser and the polarization filter can irradiate polarized laser emission onto at least a part of the support of the IOL or the ophthalmic device within the capsular bag of the patient's eye. The irradiated portion includes a photoinduced shape memory polymer network structure such as PD-LCN and bends to a certain bending angle in response to the radiation. The instructions may include all or part of any of the methods described above or otherwise disclosed in this specification.

[0014] Unless explicitly mutually exclusive, they may be combined with each other or in any combination with any other part of the present disclosure. In more detail, the present disclosure further provides the following: i) The irradiated portion of the support where the radiation is applied includes the support joint. ii) The laser may include a femtosecond laser or an excimer laser.

[0015] To better understand the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as shown below which illustrate aspects of the present disclosure, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, including where modification is indicated by letters such as 10a, 10b, etc.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic top view of a one-piece IOL having two support portions. [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 in a state where the PD-LNC is 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. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a one-piece IOL having three support portions. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a one-piece IOL having four support portions. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a one-piece IOL having two support portions with a complex structure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a one-piece IOL having two loop-type support portions. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a one-piece IOL having two three-dimensional support portions. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for implanting and adjusting an IOL. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary graph showing the relationship between the PD-LCN bending angle and the polarization angle of laser radiation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a surgical system for adjusting the position of an IOL. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] This disclosure relates to an intraocular lens (IOL) whose position may be adjusted in situ. This disclosure further relates to a method for adjusting the position of such an IOL and a system for adjusting the position of an IOL. In particular, the IOL of this disclosure may include at least one support, at least a portion of which is formed from a photo-induced shape-memory polymer network structure such as a polydomain azo liquid crystal polymer network structure (PD-LCN). The PD-LCN bends in a target direction in response to a specific wavelength of laser radiation of a specific polarization, thereby enabling adjustment of the IOL position in the eye. In addition, the PD-LCN retains its shape, thereby maintaining the adjusted IOL position. Furthermore, the bending of the PD-LCN and therefore the IOL position adjustment are reversible in response to different polarizations of laser radiation.

[0018] The IOLs of this disclosure may be one-piece or modular (e.g., two-piece or three-piece IOLs). Generally, an IOL includes at least one optical element and at least one support element. The support element is positioned on the side of the optical element and helps to hold the IOL in a stable position within the eye. Depending on the design of the IOL, the support element may be integrated with the optical element or directly connected thereto. In some designs, the IOL may also include a separate or integrated base, with the optical element and / or support element integrated with or connected thereto. The base may hold the optical element, and the support element may be attached to the base. The portion of the support element that is attached to the optical element or the base is referred to herein as the support junction. The components of a modular IOL may be inserted individually and assembled within the eye during surgery.

[0019] The entire support, a portion thereof, or only the support joint may be formed from PD-LCN. Some IOLs of this disclosure may include multiple support parts. In such cases, the entire support may include at least a portion formed from PD-LCN. For example, the entire support may have a support joint formed from PD-LCN. In some IOLs having multiple support parts, symmetrically positioned support parts, such as support parts opposite each other or at a 120-degree angle, may have the same arrangement of PD-LCN to allow symmetric adjustment of the IOL's position. In addition, in some IOLs having multiple support parts, groups of support parts, particularly groups whose members are symmetrically positioned, may have different arrangements of PD-LCN to allow the support parts to exhibit different responses to polarized laser radiation, thereby enabling more fine-tuned adjustment of the IOL's position.

[0020] Since any IOL can be improperly positioned, this disclosure is applicable to any type of IOL. Specific IOLs are shown in Figures 1-7, illustrating how PD-LCNs can be used within them. Those skilled in the art can use this disclosure to identify suitable PD-LCNs in many other types of IOLs, in addition to those specifically illustrated.

[0021] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an IOL 10a, including an optical unit 20a and two support units 30a attached to the optical unit 20a and / or a base (not shown). Each support unit 30a has an arm 40a and a support unit joint 50a between the arm 40a and the optical unit 20a. The support unit joint 50a may attach the support unit 30a to the optical unit 20a (or base). The IOL also has a center 60a. After it is implanted in the lens capsule and fixed, the IOL 10a may be rotated by an angle θ in direction 70 or direction 80 around the center 60a by causing a shape change in the PD-LNC by irradiating one or more of the support unit joints 50a. As shown in Figure 1B, the IOL 10a may also be moved forward (anteriorly) in direction 90 or backward (posteriorly) in direction 100 within the eye. Figure 1C shows IOL 10a being pushed posteriorly (backward) in direction 100 within the eye after radiation has been applied to both support joints 50a, bending the PD-LNC to a bending angle of approximately 40°.

[0022] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an IOL 10b including an optical unit 20b and two support units 30b attached to the optical unit 20b or a base (not shown). Each of the support units 30b has an arm 40b and a support unit joint 50b between the arm 40b and the optical unit 20b. After it is implanted and fixed in the lens capsule, the optical unit of the IOL 10b can be rotated by an angle θ in direction 70 or direction 80 around the center 60b. In addition, as shown in Figure 2B, the optical unit 20b of the IOL 10b can be adjusted forward or backward in direction 90 or 100, respectively, by irradiating the support unit joint 50b with radiation to change its shape to a PD-LNC. Figure 2B also shows how the optical unit 20b may be positioned within the base 110 in several embodiments of a two-piece IOL.

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another IOL 10c including an optical section 20c and three support sections 30c attached to the optical section 20c or a base (not shown). Each support section 30c has an arm 40c and a support section joint 50c between the arm 40c and the optical section 20c. The support section joint 50c allows the support section 30c to be attached to the optical section 20c. The IOL also has a center 60c. After it is implanted in the lens capsule and fixed, the optical section of the IOL 10c can be rotated by an angle θ around the center 60c in direction 70 or direction 80, and / or adjusted posteriorly or anteriorly within the eye, by irradiating one or more of the support section joints 50c with radiation to change their shape to PD-LNC.

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another IOL 10d, including an optical section 20d and four support sections 30d attached to the optical section 20d or a base (not shown). Each support section 30d has an arm 40d and a support section joint 50d-1 or 50d-2 between the arm 40d and the optical section 20d. Each support section joint 50d-1 or 50d-2 can attach the support section 30d to the optical section 20d or the base. The IOL also has a center 60d. After it is implanted in the lens capsule and fixed, the optical section of the IOL 10d can be rotated by an angle θ in direction 70 or direction 80 around the center 60d and / or adjusted posteriorly or anteriorly within the eye by irradiating one or more of the support section joints 50d-1 and / or 50d-2 to change their shape into a PD-LNC. The support joint 50d-1 may be formed from the same PD-LCN as the support joint 50d-2, or from a different PD-LCN. For example, the support joint 50d-1 may have a different wt% of diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer, or a different crosslinking density than the support joint 50d-2, so that the support joint exhibits a different response to polarized laser radiation.

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another IOL 10e including an optical section 20e and two support sections 30e attached to the optical section 20e or a base (not shown). Both support sections 30e have an arm 40e and a support joint 50e between the arm 40e and the optical section 20e. The support joint 50e allows the support section 30e to be attached to the optical section 20e. The IOL also has a center 60e. After it is implanted in the lens capsule and fixed, the optical section 20e of the IOL 10e can be rotated by an angle θ in direction 70 or direction 80 around the center 60e and / or adjusted posteriorly or anteriorly within the eye by irradiating one or more of the support joints 50e with radiation to change their shape to PD-LNC.

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another IOL 10f, including an optical section 20f and two loop-shaped support sections 30f attached to the optical section 20f or a base (not shown). Each of the support sections 30f has an arm 40f and at least one support section joint 50f between the arm 40f and the optical section 20f. The support section joint 50f can attach the support section 30f to the optical section 20f. The IOL also has a center 60f. After it is implanted in the lens capsule and fixed, the optical section 20f of the IOL 10f can be rotated by an angle θ in direction 70 or direction 80 around the center 60f and / or adjusted posteriorly or anteriorly within the eye by irradiating one or more of the support section joints 50f with radiation to change their shape into a PD-LNC.

[0027] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another IOL 10g, including an optical section 20g and two three-dimensional support sections 30g attached to the optical section 20g or a base (not shown). In this embodiment, each of the support sections 30g having a complex three-dimensional structure has an arm 40g and at least one support joint 50g between the arm 40g and the optical section 20g. The support joint 50g allows the support section 30g to be attached to the optical section. The IOL also has a center 60g. After it is implanted in the lens capsule and fixed, the optical section 20g of the IOL 10g can be rotated by an angle θ in direction 70 or direction 80 around the center 60g and / or adjusted posteriorly or anteriorly within the eye by irradiating one or more of the support joints 50g with radiation to change their shape to PD-LNC.

[0028] In Figures 1A to 17, the entire support portion 30 may be formed from PD-LCN, or only a portion thereof may be formed from PD-LCN. In particular, the support joint portion 50 may be formed from PD-LCN and attached to both the holding portion of the support portion 30, such as the arm 40, and the optical unit 20 or base 110. In addition, the support portion 30 or the support joint portion 50 may be formed from multiple types of PD-LCN. For example, the PD-LCN of different parts of the support portion 30 or the support joint portion 50 may have different compositions or crosslinking densities to provide different degrees of responsiveness to polarized laser radiation.

[0029] Suitable PD-LCNs for use in this disclosure may be any biocompatible PD-LCNs that bend in response to exposure to polarized laser radiation in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, 457 nm to 514 nm, or 440 nm to 445 nm, including the values ​​at both ends, or particularly 442 nm.

[0030] PD-LCN may contain cross-linked diacrylate liquid crystal monomer and diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer. The diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer 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 25 wt%, 3 wt% It may exist in amounts of t%~20wt%, 3wt%~15wt%, 3wt%~10wt%, 3wt%~5wt%, 5wt%~25wt%, 5wt%~20wt%, 5wt%~15wt%, 5wt%~10wt%, 10wt%~25wt%, 10wt%~20wt%, 10wt%~15wt%, 15wt%~25wt%, 15wt%~20wt%, or 20wt%~25wt%, and the range between two amounts includes the values ​​at both ends.

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

[0032] The crosslink density can be influenced by the formation conditions, particularly the length of photocuring the monomers in their mutual presence to induce crosslinking. In addition, the crosslink density can be influenced by the molecular weight of the monomers; all other factors being equal, monomers with lower molecular weights produce PD-LCNs with higher crosslink density.

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

[0034] One diacrylate liquid crystal monomer suitable for use in this 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] A diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer suitable for use in this disclosure has the following structural formula: [ka] In addition to 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene, which contains the compound, it also includes 4-heptyl4'-propylazobenzene, 4-octyl4'-propylazobenzene, 4-cyano4'-heptyloxyazobenzene, and 4-cyano4'-octyloxyazobenzene.

[0036] While PD-LCN is discussed in detail as an example of a photo-induced shape memory polymer network structure, other photo-induced shape memory polymer network structures may be used in the same manner as PD-LCN. For example, photo-induced shape memory polymer network structures containing one or more crosslinking agents other than diacrylate, or having different monomers, may be used. Additives may be used in photo-induced shape memory polymer network structures including PD-LCN. In general, the photo-induced shape memory polymer network structure only needs to bend as intended in response to polarized laser radiation, particularly polarized laser radiation at a certain polarization angle, for example, to a target bending angle.

[0037] The disclosure further provides a method 200 for implanting and adjusting an IOL, e.g., IOL 10, containing a photo-induced shape-memory polymer network structure such as PD-LCN, into a patient's eye, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 8. In step 210, the lens (typically the natural lens, but may be an IOL previously implanted) is removed from the lens capsule. In step 220, the IOL is set into the lens capsule. During this step, the surgeon attempts to set the IOL in a desired position, but this is not always successful. In step 230, the eye is allowed to heal for a period, typically 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, the IOL may be moved or its position changed within the eye.

[0038] Step 240 involves performing a diagnostic eye examination on the patient, typically several days, weeks, or months after surgery, to obtain postoperative data. Biometric data of the eye may be obtained in Step 240. Data on the quality of vision, such as refractive errors, may also be obtained in Step 240, including simple refractive power measurements or, where appropriate, more complex measurements such as astigmatism axis measurements. Step 240 may also be initiated as an IOL maintenance step, often several weeks, months, or years after the initial IOL placement.

[0039] In step 250, determine, at least partially, whether the patient's quality of vision has improved, based on postoperative biometric data and information from ophthalmoscopy for diagnosis of postoperative refractive errors, etc. For example, the patient may still feel that the refractive power within the eye is suboptimal, or that they still feel astigmatism. For diagnostic ophthalmoscopy, for example, refractive power or astigmatism may be measured using a refractometer or aberration analyzer.

[0040] In step 250, based on postoperative biometric data and data from optometry for the diagnosis of postoperative refractive errors, the laser may be controlled to direct polarized laser radiation onto a photo-induced shape-memory polymer mesh structure such as a PD-LCN, thereby inducing a change in the shape of the support structure, which in turn causes at least one of the translational movement or rotation of the intraocular lens within the patient's eye, and thereby generates a calculation chart for correcting postoperative refractive errors. The calculation chart may be used, for example, to identify the polarized laser radiation including the bending angle of the photo-induced shape-memory polymer mesh structure such as a PD-LCN and the polarization angle that achieves that bending angle. Alternatively, the laser may be controlled in the same way using an algorithm that is not based on a calculation chart. Even if a calculation chart is generated, or if an algorithm that is not based on a calculation chart is programmed into a computer, which may also receive and store data from optometry for diagnosis.

[0041] In step 260, polarized laser radiation at a certain polarization angle and for a sufficient time to bend a portion of the IOL support, which includes a photo-induced shape memory polymer network structure such as PD-LCN, is applied to at least a portion of the IOL support to adjust the position of the IOL within the lens capsule.

[0042] In IOLs containing a photo-induced shape-memory polymer mesh structure such as PD-LCN, the portion irradiated may be the support joint or other portion of the support that can be reached by polarized laser radiation when the pupil of the eye is dilated. Therefore, before irradiating the portion of the IOL support containing the photo-induced shape-memory polymer mesh structure such as PD-LCN with polarized laser radiation, the pupil of the patient's eye may be dilated to allow access to the photo-induced shape-memory polymer mesh structure such as PD-LCN. If the portion of the IOL containing the photo-induced shape-memory polymer mesh structure such as PD-LCN is normally covered by the pupil and not exposed to light, the patient may not need to wear protective eyewear after any surgical procedure to implant or adjust the position of the IOL.

[0043] Polarized laser radiation may be provided by any laser capable of supplying wavelengths that, when passed through a polarizing filter, can bend photo-induced shape memory polymer network structures such as PD-LCNs. For example, the laser may be a femtosecond or a maxima laser. The wavelength may be in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, 457 nm to 514 nm, or 440 nm to 445 nm, or in particular 442 nm, including the values ​​at both ends.

[0044] The polarizing filter may be part of the laser, or it may be placed between the laser and the eye using a suitable optical system.

[0045] The polarization angle may be selected based on the degree of bending of the photo-induced shape memory polymer network structure, such as PD-LCN, to be realized. As shown in Figure 9, a thin strip of PD-LCN, which may be included in the support, bends by a target angle in response to a specific degree of polarized laser radiation. The relationship between this bending angle and the polarization angle tends to be linear. The responsiveness of the bending angle may be partially determined by the crosslinking density of the PD-LCN.

[0046] The polarization laser irradiation continues for a duration determined to be suitable for achieving the target bending angle. For example, the duration may be 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, with the two duration ranges including both ends. The irradiation may be constant or pulsed.

[0047] The correct bending angle may be obtained by irradiating the same support point multiple times. In addition, radiation may be irradiated to only one support point, but multiple or all support points may be irradiated to allow for many adjustments.

[0048] Depending on the physical shape of the irradiated portion of the support structure, which support structure is irradiated with radiation, the position of the support structure within the lens capsule, and the degree of bending induced in the photo-induced shape-memory polymer network structure such as PD-LCN, the IOL moves to a pre-adjusted position within the lens capsule.

[0049] For example, if laser radiation is directed at the support of an IOL with a polarization angle that causes the support to press against the posterior region of the lens capsule, the IOL is moved axially forward within the lens capsule to a more anterior position within the eye. If laser radiation is directed at the support of an IOL with a polarization angle that causes the support to press against the anterior region of the lens capsule, the IOL is moved axially posterior within the lens capsule to a more posterior position within the eye. These simple anterior-posterior axial adjustments can change the diopter of the IOL and correct refractive errors.

[0050] More complex IOLs may be bent and pressed against different parts of the lens capsule, or rotated internally, rotating the optical portion of the IOL around the center by a target angle. This may be beneficial, for example, if the patient has astigmatism and the IOL does not align properly with the astigmatic axis.

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

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

[0053] In the interpretation of this disclosure, a computer includes a processor, memory, and communication interfaces.

[0054] In step 270, the eye is allowed to recover for a sufficient period of time to obtain accurate optometry results. Typically, the pupil is dilated before step 260, and therefore the duration may be at least long enough for the pupillary 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, where the patient is reassessed to determine whether the actual IOL is in the target position.

[0056] Although Method 200 is described in several steps, this disclosure also includes other methods that include only some of these steps, for example, steps 240–260 or steps 250–270.

[0057] After bending, the photo-induced shape memory polymer network structure, such as PD-LCN, remains in its position indefinitely, and thus the adjustment using method 200 becomes permanent unless the IOL shifts due to other causes. However, the photo-induced shape memory polymer network structure, such as PD-LCN, can be easily bent to different degrees multiple times by irradiating it with laser radiation of different polarization angles. Therefore, for example, if the IOL optical part is moved too far forward in step 260, the same support can be irradiated with laser radiation of different polarization angles to bend it to a lesser degree, effectively moving the IOL optical part posteriorly in the eye.

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

[0059] The computer 310 may include in its memory 330 instructions that, when executed by the processor 320, are transmitted via the communication interface 340 to cause the laser 350 and polarizing filter 360 to emit radiation to a specific portion of the IOL within the lens capsule of the patient's eye, thereby bending the photo-induced shape-memory polymer network structure of the IOL, such as the PD-LCN. In particular, when executed by the processor 320, the instructions may cause the laser 350 and polarizing filter 360 to perform step 260 of method 200. In addition, the memory 330 may store instructions for generating algorithms or calculation charts that, based on patient-specific biometric, wavefront, and / or other measurements taken postoperatively, cause the laser 350 to irradiate the support to change the position of the lens, thereby inducing a shape change that corrects any residual refractive errors and / or toric misalignment.

[0060] The subject matter described above is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the accompanying claims shall cover all improvements, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, to the fullest extent possible under the law, the scope of this disclosure is not limited or restricted by the above detailed description, which is specified by the broadest possible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, this disclosure includes the following inventions. The first aspect is, The Department of Optics, At least one support portion comprising a polydomain azo liquid crystal polymer network structure (PD-LCN) in part, It is an intraocular lens (IOL) that includes [a specific component]. The second aspect is, The IOL in the first embodiment includes a support joint, and at least a portion of the support joint is formed from a PD-LCN. The third aspect is, The at least one support portion is an IOL in a first or second embodiment, which is attached to the optical portion via the support portion joint. The fourth aspect is, An IOL in a first or second embodiment further includes a base configured to hold the optical section, wherein the at least one support is attached to the base. The fifth aspect is, An IOL in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, comprising a plurality of support parts, each of which comprises at least a portion of a PD-LCN. The sixth aspect is, The PD-LCN is an IOL in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, comprising a crosslinked diacrylate liquid crystal monomer and a diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer. The seventh aspect is, The PD-LCN is an IOL in the sixth embodiment, comprising 25 wt% or less of a diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer. The eighth aspect is, The crosslinking density of the aforementioned PD-LCN is 1.0 mol / dm 3 ~8.0 mol / dm 3 This is the IOL in the sixth aspect. The ninth aspect is, The aforementioned diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer is an IOL in the sixth embodiment, comprising 4-(3-acryloyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester. The tenth aspect is, The diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer is an IOL in the sixth embodiment, comprising 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy)hexyloxy]azobenzene. The eleventh aspect is, A method for adjusting an intraocular lens (IOL) includes the step of irradiating a part of the support portion of the IOL, which includes a polydomain azo liquid crystal polymer network structure (PD-LCN), with polarized laser radiation to bend the PD-LCN to a certain bending angle, thereby pressing it against the lens capsule containing the IOL, and adjusting the position of the IOL within the lens capsule. The twelfth aspect is, The method in the eleventh embodiment is such that the wavelength of the polarized laser radiation is in the range of 440 nm to 514 nm, including the values ​​at both ends. The 13th aspect is, The position of the IOL is adjusted axially in the forward and backward directions, according to the method in the eleventh or twelfth embodiment. The 14th aspect is, The position of the IOL is adjusted radially by an angle θ, in any one of the 11th to 13th embodiments. The 15th aspect is, The irradiated portion of the support including the PD-LCN is a method according to any one of the 11th to 14th embodiments, wherein the irradiated portion of the support includes the support joint.

Claims

1. In ophthalmic lenses, The aforementioned ophthalmic lens is The Department of Optics, The system comprises a plurality of support parts, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of support parts is equipped with a polydomain azo liquid crystal polymer network structure (PD-LCN), The plurality of support parts comprises at least two support parts having PD-LCNs arranged in different configurations along the length of each of the at least two support parts, for an ophthalmic lens.

2. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 1, wherein at least two support portions having different arrangements of PD-LCNs are configured to adjust the positions of the optical portion in different ways.

3. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 1, wherein the PD-LCN comprises a crosslinked diacrylate liquid crystal monomer and a diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer.

4. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 3, wherein the PD-LCN comprises 25 wt% or less of diacrylate azobenzene liquid crystal monomer.

5. The PD-LCN is 1.0 mol / dm ３ ~8.0 mol / dm ３ An ophthalmic lens according to claim 3, having the crosslinking density.

6. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 3, wherein the diacrylate liquid crystal monomer comprises 4-(3-acryloyloxypropyloxy)-benzoesure 2-methyl-1,4-phenyl ester.

7. The ophthalmic lens according to claim 3, wherein the diacrylate liquid crystal monomer comprises 4,4'-bis[6-acryloloxy(acryloloxy))hexyloxy]azobenzene.

Images