Accommodating Intraocular Lens With Fluid-Membrane Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intraocular lenses (IOLs) fail to provide sufficient accommodation for near vision after cataract surgery due to the loss of natural structures that facilitate lens shape change, and existing piggyback lenses are non-accommodating.
Innovation Solution
An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) with a lens body containing an accommodating membrane, annular element, and force translation arms that interact with ciliary structures to effect lens shape change, utilizing a sealed chamber filled with optical fluid to achieve power adjustments through mechanical interaction with eye tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional IOLs are implanted after cataract surgery, then the crystalline lens matrix is completely lost and capsular sac integrity is reduced, but the IOL cannot provide sufficient axial lens spatial displacement or lens shape change to provide adequate accommodation for near vision
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is divided into multiple functional segments: a capsular support ring that interfaces with the capsular bag, an optical element for vision correction, and an accommodation mechanism with movable components. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while collectively providing accommodation capability that was lost in conventional IOLs.
Solution Approach 2:
The IOL incorporates dynamic elements including a shape-changing membrane and movable optical components that can alter the lens configuration in response to ciliary muscle contraction. This dynamic capability enables the IOL to provide accommodation by changing axial position and shape, directly addressing the limitation of static conventional IOLs.
2Reliability
If piggyback lenses are used to correct refractive error, then additional refractive correction can be achieved, but the lenses are non-accommodating and do not restore natural focusing ability
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL design integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides refractive correction through its optical element, accommodation through its shape-changing mechanism, and structural support via the capsular support ring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate piggyback lenses while restoring natural focusing ability, achieving both refractive correction and accommodation capability simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the capsular sac shrink-wraps around the IOL, then the IOL is secured in position, but the zonule complex may be damaged and ciliary muscles may atrophy, reducing accommodation potential
Solution Approach 1:
The capsular support ring acts as an intermediary structure that distributes the mechanical load between the capsular bag and the IOL. This intermediary component secures the IOL in position while minimizing stress concentration on the zonule complex, thereby maintaining zonule integrity and ciliary muscle function necessary for accommodation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The AIOL enables dynamic focusing across a wide range, providing ±3 diopters of power change and maintaining optical stability, restoring accommodation functionality to the eye post-surgery.
Implementation Method 1
Inward movement of the shape deformation membrane can cause the optical fluid in the sealed chamber to press against the inner surface of the accommodating membrane
Implementation Method 2
an accommodating membrane with a perimeter region and a surface configured to outwardly bow
Data Source
AI summary
An accommodating intraocular lens device for treatment of an eye having a lens body; internal support; stabilization system; and force translation arm. The lens body includes an accommodating membrane, an annular element, a static element, and a fixed volume of optical fluid filling a sealed chamber of the lens body. The annular element coupled to the perimeter of the accommodating membrane has a shape deformation membrane configured to undergo displacement relative to the perimeter region. The sealed chamber is formed by inner surfaces of the accommodating membrane, shape deformation membrane, and static element. The force translation arm has a first end operatively coupled to the shape deformation membrane and a free end available and configured to engage a ciliary structure of the eye. The force translation arm is moveable relative to the lens body to cause inward movement of the shape deformation membrane. Related methods, devices, and systems are provided.