Accommodating Intraocular Lens with Lever-Connected Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses (IOLs) either require external correction for near and far vision due to their fixed focal point or suffer from low visual acuity and halos with multifocal designs, and existing accommodating IOLs fail to effectively utilize capsular distention for movement amplification and curvature/thickness changes.
Innovation Solution
An accommodating IOL with a deformable optical part, a soft haptic part, a rigid haptic part, an incomplete rigid inner curving ring, and a soft outer curving ring with angled flaps, allowing for increased accommodation by enabling lens displacement, curvature modification, and thickness changes through the contraction of the ciliary muscle and elastic capsule distention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monofocal IOL is used, then the lens structure is simple and stable, but the visual acuity is limited and external correction is needed for near and far vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing an accommodating IOL that can change its optical properties dynamically. The lens incorporates a mechanism that allows it to shift between different focal points by varying the curvature of its optical surfaces, enabling the lens to adapt from a simple monofocal design to a multifocal configuration as needed, thus improving visual acuity without permanently increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the curvature radius and thickness of the lens optical surfaces to achieve different focusing distances. By dynamically adjusting these physical parameters, the lens can switch between near and far vision correction, eliminating the need for external correction lenses while maintaining a relatively simple single-lens structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multifocal IOL is used, then external correction is avoided, but visual acuity decreases and halos appear around light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a lens that can dynamically switch between monofocal and multifocal modes. Instead of having fixed multiple focal points that cause halos and reduced acuity, the lens can adapt its optical configuration based on viewing distance requirements, providing clear vision at the selected focal point while minimizing optical interference and halo effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the alternating focus mechanism that allows the lens to switch between different focal points in response to accommodation demands. This periodic switching between near and far focus states enables the lens to provide clear vision at the intended focal point during each state, reducing the persistent visual interference and halo effects characteristic of static multifocal lenses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an accommodating IOL is designed with joint mechanics similar to crystalline lens, then the single focal point can vary, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible shells and thin films by incorporating a deformable membrane or elastic layer within the lens structure. This flexible component allows the lens to change curvature and thickness in response to ciliary muscle action, enabling focal point variation through a relatively simple and elegant mechanism rather than complex mechanical assemblies, thus achieving accommodation with minimal increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing the lens to modify its physical dimensions (curvature radius and thickness) in response to accommodation signals. This approach enables focal point variation through controlled changes in lens geometry rather than through complex mechanical reconfiguration, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving the desired adaptability.
4Length of moving object
If the capsular bag is allowed to distend for movement amplification, then lens movement increases, but the stability of the capsular bag decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different mechanical properties within the capsular bag system. The anterior capsule is designed with controlled elasticity to allow distention and amplify lens movement, while the posterior capsule maintains greater stability to preserve overall structural integrity. This spatial differentiation of mechanical properties enables movement amplification without compromising capsular bag stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the elastic modulus and tensile strength parameters of different capsule regions. The anterior capsule is engineered with optimized elasticity to permit controlled distention for movement amplification, while the posterior capsule maintains parameters that ensure stability, thus achieving both increased lens movement and structural stability through parameter optimization.
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
Enhances accommodation capacity by allowing postero-anterior displacement and curvature/thickness changes, maintaining capsular bag tension for improved lens movement and stability, reducing the need for external correction and minimizing visual acuity issues.
Implementation Method 1
the optical part and the soft haptic part are made in a single piece and of an elastically deformable material
Implementation Method 2
allowing for increased accommodation by enabling lens displacement, curvature modification, and thickness changes through the contraction of the ciliary muscle and elastic capsule distention
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an intraocular lens that comprises an optic, haptic and a bending ring, the lens having soft haptics and rigid haptics which are both connected by means of a lever. According to the invention, a softer, outer ring accommodates in the inner geometry thereof an incomplete, rigid, inner bending ring that has bending flanges and accommodates in the geometry thereof the unit formed by the optic and haptics.