Accommodating Intraocular Lens Shape-Changing Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intraocular lenses (IOLs) fail to provide sufficient axial lens spatial displacement and shape change to achieve adequate accommodation for near vision, due to the loss of natural structures during cataract surgery.
Innovation Solution
An accommodating intraocular lens device with a stabilization haptic, a lens body containing a sealed chamber with optical fluid, and a shape changing membrane that bows outward to increase curvature, allowing for axial movement and shape deformation to mimic natural accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional IOL is 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 achieve adequate accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The lens body is divided into multiple functional components: a shape-changing membrane for curvature adjustment, a deformable portion for axial displacement, and a static element for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens incorporates dynamic elements including the shape-changing membrane that can alter its curvature, the deformable portion that can displace axially, and the force translation arm that converts ciliary muscle movement into lens shape change and position adjustment, enabling the lens to adapt its optical properties.
2Shape
If the shape changing membrane bows outward to increase curvature, then accommodation for near vision is achieved, but the sealed chamber containing optical fluid must maintain fixed volume while accommodating shape changes
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-changing membrane is a flexible thin film that can bow outward to increase curvature while containing the optical fluid. The membrane's flexibility allows it to change shape without requiring volume changes in the sealed chamber, as the membrane itself accommodates the shape transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fluid within the sealed chamber acts as an intermediary that transmits force from the deformable portion to the shape-changing membrane. When the deformable portion displaces axially, it pressurizes the optical fluid, which then pushes against the shape-changing membrane to induce curvature changes without requiring the membrane to directly contact the actuation mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If force translation arm moves relative to the lens body upon ciliary structure movement, then accommodation is achieved, but the stabilization haptic must remain positioned within the eye to prevent excessive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a stabilization haptic for positional stability and a force translation arm for shape-changing actuation. The stabilization haptic remains engaged with the ciliary sulcus to anchor the lens, while the force translation arm is free to move relative to the lens body to convert ciliary muscle movement into optical shape changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization haptic and force translation arm are integrated into a single lens assembly, combining the functions of positional stabilization and shape-changing actuation in one device. This merging allows the lens to simultaneously maintain stable positioning while enabling accommodation through relative movement of its components.
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 device enables repeated switching between accommodation and disaccommodation, providing focusing power for both distance and near vision by mechanically interacting with eye tissues, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional IOLs.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fluid in the sealed chamber to press against the inner surface of the shape changing membrane and causes outward bowing of the shape changing membrane
Implementation Method 2
a shape changing membrane configured to outwardly bow in a region surrounding the optical axis of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an intraocular lens device for treatment of an eye including a shape changing membrane configured to outwardly bow in a region surrounding the optical axis of the eye. The lens device also includes a force translation arm configured to move upon movement of the ciliary structure.