Accommodative Intraocular Lens Capsular Bag Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses (IOLs) lack a mechanism to ensure a tight connection between the capsular bag and the lens system, preventing effective accommodation and requiring patients to use spectacles or contact lenses for near vision after cataract surgery.
Innovation Solution
An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) with an outer shell, valve, and force transfer assembly that promotes bonding with the capsular bag, allowing shape changes in response to ciliary muscle movement, incorporating surface modifications and mechanical structures to enhance adhesion and mechanical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monofocal IOL is used to replace the natural lens, then the lens stability and transparency are improved, but the accommodative function is lost requiring additional vision correction
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL incorporates a movable lens element that can shift position within the capsular bag in response to ciliary muscle contraction. This dynamic mechanism allows the lens to change its optical power from distance to near focus, restoring accommodative function while maintaining the stability and transparency of an artificial lens
2Adaptability or versatility
If bladder or bag-like IOLs are used to provide accommodation, then the lens flexibility and pliability are improved, but the connection between capsular bag and lens system is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is divided into distinct functional components: a capsular bag interface structure, a movable lens element, and a positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the interface structure ensures stable connection to the capsular bag while the lens element maintains flexibility for accommodation
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized interface structure acts as an intermediary between the rigid capsular bag and the flexible lens element. This intermediary component transmits forces from the ciliary muscle effectively while maintaining stable connection, solving the problem of insufficient force transmission in previous designs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the natural lens is removed for cataract surgery, then the transparent vision is restored, but the multifocal accommodation mechanism is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL design copies the essential functional characteristics of the natural lens - specifically its ability to change shape and position in response to ciliary muscle activity. By replicating this accommodation mechanism in an artificial lens, the design restores multifocal capability while eliminating the cataractous lens
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 provides a robust mechanical connection and increased accommodative change in optical power, enabling the lens to focus on both near and far objects without additional vision correction.
Implementation Method 1
an outer shell, a valve, and a force transfer assembly that promotes bonding with the capsular bag
Implementation Method 2
a force transfer assembly in the outer shell adapted to transfer forces from the capsular bag to change the shape of the filled outer shell
Implementation Method 3
The valve is configured to permit injection of a fill material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) adapted for implantation into a capsular bag includes an outer shell, a valve, and a force transfer assembly. The outer shell includes at least one surface modification on at least a periphery of the outer shell to promote bonding with the capsular bag. The valve is configured to permit injection of a fill material. The force transfer assembly in the outer shell is adapted to transfer forces from the capsular bag to change the shape of the filled outer shell in response to changes in capsular bag shape.