Adjustable Intraocular Lens Composite for Post-Op Power Tuning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lens (IOL) surgeries often result in unsatisfactory refractive outcomes due to incorrect pre-operative biometry measurements, post-operative changes in the eye, or aggressive healing responses, necessitating a solution for post-implant adjustment without additional surgery.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable intraocular lens with a composite material comprising an energy-absorbing constituent and expandable components, allowing for power adjustments through external energy, such as laser light, to change the lens power without being responsive to capsular bag forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable intraocular lens with expandable components and energy-absorbing constituents is implemented, then post-operative adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating expandable components that alter the optical power of the intraocular lens through volume expansion. The lens power can be adjusted by changing the volume of the expandable components, which are activated by external energy sources such as laser light or radiofrequency energy, allowing post-operative refinement of refractive outcomes without requiring additional surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining energy-absorbing constituents (such as carbon black or other photothermal agents) with the lens material and expandable components. This composite structure enables selective activation of the expandable components through external energy delivery, providing a mechanism for controlled post-operative adjustment while maintaining biocompatibility and structural integrity
2Manufacturing precision
If the optic portion is made responsive to external energy for power adjustment, then refractive error correction is improved, but responsiveness to capsular bag forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional zones within the intraocular lens structure. The optic portion contains energy-absorbing constituents concentrated in specific regions to enable localized power adjustment, while other portions of the lens maintain traditional biocompatible materials that respond naturally to capsular bag forces. This spatial differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of adjustable refractive power and physiological responsiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the intraocular lens into functionally distinct components: an optic portion with energy-absorbing constituents for active power adjustment, expandable components for volume control, and haptic portions for capsular bag engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the optic portion responding to external energy for refractive correction while the haptic portions maintain responsiveness to capsular bag forces for proper positioning
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
Enables precise and non-invasive post-operative adjustment of IOL power, addressing refractive errors without the need for additional surgical interventions, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The peripheral portion can comprise a composite material comprising an energy absorbing constituent and a plurality of expandable components. A base power of the optic portion can be configured to change in response to an external energy directed at the composite material.
Implementation Method 2
The expandable components can be expandable microspheres. Each of the expandable microspheres can comprise a blowing agent contained within a thermoplastic shell. A thickness of the thermoplastic shell can be configured to change in response to the external energy directed at the composite material.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Disclosed are adjustable intraocular lenses and methods of adjusting intraocular lenses post-operatively. In one embodiment, an adjustable intraocular lens can comprise an optic portion and a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion can comprise a composite material comprising an energy absorbing constituent and a plurality of expandable components. A base power of the optic portion can be configured to change in response to an external energy directed at the composite material.