Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens With Switchable UV Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light adjustable lenses (LALs) are prone to unintended optical property modifications due to non-compliance with UV-blocking glasses, leading to uncontrolled adjustments and compromised surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A modulable absorption light adjustable lens (MALAL) with a modulable absorption front protection layer that includes a modulable absorption compound, capable of transforming between high and low absorption states, providing controlled UV protection and allowing for optical adjustments without the need for continuous UV-blocking compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light adjustable lens is implanted to allow post-operative optical adjustments, then the adaptability of the lens is improved, but the risk of unintended optical modifications increases when patients do not comply with UV-blocking glasses
Solution Approach 1:
A front protection layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the external environment and the light adjustable lens. This layer contains a masking compound that mediates the interaction between UV light and the photo-modifiable material, preventing unintended optical modifications while allowing controlled adjustments when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The masking compound in the front protection layer provides preliminary protection by absorbing or blocking UV light before it can reach the photo-modifiable material in the lens. This preliminary anti-action prevents unintended polymerization and optical changes during the critical period when patients may not be wearing UV-blocking glasses
2Reliability
If UV-blocking glasses are required to prevent unintended lens modifications, then the reliability of optical properties is improved, but patient compliance becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The front protection layer with masking compound provides self-service protection that does not depend on patient compliance. The masking compound automatically absorbs or blocks UV light without requiring the patient to wear UV-blocking glasses, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the compliance burden
Solution Approach 2:
The masking compound acts as an intermediary that takes over the UV-blocking function from the patient's external glasses. This transfers the protection responsibility from patient behavior to an integrated component of the lens system itself
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a masking compound is introduced to protect the lens, then the protection against UV exposure is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the front protection layer containing the masking compound, and the main lens body containing the photo-modifiable material. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and understandable
Solution Approach 2:
The front protection layer is constructed as a composite material system combining the masking compound with a suitable matrix or carrier. This composite structure provides the necessary UV-blocking properties while maintaining optical clarity and mechanical integrity
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
Ensures controlled optical adjustments of the LAL by preventing unintended modifications even with accidental UV exposure, enhancing patient comfort and reducing the risk of uncontrolled optical changes.
Implementation Method 1
a modulable absorption compound whose absorption properties can be modulated with a modulating stimulus
Implementation Method 2
a light adjustable lens that is capable of changing its optical properties upon an adjusting irradiation, including a photo-modifiable material
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a modulable absorption light adjustable lens (MALAL) comprise a light adjustable lens that is capable of changing its optical properties upon an adjusting irradiation, including a photo-modifiable material; and a modulable absorption front protection layer, including a modulable absorption compound whose absorption properties can be modulated with a modulating stimulus. Other embodiments include a method of adjusting an optical property of a modulable absorption light adjustable lens, the method comprising: reducing an absorption of a modulable absorption compound of a modulable absorption front protection layer of the MALAL by a modulating stimulus, the MALAL having been previously implanted into an eye; and changing an optical property of a light adjustable lens of the MALAL by applying an adjusting irradiation.