Intraocular Lens Crosslinker Composition for Adjustable Unfolding Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses (IOLs) lack adjustable unfolding times, necessitating surgeons to rely on their experience to estimate deployment times, which can lead to suboptimal outcomes due to fixed material properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of two crosslinkers with different chain lengths in a polymerizable composition to adjust the unfolding time of IOLs by varying their molar ratio, while maintaining other properties constant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard polymeric materials for ophthalmology are used, then the IOL has typical material properties, but the unfolding time is fixed and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the molar ratio of two different crosslinkers (with different chain lengths) in the polymerizable composition to adjust the unfolding time of the IOL. By changing the composition parameters (crosslinker ratio) rather than using completely different materials, the unfolding time can be tailored while maintaining other material properties relatively constant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining two different crosslinkers (first crosslinker with shorter chain length and second crosslinker with longer chain length) in a single polymerizable composition. This composite approach allows the IOL to exhibit adjustable unfolding time characteristics while maintaining structural integrity and other necessary material properties.
2Speed
If the unfolding time is made shorter, then the deployment is faster, but the capsular bag may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables control of unfolding speed by adjusting the molar ratio of crosslinkers in the composition. Surgeons can select a crosslinker ratio that provides an optimal unfolding time - fast enough for efficient surgery but slow enough to avoid capsular bag damage, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and harmful effects.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the unfolding time is made longer, then the capsular bag is protected, but the surgeon cannot assess and correct the IOL position in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by allowing surgeons to adjust the unfolding time parameter through selection of appropriate crosslinker ratios. The unfolding time can be extended to protect the capsular bag when needed, or shortened to allow adequate assessment time, depending on the specific surgical requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different polymeric materials are used to change unfolding time, then the unfolding time is adjusted, but other relevant properties of the IOL are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the molar ratio of crosslinkers within a controlled range (e.g., 1:4 to 4:1) while using the same base polymeric material. This approach allows unfolding time adjustment through compositional parameter variation rather than material substitution, thereby maintaining consistency in other critical IOL properties such as optical characteristics and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials with similar properties (two crosslinkers with different chain lengths but comparable chemical structures) to adjust unfolding time. By selecting crosslinkers that are chemically similar, the patent minimizes changes to other material properties while achieving the desired unfolding time variation.
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 tailored unfolding times for IOLs, allowing surgeons to select the optimal deployment time based on their preferences and patient needs, without significantly altering mechanical and optical properties.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing the composition to form the intraocular lens or a preform thereof
Implementation Method 2
at least a first and a second crosslinker, wherein the first and second crosslinkers have a generic formula A1 - (B) q - A2
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method and compositions for the production of polymers for intraocular lenses which have an adjustable unfolding time. The unfolding time is adjusted by varying the ratio of two crosslinkers having different chain lengths. Other properties of the intraocular lenses remain essentially unaltered when adjusting the unfolding time.