Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens with Modulable UV Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light adjustable lenses (LALs) are prone to unwanted optical property changes due to UV exposure from 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, is integrated into the lens to prevent unintended UV exposure and maintain optical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light adjustable lens is implanted to allow post-implantation optical adjustment, then the lens can be optimized for the patient's visual needs, but the lens becomes vulnerable to unintended UV exposure that causes uncontrolled optical changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a UV-absorbing compound into the lens material before implantation. This compound proactively absorbs UV radiation that would otherwise cause unintended photopolymerization and optical changes, thereby preventing harmful effects before they occur while allowing the lens to remain adjustable through controlled visible light exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-absorbing compound acts as an intermediary between the UV radiation and the photopolymerizable monomers/macromers in the lens. It selectively absorbs UV wavelengths to prevent direct interaction between UV light and the polymerizable components, thereby mediating the energy transfer and protecting the lens from uncontrolled optical changes while permitting controlled adjustment through visible light
2Reliability
If patients are instructed to wear UV-blocking glasses continuously, then unintended lens modifications are prevented, but patient compliance becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by embedding UV-absorbing compounds directly into the lens structure, enabling the lens to autonomously protect itself from UV damage without requiring external intervention from the patient. The lens material itself becomes the protective agent, eliminating the need for patients to remember to wear UV-blocking glasses and thereby solving the compliance issue
3Reliability
If the lens material is made highly absorbing to block UV radiation, then protection from unintended exposure is improved, but the lens transparency and optical clarity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating UV-absorbing properties in a specific front surface layer or region of the lens rather than uniformly throughout the entire lens. This localized approach provides effective UV protection at the entry point while maintaining the transparency and optical clarity of the bulk lens material, thereby resolving the contradiction between protection and visual quality
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 MALAL ensures controlled optical adjustments by shielding the lens from accidental UV exposure, eliminating the need for strict patient compliance with UV-blocking glasses and maintaining planned optical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the modulable absorption compound is capable of transforming from a high-absorption conformation to a low-absorption conformation upon absorbing a high-to-low modulating stimulus, and from the low-absorption conformation to the high-absorption conformation upon absorbing a low-to-high modulating stimulus
Implementation Method 2
a photo-modifiable material that includes a polymer host matrix, at least one of monomers and macromers, capable of photo-induced polymerization, a photoinitiator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
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.