Adjustable Optical Power Intraocular Lenses Using Fluid Volume Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single-power intraocular lenses (IOLs) often require replacement due to improper fit or changes in the eye over time, leading to increased healthcare costs and inconvenience for patients.

Innovation Solution

Adjustable power intraocular lenses (APIOLs) that can change optical power in situ through non-invasive activation of volume control elements, using shrinking or swelling elements to adjust the volume of a transport substance within the lens, thereby altering its optical power without surgical intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional single-power IOLs are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost is low, but the optical power cannot be adjusted after implantation requiring potential replacement surgery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of optical powerVSAvoidstructure of IOL
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL incorporates a fluid lens component that can dynamically change its optical power by altering the volume of fluid within the lens. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the IOL to adapt to changing眼部 conditions over time without requiring replacement surgery, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adjustable versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of fluid volume within the lens to adjust optical power. By controlling the volume of fluid in the fluid lens component, the system can modify refractive power continuously, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to multiple fixed-power lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If single-power IOLs are implanted, then initial cost is low, but healthcare costs increase due to potential replacement surgeries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-term suitability of IOLVSAvoidtime for replacement surgery
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid lens enables long-term reliability by allowing power adjustment in response to changing眼部 conditions. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for replacement surgery even if the initial power setting becomes unsuitable, thereby reducing both time loss and healthcare costs associated with surgical replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The IOL system provides self-adjustment capability through the fluid lens mechanism, allowing the lens to adapt to changing conditions without requiring external surgical intervention. This self-service feature reduces the need for patient involvement in replacement procedures and minimizes time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If fixed optical power is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but patient convenience deteriorates due to potential need for replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience for patientVSAvoidmechanism for adjusting power
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid lens component provides ease of operation by enabling power adjustment without requiring patient surgery or complex manual intervention. The dynamic fluid volume control allows for convenient adaptation to changing visual needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that integrates smoothly into the eye.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

APIOLs provide the ability to adapt to the specific power required by the patient post-implantation, reducing the need for replacement surgeries and enhancing patient convenience and reducing healthcare costs.

Implementation Method 1

volume control elements configured to change the volume of a transport substance within the lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOsmosis: Osmosis

Implementation Method 2

The container can comprise a water permeable material... The optical fluid in the container can comprise an oil having a refractive index greater than that of the aqueous humor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4205702B1Adjustable optical power intraocular lenses
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SHIFAMED HLDG LLC
  • EP4205702B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4205702B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4205702B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present technology is directed to an adjustable power intraocular lens comprising a container, an optical fluid in the container, and a transport substance in solution with the optical fluid. The container has an optical component and a peripheral component extending around at least a portion of the optical component. The optical component has an anterior optical element, a posterior optical element, and a fluid chamber having a chamber volume between the anterior optical element and the posterior optical element. The transport substance is configured to pass through the container. The adjustable power intraocular lens further comprises volume control elements in the container. The volume control elements are configured to be activated by anoninvasive energy and upon activation release the transport substance into the optical fluid to decrease the chamber volume and/or absorb the transport substance from the optical fluid to increase the chamber volume.