Asymmetric Intraocular Lens Accommodation Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intraocular lenses, such as monofocal and multifocal lenses, face challenges in providing clear vision over a broad range of distances due to limited accommodation and optical aberrations like astigmatism, coma, and spherical aberration, which affect visual acuity and overall visual quality.
Innovation Solution
The development of an intraocular lens with an asymmetric design that includes a haptic structure and adjustable optic zones, allowing for asymmetric deformation in response to ocular forces to enhance accommodative effect and optical benefits, thereby providing a range of powers for near and distance vision, and compensating for anatomical asymmetry and optical aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a monofocal IOL with a single focal length is used, then the lens structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the accommodation range is limited and visual acuity over a broad range of distances is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL optic is divided into multiple zones with different optical powers: a central zone for distance vision and a surrounding annular zone for near vision. This segmentation allows the lens to provide multiple focal points simultaneously, enabling both distance and near vision without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and accommodation range.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens optic are assigned different optical properties: the central zone has one focal length optimized for distance vision, while the annular zone has a different focal length optimized for near vision. This local differentiation of optical quality allows the lens to provide broad accommodation range while maintaining a simple fixed-focus structure that is easy to manufacture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multifocal lens with different foci is used, then the accommodation range is improved, but visual acuity and overall visual quality are reduced due to optical aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The lens provides different optical qualities in different zones: the central zone is optimized for distance vision with minimal aberrations, while the annular zone provides near vision capability. By locally optimizing each zone rather than applying a uniform multifocal design across the entire lens, visual acuity is maintained in the central viewing area while still providing extended accommodation range through the annular zone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an accommodating IOL that adjusts axial position and shape is used, then the accommodation range is enhanced, but the device complexity increases and the amount of ocular force required exceeds available force from the ciliary muscle
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is segmented into multiple optical zones with predetermined focal lengths, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms. The haptic structure is also segmented into multiple arms that can be selectively engaged with the capsular bag to provide stable positioning without requiring complex shape-changing mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining extended accommodation range.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens design utilizes the natural anatomy and forces of the eye (capsular bag, ciliary muscle) to maintain lens positioning and orientation. The haptic structure is designed to be passively engaged by the capsular bag, allowing the eye's own structures to serve the function of lens support and stabilization, thereby eliminating the need for active adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an accommodating IOL is used, then the accommodation range is improved, but optical aberrations such as astigmatism, coma, and spherical aberration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens design optimizes different zones for different functions: the central zone is designed with optical quality optimized for minimal aberrations in distance vision, while the annular zone provides near vision capability. By locally optimizing each zone rather than applying a uniform design, the lens reduces optical aberrations in the central viewing area while still providing extended accommodation range through the annular zone.
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
This solution enables improved accommodative vision by increasing the range of accommodation and reducing optical aberrations, providing clear vision across various distances with enhanced visual acuity and quality, closely mimicking natural vision.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustable optic is adapted to be deformed when subjected to a compressive ocular force
Implementation Method 2
The haptic is adapted to apply, in response to a uniform annular compressive ocular force, a first compressive force to a first portion of the adjustable optic and a second compressive force to a second portion
Implementation Method 3
The intraocular lens is asymmetric in at least one aspect that concentrates deformation of the adjustable optic to enhance the accommodative effect or for other optical benefits
Data Source
AI summary
An intraocular lens for providing a range of accommodative vision, an extended depth of focus, or enhanced performance through the asymmetric transfer of ocular forces to the lens. The intraocular lens contains an optic and a haptic. The shape and/or material of the haptic results in the transmission of ocular forces to particular regions in the optic. Greater forces applied to particular regions result in deformation of that region and increased power.