Blended Extended Depth of Focus Light Adjustable Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses (IOLs) face challenges in achieving optimal uncorrected visual acuity post-cataract surgery due to inaccuracies in IOL power determination, post-operative refractive errors, and limited options for adjusting astigmatism and presbyopia, leading to suboptimal distance and near vision correction.
Innovation Solution
Development of Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs) that can be transformed post-operatively into aspheric optical elements, allowing for precise adjustment of optical properties through a modifying composition that polymerizes in response to external stimuli, enabling correction of spherical and cylindrical refractive errors and induction of targeted asphericity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional IOL power determination methods are used, then the surgical procedure is simple, but the uncorrected visual acuity and refractive outcome are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL incorporates a light-adjustable polymer composition that enables dynamic modification of optical properties post-implantation. The lens transitions from a static optical element to a dynamically adjustable one through photopolymerization, allowing refractive power and astigmatic correction to be tuned after surgery based on actual visual outcomes and patient needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the refractive index and optical power parameters of the IOL by controlling the degree of photopolymerization. By exposing the lens to UV light with specific patterns and durations, the refractive index of the polymerized regions increases, thereby adjusting the lens power and astigmatic correction precisely without requiring surgical intervention.
2Measurement precision
If IOL exchange procedures are performed to correct refractive errors, then optimal vision can be achieved, but the surgical risk and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL performs self-adjustment of its optical properties through non-invasive UV light exposure. The patient undergoes a simple outpatient procedure where UV light is applied to the lens to modify its refractive power, eliminating the need for complex surgical exchange procedures and their associated risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The IOL is pre-designed with a light-adjustable polymer composition that enables post-implantation modification. This preliminary preparation allows the lens to be adjusted after implantation to achieve optimal refractive correction, avoiding the need for risky exchange surgeries.
3Ease of operation
If toric IOLs with fixed axis alignment are used, then astigmatism correction is provided, but the axis cannot be adjusted if it shifts post-operatively
Solution Approach 1:
The toric IOL incorporates a light-adjustable mechanism that allows dynamic modification of the cylindrical power and axis orientation post-implantation. If the lens axis shifts or if astigmatic correction needs optimization, UV light can be applied to adjust the refractive properties without requiring surgical repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables feedback-based adjustment of astigmatic correction. After implantation, the patient's visual outcome is assessed, and if needed, UV light is applied to the lens to fine-tune the cylindrical power and axis alignment, creating a closed-loop system for optimizing astigmatism correction.
4Device complexity
If spherical IOLs are used, then the lens design is simple, but the depth of focus is limited and cannot accommodate presbyopia
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical IOL incorporates a light-adjustable polymer that enables dynamic modification of spherical aberration and focal properties. By controlling the degree and pattern of photopolymerization, the lens can be transformed from a simple spherical design to one with extended depth of focus or multifocal properties, accommodating presbyopia without complex pre-designed optical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the spherical IOL by inducing controlled photopolymerization. This modifies the refractive index distribution within the lens, enabling extension of depth of focus or creation of multifocal properties while maintaining the simple spherical base design.
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 approach provides an increased depth of focus, allowing patients to see both distance and near objects clearly through the same lens, overcoming limitations of existing IOLs in accommodating presbyopia and astigmatism corrections.
Implementation Method 1
The modifying composition is capable of polymerization upon exposure to a stimulus such as heat or light
Implementation Method 2
allowing for precise adjustment of optical properties through a modifying composition that polymerizes in response to external stimuli
Data Source
AI summary
A Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) comprises a central region, centered on a central axis, having a position-dependent central optical power, and a peripheral annulus, centered on an annulus axis and surrounding the central region, having a position-dependent peripheral optical power; wherein the central optical power is at least 0.5 diopters different from an average of the peripheral optical power, and the central axis is laterally shifted relative to the annulus axis. A method of adjusting the LAL comprises implanting a LAL; applying a first illumination to the LAL with a first illumination pattern to induce a position-dependent peripheral optical power in at least a peripheral annulus, centered on an annulus axis; determining a central region and a corresponding central axis of the LAL; and applying a second illumination to the LAL with a second illumination pattern to induce a position-dependent central optical power in the central region of the LAL.