Capsular Bag-Sparing Modular Intraocular Lens Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lens (IOL) systems require manipulation of the capsular bag for adjustment or replacement, which risks damage to the capsular bag and increases over time due to tissue ingrowth and capsular bag collapse.
Innovation Solution
A modular IOL system comprising an annular base with radially extending haptics and a lens with actuatable and non-actuatable tabs, allowing for adjustment or exchange of the lens while keeping the base in place, facilitated by injector devices for sequential or simultaneous delivery of the base and lens components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lens is manipulated for adjustment or replacement, then the optical result can be corrected or modified, but the capsular bag is at risk of damage and the difficulty increases over time due to tissue ingrowth and capsular bag collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The intraocular lens is divided into two separate components: a base that remains implanted in the capsular bag and a lens that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the lens to be adjusted or replaced without touching the capsular bag, thereby eliminating the risk of damage while maintaining the ability to correct optical results.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is extracted from the traditional single-piece design and separated from the base that interfaces with the capsular bag. This extraction allows the lens to be removed and replaced through a different access route (e.g., through the pupil) without manipulating the capsular bag, thus reducing the risk of damage to this delicate structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lens is manipulated for adjustment or replacement, then the optical result can be corrected or modified, but the difficulty and risk increase over time due to tissue ingrowth and capsular bag collapse
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the IOL into a permanent base and a replaceable lens, the invention enables optical corrections to be made without compromising the integrity of the capsular bag over time. The base remains stable and anchored, while the lens can be exchanged as needed without increasing risk to the capsular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is extracted from the capsular bag environment for replacement, avoiding contact with the collapsing and tissue-ingrown capsular bag. This extraction approach maintains reliability by preventing further damage to the capsular bag while still allowing optical adjustments to be made years after implantation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular IOL system is used, then flexibility for refractive adjustments is provided intra-operatively or post-operatively, but the device complexity increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is segmented into a base and lens component, which provides the flexibility for refractive adjustments by allowing the lens to be exchanged. While this increases the number of components, the base remains simple and permanent, and only the lens requires replacement, thus balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different lens types (e.g., monofocal, multifocal, toric) through standardized attachment mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows various refractive corrections to be achieved using the same base, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability for different clinical needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular IOL systems including a base and a lens, wherein the lens includes fixed and actuatable tabs for connection to the base. The modular IOL allows for the lens to be adjusted or exchanged while leaving the base in place, either intra-operatively or post-operatively. Drug delivery capabilities and/or sensing capabilities may be incorporated into the base. Injector devices may be used to facilitate placement of the base and the lens sequentially or simultaneously into the eye.