Intra-corneal Arch Implants for Refractive Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia, are limited in their ability to effectively alter the curvature of the cornea, especially in cases where the cornea is too thin for further LASIK procedures, and there is a need for improved corneal implants that can manipulate the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of corneal arches, inserted into the cornea in a specific pattern determined by a guidance program, to alter the curvature of the anterior and posterior surfaces, with the arches comprising a peripheral base, central tip, and arched portion, and optionally a circumferential implant with notched superior face to mate with radial implants, all implanted using femtosecond laser-assisted incisions or manual techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If LASIK procedure is used to flatten the cornea for myopia correction, then the corneal curvature is reduced and refraction is improved, but the cornea becomes thinner and cannot withstand further procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intra-corneal implant as an intermediary device that is inserted into a pocket created within the corneal stroma. This implant acts as a mediator to reshape the cornea from the inside without removing corneal tissue, thereby correcting refractive errors while preserving corneal thickness and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ablation system of LASIK (which removes tissue) with a mechanical insertion system that places an implant into a pre-formed pocket. This substitution allows for corneal reshaping through internal support rather than external tissue removal, maintaining corneal integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If corneal rings are inserted to correct astigmatism by exerting outward forces, then the meridian curvature is unified, but the procedure becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the corneal implant into multiple arches or segments that are inserted into separate pockets within the corneal stroma. This segmentation allows for precise control over the force distribution and curvature modification, enabling customized astigmatism correction while minimizing overall invasiveness through targeted treatment zones.
3Manufacturing precision
If a thick inlay is used to alter corneal curvature, then the refractive power is increased, but the biomechanics of the cornea are significantly affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the thickness, curvature radius, and material properties of the intra-corneal implant. By adjusting these parameters, the implant can provide the necessary refractive power while minimizing disruption to corneal biomechanics. The implant thickness is optimized to be sufficient for refractive correction but thin enough to preserve corneal stability.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple inlays are inserted to achieve desired corneal shape, then the refractive error correction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal intra-corneal implant that can be configured in different patterns and arrangements to address various refractive errors including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The implant system is multi-functional, allowing a single basic design to serve multiple correction purposes by adjusting the number, arrangement, and curvature of individual arches, thereby reducing the need for completely different implant types for different conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides intra ocular implants and methods of using same to treat various refraction errors in a patient's eye.