Photoactive Coumarin Polymers for Adjustable Intraocular Lens Refractive Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses for cataract surgery often require post-surgery adjustments due to changes in eye geometry and healing irregularities, leading to suboptimal refractive power and increased risk of complications like endophthalmitis, necessitating the development of optically active devices that can non-invasively adjust refractive power.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel compounds with optimized short-distance packing and flexible polymer structures that undergo efficient photodimerization upon irradiation, allowing for adjustment of optical properties and refractive power of intraocular lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional intraocular lenses are used for cataract surgery, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the refractive power is often insufficient and post-surgery vision aids are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the intraocular lens refractive power adjustable after implantation through photochemical reactions. The lens transitions from a static optical element to a dynamic one that can change its refractive index in response to light irradiation, allowing post-surgical optimization of vision without additional interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the refractive index of the lens material through photochemical transformation. The coumarin-containing polymer undergoes photodimerization upon irradiation, changing its molecular structure and consequently its refractive index, enabling precise adjustment of the lens optical power to match patient-specific requirements
2Reliability
If the refractive power of the implanted lens is far from required power, then further surgery is required, but this increases healing risks and complication chances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating photoactive coumarin moieties into the lens material during manufacturing, preparing the lens in advance to undergo refractive power adjustment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for secondary corrective surgeries, as the lens can be optimized non-invasively after implantation through light irradiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical intervention system with a photochemical adjustment system. Instead of performing additional mechanical surgeries to correct refractive errors, the invention uses light-induced photochemical reactions to modify the lens properties, thereby eliminating surgical complications associated with repeat operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If coumarin derivatives are used for photodimerization, then refractive power can be adjusted, but the compounds are too stiff and brittle to be implanted by micro-incision methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining coumarin photoactive moieties with polymer matrices in a composite lens structure. This composite approach integrates the optical adjustability of coumarin derivatives with the mechanical flexibility of polymers, creating a material that possesses both photoresponsiveness and sufficient elasticity for micro-incision implantation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating coumarin functional groups at specific locations within the polymer structure rather than using bulk coumarin derivatives. This localized functionalization allows the lens material to maintain overall polymer flexibility while providing discrete photoactive sites for refractive power adjustment
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
The novel compounds enable non-invasive adjustment of refractive power in intraocular lenses, reducing the need for post-surgery vision aids and minimizing complications by providing a flexible and efficient photoreaction mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The irradiation induces a photochemical reaction, converting unsaturated coumarin moieties to cyclobutane dimers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel compounds, particularly to compounds comprising a photoactive unit, said novel compounds being particularly suitable for compositions and ophthalmic devices as well as to compositions and ophthalmic devices comprising such compounds.