Foldable IOL Copolymer Composition for Stable Refractive Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lens (IOL) materials face challenges such as unpredictable refractive index changes post-implantation, rapid unfolding leading to potential damage, and uncontrolled water sorption causing optical artifacts, while current high refractive index materials are less biocompatible and difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
Development of a novel copolymer comprising aromatic or fused ring structures, hydrophilic monomers, and hydrophobic monomers to create nanoclusters that minimize water sorption and maintain stable optical properties, allowing for high refractive index and controlled unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high water content hydrogel materials are used to achieve softness and flexibility, then the IOL can be folded and inserted through small incisions, but the refractive index becomes too low requiring thicker lens optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite polymer materials combining hydrophilic monomers (for flexibility and foldability) with high refractive index monomers containing aromatic or fused ring structures. This composite approach allows the lens to achieve both softness for small-incision implantation and high refractive index to maintain thin optics, resolving the contradiction between foldability and lens thickness.
2Volume of moving object
If silicone materials are used to achieve higher refractive index, then the IOL optic can be thinner, but the lens unfolds too rapidly after insertion causing corneal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the polymer composition by incorporating specific hydrophilic monomers and crosslinking agents to control the glass transition temperature and mechanical properties. This allows the lens to maintain high refractive index for thin optics while adjusting the unfolding kinetics to be slower and more controlled, preventing corneal endothelium damage during insertion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low glass transition temperature acrylic materials are used to achieve high refractive index and controlled unfolding, then the lens unfolds more slowly, but water absorption causes light reflections and glistenings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydrophobic monomers with aromatic or fused ring structures at specific locations within the polymer matrix to create local regions of high refractive index and water resistance. This local modification allows the bulk material to maintain controlled unfolding while specific regions prevent water absorption and glistenings, resolving the contradiction between unfolding control and optical stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional hydrophobic acrylic materials are used to achieve high refractive index, then the lens maintains optical stability, but phase separation occurs leading to glistenings and poor optical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs copolymerization techniques to create homogeneous distribution of hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and high refractive index monomers throughout the polymer matrix. This homogeneous composition prevents phase separation and glistenings while maintaining high refractive index and optical stability, resolving the contradiction between optical stability and compositional uniformity.
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 copolymer achieves stable optical properties, controlled water absorption, and high refractive index, enabling IOLs that can be folded through small incisions without hydration, reducing surgical complications and improving biocompatibility.
Implementation Method 1
post-implantation hydration of an IOL changes, sometimes unpredictably, the refractive index (RI) of the lens
Implementation Method 2
uncontrolled water sorption leading to optical artifacts like glistenings
Implementation Method 3
Following insertion of the IOL in an eye, the IOL returns to its original, pre-folded shape due to the memory characteristics of the soft material
Implementation Method 4
monomers containing aromatic or fused ring structures to increase RI
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to novel methods and materials particularly useful for ophthalmic applications and to methods for making and using the same. More particularly, the disclosure relates to relatively soft, optically transparent, foldable, high refractive index materials particularly suited for use in the production of intraocular lenses, contact lenses, and other ocular implants and to methods for manufacturing and implanting IOLs made therefrom.