Foldable Intraocular Lens With Multi-Hinged Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lenses (IOLs) require large incisions for implantation due to their rigid material, leading to trauma and potential need for second lenses if optical properties are not matched, and previous foldable lenses were not optically stable after compression.
Innovation Solution
A foldable intraocular lens with multi-hinged haptics and a soft plastic optic that can be compressed to a diameter of about 10 mm, allowing insertion through a smaller incision, and featuring angulated haptic/optic planes to prevent vaulting and maintain optical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PMMA material is used for IOL, then optical characteristics and tissue compatibility are improved, but incision size must be large due to rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid PMMA to flexible silicone, enabling the IOL to be folded and inserted through smaller incisions while maintaining optical properties. The flexibility parameter is modified to allow compression to 10mm diameter for insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The IOL is designed to transition from a folded dynamic state during insertion to an unfolded stable state after implantation. The multi-hinged haptics enable controlled unfolding and positioning within the eye while maintaining optical stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If foldable lens is used to reduce incision size, then trauma is reduced, but optical stability after compression is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic is divided into multiple segments connected by hinges, allowing progressive unfolding and stabilization. The multi-hinged design enables the haptic to flex during insertion then stabilize after implantation, maintaining optical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The IOL combines silicone material for the optic with multi-hinged haptic structures, creating a composite design that achieves both flexibility for insertion and stability for optical performance. The gusset and widened portion provide structural support while maintaining foldability.
3Ease of operation
If haptic is made thinner for smaller incision, then ease of insertion is improved, but mechanical strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic transitions from a thin flexible state during insertion to a strengthened configuration after unfolding. The multi-hinged structure allows the haptic to be thin enough for small incisions but gains mechanical strength through its unfolded, positioned configuration within the eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic is pre-formed with hinges and widened portions that will unfold and position themselves automatically after insertion. The preliminary hinge formation allows the structure to be thin during insertion but provides strength once unfolded in the target position.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved multifocal design for IOL is provided. A particular embodiment includes an intraocular lens (200, 300, 400, 500) with a foldable optic (206, 306, 406, 506). The IOL also includes multi-hinged haptics (202, 302, 402, 502) coupled to the foldable optic operable to position the IOL within an eye. Each of the multi-hinged haptics includes a first hinge and a second hinge farther from the foldable optic. The first hinge has a first thickness between an anterior side and a posterior side of the multi-hinged haptic, the second hinge has a second thickness between the anterior side and the posterior side of the multi-hinged haptic, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method to correct the visual impairment of an aphakic patient by implanting such an IOL.