Hydrogel Intraocular Lens with Conic Surfaces for Aberration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses face challenges in accurately replicating the complex optical functions of the natural crystalline lens, particularly in accommodating for varying distances due to spherical aberration and difficulties in adjusting optical properties post-implantation.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel implantable lens with conic section surfaces, designed to mimic the natural lens's shape and properties, featuring a posterior surface that contacts the posterior capsule and an anterior surface that avoids iris contact, utilizing UV-absorbing dopants and activators to adjust refractive index through femtosecond laser-induced depolymerization, creating voids and altering refractive properties in situ.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a spherical lens is used to replace the natural crystalline lens, then the basic optical function is achieved, but spherical aberration occurs causing degraded image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies aspheric surfaces with conic sections (hyperbolic, parabolic, elliptical) to replace the spherical shape of conventional IOLs. This curvature modification eliminates spherical aberration by creating surfaces where rays parallel to the optical axis converge to a single focal point, regardless of their distance from the axis. The aspheric design maintains manufacturability through precision molding techniques while dramatically improving optical quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the natural crystalline lens structure is fully replicated, then accommodation function is achieved, but the lens becomes too complex for current manufacturing and implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces variable refractive index zones within different regions of the lens to simulate the gradient structure of the natural crystalline lens. By creating local optical property variations rather than uniform changes throughout the entire lens, the design achieves accommodation-like functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is manufacturable and implantable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable optical parameters that can be modified after implantation through laser treatment. This dynamic capability allows the lens to adapt its refractive properties post-surgery, providing accommodation functionality without requiring complex mechanical or biological structures during manufacturing and implantation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lens optical parameters are fixed during manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the lens cannot be adjusted to match individual patient needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates UV-absorbing dopants and activators into the lens material during manufacturing, preparing the lens for future adjustment. This preliminary preparation allows the lens to be modified in situ after implantation using femtosecond laser irradiation, combining simple initial manufacturing with later customization capability without requiring complex procedures at either stage.
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 lens achieves improved optical performance by mimicking the natural lens's hyperbolic aberration, enhancing accommodation and focus range, and allows for non-invasive adjustment of refractive properties, reducing spherical aberration and improving vision across distances.
Implementation Method 1
exposure of the fully hydrated hydrogel to electromagnetic radiation results in two-photon absorption which causes one or more structural changes in the hydrogel and a change in the refractive index
Implementation Method 2
utilizing UV-absorbing dopants and activators to adjust refractive index through femtosecond laser-induced depolymerization, creating voids and altering refractive properties in situ
Data Source
AI summary
A bioanalogic implantable ophthalmic lens (“BIOL”) capable of replacing the natural crystalline lens (NCL) in its various essential functions after the NCL having been removed and BIOL implanted into the posterior eye chamber and placed into the capsular bag vacated from the NCL. At least the posterior surface of the lens has a convex shape and is made from a transparent flexible hydrogel material. At least the anterior and posterior optical surfaces are defined by rotation of one or more conic sections along the main optical axis and the surfaces defined by the rotation will include a plane perpendicular to the axis and conical surface symmetrical by the axis. A hydrogel implantable ophthalmic lens whose optical parameters can be optimized and/or customized by a controlled absorption of electromagnetic radiation resulting in a change of the refractive index of the irradiated hydrogel.