Hydrogel IOL Refractive Index Tuning via Photosensitizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses (IOLs) cannot be effectively adjusted post-implantation to correct vision errors due to fixed power and positioning issues, leading to a need for corrective lenses in many patients after cataract surgery.
Innovation Solution
A method using a laser to modify the refractive index of an optical, hydrogel polymeric material in IOLs by irradiating predetermined regions with a femtosecond laser, facilitated by a photosensitizer, allowing for the formation of refractive structures that can correct optical aberrations and adjust the lens's power post-surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed power IOL is implanted, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the patient requires corrective lenses after surgery due to inability to adjust for vision errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-power IOL into a dynamic system by incorporating a light-sensitive polymer matrix that can change its refractive index in response to UV light exposure. This allows the lens power to be adjusted post-implantation without requiring surgical intervention, thereby maintaining surgical simplicity while adding post-operative adaptability for vision correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the refractive index parameter of the IOL material through photo-induced polymerization. By controlling the degree of polymerization via UV light exposure, the lens power can be precisely adjusted to correct various refractive errors, transforming a fixed-parameter device into one with可调 parameters.
2Productivity
If the first polymer matrix is made loose to accommodate larger RMC components, then diffusion is easier, but the structural integrity and optical precision of the lens is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous or networked polymer matrix structure that provides controlled pathways for RMC diffusion while maintaining overall structural integrity. The porosity is optimized to allow sufficient diffusion of larger RMC components without compromising the lens's optical precision or mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system consisting of the polymer matrix and dispersed RMC components. This composite structure allows the matrix to provide structural support while the RMC components facilitate refractive index adjustment, achieving both diffusion capability and optical precision through material composition rather than matrix looseness.
3Productivity
If laser scan rate is increased to reduce processing time, then productivity improves, but the precision of refractive structure formation decreases without photosensitizer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a photosensitizer as an intermediary substance that mediates the energy transfer from laser to polymer matrix. The photosensitizer absorbs laser energy and facilitates photo-induced polymerization, enabling precise refractive index modification even at high scan rates where direct laser-matrix interaction would be insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical absorption parameters of the polymer matrix by incorporating photosensitizer molecules with specific absorption characteristics. This allows the material to respond efficiently to laser irradiation at high speeds, maintaining precision through enhanced light-matter interaction rather than slower processing.
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
Enables the correction of vision errors and adjustment of IOLs to match individual patient needs, reducing the reliance on corrective lenses by modifying the refractive index of the lens material, thereby improving visual acuity and depth of field.
Implementation Method 1
the optical, hydrogel polymeric material comprises a photosensitizer. The presence of the photosensitizer permits one to set a scan rate to a value that is at least fifty times greater than a scan rate without the photosensitizer in the material
Implementation Method 2
irradiating predetermined regions of the optical, hydrogel polymeric material with a laser to form refractive structures
Implementation Method 3
A method using a laser to modify the refractive index of an optical, hydrogel polymeric material in IOLs by irradiating predetermined regions with a femtosecond laser
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical, hydrogel polymeric material. The method comprises irradiating predetermined regions of an optical, polymeric material with a laser to form refractive structures. To facilitate the formation of the refractive structures the optical, hydrogel polymeric material comprises a photosensitizer. The presence of the photosensitizer permits one to set a scan rate to a value that is at least fifty times greater than a scan rate without the photosensitizer in the material, yet provides similar refractive structures in terms of the observed change in refractive index. Alternatively, the photosensitizer in the polymeric material permits one to set an average laser power to a value that is at least two times less than an average laser power without the photosensitizer in the material, yet provide similar refractive structures.