Hydrophilic IOL Calcification Reduction via Fluorescent Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrophilic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are prone to calcification, leading to clouding and the need for replacement, with existing methods failing to reliably reduce this propensity without adding chemicals or using expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of fluorescent structures within or on the polymer articles, specifically by irradiating or heating the polymers, which reduces the calcification propensity without adding chemicals or requiring expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrophilic polymers are used for intraocular lenses to improve biocompatibility, then biocompatibility is improved, but calcification propensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of the polymer through irradiation or heating to generate fluorescent structures. This changes the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer without altering its hydrophilic nature, thereby maintaining biocompatibility while reducing calcification propensity through the introduction of fluorescent moieties that inhibit calcium phosphate deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent structures as intermediary elements within the polymer matrix. These fluorescent structures act as mediators that interfere with the calcification process by binding to calcium ions or altering the local chemical environment, thereby preventing calcific deposit formation while preserving the hydrophilic properties of the polymer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical additives are used to reduce calcification, then calcification propensity is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by using the polymer itself as the source of calcification resistance. Through irradiation or heating, the polymer generates fluorescent structures intrinsically without requiring external chemical additives. This self-modifying capability reduces process complexity and eliminates the need for additional chemical handling while effectively reducing calcification propensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes chemical addition methods with physical treatment methods (irradiation or heating). Instead of adding chemicals to reduce calcification, the patent uses physical energy input to generate fluorescent structures within the polymer, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing device complexity while achieving the same calcification resistance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If expensive equipment is used to reduce calcification, then calcification propensity is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cheap short-living objects by using readily available irradiation sources or heating apparatuses that can be easily implemented in standard manufacturing environments. Instead of requiring expensive specialized equipment, the patent utilizes common physical treatment methods that can be performed with inexpensive, easily replaceable equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while effectively reducing calcification propensity.
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 method significantly reduces the calcification propensity of hydrophilic IOLs by at least 50%, as demonstrated by in vitro tests, and can be applied to a large number of articles in a short time.
Implementation Method 1
generating one or more fluorescent structures in or on the article, wherein the article comprises one or more polymers, wherein one or more of the polymers comprises an acrylic structural motive
Implementation Method 2
generating one or more fluorescent structures in or on the article... by irradiating or heating the polymers
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing the calcification propensity of polymer articles is disclosed. The method comprises effecting a blueish fluorescence of the polymers by irradiation with UV light and/or heating the polymers, in particular hydrophilic polymers for intraocular lenses.