Modular Intraocular Lens Assembly for In-Place Refractive Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IOL systems require manipulation of the capsular bag for correction or replacement, which risks damage and is undesirable due to potential complications such as posterior rupture, especially as the capsular bag collapses over time.

Innovation Solution

A modular IOL system that allows for lens adjustment or exchange without removing the base, utilizing a base and lens components that can be assembled and disassembled while in place, enabling intra-operative or post-operative modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If IOL removal and replacement is performed to correct optical results, then refractive correction can be adjusted, but risk of capsular bag damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefractive correction adjustmentVSAvoidcapsular bag integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL is divided into two separate components: a base IOL that remains permanently implanted in the capsular bag, and a secondary lens that can be attached to or removed from the base. This segmentation allows optical correction adjustments without manipulating the capsular bag, as only the secondary lens is attached or detached from the anterior surface of the base IOL.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If capsular bag manipulation is performed over time, then IOL replacement becomes possible, but tissue ingrowth and collapse increase damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIOL replacement capabilityVSAvoidtissue ingrowth and capsular collapse

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary lens is designed with attachment features (tabs, slots, or magnetic elements) that enable preliminary preparation for future optical corrections. The base IOL remains undisturbed in the capsular bag while the secondary lens can be attached intraoperatively or even postoperatively, eliminating the need for future capsular bag manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed IOL is implanted, then surgical procedure is simplified, but post-operative optical adjustments become impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical implantation simplicityVSAvoidpost-operative optical adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one where the secondary lens can be attached or detached from the base IOL. This dynamic capability allows the optical system to be adjusted intraoperatively or postoperatively by adding or removing the secondary lens, while maintaining surgical simplicity through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3370645B1Modular intraocular lens designs and tools

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ALCON INC

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AI summary

Modular lOL systems including a base and a lens, wherein the lens includes tabs for connection to the base. The modular lOL allows for the lens to be adjusted or exchanged while leaving the base in place, either intra-operatively or post- operatively.