Intraocular Lens Surface Topology for Haptic Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) face adherence issues between the haptic and optic zones due to similar surface roughness, leading to difficulties in separation during implantation, potentially requiring extended waiting times or surgical intervention, which can increase the risk of eye damage.

Innovation Solution

Manufacturing IOLs with distinct surface topologies for the haptic and optic zones, where the haptic zone has a higher surface roughness or different geometry than the optic zone, creating a space for lubrication fluid retention and reducing adherence, allowing for easier insertion and minimizing the risk of haptic adherence during implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the haptic zone is manufactured with the same surface roughness as the optic zone, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the haptic adheres to the optic zone during implantation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidhaptic separation from optic zone

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different surface roughness values to different zones of the intraocular lens. The optic zone maintains a first surface roughness optimized for visual clarity, while the haptic zone is given a second surface roughness that differs from the first, specifically reducing adhesion to the optic zone. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing simplified manufacturing (both zones are still machined from the same pin) while preventing haptic-optic adherence through localized surface property modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If the haptic adheres to the optic zone, then the lens structure is stable, but the surgeon cannot easily separate them during implantation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens structural stabilityVSAvoidhaptic separation during surgery

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent differentiates surface properties between the haptic zone and optic zone to achieve contradictory requirements in different locations. The optic zone maintains smooth surfaces for visual function, while the haptic zone has modified surface roughness that reduces adhesion. This allows the lens to remain structurally stable as a unified component while enabling easy haptic separation from the optic zone during surgical implantation through localized surface characteristic modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the surgeon waits for the haptic to separate from the optic zone, then separation occurs naturally, but the surgical time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural separation occurrenceVSAvoidsurgical waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the surface roughness parameter of the haptic zone to differ from the optic zone surface roughness. This parameter change reduces the adhesive forces between the haptic and optic zone, enabling natural separation to occur rapidly or immediately during surgical manipulation rather than requiring extended waiting periods. The modified surface parameter maintains reliable separation while eliminating time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If the surgeon uses tools to pull the haptic away from the optic zone, then separation is achieved, but the risk of eye damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic separation capabilityVSAvoideye damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by modifying the haptic zone surface roughness before implantation to prevent strong adhesion to the optic zone. This pre-modification counteracts the potential harmful effect of strong bonding that would require forceful surgical intervention. By reducing adhesion forces in advance through surface roughness modification, the need for aggressive separation tools and techniques is eliminated, thereby preventing potential eye damage while maintaining separation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 distinct surface topologies facilitate easier separation of haptics from the optic zone, reducing the time required for separation and minimizing the risk of eye damage during lens implantation by preventing adherence, thus enhancing the surgical efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

creating a space for lubrication fluid retention and reducing adherence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS9089419B2System to reduce surface contact between optic and haptic areas

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 ALCON INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide an intraocular lens with an optic zone having a first surface topology and a haptic zone having a second surface topology. The surface roughness of the haptic zone may be greater than the surface roughness of the optic zone. The surface topology of the optic zone may have a first surface geometry and the surface topology of the haptic zone may have a second surface geometry. The first and second surface geometries may retain lubrication fluid in a space formed therein. The haptics formed by the manufacturing process may have a reduced ability to adhere to the optic zone, such as when the lens is folded or advanced through a cannula.