Intraocular Lens Membrane Surface Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of accommodative intraocular lenses (AIOLs) is challenging due to the difficulty in achieving high optical performance with complex support structures and differing material properties between the optic and support structure, leading to deformation and compromised optical quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a thin membrane or film over the base optic, which is carefully configured to minimize shrinkage and enhance optical performance, allowing for superior surface quality and optical performance, including the provision of multifocal, aspheric, or chromatic correcting optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex support structure is used to enable optic movement and shape change in AIOLs, then the ability to provide accommodation is improved, but the optical performance and surface quality deteriorate due to deformation and material property differences
Solution Approach 1:
The intraocular lens is divided into separate components: an optic made of soft material for shape change, and a support structure made of stiffer material for force transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining materials with different mechanical properties - a soft optic material (e.g., hydrogel or silicone) that can deform readily, and a stiffer support structure material that efficiently transfers ocular forces. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between needing softness for shape change and stiffness for force transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optic material is made soft to enhance shape change ability, then the accommodation function is improved, but the structural stability and force transfer efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is segmented into an optic portion and a support structure portion, allowing the optic to be made soft for shape change while the support structure is made stiffer for force transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens have different material properties optimized for their local function: the optic region uses soft, deformable material while the support structure region uses stiffer, more stable material. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between softness and strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional molding processes are used for AIOL fabrication, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but optical performance deteriorates due to surface deformation from shrinkage and processing
Solution Approach 1:
A thin membrane is applied to the optic surface before final molding or processing steps. This preliminary action protects the surface from deformation during subsequent shrinkage and processing, ensuring high optical quality is maintained throughout manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin membrane acts as a protective cushion applied beforehand to prevent surface deformation during molding and processing. This beforehand protection compensates for the inherent surface distortion that would otherwise occur during traditional fabrication processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
An ophthalmic lens (100) for providing enhanced vision includes a finished optic (105) comprising a base optic (115) and a shell (135). The base optic has an anterior surface (120) and an opposing posterior surface (125), at least one of the surfaces having a first value of a surface quality parameter. The shell includes a membrane (140, 150) including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface covering one or more of the surfaces of the base optic. The outer surface has a second value of the surface quality parameter, wherein the second value is greater than the first value.