Intraocular Lens Proofed Surface Blocks Fluid Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses tend to form reflective spots due to water sorption and diffusion, leading to visual disturbances and compromised mechanical and optical properties, with existing solutions affecting biocompatibility and bulk properties.
Innovation Solution
A proofed surface is created on the intraocular lens using hydrogen peroxide gas plasma treatment, preventing fluid diffusion and maintaining bulk properties, which inhibits the formation of reflective spots without altering the lens's chemical structure or composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the chemical structure and composition of the lens material are altered to reduce vacuoles or control water content, then the formation of reflective spots is reduced, but the mechanical and optical properties and biocompatibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a proofed surface layer only at the surface region of the intraocular lens, while the bulk material maintains its original chemical structure and composition. This localized treatment prevents water sorption at the surface where it would cause reflective spots, without altering the bulk properties that determine mechanical strength, optical characteristics, and biocompatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is segmented into two distinct regions: a proofed surface layer and an unmodified bulk material. The proofed surface layer has different properties (resistant to water sorption) compared to the bulk material (maintains original mechanical and optical properties), allowing each region to fulfill its specific function independently.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If coating or grafting is applied to prevent water sorption, then reflective spots are reduced, but the device complexity and biocompatibility may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The proofed surface layer is formed through a plasma treatment process that modifies the surface chemistry of the lens material itself, creating a hydrophobic surface without requiring additional coating materials or grafting processes. The lens material serves its own surface modification needs, eliminating the complexity of applying separate coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma treatment process, which could be seen as an additional manufacturing step, actually simplifies the overall device by creating a permanent surface modification that eliminates the need for separate coating layers. The treatment converts the surface properties in situ, reducing device complexity while achieving the desired water sorption resistance.
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 proofed surface effectively reduces or eliminates reflective spots, maintaining optical and mechanical properties, improving clinical performance and preserving biocompatibility, while allowing for unchanged bulk properties and transparency.
Implementation Method 1
A proofed surface is created on the intraocular lens using hydrogen peroxide gas plasma treatment
Implementation Method 2
The proofed surface functioning as barrier to the fluid diffusion inside the material and within the vacuoles
Implementation Method 3
controls fluid sorption and diffusion inside the polymer matrix
Implementation Method 4
The proofed surface of intraocular lenses is a highly stable re-assembled surface without any coating or grafting
Implementation Method 5
Water particles are able to enter into vacuoles of the polymeric matrix thereby changing the refractive index of the lens at those points
Implementation Method 6
The proofed surface of intraocular lenses is a highly stable re-assembled surface without any coating or grafting
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for an intraocular lens with a proofed surface are disclosed. The proofed surface functions as a barrier to fluid diffusion inside the material and within vacuoles. By preventing the interstitial filling of fluid, the formation of spots inside the polymer matrix is inhibited or reduced. The proofed surface of the intraocular lenses is a highly stable re-assembled surface without any coating or grafting.