Intraocular Lens Outer Support Structure Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intraocular lenses (IOLs) have limited accommodative capabilities, leading to presbyopia, where patients struggle to focus on near objects, and existing solutions do not adequately enhance accommodation.
Innovation Solution
The design of an intraocular lens with an optic, an outer support structure, and intermediate members that allow for angular motion between the support structure and the optic in response to the ciliary muscle, utilizing weakened regions to facilitate accommodation by converting radial forces into axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional IOLs are used to restore vision, then vision is restored, but accommodative capability is limited leading to presbyopia
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL design incorporates dynamic elements including the capsular bag's natural elasticity and ciliary muscle interaction that enable the lens to change shape and position in response to accommodation demands, transforming a static lens into a dynamic system that adapts focus distance
Solution Approach 2:
The IOL is divided into functional segments: the optic portion for light focusing, the haptics for capsular bag engagement, and the connection mechanisms that enable independent movement of these segments, allowing the optic to move axially while haptics remain engaged with the capsular bag
2Adaptability or versatility
If IOLs are designed with accommodation ability through shape change or axial movement, then presbyopia is addressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL design leverages the eye's own natural structures and mechanisms—the capsular bag's elasticity and the ciliary muscle's contraction—to provide accommodation, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex actuation mechanisms while achieving the desired accommodation function
Solution Approach 2:
The haptics serve as intermediary elements that transmit forces between the capsular bag and the optic, enabling the capsular bag's natural movements to be converted into axial displacement of the optic while maintaining structural connection
3Stability of the object's composition
If the outer support structure is made rigid to support the optic, then structural stability is improved, but accommodative movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The outer support structure exhibits local quality variations with rigid portions providing structural stability and support, while incorporated weakened regions or flexible segments allow localized deformation and movement, enabling the structure to maintain overall stability while permitting necessary accommodative motion
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
Enhances accommodative capabilities, allowing for improved focusing on both distant and near objects, effectively addressing presbyopia by enabling effective axial movement of the optic within the capsular bag.
Implementation Method 1
The weakened regions are configured to allow relative motion between the outer support structure and the first intermediate member in response to the ciliary muscle of the eye. In certain embodiments, the relative motion is an angular motion between the first intermediate member and the outer support structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~8B
Figure 8C~8D
AI summary
An intraocular lens (300) for insertion into the capsular bag of an eye contains an optic (302), an outer periphery, and an outer support structure (304). The optic has a periphery and centered about an optical axis. The outer periphery is disposed about the optic and configured to engage an equatorial region of the capsular bag of an eye. The outer support structure is disposed along the periphery and spaced from the optic with voids outer support structure and the optic. The intraocular lens further comprises a first intermediate member ( 308) and a weakened region (310) disposed along the outer periphery between the outer support structure and the first intermediate member. The first intermediate member operably couples the optic and the outer support structure. The weakened region is attached to and configured to provide relative motion between, the outer support structure and the first intermediate member in response to the ciliary muscle of the eye.