Intraocular Lens Telescope Integration for Macular Degeneration
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lenses with telescopes for correcting macular degeneration are complex in structure, difficult to manufacture, and limited in functionality due to separate lens elements and stiff design, making them unsuitable for small incision implantation and providing inadequate visual field adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An intraocular lens with a one-piece telescope integrated into an optically imaging element, reducing positional tolerances and complexity, and featuring a convex-concave design with a high refractive index material for improved magnification and flexibility, allowing for easier implantation through small incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate lens elements are used for the telescope assembly, then the telescope can be constructed with multiple components, but the structure becomes extremely complex and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate lens elements into a single integrated optically active element. The telescope function is achieved through different optical zones within this single element, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and their complex assembly, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining telescope functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optically active element serves multiple functions: it provides both the telescope magnification function and the intraocular lens focusing function. Different zones of the element perform different optical functions, making one component universally responsible for multiple optical tasks that previously required separate elements.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate lens elements with gas filling are used, then the telescope can be assembled, but the positioning of lens elements becomes extremely difficult and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple lens elements into a single monolithic optically active element, the patent eliminates the assembly process entirely. The precise positioning that was difficult to achieve through assembly is inherently guaranteed because all optical zones are fixed relative to each other within the single element structure.
3Reliability
If the intraocular lens has large thickness and rigid construction, then the telescope structure is stable, but the lens cannot be folded and is unsuitable for small incision implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible haptic element that can be folded for implantation through small incisions. The optically active element is integrated into this flexible structure, allowing the entire lens to be compressed and folded without compromising the stability of the optical zones relative to each other during the implantation process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the optical component is formed only by the telescope, then the telescope function is achieved, but the patient's vision is compromised for specific types of incoming light and the field of view is restricted by holding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The optically active element provides multiple optical functions simultaneously: the telescope zones provide magnification for macular degeneration patients, while other zones provide standard focusing functions. This multi-functionality ensures comprehensive visual correction without the limitations of a single-function telescope design.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically active element is divided into different optical zones, each responsible for specific functions. Some zones provide telescope magnification while others provide standard intraocular lens functionality, allowing the system to handle different types of incoming light appropriately and expand the effective field of view beyond what a single telescope design could provide.
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 one-piece design enhances imaging properties, improves field of view adjustment, and facilitates implantation in small incisions, providing a more effective and precise visual correction for macular degeneration with reduced flexural rigidity and undesirable light beam deflections.
Implementation Method 1
the optical part has an optically imaging element and a telescope... the complete telescope is formed in one piece and integrated into the optical imaging element
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an intraocular lens (1) comprising an optical part (2) and an adjoining haptic part (3), the optical part (2) having an optical imaging element (5) and a telescope (6), the entire telescope (6) being integrally formed and being integrated in the optical imaging element (5).