Thermoresponsive Intraocular Lens Fixation for Precise Toric Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lenses are difficult to fix accurately in the capsular bag during cataract surgery, particularly when toric optic bodies are used, leading to potential imaging aberrations due to incorrect orientation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a thermoresponsive polymer with magnetic particles in the haptic element, allowing for precise positioning and fixation of the intraocular lens using a magnetic field that alternates with time, changing the haptic element's properties at a transition temperature above 35°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the intraocular lens is inserted into the capsular bag and unfolds, then the haptic element automatically contacts the capsular bag for fixation, but the position and orientation become difficult to correct
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic element transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid fixed state after positioning. The thermoresponsive polymer allows the haptic element to be flexible below transition temperature for easy positioning, then becomes rigid above transition temperature for stable fixation, enabling both correction and stability requirements to be met at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical properties of the haptic element are changed by varying temperature. Below the transition temperature, the thermoresponsive polymer remains flexible allowing position correction. Above the transition temperature, the polymer becomes rigid providing stable fixation. This parameter change enables the system to meet opposing requirements at different operational stages.
2Productivity
If the intraocular lens is fixed quickly in the capsular bag, then the surgery time is reduced, but the position and orientation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surgeon performs positioning adjustments while the haptic element is still flexible (below transition temperature), before triggering the fixation mechanism. This preliminary positioning action allows accurate placement to be made easily, followed by rapid fixation upon heating above the transition temperature, thus achieving both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation process occurs in distinct phases: first the flexible positioning phase below transition temperature, then the rigid fixation phase above transition temperature. This periodic transition allows the surgeon to complete positioning quickly in the first phase, then secure it rapidly in the second phase, achieving both speed and accuracy.
3Reliability
If a toric optic body is used to correct cornea curvature, then the imaging quality is improved, but the orientation requirement becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoresponsive polymer's physical state changes with temperature, allowing the haptic element to be manipulated freely below transition temperature for precise orientation alignment, then locked rigidly above transition temperature to maintain the critical orientation. This enables accurate toric lens positioning without excessive complexity.
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
Enables secure and stable fixation of the intraocular lens in the capsular bag, ensuring correct orientation and reducing imaging aberrations by altering the haptic element's shape, surface area, or bonding force at the transition temperature.
Implementation Method 1
the operator can subject the intraocular lens to a magnetic field that alternates with time. This heats the particles and, as a result of conduction of heat in the haptic element, the thermoresponsive polymer can be heated up to above the transition temperature
Implementation Method 2
as a result of conduction of heat in the haptic element, the thermoresponsive polymer can be heated up to above the transition temperature
Implementation Method 3
the thermoresponsive polymer has a transition temperature and... its physical properties change drastically and discontinuously with temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an intraocular lens having an optic body and a haptic element including a thermoresponsive polymer having a transition temperature and particles that are magnetic and/or magnetizable. The disclosure additionally relates to a treatment apparatus including the intraocular lens and a magnet set up to subject the intraocular lens to a magnetic field that alternates with time.