Intraocular Lens Aperture Diaphragm Laser Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting refractive errors, particularly in intraocular lenses (IOLs), fail to adequately increase the depth of focus, leading to reduced visual acuity and increased reliance on glasses for near vision, with invasive procedures and material limitations posing risks and accuracy challenges.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a laser unit controlled by a control unit to create an aperture diaphragm in an implanted intraocular lens, modifying the lens material to reduce light transmission and increase depth of focus without invasive procedures, using ultrashort laser pulses for nonlinear absorption and creating a pinhole effect to mask marginal rays, allowing for non-invasive adjustment of the aperture size post-implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional intraocular lenses are used, then the lens provides basic refraction correction, but the depth of focus is insufficient and near vision requires additional glasses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens aperture into a central transparent zone and surrounding modified zones. The aperture diaphragm structure divides the incoming light paths, allowing central rays to pass through for near focus while blocking marginal rays that would create spherical aberrations. This segmentation enables the lens to function as both a distance and near vision corrector simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality modification by treating only specific regions of the lens with laser-induced modifications. The central aperture region maintains its original optical properties for light transmission, while the surrounding zones undergo material modification to reduce light transmission and block marginal rays. This localized treatment optimizes different regions for different functions.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser-induced modifications are applied to the lens material, then the aperture diaphragm is created to increase depth of focus, but the process requires precise control to avoid damaging the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed laser action to create the aperture diaphragm. By using ultrashort laser pulses delivered in a periodic sequence, the system accumulates the desired material modification gradually while allowing thermal diffusion between pulses. This prevents excessive heat buildup that could damage the lens, while still achieving the required precision for aperture formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical aperture insertion or surgical modification with a non-contact laser-based system. The laser-induced material modification substitutes for physical cutting or drilling, eliminating mechanical stress and contact-related damage risks. The optical field of the laser provides precise energy deposition without the need for physical tools inside the eye.
3Reliability
If invasive procedures are used to modify the lens, then the aperture can be created, but the patient faces additional surgical risks and longer recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical or surgical procedures with a non-invasive laser-based modification system. The laser energy is delivered through the existing optical path without requiring incisions, implants, or physical manipulation of the lens. This substitution maintains the effectiveness of aperture creation while eliminating surgical risks and reducing recovery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens material itself serves as the medium for modification without requiring external surgical intervention. The laser-induced modifications occur within the existing lens structure, utilizing the lens's own material properties to create the aperture diaphragm. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate surgical steps to create or implant aperture structures.
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 solution effectively increases the depth of focus, improving visual acuity for both near and distant objects without additional invasive actions, reducing the need for glasses and minimizing risks associated with material intolerance or positioning inaccuracies.
Implementation Method 1
modifying the lens material to reduce light transmission and increase depth of focus without invasive procedures, using ultrashort laser pulses for nonlinear absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A device for correcting or mitigating refractive errors in the eye presents a solution in which desired improvements in eyesight are achieved as far as possible without limiting everyday activities and where performing the treatment itself involves minimum risk. The device creates an aperture diaphragm in an eye, and has a control unit for a laser unit, the control unit being designed to control the laser unit to create the aperture diaphragm in a lens of the eye, wherein the aperture diaphragm is used to increase the depth of focus of the eye and is formed by laser-induced lesions which reduce light transmission through a lens aperture region surrounding an aperture opening.