Intraocular Lens Expandable Junction for Refractive Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cataract surgery often results in refractive errors due to corneal healing and IOL displacement, which conventional techniques, such as LASIK, are insufficient in correcting without further surgical intervention.
Innovation Solution
An intraocular lens (IOL) with an expandable haptic-lens junction that allows non-invasive adjustment along the optical axis using laser energy, enabling fine-tuning of the lens position post-healing without surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cataract surgery with fixed IOL implantation is performed, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but refractive errors occur due to corneal healing and IOL displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL incorporates an expandable haptic-lens junction that transitions from a compressed state during implantation to an expanded state post-implantation. This dynamic structure allows the lens to be repositioned along the optical axis in response to applied energy (e.g., laser), enabling correction of refractive errors caused by corneal healing or IOL displacement while maintaining structural integrity throughout the process
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic-lens junction's physical state is changed from compressed to expanded through application of external energy. This parameter change enables the IOL to adjust its position along the optical axis, compensating for refractive errors that develop after implantation due to corneal shape changes or lens displacement
2Reliability
If LASIK-type procedures are used to correct refractive errors, then surgical intervention is attempted, but correction is insufficient due to post-surgical corneal shape change
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable haptic-lens junction serves as an intermediary mechanism between the IOL and the capsular bag. By expanding this junction, the IOL can be repositioned relative to the cornea and optical axis, directly compensating for corneal shape changes without requiring additional corneal surgery. This mediator approach bypasses the limitations of LASIK-type procedures
3Ease of operation
If non-invasive adjustment techniques are implemented, then refractive errors can be corrected without additional surgery, but the IOL structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simpler energy-responsive expandable junction. Instead of requiring manual surgical intervention or complex mechanical systems, the haptic-lens junction responds to applied energy (such as laser) by expanding and enabling lens repositioning, achieving non-invasive adjustment with minimal structural 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 higher success rates in achieving target refraction by compensating for refractive errors and changes in the eye's shape due to healing and aging, without the need for additional surgery.
Implementation Method 1
an IOL according to the present disclosure includes a lens portion that may be displaced along the optical axis while implanted in the eye using non-invasive techniques (e.g., via laser energy applied to a portion of the IOL)
Data Source
AI summary
An intraocular lens (IOL) device includes a lens configured to be positioned along the optical axis of a patient's eye and at least one haptic configured to engage an area within the patient's eye in order to position the lens along the optical axis. The IOL device further includes an expandable haptic-lens junction coupling the at least one haptic to the lens, the expandable haptic-lens junction configured to displace the lens relative to the haptic in response to an applied energy.