Post-Implantation Refractive Index Modification of Intraocular Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Post-operative intraocular lenses (IOLs) often require additional vision correction due to errors in measurement, variable positioning, or wound healing, as their refractive power cannot be adjusted after implantation, leading to suboptimal vision in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Innovation Solution
A method using a focused, visible or near-IR laser to modify the refractive index of select regions of an optical polymeric material, allowing for the formation of refractive structures that correct aberrations and adjust the lens power by increasing the refractive index, enabling in-situ correction of vision errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed power intraocular lens is implanted, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the patient requires additional corrective lenses due to inability to adjust refractive power post-implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming a static, fixed-power intraocular lens into a dynamic system where the refractive index can be modified post-implantation through laser irradiation. The lens material contains photoreactive components that enable change in optical properties when exposed to light, allowing the lens to adapt its power after surgical implantation without requiring replacement or additional corrective lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by altering the refractive index of the lens material through photochemical reactions. When the lens is irradiated with light of specific wavelengths, the refractive index of the lens material changes, thereby adjusting the optical power of the lens. This enables post-surgical refinement of vision correction without requiring mechanical or structural modifications to the lens itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser irradiation is used to modify refractive index, then vision correction precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to need for post-surgical laser treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating photoreactive components into the lens material during manufacturing, preparing the lens in advance for post-implantation adjustment. The lens is designed with embedded photochemical properties that enable future refractive index modification, so that when laser treatment is needed, the lens is already prepared to respond to the irradiation without requiring additional complex systems or procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light-adjustable lens with RMC is used, then post-implantation power adjustment is enabled, but scattering loss increases due to polymer matrix formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by utilizing photochromic materials that undergo reversible changes in their optical absorption properties when exposed to light. Instead of forming permanent polymer matrices that cause scattering, the photochromic molecules change their molecular structure temporarily, altering the refractive index without creating permanent structural changes or scattering centers in the lens material.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical, polymeric material. The method comprises irradiating select regions of the optical, polymeric material with a focused, visible or near-IR laser having a pulse energy from 0.05 nJ to 1000 nJ. The irradiation results in the formation of refractive optical structures, which exhibit little or no scattering loss. The method can he used to modify the refractive index of an intraocular lens following the surgical implantation of the intraocular lens in a human eye. The invention is also directed to an optical device comprising refractive optical structures, which exhibit little or no scattering loss and are characterized by a positive change in refractive index.