Intraocular Lens Quantum Dot Markers for Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses (IOLs) face challenges in maintaining correct orientation during and after implantation, particularly due to small and difficult-to-see design features, which can lead to misalignment and adverse visual outcomes, especially for toric and multi-focal lenses that require precise alignment for optimal optical correction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating nano-sized semiconductor quantum dots as markers on the IOLs, which emit visible or detectable light when stimulated, allowing for improved visibility and detection of the lens's orientation and location, even when covered by the iris, using micro-deposition and polymerization techniques to create a durable and long-lasting marking layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional design features (clear dots, lines, notches) are used to mark orientation, then the lens can be manufactured with simple materials, but the marks become difficult to see and identify during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing materials (liquid crystals or electrophoretic materials) to create orientation marks that change color or become visible under specific conditions. This allows the marks to be invisible during normal surgery but visible when activated by UV light or other stimuli, solving the visibility problem without adding permanent visual complexity to the lens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (UV light sources, cameras, or magnifying devices) that mediates between the simple marks on the lens and the surgeon's ability to see them. This allows traditional simple marks to become highly visible through the intermediary detection system, resolving the contradiction between mark simplicity and visibility
2Reliability
If the lens is made highly transparent and colorless for optimal optical function, then visual interference is minimized, but orientation marks become even more difficult to discern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-changing materials that remain invisible under normal viewing conditions but activate under specific wavelengths (UV, blue light). This maintains the lens's transparency and colorless appearance for optimal optics while providing visible orientation marks when the activation light is applied during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the visibility of orientation marks to another dimension (wavelength spectrum) by using materials that respond to UV or other non-visible light. This allows the lens to remain transparent in the visible spectrum while having detectable marks in the UV spectrum, resolving the contradiction between optical clarity and mark visibility
3Ease of operation
If the lens is folded and rolled in the injector for implantation, then the lens can be delivered through small incisions, but orientation marks cannot be identified correctly during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies orientation marks to the lens before folding and implantation. These marks are designed to remain visible or become visible through the detection system even when the lens is folded, allowing the surgeon to identify and correct orientation before the lens is fully implanted. The preliminary marking ensures correct orientation is established before the lens is hidden in the eye
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary detection system (UV light, magnification) that can penetrate or work around the folded lens configuration. This intermediary system allows the surgeon to see orientation marks on the folded lens, enabling correct orientation identification and adjustment before final implantation
4Device complexity
If traditional orientation marks are used, then the lens structure remains simple, but the marks may be obscured by the iris after unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-changing materials that can be activated after implantation to make orientation marks visible even when the lens is in its final position. The marks remain invisible during normal viewing but can be activated with UV light or other stimuli to verify correct orientation or detect misalignment caused by iris obscuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables periodic verification of lens orientation by activating the color-changing marks at intervals after implantation. This allows the surgeon to check orientation at multiple time points (immediately after implantation, during follow-up visits) to ensure the lens remains properly aligned despite potential rotational movements or iris movement
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 quantum dot markers provide a reliable and long-lasting solution for accurately identifying the orientation and location of IOLs, enhancing the precision of implantation and post-operative alignment, with emissions that can be detected by both the human eye and specialized cameras, reducing the risk of misalignment and improving visual outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the mark comprising a plurality of nano-sized particles of semi-conductor nanocrystals, defined as quantum dots. In some embodiments, the quantum dots, when stimulated, produce an emission wavelength of between 300 nm and 2,000 nm
Data Source
AI summary
Intraocular lenses with quantum dots, materials and methods for making optical lenses, and methods of use are disclosed and claimed. Such lenses provide accurate detectable markers that can be used to align, detect, and correct orientation of lenses prior to, during and after use.