Intraocular Lens Shape Memory Alloy Haptic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses (IOLs) face challenges in selecting the ideal diopter, misalignment during astigmatism correction, and precise positioning, leading to residual refractive errors and complications such as cataract formation or pupillary block, necessitating follow-up surgeries or glasses, which are undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A novel IOL with haptics made of shape memory alloys that can be repositioned, resized, or adjusted non-invasively using electromagnetic waves, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment post-implantation to optimize refractive power and positioning within the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional IOLs with fixed diopter are implanted, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but residual refractive errors occur and follow-up surgeries or glasses are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL incorporates shape memory alloy haptics that can dynamically change shape in response to electromagnetic energy (laser or RF), enabling post-implantation adjustment of the lens position and orientation to optimize refractive outcomes without requiring additional surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy material undergoes phase transition when exposed to electromagnetic energy, changing its physical properties (shape, rigidity) to enable adjustment of the IOL's position and orientation, thereby fine-tuning the refractive power after implantation
2Reliability
If toric IOLs are implanted for astigmatism correction, then astigmatism can be corrected, but precise alignment is difficult and residual astigmatism remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment during surgery with electromagnetic field-based adjustment. Shape memory alloy haptics respond to laser or RF energy to automatically adjust the toric IOL's orientation, achieving precise alignment without relying solely on surgeon skill or complex marking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy haptics enable the IOL to self-adjust its position and orientation in response to electromagnetic energy, allowing the device to automatically optimize its alignment for astigmatism correction without requiring extensive manual intervention
3Reliability
If phakic IOLs are implanted to correct refractive errors, then vision can be improved, but complications such as cataract formation or pupillary block may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable haptics allow dynamic modification of the IOL's position relative to the natural lens and iris, enabling the physician to optimize the vault distance and angle to minimize risks of cataract formation and pupillary block while maintaining effective refractive correction
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 precise adjustment of IOLs without surgery, reducing residual refractive errors and complications, improving patient comfort and vision acuity while minimizing the need for follow-up surgeries or glasses.
Implementation Method 1
the haptic comprising at least one shape memory alloy having a segment with a transition temperature substantially higher than the body temperature of a human
Implementation Method 2
allowing for precise alignment and adjustment post-implantation
Data Source
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AI summary
An intraocular lens (110) comprising at least one haptic comprising a least one integral shape memory bar (111) having a shape memory alloy segment with a transition temperature higher than the human body temperature, the shape memory alloy being post-surgically, selectively adjustable with a laser beam.