Intraocular Lens UV Absorber Alteration for Refractive Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing intraocular lenses (IOLs) are expensive, provide only approximate vision correction, and cannot effectively address optical defects such as corneal spherical aberrations or astigmatisms, especially in patients who have undergone procedures like LASIK surgery.
Innovation Solution
A system using a femtosecond laser to alter UV absorbers dispersed throughout the IOL, breaking molecular bonds to form new or modified compounds that change the refractive properties of the lens, allowing for customized diopter power and correction of optical defects without mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional molding or machining methods are used to manufacture IOLs, then the manufacturing process is established and standardized, but the vision correction is only approximate and cannot effectively address optical defects such as corneal spherical aberrations or astigmatisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a femtosecond laser to alter the chemical composition and refractive index of the IOL material. The laser energy modifies the UV absorber molecules within the lens, creating regions with different refractive properties that can correct optical defects like spherical aberrations and astigmatisms, thereby achieving precise vision correction tailored to individual patient needs
2Manufacturing precision
If standard IOLs with fixed diopter power are manufactured, then production is efficient and cost-effective, but they cannot provide customized diopter power for individual patient requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning UV absorber molecules within the IOL material during manufacturing. These molecules serve as targets for subsequent laser treatment, allowing the lens to be customized after implantation without requiring complex pre-customization processes, thus maintaining manufacturing efficiency while enabling personalized diopter adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical customization methods (such as machining or polishing the lens to achieve different diopter powers) with a laser-based chemical modification process. The femtosecond laser alters the molecular structure of UV absorbers within the lens material, changing the refractive index and thereby customizing the diopter power without mechanical alteration of the lens shape
3Manufacturing precision
If laser energy is applied to alter UV absorbers in the IOL, then refractive properties can be customized to correct optical defects, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses UV absorber molecules as intermediaries within the IOL material. These molecules absorb laser energy at specific wavelengths and convert it into localized thermal or chemical effects that modify the refractive index. By using the UV absorbers as mediators between the laser energy and the lens material, the system achieves precise refractive customization without requiring complex direct laser-matter interaction mechanisms
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 the creation of customized IOLs that accurately correct refractive errors and optical defects, providing precise vision correction for individual patients.
Implementation Method 1
The focused laser output is configured to alter molecular bonds of the UV absorber compound to form a new or modified compound within the IOL that imparts a different refractive property
Implementation Method 2
Many IOLs include UV absorbers, which are added by the lens manufacturer to absorb UV light and protect the retina and other structures of the eye after implantation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for forming an intraocular lens (IOL). The system includes a pulsed laser configured to produce a pulsed laser output and an optical device configured to form a focused laser output from the pulsed laser output and direct the focused laser output at an IOL containing a UV absorber compound. The focused laser output is configured to alter molecular bonds of the UV absorber compound to form a new or modified compound within the IOL that imparts a different refractive property in the IOL.