Laser-Modified Intraocular Lens Refractive Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing intraocular lenses are expensive and inefficient, particularly for customizing lenses to correct refractive errors and accommodate patients who have undergone LASIK surgery, as they struggle to provide precise diopter power adjustments and accommodate abnormal corneal shapes.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a laser to create modified loci in the lens material, altering the refractive index to achieve precise diopter power changes, toric, and aspheric adjustments, allowing for the production of customized intraocular lenses with multiple corrective features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If molding technique is used to manufacture intraocular lenses, then production cost is reduced and standard diopter powers are available, but manufacturing precision and customization capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the lens body using molding techniques to establish basic shape and standard diopter power, then subsequently using laser modification to precisely adjust the refractive index and achieve customized diopter power. This two-stage approach combines the cost efficiency of molding with the precision of laser modification, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If lathing and milling technique is used to manufacture intraocular lenses, then customized diopter power can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and temperature control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses molding to pre-form the lens body at low cost, then applies laser modification as a subsequent step to achieve precise diopter customization. This eliminates the need for expensive lathing and milling operations while maintaining customization capability, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical lathing and milling system with a laser-based modification system. The laser modifies the refractive index of the lens material through optical energy rather than mechanical removal of material, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to achieve customized diopter power.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional IOL inventory is maintained to accommodate LASIK patients, then patient needs can be met, but device complexity and inventory requirements become unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static inventory model into a dynamic customization model. Instead of maintaining hundreds of different IOL types in inventory, the system produces a standard lens body and then uses laser modification to dynamically adjust the refractive index and diopter power to match each patient's specific needs, including LASIK patients. This resolves the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the lens material through laser modification to achieve customized diopter power. By modifying this fundamental optical parameter, the system can accommodate various patient conditions including LASIK-induced corneal changes without requiring different physical lens types in inventory, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
4Manufacturing precision
If laser modification is used to change refractive index, then precise diopter power adjustment is achieved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the lens body using rapid molding techniques to establish basic shape and approximate diopter power, then uses laser modification only for the final precise adjustment of refractive index. This minimizes the time spent on laser modification while achieving the required precision, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and time loss.
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 system enables the creation of lenses with significant refractive index modifications, providing precise optical corrections and accommodating a wide range of refractive errors, including those in patients who have had LASIK surgery, with improved ease of insertion and reduced post-operative recovery time.
Implementation Method 1
A lens according to this invention comprises a body formed of an optical material having a refractive index. The body contains modified loci. The modified loci have been formed by a laser beam and have a different refractive index than the material before modification.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens for placement in a human eye, such as intraocular lens, has at least some of its optical properties formed with a laser. The laser forms modified loci in the lens when the modified loci have a different refractive index than the refractive index of the material before modification. Different patterns of modified loci can provide selected dioptic power, toric adjustment, and/or aspheric adjustment provided. Preferably both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lens are planar for ease of placement in the human eye.