Microstructured Contact Lens Assembly for Non-Sliding Eye Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact lenses used in ophthalmic surgeries, particularly vitreoretinal and glaucoma surgeries, face challenges with sliding and require manual repositioning due to the curved contour of the cornea and the use of viscous coupling agents, leading to inefficiencies and potential trauma from sutures.
Innovation Solution
A contact lens assembly with microstructures on the bottom surface that gently indent into the superficial layer of the eye to anchor the lens without sutures, providing stable and centralized positioning during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If contact lens is placed on the cornea with viscous coupling agents, then bubble formation is avoided, but the lens slides on the corneal surface requiring manual repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces microstructures (protrusions or recesses) as an intermediary mechanism between the lens and cornea. These microstructures create localized mechanical interlocking that acts as a mediator to prevent sliding, while the viscous coupling agent continues to function as a separate intermediary to prevent bubble formation. The microstructures do not require sutures or clips, thus avoiding tissue trauma while providing stable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific microstructures at particular locations on the lens surface. Rather than making the entire lens surface rough or adhesive, only specific localized areas have microprotrusions or microrecesses that provide anchoring. This localized approach provides sufficient stabilization while maintaining overall lens smoothness and comfort, and avoids the need for widespread suturing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If sutures or clips are used to stabilize the contact lens, then lens positioning is improved, but tissue trauma and superficial bleeding occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful sutures and clips from the system entirely. Instead of using penetrating or clamping mechanisms that cause tissue trauma, the invention uses non-invasive microstructures on the lens surface that provide stabilization through mechanical interlocking with the corneal surface. This extraction of harmful elements eliminates superficial bleeding while maintaining lens positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of lens sliding (which requires sutures) into a benefit by designing microstructures that prevent sliding in the first place. The microprotrusions or microrecesses create beneficial mechanical interlocking that eliminates the need for harmful sutures, thus converting the problem of lens instability into a solution that avoids tissue trauma entirely.
3Measurement precision
If manual monitoring and repositioning of the contact lens is performed, then lens position can be corrected, but surgical efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the lens with built-in microstructures that automatically maintain proper positioning during surgery. The microprotrusions or microrecesses create self-correcting mechanical interlocking with the cornea, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and adjustment by the surgical team. This self-positioning capability maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving surgical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the lens with microstructures that are designed to automatically achieve and maintain proper positioning upon placement. The microprotrusions or microrecesses are预先 designed to engage with the corneal surface in a way that self-centers and stabilizes the lens, eliminating the need for subsequent manual repositioning during the surgical procedure.
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 ensures stable, hands-free lens stabilization and centralization, preventing sliding and minimizing tissue trauma, allowing for efficient ophthalmic procedures like vitreoretinal and glaucoma surgeries without the need for manual repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
The microstructures are gently pressed down into contact with the superficial layer of the eye tissue during the surgery, thus temporarily anchoring the contact lens to the cornea
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A non-sliding, non-sutured hands-free contact lens assembly for ophthalmic procedures utilizes a number of micro structures strategically placed on the bottom of either the contact lens or the bottom of a contact lens holder ring. After the contact lens, or the contact lens assembled with the contact lens holder ring, is placed on the cornea of the eye and centered, a surgeon applies downward pressure either on the contact lens itself or on the lens holder ring. This secures the lens assembly to the cornea due to increased friction between the micro structures and the tissues of the eye when the micro structures penetrate through the tear film and, optionally, viscous solution film and into the contact with superficial layer of cornea or other parts of the eye, thus temporarily anchoring the contact lens, or lens holder, to the desired surgical site.