Modular Intraocular Lens Flange for Off-Axis Glare Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intraocular lenses (IOLs) cause glare due to off-axis light transmission through mechanical features, leading to undesirable effects like double-image dysphotopsia, and require larger incisions for implantation.

Innovation Solution

A modular IOL design featuring a ring with a flange that deflects off-axis light by having a non-parallel posterior surface profile, minimizing glare and allowing for a smaller incision size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional IOLs with mechanical features are used, then structural support is provided, but off-axis light transmission causes glare artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidglare artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is designed with differentiated local properties: the anterior surface has a first profile while the posterior surface has a second profile that is non-parallel to the first. This local quality variation allows the flange to simultaneously provide structural support and defocus off-axis light, resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural integrity and eliminating glare artifacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If full IOLs are used for implantation, then complete optical coverage is achieved, but larger incisions are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical coverageVSAvoidincision size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL is divided into modular components including the optic and the base with flange, allowing selective implantation of essential optical elements through smaller incisions while maintaining complete optical coverage functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If parallel flange surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but plate effects cause glare

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflange fabricationVSAvoidglare from plate effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flange incorporates non-parallel posterior surfaces that create deliberate optical imperfections to defocus light. This local quality variation sacrifices some manufacturing simplicity but eliminates the harmful plate effects that cause glare, achieving the right balance between ease of manufacture and optical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design reduces glare artifacts and enables smaller incisions during implantation, ensuring proper focus and patient comfort while maintaining optical alignment.

Implementation Method 1

The flange has a unique geometry to defocus light that enters the IOL off-axis and is transmitted through the optic and the flange

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction and deflection: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4125718B1Modular IOL design

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 ALCON INC

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Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

A modular intraocular lens (IOL) with a ring configured to prevent glare artifacts. The ring includes a flange on the posterior rim, in which an anterior surface on the flange has a first profile and a posterior surface of the flange has a second profile non-parallel with the first profile. Non-parallel surfaces of the flange can be configured to defocus light transmitted at off-axis angles through an optic and the flange.