Self-Centering Phakic Lens with Central Hole

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phakic refractive lens designs face complications such as intraocular pressure elevation, cataract induction, and iris pigment dispersion due to permanent fixation, and while floating designs reduce these risks, they can still lead to decentration and potential dislocation, necessitating additional surgical interventions.

Innovation Solution

A posterior chamber floating phakic refractive lens with a thin, rectangular design and specific gravity matching the aqueous humor, featuring a small central hole in the optic to utilize aqueous flow for centering and maintain a gap with the natural crystalline lens, thereby reducing complications and improving centration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a floating lens design is used to reduce complications, then the risk of intraocular pressure elevation, cataract induction, and iris pigment dispersion is reduced, but the lens may decenter and potentially dislocate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of complicationsVSAvoidlens centration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A small central hole (0.2-0.5mm diameter) is introduced in the lens optic as an intermediary structure. This hole allows aqueous humor to flow through and create a centering force that stabilizes the lens position without requiring permanent fixation to ocular tissues, thus resolving the contradiction between floating design benefits and lens centration stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the hydraulic flow of aqueous humor through the central hole to generate a centering force. The fluid dynamics of aqueous flow through the hole creates pressure differential and flow-induced forces that actively center the lens, converting the natural hydraulic system of the eye into a centering mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Stability of the object's composition

If permanent fixation is used to maintain lens position, then lens centration is improved, but intraocular pressure elevation, cataract induction, and iris pigment dispersion occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens centrationVSAvoidcomplications

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fixation mechanism from the lens design, removing the need for permanent attachment to ocular tissues. By eliminating the fixation elements that cause tissue damage and complications, the lens can maintain adequate centration through aqueous flow dynamics alone, thus removing the source of harmful effects while preserving positioning function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens design enables self-centering through the natural aqueous humor flow and the central hole structure. The system uses the eye's own hydraulic environment to automatically center and stabilize the lens without external fixation structures, allowing the lens to service its own positioning needs without causing tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a central hole is added to the lens optic for centering, then lens centration is improved, but optical function may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens centrationVSAvoidoptical function

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The central hole is designed with specific local characteristics: small diameter (0.2-0.5mm), central positioning, and specific geometry. These localized quality parameters are optimized to provide sufficient centering force through aqueous flow while minimizing impact on overall optical function. The hole's small size and central location create a favorable local condition that balances centering effectiveness with 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 effectively reduces the risk of intraocular pressure elevation, cataract induction, and iris pigment dispersion while maintaining optical function and stability, ensuring precise centration and minimizing the need for additional surgical interventions.

Implementation Method 1

A small center hole added to the lens optic causes aqueous flowing through the hole to exert a centering force to the floating phakic refractive lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAqueous flow: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

A floating phakic refractive lens has been designed which preserves eye dynamics and greatly reduces the risk of these complications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3270822B1Improved self-centering phakic refractive lenses with parachute design

Publication Date: 2024.09.18 MEDENNIUM INC

Figure 1
Figure 2a~3c
Figure 4a~4b

AI summary

An improved self-centering phakic refractive lens is disclosed. The lens floats freely in the posterior chamber of the eye and corrects vision of the patient but also prevents buildup of intraocular pressure, cataract induction and iris pigment dispersion. The lens comprises an optical body, haptic members which extend outward from the optical body, and a small hole in the approximate center of the optical body for the purpose of allowing aqueous humor to flow through that hole. The lens is designed such that its posterior surface conforms to the shape of the anterior surface of the patient's natural crystalline lens.