Photoactive Intraocular Lenses for Micro-Incision Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses for cataract surgery are often too stiff and brittle, making them unsuitable for micro-incision cataract surgical methods, and they require invasive adjustments to achieve optimal refractive power, which can lead to post-surgery complications such as endophthalmitis and the need for corrective vision aids.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel compounds and ophthalmic devices with flexible structures that can be implanted through smaller incisions and have adjustable optical properties via non-invasive methods, utilizing specific chemical structures that change refractive index when exposed to certain wavelengths of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional intraocular lenses are used, then refractive power can be achieved, but the lenses are too stiff and brittle to be implanted through micro-incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and physical properties of the intraocular lens material. Specifically, it uses compounds with photoactive units that can change their optical properties (refractive index) when exposed to light, allowing the lens to be flexible during implantation and then adjust its refractive power post-implantation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both flexibility for micro-incision implantation and adequate refractive power through photo-induced changes.
2Manufacturing precision
If refractive power is adjusted post-surgery, then optimal vision can be achieved, but invasive adjustment methods risk endophthalmitis and require additional surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive adjustment methods with a photochemical system. The intraocular lens contains photoactive units that change refractive index when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, enabling non-invasive, post-surgery adjustment of refractive power. This eliminates the need for invasive procedures, reducing surgical complications while achieving precise refractive power adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If flexible materials are used for intraocular lenses, then micro-incision implantation is enabled, but optical properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by incorporating photoactive units into the polymer structure of the intraocular lens. This creates a material that combines the flexibility needed for micro-incision implantation with the optical properties required for vision correction. The photoactive units are integrated at the molecular level, ensuring both mechanical flexibility and optical functionality are maintained simultaneously.
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 novel compounds allow for flexible intraocular lenses that can be implanted through smaller incisions, reducing surgical complications and enabling non-invasive adjustment of refractive power post-implantation, thereby minimizing the need for corrective vision aids and potentially improving healing outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
photoinduced refractive index changes of 3-phenyl-coumarin containing polymers for ophthalmic applications
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel compounds, particularly to compounds comprising a photoactive unit, said novel compounds being particularly suitable for ophthalmic devices as well as to ophthalmic devices comprising such compounds.