Polymerizable Azo Compounds for Intraocular Lens Light Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lens (IOL) materials face challenges in replicating the ultraviolet and violet-blue light absorption profile of the human lens, leading to discomfort and visual acuity issues, as existing polymerizable compounds either absorb too much or too little visible light, and often require multiple compounds increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymerizable azo compounds with ethylenically-unsaturated moieties that match the absorption spectrum of the aged human lens, covalently bonded into polymer backbones, reducing the need for multiple compounds and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing polymerizable compounds are used to create IOLs, then the lens can be manufactured, but the absorption profile does not match the aged human lens, causing discomfort and visual acuity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of polymerizable compounds by incorporating specific azo groups with defined substitution patterns (Formula I structure) to precisely tune the absorption spectrum. By changing parameters such as the aryl radical A, azo coupling component Z, and substituents R, the absorption profile is optimized to match the aged human lens across the UV and visible spectrum while maintaining polymerizability.
2Reliability
If multiple compounds are used to achieve the desired absorption spectrum, then the absorption profile can be matched more accurately, but the manufacturing process becomes more complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single polymerizable azo compound (Formula I) that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides UV absorption, violet-blue light absorption, and serves as a polymerizable monomer. This multi-functional molecule eliminates the need for separate UV absorbers and yellow colorants, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the target absorption profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple compounds (UV absorber + yellow colorant + polymerizable monomer) into a single integrated molecule. The azo compound structure incorporates both the light-absorbing chromophore and the polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated group, merging previously separate components into one substance that can be incorporated directly into the lens polymer matrix.
3Reliability
If yellow colorants are used to match the absorption spectrum, then the visible light absorption can be improved, but the colorants tend to leach out of the IOL after insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the polymerizable azo compound directly into the polymer matrix during the lens manufacturing process. The compound is covalently bonded into the polymer backbone through polymerization, preventing leaching before the lens is even inserted. This preliminary bonding action ensures long-term stability and prevents post-implantation colorant migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a polymerizable compound that becomes permanently integrated into the lens structure through covalent bonding. Unlike traditional colorants that are merely mixed into the matrix and can leach out, this approach creates a permanent, non-leachable bond between the colorant molecule and the polymer backbone, ensuring the colorant remains in place for the lifetime of the lens.
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 azo compounds effectively absorb UV and violet-blue light, minimizing discomfort and visual acuity issues while simplifying the manufacturing process by providing a single compound solution that matches the human lens's absorption profile, thus improving IOL performance and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The azo compounds effectively absorb UV and violet-blue light, minimizing discomfort and visual acuity issues
Data Source
AI summary
Polymerizable light absorbing azo dyes are disclosed useful as monomers in the formation of devices such as, but not limited to ocular lenses. Specifically, intraocular lenses (IOL) are disclosed wherein one or more of the light absorbing dye is covalently bonded to other structural polymers though ethylene unsaturated groups. The resulting IOLs possess light absorbing properties without significant amounts of free (un-bound) azo dye molecules present in the final structural polymer matrix.