Closed-Loop Ring IOL Haptics for Lower PCO and Striae
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lenses (IOLs) cause striae in the posterior capsular bag, leading to increased posterior capsular opacification (PCO) due to haptics with a small angle of contact, and require larger incisions for implantation, complicating recovery.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop ring haptic structure with a first ring adjacent to the optic and a second ring contacting the capsular bag over a 360-degree angle, reducing striae and PCO incidence, while maintaining a small incision size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional haptic structures are used, then the IOL can be implanted, but striae are caused in the posterior capsular bag leading to increased PCO
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic structure is divided into multiple segments including a first ring structure, a second ring structure, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows the haptic to distribute contact forces more evenly across the capsular bag, reducing localized stress that causes striae while maintaining overall structural support for the optic
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic design transitions from traditional linear or radial structures to a closed-loop ring configuration that contacts the capsular bag at multiple points around the entire circumference. This dimensional redistribution of contact points eliminates concentrated stress areas, reducing striae formation while providing comprehensive support
2Ease of operation
If haptics with small angle of contact are used, then implantation is simpler, but striae and PCO increase
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic design changes the contact angle parameter from small to approximately 360-degree circumferential contact. The first ring structure contacts the anterior capsular bag while the second ring structure contacts the posterior capsular bag, creating a distributed contact pattern that prevents striae while maintaining implantation feasibility through the folded delivery configuration
3Ease of operation
If larger incisions are used for implantation, then the IOL can be implanted more easily, but patient recovery is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is designed with a nested configuration where the optic and haptic structures can be folded or compressed into a compact form factor that fits through small corneal incisions (2.8-3.2 mm). The closed-loop ring haptic can be collapsed during delivery and then expanded to its functional configuration once implanted, eliminating the need for large incisions while maintaining ease of implantation
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic structure exhibits dynamic behavior, transitioning from a compressed, folded state during implantation to an expanded, stable configuration after implantation. This dynamic transformation allows the IOL to pass through small incisions in a compact form and then achieve its full functional geometry with 360-degree capsular contact to prevent striae
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic device includes an optic including an optic axis and a periphery and a closed-loop ring haptic structure coupled with the optic. The closed loop haptic structure includes a first ring structure having a first characteristic length, a second ring structure having a second characteristic length, and a plurality of connectors coupling the first ring structure and the second ring structure. The first ring structure is positioned adjacent to the periphery of the optic and is coupled to the entire periphery of the optic, and the first characteristic length is less than the second characteristic length.