Segmented Scleral Prosthesis Restoring Accommodative Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Presbyopia, a universal decrease in accommodation amplitude observed in individuals over forty, results in the loss of ability to focus on near objects, with conventional treatments limited to corrective lenses or reshaping the cornea, as the loss of lens elasticity is considered irreversible.

Innovation Solution

Implantation of scleral prostheses within the sclera of the eye, involving incisions to form tunnels and inserting prostheses that stabilize and lock into place, potentially restoring accommodative power by altering the shape of the lens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional treatments (corrective lenses or corneal reshaping) are used, then presbyopia can be corrected, but the loss of lens elasticity cannot be reversed and accommodative power cannot be restored

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodative powerVSAvoidlens elasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A scleral prosthesis is implanted as an intermediary device within the scleral tunnel to mechanically transmit forces that reshape the crystalline lens, enabling accommodation restoration without directly replacing the lens itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The scleral prosthesis is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be independently positioned and adjusted to apply precise mechanical forces on the lens from different directions, enabling controlled lens reshaping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If scleral prosthesis is implanted to restore accommodative power, then near vision can be improved, but the device complexity and surgical procedure are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodative powerVSAvoidscleral prosthesis structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is segmented into multiple struts that can be inserted and positioned independently through a single scleral tunnel, simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining structural functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scleral prosthesis serves multiple functions: it structurally supports the lens, transmits muscular forces for accommodation, and can be adjusted post-implantation, reducing the need for multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the scleral prosthesis is made adjustable post-implantation, then accommodative amplitude can be optimized, but the ease of operation during surgery is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodative amplitudeVSAvoidsurgical implantation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis includes self-adjustment mechanisms that allow the patient or practitioner to modify the lens positioning and accommodative amplitude after implantation without requiring surgical intervention, maintaining surgical simplicity while enabling post-operative optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11273028B2Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 REFOCUS GROUP INC

AI summary

A system includes a scleral prosthesis and an insert. The scleral prosthesis includes a first end configured to be pulled through a scleral tunnel in an eye and a second end. Each end is wider than a middle portion of the scleral prosthesis. Two portions form the first end of the scleral prosthesis, and the portions are separated along at least half of a length of the scleral prosthesis. The scleral prosthesis is formed from a single integrated piece of material. The second end is undivided. The insert is configured to be placeable between the two portions. The two portions may be separated from one another without external interference, and the two portions may be configured to be pushed towards each other in order to reduce a width of the first end and then separate after release.