Segmented Haptic Design for Intraocular Lens Capsule Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses face challenges such as capsular fibrosis, Posterior Capsular Opacification, and reduced focal flexibility due to inadequate haptic designs, which can lead to refractive instability and vision impairment, and require larger incisions for insertion, increasing the risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
The development of haptic devices featuring a two-ring configuration with pillars and ribbons that maintain separation between the anterior and posterior capsule, allowing for optimal positioning and movement of the lens optic, reducing epithelial cell migration, and enhancing aqueous humor circulation to prevent fibrosis and opacification, while enabling insertion through smaller incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional haptic designs are used, then the lens can be held in place within the capsular bag, but capsular fibrosis and Posterior Capsular Opacification occur due to inadequate separation of anterior and posterior capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device is segmented into two separate rings (anterior ring and posterior ring) connected by pillars, with each ring independently engaging the anterior and posterior capsules respectively. This segmentation allows each ring to perform its specific function of maintaining capsule separation and preventing epithelial cell migration without interference from the other ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillars connecting the anterior and posterior rings act as intermediaries that maintain the spatial relationship between the two rings while allowing them to independently engage the capsules. The pillars transmit forces between the rings and maintain the structural integrity of the haptic device while enabling capsule separation.
2Ease of manufacture
If larger incisions are made for lens insertion, then the lens can be implanted, but the risk of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device is designed as a segmented structure with two rings and connecting pillars that can be folded or compressed during insertion. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted through smaller incisions while maintaining its functional structure after implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic device incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow it to change shape during insertion (folding or compressing to pass through small incisions) and then return to its functional configuration after implantation, enabling insertion through smaller incisions without compromising the device's ability to maintain capsule separation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lens optic is held firmly in position, then refractive stability is achieved, but focal flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device segments the support function into two independent rings that can move relative to each other along the pillars. This allows the lens optic to be held centrally (providing refractive stability) while permitting longitudinal movement of the rings that enables focal flexibility through changes in lens position within the capsule.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic device incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow the two rings to move relative to each other along the pillars in response to ciliary body movements. This dynamic structure maintains central lens positioning for refractive stability while allowing the necessary movement for focal flexibility.
4Strength
If the anterior and posterior capsules are kept in contact, then the lens is supported, but aqueous humor circulation is blocked leading to fibrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device uses two separate rings to independently support the anterior and posterior capsules, creating and maintaining a space between them. This segmentation prevents capsule contact while allowing each ring to provide necessary support, thereby maintaining aqueous humor circulation and preventing fibrosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic device introduces a spatial dimension by positioning the two rings at different locations within the capsular bag (anterior and posterior positions). This dimensional separation ensures that the capsules remain separated in space while both are adequately supported, allowing aqueous humor to circulate freely between them.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A haptic for fixation to, and manufacture in conjunction with, an intraocular lens to be implanted in the natural lens capsule of the human eye is disclosed. The haptic secures the lens in an appropriate position within the natural capsule so as to provide optimal visual acuity through the aphakic lens. The haptic is designed to position the lens neutrally, anteriorly or posteriorly within the lens envelope. The haptic has an anterior retention ring and a posterior retention ring.