Segmented Lens Haptics for Hybrid Accommodating IOLs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid accommodating intraocular lens assemblages with shape memory resiliently flexible lens haptics suffer from slower recovery time between near and distance vision, leading to unnatural visual phenomena due to insufficient compliance with human accommodative physiological forces.

Innovation Solution

Design of discrete lens units with segmented lens haptics, featuring flexible and inflexible segments, where flexible segments flex under accommodative forces to create a rigid arched structure, maintaining optical alignment and preventing tilting or dislocation, and adjustable compliance through design parameters like cutouts and varying segment flexibilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If shape memory resiliently flexible lens haptics are used to enable compliance with human accommodative physiological forces, then the lens can achieve natural accommodation range, but the recovery time between near and distance vision becomes slower than natural response time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with accommodative physiological forcesVSAvoidrecovery time between near and distance vision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lens haptics are divided into multiple segments along their length, with each segment having different flexibility characteristics. This segmentation allows the haptics to flex progressively under accommodative forces while maintaining faster recovery time, resolving the contradiction between compliance and response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the lens haptics are designed with different local properties - some segments are more flexible while others are stiffer. This local differentiation enables the haptics to exhibit both compliance with physiological forces and rapid recovery, as the flexible segments accommodate while the stiffer segments provide structural support for quick return.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If lens haptics are made sufficiently stiff to hold the lens optics away from the base member in the unflexed state, then optical alignment is maintained, but the haptics cannot flex sufficiently under accommodative physiological forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical alignmentVSAvoidflexibility under accommodative forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The haptics are segmented into regions with different stiffness characteristics. The proximal segments near the lens optics are stiffer to maintain optical alignment, while distal segments are more flexible to accommodate physiological forces, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different local regions of the haptics are designed with different mechanical properties. The base-adjacent portions are stiffer for structural support and alignment, while the free-end portions are more flexible for accommodating forces, enabling both optical stability and physiological compliance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 segmented lens haptics enable rapid and natural-like focusing between near and distance vision, reducing optical aberrations and ensuring accurate positioning within the eye, thus restoring vision accommodation comparable to a healthy young adult eye.

Implementation Method 1

shape memory resiliently flexible lens haptics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

shape memory resiliently flexible lens haptics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Polymer

Data Source

PatentEP3873383B1Hybrid accommodating intraocular lens assemblages including discrete lens unit with segmented lens haptics
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 RAYNER INTRAOCULAR LENSES LTD
  • EP3873383B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3873383B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3873383B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Hybrid Accommodating Intra Ocular Lens (AIOL) assemblages including two discrete component parts in the form of a discrete base member for initial implantation in a vacated capsular bag and a discrete lens unit for subsequent implantation in the vacated capsular bag for anchoring to the discrete base member. The lens unit includes a lens optics having at least two segmented lens haptics radially outwardly extending therefrom.