Self-anchoring Intraocular Lens with Telescopic Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current accommodating intraocular lens assemblies require large incisions for insertion and are not foldable, leading to bulging issues and inability to adjust along the visual axis, necessitating corrective measures like spectacles or surgery due to capsular contraction.
Innovation Solution
Development of self-anchoring intraocular lens assemblies with shape memory optical elements that can be selectively displaced along the visual axis, featuring a haptics system that can be plastically deformed for in situ adjustment, allowing for continuous variable Diopter strength for distance and near vision correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid planar haptics plate with telescoping haptics member is used for self-anchoring, then the AIOL assembly can be securely fixed in the ciliary sulcus, but the assembly cannot be folded requiring a relatively large incision for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The haptics system is divided into multiple segments including a haptics plate with telescoping haptics members that can be folded against each other. This segmentation allows the assembly to be collapsed into a compact form for insertion through small incisions, then expanded to provide sufficient anchoring strength in the ciliary sulcus
Solution Approach 2:
The haptics members are designed to be dynamically adjustable between folded and extended states. During insertion, the members are folded to reduce size; after implantation, they are extended to engage the ciliary sulcus and provide stable anchoring, allowing the same structure to serve both compact insertion and strong fixation requirements
2Stability of the object's composition
If the AIOL assembly is fixed in position, then it provides stable anchoring, but it cannot be re-adjusted along the visual axis due to capsular contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The haptics plate incorporates a telescoping mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the AIOL position along the visual axis. The haptics members can be extended or repositioned to accommodate capsular contraction over time, maintaining proper lens alignment and optical function while preserving initial stable anchoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the haptics configuration after implantation. The telescoping haptics members can be adjusted to change the effective position of the AIOL relative to the visual axis, enabling adaptation to capsular changes while maintaining stable fixation through the haptics plate
3Ease of operation
If anterior movements of the capsular diaphragm occur, then the AIOL assembly may bulge anteriorly, but this does not effectively affect the AIOL's Diopter strength
Solution Approach 1:
A piston-like member is introduced as an intermediary between the capsular diaphragm and the shape memory optical element. This mediator translates anterior movements of the capsular diaphragm into controlled compression of the optical element, ensuring that diaphragm movement reliably produces the intended change in Diopter strength rather than unwanted bulging
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical coupling between the capsular diaphragm and optical element with a controlled mechanical transmission through the piston-like member. This substitution ensures that the mechanical action of diaphragm contraction is efficiently and predictably transferred to the shape memory element to produce accurate Diopter changes
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
Enables accurate eyesight correction and compensation for capsular contraction without the need for spectacles or surgery, using a haptics system that can be adjusted to accommodate varying Diopter strengths through axial re-positioning of the lens relative to its anchor points.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shape memory optical element resiliently elastically deformable between a natural shape with a first Diopter strength and a deformed shape with a second Diopter strength different than the first Diopter strength
Implementation Method 2
featuring a haptics system that can be plastically deformed for in situ adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) assemblies including a haptics system for self-anchoring implantation in a human eye's annular ciliary sulcus for retaining an AIOL at a desired position along the human eye's visual axis, and an accommodation measurement implant (AMI) for determining accommodation and accommodation forces in an experimental set-up including an animal's eye.