Shape-Changing Intraocular Lens Anterior Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses (IOLs) fail to effectively mimic the natural human lens's accommodation mechanism, leading to limited dioptric power change and visual quality issues due to reliance on capsular elasticity, which diminishes post-cataract surgery, and do not account for the natural lens's elastic gradient properties.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece IOL design featuring a shape-changing optic with an elastic anterior face and actuating haptics that apply radial tension anterior to the equator, allowing for greater dioptric power change by mimicking the natural lens's elastic gradient properties, enabling the optic to change shape between accommodated and dis-accommodated states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current IOLs rely on capsular elasticity for accommodation, then they can achieve some dioptric power change, but the accommodation ability diminishes post-cataract surgery and does not mimic natural lens properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the optic by introducing an elastic anterior face with specific material properties (elastic modulus, thickness gradient) that enable shape change in response to radial tension. This allows the optic to dynamically adjust its dioptric power without relying on capsular elasticity, thereby maintaining accommodation ability long-term.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic shape-changing capability to the optic through the elastic anterior face that can deform under radial tension from the haptics. This dynamic response mimics the natural lens's accommodation mechanism, allowing continuous adjustment of focus throughout the eye's lifetime without degradation over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optic is made more flexible to change shape, then dioptric power change increases, but the structural stability and visual quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different regions of the optic. The anterior face is made elastic to enable shape change and dioptric adjustment, while the posterior face and haptics maintain higher rigidity for structural stability. This local differentiation allows the optic to be both adaptable and stable simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The optic is constructed as a composite structure with an elastic anterior face material (higher elasticity) combined with a posterior face and haptic structure (higher rigidity). This composite design enables the optic to change shape for accommodation while maintaining overall structural integrity and visual quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anterior face is made elastic to mimic natural lens, then accommodation mechanism is replicated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the elastic anterior face (elastic modulus between 0.1-10 MPa, thickness gradient ratios) that can be manufactured using standard precision techniques. By defining practical parameter ranges rather than requiring extreme precision, the patent achieves biological fidelity while maintaining manufacturability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If radial tension is applied anterior to the equator to change optic shape, then dioptric power change increases, but the complexity of the haptic structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic structure is segmented into multiple actuating haptics (at least three separate elements) that can independently apply radial tension to the optic. This segmentation allows the complex function of shape change to be achieved through simpler, distributed mechanical elements rather than a single complex mechanism.
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
This design achieves significant dioptric power change with minimal diameter change, maintaining accommodation ability over time by effectively utilizing the elastic properties of the anterior face and haptics, thereby improving visual quality and addressing the limitations of existing IOLs.
Implementation Method 1
anterior shape-changing exchangeable optic (14) can comprise an elastic anterior face (24) located anterior to the equator and having a periphery
Data Source
AI summary
A two-piece intraocular lens (IOL) with an anterior shape-changing optic is provided. The shape-changing interchangeable optic includes an elastic anterior face located anterior to the equator and comprising anterior arms releasably connected to actuating haptics of a base.