Shape-Changing Intraocular Lens with Elastic Anterior Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular lenses (IOLs) fail to effectively mimic the natural human lens's accommodation capabilities and suffer from diminishing effective accommodation over time due to progressive fibrosis and stiffening of the lens capsule.
Innovation Solution
The development of an accommodative intraocular lens with a shape-changing optic that transitions between accommodated and dis-accommodated states, featuring an elastic anterior face and a more resistant posterior face, along with a chamber containing deformable material, allows for dioptric power changes through controlled shape deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional intraocular lens is used, then the lens provides basic refractive power, but it fails to effectively mimic the natural lens's accommodation capabilities and suffers from diminishing effective accommodation over time due to progressive fibrosis and stiffening of the lens capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the IOL optic shape-changeable through a deformable structure with variable curvature surfaces. The optic transitions between different shapes (more spherical to less spherical) to dynamically adjust dioptric power, mimicking the natural lens's accommodation mechanism. This dynamic shape change is achieved through a multi-component structure including an anterior face, posterior face, and side wall that can collectively deform in response to capsular pressure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical shape parameters of the optic (curvature of anterior and posterior surfaces, overall lens geometry) to alter its optical properties. As the optic deforms from a more spherical to less spherical shape, its dioptric power changes accordingly, enabling accommodation. This parameter transformation allows the lens to adapt its focusing capability without changing material composition
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lens capsule stiffens over time due to fibrosis, then the lens structure becomes more stable, but the accommodation ability diminishes as the capsule can no longer effectively transmit force to change lens shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a deformable optic structure with elastic components that can flex and change shape. The optic incorporates flexible elements including the anterior face, posterior face, and side wall that can deform collectively in response to external forces. This flexibility allows the optic to maintain adaptability even when the lens capsule stiffens over time, as the deformable structure itself can still change shape through its inherent elastic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optic dynamically shape-changeable to compensate for capsule stiffening. The variable curvature surfaces and deformable geometry allow the optic to actively adjust its shape in response to changing mechanical conditions, ensuring continued accommodation ability regardless of capsule fibrosis progression
3Adaptability or versatility
If a shape-changing optic with deformable material is used, then greater degrees of dioptric power change are achieved, but the device complexity increases with multiple components (anterior face, posterior face, side wall, chamber)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optic into distinct functional components: an anterior face, a posterior face, a side wall, and a chamber containing deformable material. Each component has specific properties (elastic anterior face, resistant posterior face) that contribute to the overall shape change mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function while working together to achieve the shape-changing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining different materials with contrasting properties within the optic structure. The anterior face is made of elastic material that deforms easily, while the posterior face uses more resistant material for stability. The chamber contains deformable material that facilitates shape change. This composite construction enables the optic to achieve greater dioptric power change by leveraging the synergistic effects of materials with different mechanical properties
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 enables the IOL to achieve greater degrees of dioptric power change, more closely mimicking the natural lens's accommodation, while maintaining optical quality and accommodating ability over time.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber containing deformable material that allows for dioptric power changes through controlled shape deformation
Implementation Method 2
an elastic anterior face and a more resistant posterior face
Data Source
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AI summary
An intraocular lens (IOL) with a shape-changing optic is provided. The shape-changing optic includes an elastic anterior face located anterior to the equator. The anterior face has an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a periphery. The shape-changing optic also includes a posterior face having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a periphery. An elastic side wall can extend across the equator and extend from the anterior face to the posterior face. A chamber can be located between the anterior face and the posterior face. The IOL can further include at least one haptic extending from the periphery of the anterior face, the periphery of the posterior face, or both.