Shape-Changing Intraocular Lens Optics for Lost Capsular Elasticity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intraocular lenses (IOLs) fail to effectively mimic the natural lens's accommodation capabilities and fail to address the loss of capsular elasticity and fibrosis post-cataract surgery, leading to diminished accommodative ability and visual quality issues.

Innovation Solution

The development of an intraocular lens with a shape-changing optic that applies radial tension directly to the anterior face anterior to the equator, utilizing components with varying resistance to deformational change, including an anterior face more resistant than the chamber contents, to achieve greater dioptric power change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing IOL designs are used, then the lens can be implanted in the capsular bag, but the accommodative ability is lost due to fibrosis and stiffening of the lens capsule

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodative abilityVSAvoidcapsular elasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the natural lens capsule's mechanical accommodation mechanism with an artificial shape-changing optic that uses radial tension applied at extension sites anterior to the equator to alter the anterior face curvature. This substitution bypasses the need for capsular elasticity by directly manipulating the optic's shape through haptic-mediated tension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the optic by varying the resistance to deformational change between different components (anterior face versus chamber contents) and by controlling the radial tension applied at specific extension sites. This allows the anterior face curvature to be dynamically adjusted independent of capsular elasticity changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If radial tension is applied to change the shape of the optic, then dioptric power changes occur, but the application of force must be precisely controlled to achieve desired shape change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedioptric power changeVSAvoidforce application control

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies radial tension at specific local extension sites on the anterior face rather than uniformly across the entire optic. This localized force application allows precise control over which regions of the anterior face are tensioned, enabling controlled shape change and dioptric power adjustment without requiring complex global force distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The optic is segmented into functionally distinct regions: the anterior face with extension sites that receive radial tension, the chamber contents that provide deformability, and the haptics that transmit force. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's properties to achieve controlled shape change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If the anterior face is made more resistant to deformational change than the chamber contents, then greater dioptric power change is achieved, but the structural integrity must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedioptric power changeVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates local quality differences in deformational resistance between the anterior face and chamber contents. The anterior face is designed with higher resistance to deformational change to maintain structural integrity and provide the primary shape-determining surface, while the chamber contents are more compliant to allow volume changes during shape transitions. This differential resistance enables dioptric power change while preserving overall structural integrity.

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 IOL design enhances accommodative ability by allowing for significant shape change and dioptric power adjustment, even with reduced capsular elasticity, providing improved visual acuity and accommodating capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic anterior face located anterior to the equator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the lens contents, contained within the lens capsule, can be considered a viscoelastic or 'semi-flowable fluid'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4346695B1Intraocular lenses with shape-changing optics and stabilizing properties

Publication Date: 2025.12.17 JELLISEE OPHTHALMICS INC

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AI summary

An intraocular lens (IOL) (110) with a shape-changing optic (112) is provided. The shape-changing optic (112) includes an elastic anterior face (114) located anterior to the equator. The anterior face has an anterior surface (116), a posterior surface (118), and a periphery (120). The shape-changing optic (112) also includes a posterior face (122) having an anterior surface (124), a posterior surface (128), and a periphery (130). An elastic side wall (132) can extend across the equator and extend from the anterior face (114) to the posterior face (122). A chamber can be located between the anterior face (114) and the posterior face (122). The IOL (110) can further include at least one haptic (138) extending from the periphery (120) of the anterior face (114), the periphery (130) of the posterior face (122), or both.