Si-Containing Polymer Intraocular Lens for Micro-Incision Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cataract surgical methods face challenges with intraocular lenses (IOLs) being too stiff and brittle, making them unsuitable for micro-incision cataract surgery, and requiring post-surgery corrective measures due to inadequate refractive power adjustment and potential complications like endophthalmitis.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel compounds with a Si-containing polymer backbone and specific linker groups that allow for adjustable optical properties through irradiation, enhancing flexibility and UV stability, enabling non-invasive refractive power adjustment and reducing the need for post-surgery aids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional intraocular lenses are used, then surgical procedure is straightforward, but the lenses are too stiff and brittle for micro-incision cataract surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for micro-incision surgeryVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the polymer composition parameters - specifically using polysiloxane backbones with controlled crosslinking density and incorporating hydrophilic groups to achieve optimal balance between flexibility and structural integrity for micro-incision surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining polysiloxane polymer chains with crosslinking agents and hydrophilic additives to create a multi-component lens material that exhibits both flexibility for surgical insertion and sufficient strength for post-implantation stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If intraocular lenses are implanted, then vision correction is achieved, but refractive power adjustment is insufficient requiring post-surgery corrective measures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefractive power adjustmentVSAvoidneed for post-surgery aids

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by incorporating photo-responsive moieties that enable the lens to dynamically adjust its refractive properties in response to light irradiation, transforming a static optical element into an adaptable system that can be tuned post-implantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with photochemical control - using light-induced molecular changes in the polymer structure to modify refractive index and focal length, eliminating the need for physical intervention or additional corrective devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If cataract surgery is performed, then vision restoration is possible, but complications like endophthalmitis can occur leading to complete vision loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical safetyVSAvoidrisk of endophthalmitis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of surgical invasion into benefit by using minimally invasive micro-incision techniques enabled by the flexible lens material, which reduces surgical trauma and lowers the risk of endophthalmitis while maintaining effective vision correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If intraocular lenses are implanted, then vision correction is achieved, but further surgery may be required for aged persons with reduced healing capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term vision correctionVSAvoidneed for additional surgery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service by providing patients with the capability to autonomously adjust their own lens refractive power through light irradiation, eliminating the need for additional surgical interventions particularly beneficial for elderly patients with compromised healing abilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 compounds provide a flexible and stable intraocular lens material that can be adjusted post-implantation, reducing the need for corrective measures and minimizing surgical complications, while maintaining high refractive index for thinner lenses.

Implementation Method 1

enhancing flexibility and UV stability, enabling non-invasive refractive power adjustment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

WO 2009/074521 A1 describes ophthalmological compositions comprising coumarin acrylates or methacrylates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotochemistry: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11040990B2Compounds containing Si atoms for optically active devices

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to novel compounds, particularly to compounds comprising a photoactive unit, said novel compounds being particularly suitable for compositions and ophthalmic devices as well as to compositions and ophthalmic devices comprising such compounds.