Thin Foldable IOL with Tapered Haptics for Small Incision Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an intraocular lens (IOL) that can be compressed to a small size for insertion through a small incision of 2 mm or less during cataract surgery while maintaining stability within the eye, as larger IOLs cannot be compressed sufficiently and smaller ones may lose their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A foldable IOL design featuring flexible haptics with a thickness that decreases from the proximal to the distal end, along with a sharp edge to prevent cellular migration and posterior capsular opacification, allowing the lens to absorb compressive forces and maintain alignment along the eye's optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IOL is made larger to maintain optical functionality and stability, then the lens can restore eye function better, but it cannot be compressed through a small incision of 2 mm or less
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is designed to be folded or compressed into a compact configuration that can pass through a small incision (2 mm or less), similar to how a larger object can be nested within a smaller space. The haptics and optic can be collapsed together during insertion and then deployed to their functional configuration inside the capsular bag, resolving the contradiction between size for insertion and size for functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The IOL transitions from a static large size to a dynamic state where it can be compressed and folded for insertion, then expanded and stabilized after implantation. The flexible haptics enable this dynamic transformation, allowing the lens to adapt its configuration between insertion and functional states, thus resolving the size contradiction.
2Length of moving object
If the IOL is made smaller to pass through a 2 mm incision, then insertion is easier, but the lens loses stability and cannot maintain alignment in the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is segmented into distinct functional components: the optic for optical function and the haptics for stabilization. The haptics are designed as separate elements that can be compressed with the optic for insertion but then deploy independently to provide stability and alignment maintenance. This segmentation allows the lens to be small for insertion while maintaining stability through the deployed haptic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptics are designed as flexible structures that can be compressed into a small configuration for insertion through a 2 mm incision, then expand and flex to their functional shape inside the capsular bag. This flexibility allows the same structure to serve both insertion and stabilization functions, resolving the contradiction between size and stability.
3Strength
If the haptics are made thicker to maintain structural integrity and stability, then the lens remains stable in the eye, but the overall IOL size increases and cannot be inserted through a small incision
Solution Approach 1:
The haptics exhibit dynamic thickness characteristics - they are thinner in the compressed insertion state to allow passage through a small incision, then expand to their full functional thickness and structural integrity after implantation. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between size for insertion and strength for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptics are designed to nest together or collapse into a compact configuration during insertion, effectively reducing their overall volume and thickness to pass through a small incision. Once implanted, they deploy to their full functional dimensions, providing the necessary structural integrity without requiring permanently thick dimensions.
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 can be successfully inserted through a small incision and remains stable within the eye, absorbing compressive forces from capsular bag shrinkage, thereby maintaining optimal alignment and preventing complications like posterior capsular opacification.
Implementation Method 1
The fingers flex and decrease the radius of curvature thereof in response to a radial compressive force applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
the sharp edge presses against the posterior wall of the bag and acts as a barrier against cellular migration
Data Source
AI summary
A thin IOL capable of insertion through a small incision into the capsular bag of an eye includes haptics having free ends configured to absorb compressive forces resulting from shrinkage of the capsular bag in the weeks following surgery.