Intraocular electro-optic lens with focus control for cataract patients

The optical function of the human eye is based on the combination of the cornea (as a fixed lens), an adjustable lens and the vitreous fluid. The accommodation of the eye, which is meant to focus an image, is based on the movement of the ciliary muscle, which alters the shape and thus dioptric strength of the adjustable lens. In the case of cataract disease, the adjustable lens becomes milky, causing a blurred vision. The most common cure is to surgically replace the natural lens by a static artificial one. However, better restoration would require a lens with the capability of automatic accommodation. The development of such a lens is the subject of this research. The concept comprises an intraocular lens with electro-optically controlled refractive power that can be surgically inserted. By making use of dual lenses and a hybrid lens design, based on electronically controlled liquid crystal alignment and a curved shape, the complete lens will adaptively focus every image, independent on the polarisation of the light, and of the distance of the object. The control signal for the lens is derived from a sensor measuring the position of a marker moving together with the ciliary muscle. The research designed, built and tested the electro-optic lens. High importance was given to modelling the physics of the optics of the curved, inhomogeneous and anisotropic system.

Jaar van publicatie:2016

Toegankelijkheid:Closed