Biomimetic Accommodating Intraocular Lens Using a Valved Deformable Liquid Balloon.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Optics

Background:

• Presbyopia is an age-related condition characterized by the inability to focus on near objects due to the loss of human lens elasticity.
• The exact causes of presbyopia are debated, but the common outcome is reduced lens deformation.
• Cataract surgery often involves replacing the natural lens, presenting an opportunity to address co-existing presbyopia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel deformable, liquid-filled intraocular lens designed to restore accommodation in patients with presbyopia.
• To assess the lens's biomechanical properties, stability, and optical performance after implantation in a simulated environment.

Main Methods:

• The deformable lens was implanted into human cadaver eyes with presbyopia.
• Accommodation was simulated using muscle contraction, and focal length was measured.
• Finite-element analysis (FEA) and physical measurements assessed lens curvature changes during accommodation.
• Lens power, stability (accelerated aging), and optical transmittance were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Implanted lenses restored accommodation, ranging from 2.0 to 7.4 diopters.
• FEA confirmed changes in anterior and posterior lens curvature during simulated accommodation.
• The lens demonstrated stability after accelerated aging equivalent to 7.4 years, with unchanged weight and 96% optical transmittance.
• Lens power was adjustable based on fill volume.

Conclusions:

• A deformable liquid-filled lens can effectively reverse presbyopia by restoring accommodative ability.
• The lens allows for individualized optical adjustment, ensuring patient-specific correction.
• The lens exhibits long-term stability and is compatible with minimally invasive surgery.