Variable Hyper-Focal IOL Design to Aid Macular Degeneration Patients
Purpose
Examine the design requirements and potential of a hyper-focal IOL to aid patients with retinal disease.
Methods
Design criteria, solution methods, and preliminary prototype testing are presented for an intraocular lens placed after cataract surgery which allows greater changes in focal distances and magnification than physiologically possible with the patient’s natural lens. The lens utilizes the patient’s natural autonomic feed-back for optimizing focus while maximizing visual clarity.
Results
A hyper-focal intraocular lens design is presented with proof of concept testing which incorporates all delineated criteria for a surgically workable IOL. The Lens is able to accommodate to 12 diopters with 1 gram of physiologically available actuation force. The patient actuated variable accommodation provides up to a 4X linear magnification on the retina over a 3 diopter reading lens.
Conclusion
Magnification has long been used to help macular degeneration patients use their existing retina to maximize visual potential. The design and lens testing presented indicate a feasible solution for patients allowing them to magnify an image at will without the need for external devices.