DE102007048859A1 - Intraocular lens for being implanted in eyes of e.g. human, has lens body formed as form-changeable hollow body fillable with fluid, and micro pump provided for variation of fluid volume in lens body - Google Patents

Abstract

The lens (1) has a lens body (2) formed as a form-changeable hollow body fillable with fluid, and a micro pump (3) for variation of fluid volume in the lens body. The lens body is hydraulically connected with an equalization reservoir (4) by the micro pump. The reservoir is formed to be circular or partially circular, and is arranged radially outside of the lens body. An opened flow channel is provided between the lens body and the reservoir. A pressure relief valve is assigned to the lens body and/or the reservoir. An independent claim is also included for a system for automatic adjustment of the focal length of an intraocular lens.

Description

The The invention relates to an intraocular lens for implantation in human or animal eye according to the generic term of claim 1 and a system with such an intraocular lens according to claim 10th

to Treatment of cataract it is known, the thickened, cloudy, human Eye lens through an artificial Implant, a so-called intraocular lens to replace. Known Intraocular lenses are made of plastic and have one only slight greater density as the liquid, with which the lens receiving eye chamber is filled. The liquid bathes the implanted artificial lens. Your optically effective part (lens body) has a diameter of about 6 to 8 mm. At the edge of the known intraocular lens are elastic straps attached to that for ensure a secure fit of the intraocular lens in the eye. The required focal length for the lens is customized for calculated for the patient and glasses are used for the residual correction.

adversely in the known intraocular lenses it is that their focal length not changeable is. While older ones People often due to the age-related presbyopia used to this condition and have accepted it, he notes in particular for younger gray-star patients a strong loss of comfort.

Disclosure of the invention

Technical task

Of the The invention is therefore based on the object, an intraocular lens to propose, whose focal length is variable. Furthermore, there is the Task in it, a system for the automatic adjustment of the focal length propose.

Technical solution

These The object is with regard to the intraocular lens with the features of claim 1 and regarding the system with the features of Claim 10 solved. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. In The scope of the invention also includes all combinations of at least two of in the specification, claims and / or drawings disclosed features.

Of the Invention is based on the idea, the lens body, ie the optically active part of the intraocular lens, at least in sections, preferably completely, as a shape changeable, d. H. elastic, hollow body form and this hollow body Assign at least one micropump, by means of the fluid volume in the hollow body and thus the shape of the hollow body, d. H. of the lens body, variable is. By the change the lens body shape, in particular by amending the Lens body thickness or the lens body curvature, changes the focal length of the lens body. Consequently it is, especially in combination with a later to be explained Control unit possible, the Focal length automatically to the optical situation and / or the changing eyesight of the patient.

in the With regard to the design of the micropump, there are different ones Options. So it is within the scope of the invention, a single or multiple bidirectional Provide micropumps, so at least one micropump, the fluid both in the hollow body into and out of this. Additionally or preferably alternatively it is possible at least one, preferably at least two unidirectional working Provide micropumps, so at least one micropump, the only Fluid in the hollow body into or alternatively out of this can transport. there It is conceivable to use several unidirectional micropumps in one To summarize a component formed micropump. Of special Advantage is an embodiment when the micropump as a MEMS component, so as a micro-electro-mechanical system component is trained. The micropump, for example, in bulk micromechanical technology or in surface micromechanics technology accomplished become. The design of the micropump is made of silicon and / or Made of poly mermaterial realized. The lens body is preferably made of a elastic, transparent and long-term compatible plastic or silicone educated. Preferably, the fluid entering the lens body and / or pumpable out of this is also transparent and preferably, in particular for the Case of a leak, also formed biocompatible. For example, it is conceivable to use a saline solution as the fluid.

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that the lens body via the at least one micropump hydraulically verbun with at least one reservoir is the. Preferably, the expansion tank is formed like a tube. To enlarge the lens body fluid is pumped from the reservoir into the lens body by means of the micropump. To reduce the lens body thickness, fluid can flow back into the expansion tank via the micropump and / or a separate hydraulic channel to be explained later. It is an embodiment feasible, in which the expansion tank is hydraulically connected exclusively via the at least one micropump with the lens body. It is also possible, one of the active micropump se provided hydraulic channel, which can also be formed by one of two non-active, unidirectional micropumps. Of particular advantage is an embodiment in which the surge tank is annular or partially annular and is located radially outside of the lens body. Preferred is a concentric arrangement of reservoir and lens body.

to Supplying the at least one micropump with energy it is possible in the intraocular lens at least one energy storage, in particular a capacitor and / or an accumulator to integrate. Especially however, an embodiment is preferred at the additional, or, advantageously, alternative to providing an energy storage the energy for operating the micropump contactless, in particular by means of RFID technology, can be coupled into the intraocular lens.

Prefers is the micropump for recording over electromagnetic waves transmitted without contact Energy at least one, preferably designed as a coil antenna, Antenna assigned. Particularly advantageous is an embodiment, when this antenna is radially outward of the lens body, preferably also radially outside of the expansion tank is arranged. With regard to a symmetrical design of Intraocular lens is an embodiment advantageous in which the antenna is arranged concentrically to the lens body is. It is also an embodiment feasible, in which the antenna is disposed within the surge tank is.

In Development of the invention is provided with advantage that the Micropump an ASIC (control unit), so an integrated control circuit assigned. In particular, in the formation of the micropump in a bulk micromechanics technology can the ASIC as a cap to form a cavity required for the micropump be used. Preferred is an embodiment in which the ASIC electrically directly with, in particular designed as a coil antenna, Antenna connected to the particular inductive, recording energy is. It is particularly preferred if not only electrical via the antenna Energy, but also control statements for the ASIC can be coupled. Prefers are these control statements and / or sensor information on the modulated electromagnetic waves for energy transfer. It is an embodiment preferred in which the coil ends are electrically connected to the ASIC are. The electrical connection, in particular via bond pads, is advantageous arranged inside the lens material, so that the lens material a protective function for can take over the electrical connection lines. Especially preferred is an embodiment which also includes the ASIC within the intraocular lens material. For buffering the supply voltage it may be advantageous to form the ASIC with a capacitor.

Especially to realize a control loop is an embodiment beneficial in the case of the lens body and / or the surge tank at least a pressure sensor is associated, with which the actual fluid pressure detectable is. These measurement data are preferably forwarded to the ASIC, which contains the preferably designed as a MEMS component micropump so drives, that is a predetermined target fluid pressure established.

It is appropriate the Lens body over one flow channel with the expansion tank to connect, the flow channel prefers a permanent one represents hydraulic connection between the two cavities. This flow channel can be used to the fluid pressure in the lens body through to control the control of the pump power. Additionally or preferably alternatively to provide one separate from the at least one micropump flow channel is an embodiment feasible, where the flow channel is formed in or from a micropump. Preference is given to this the valves (intake valve and exhaust valve), each not active micropump open, so that fluid freely through the non-active micropump or the non-active pump channel can flow.

to Avoidance of damage the intraocular lens in case of malfunction is one embodiment advantageous in which a pressure relief valve provided is. Preferably, the overpressure valve is between the lens body and the expansion tank provided and opens when exceeding a maximum permissible Fluid pressure in one of the two cavities.

Furthermore, the invention leads to a system comprising at least one previously described intraocular lens and at least one sensor for detecting sensor information for automatic focusing of the intraocular lens. In other words, a system comprising an intraocular lens that is comparable to the autofocus of a camera is proposed, wherein the sensor for evaluating the focus, for example, a contrast measurement and / or a phase comparison is possible (passive autofocus). In addition to the above-described passive design of the autofocus, the realization of an active autofocus, for example using ultrasonic waves and / or by means of object illumination, can also be realized. It is within the scope of the invention to integrate the at least one sensor evaluating the focus position into the intraocular lens. However, it is preferred an embodiment in which the at least one sensor is designed as a separate component of the intraocular lens.

The Sensor information measured by the sensor and / or from the sensor information, preferably by means of a logic unit, obtained control statements for the ASIC are preferably by means of a transmitting unit without contact in the intraocular lens coupled. Advantageously, the transmitting unit is simultaneously one, in particular designed in RFID technology, power supply unit for the Micropump and the ASIC (control unit) of the micropump, the Sensor information and / or derived from these control instructions preferably on the electromagnetic waves for power supply be modulated. For the Case that by means of the transmitting unit directly the sensor information, d. H. the sensor data is sent to the ASIC is an embodiment advantageous in which the ASIC is designed such that it Sensor information in appropriate control instructions to the desired Control of the micropump converts.

From particular advantage is an embodiment in which the sensor and / or the transmitting unit and / or the storage unit for determining control instructions based on the sensor information, in a visual aid, preferably in a pair of glasses are / is integrated. The transmitting antenna for emitting the electrical energy and / or the sensor data and / or the control instructions is preferably in a Glasses integrated so that it is located in the glasses frame and a lens rotates. Alternatively, it is conceivable to integrate the coil in the spectacle lens. at the design of the alternating electromagnetic field for contactless Energy and information input into the intraocular lens is Make sure that the field strength and the frequency used so selected are that appropriate limits are not exceeded.

Brief description of the drawings

Further Advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent the following description of preferred embodiments and by reference the drawings. These show in:

1 FIG. 2: a schematic representation of an intraocular lens, FIG.

2 FIG. 4: a sectional view of the intraocular lens along the section line AA according to FIG 1 .

3 FIG. 2: a sectional view of the intraocular lens along the section line BB according to FIG 1 and

4 : An enlarged, schematic representation of a micropump with integrated ASIC.

Embodiments of the invention

In The figures are the same components and components with the same Function marked with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is an intraocular lens 1 shown in a front view. The intraocular lens 1 has a circular outer contour and can be provided if necessary with known from the prior art elastic temple for positioning in the eye.

The intraocular lens 1 comprises a centric, optically active lens body 2 that, like from the 2 and 3 can be seen as formed with a fluid-filled hollow body. The deformable, elastic lens body 2 is via a micro-pump designed as a MEMS component 3 with a circular contoured, hose-like reservoir 4 connected, concentric with the lens body 2 is arranged. Both the lens body 2 as well as the expansion tank 4 are embedded in an elastic material, in this embodiment a silicone, so that both the lens body 2 as well as the expansion tank 4 are variable in shape depending on the fluid pressure or the fluid volume.

The micropump 3 or one of these, in 4 shown ASIC 5 is about in as well 4 Bond pads shown 6 electrically with an antenna designed as a coil antenna 7 which is embedded in the intraocular lens material. The antenna 7 is radially outside of the expansion tank 4 and concentric to this as well as to the lens body 2 arranged. About the antenna 7 With the help of electromagnetic waves are both energy for operating the ASIC and the micropump 3 , as well as control instructions and / or sensor information of a sensor, not shown, coupled, wherein the sensor information and / or the control instructions determined therefrom for driving the micropump 3 are preferably modulated onto the electromagnetic waves for energy coupling.

Like from the 1 to 3 is apparent, is the lens body 2 only at two opposite connection areas 8th mechanically with an outer ring 9 connected by both the expansion tank 4 , as well as the antenna 7 is included. In other words, the outer ring 9 and the lens body 2 two opposite, part-circular and mirror-symmetrical recesses 10 concentric with the lens body 2 are arranged, separated from each other. This results in a high flexibility of the intraocular lens 1 Sustainer This embodiment is particularly for the case that the intraocular lens 1 is rolled into the eye in a rolled state and then rolled up inside the eye. It is also an embodiment feasible, in which the outer ring 9 and the lens body 2 are connected to each other only via a single contact point, in the area then the micropump 3 is arranged. Furthermore, a contact point can be realized, in which the lens body and the outer ring are fully interconnected.

With the help of the micropump 3 is fluid from the surge tank 4 in the formed as a cavity lens body 2 pumpable, reducing the shape of the lens body 2 and thus its focal length is changeable. In particular, the thickness D (curvature) of the lens body becomes 2 increased. Likewise, with the help of the micropump 3 Fluid from the lens body 2 in the expansion tank 4 be pumped, which in turn results in the shape of the lens body 2 and change the focal length. In particular, thereby the thickness D (curvature) of the lens body 2 reduced. Preferably, the control of the micropump takes place 3 about the ASIC 5 (Control unit) in dependence on sensor data or from these determined control instructions. For detecting the sensor data is preferably not shown, outside the intraocular lens 1 arranged sensor provided. In interaction with this at least one sensor forms the intraocular lens 1 a kind of autofocus that can be realized as passive as well as active autofocus.

For reasons of clarity, optionally foreseeable pressure sensors are used to form a control circuit for controlling the micropump 3 with the help of the ASIC 5 not shown. Furthermore, for reasons of clarity, attention has been drawn to the representation of an optional flow channel which is separate from the micropump 3 or inside the micropump 3 can be trained, waived. About such a flow channel is the lens body 2 , preferably permanently, with the expansion tank 4 connected, so that the fluid volume or the fluid pressure within the lens body 2 depending on the pump power of the micropump 3 can be controlled. In this embodiment, it is conceivable to use only a single unidirectional micropump, which either, preferably permanently, fluid into the lens body 2 into or out of this out into the expansion tank 4 promotes.

In 4 schematically is a possible embodiment of a micropump 3 shown. The micropump shown 3 consists of two unidirectional micropumps 3a . 3b , where both micropumps 3a . 3b or their actuators 11 . 12 via the common ASIC 5 be controlled, which for receiving contactless coupled energy and sensor information and / or control instructions signal-conducting with in the 1 to 3 shown antenna 7 connected is. The actuators 11 . 12 For example, they may be formed capacitively or piezoelectrically.

In the embodiment of a micropump 3 according to 4 is every micropump 3a . 3b one inlet valve each 13 . 14 and one outlet valve each 15 . 16 assigned. Here are the intake valves 13 . 14 and the exhaust valves 15 . 16 the two micropumps 3a . 3b arranged alternately so that the bottom of the plane of the micropump 3a for conveying fluid from the surge tank 4 in the lens body 2 and the top of the plane micropump 3b for conveying fluid from the lens body 2 in the expansion tank 4 serves. In the embodiment shown, it is conceivable that the inlet and the outlet valve 13 . 15 ; 14 . 16 the respective non-active micropump 3a . 3b (constantly) are open, whereby the respective non-active micropump forms a flow channel, which per the Linsenkör 2 hydraulically connects to the surge tank, so that a regulation of the fluid pressure within the lens body 2 via a power control of the respective active micropump 3a . 3b can be done.

Claims (13)

Intraocular lens for implantation in the human or animal eye, comprising a lens body ( 2 ), characterized in that the lens body ( 2 ) is formed as a shape-variable, can be filled with a fluid hollow body, and that at least one micropump ( 3 ) for varying the fluid volume in the lens body ( 2 ) is provided. Intraocular lens according to claim 1, characterized in that the lens body ( 2 ) via the micropump ( 3 . 3a . 3b ) hydraulically with at least one expansion tank ( 4 ) connected is. Intraocular lens according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the expansion tank ( 4 ) is annular or part-ring-shaped and radially outside of the lens body ( 2 ) is arranged. Intraocular lens according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy for operating the micropump ( 3 . 3a . 3b ) Contactless, preferably inductive, in particular by means of RFID technology, can be coupled. Intraocular lens according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one, in particular designed as a coil antenna, antenna ( 7 ) is provided for contactless coupling of the energy. Intraocular lens according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one ASIC ( 5 ) for driving the, in particular designed as a MEMS component, micropump ( 3 ) is provided. Intraocular lens according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one signal-conducting with the ASIC ( 5 ) connected pressure sensor for determining the fluid pressure in the lens body ( 2 ) and / or in the expansion tank ( 4 ) is provided. Intraocular lens according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that at least one, preferably permanently open, flow channel between the lens body ( 2 ) and the expansion tank ( 4 ) provided separately from the micropump ( 3 . 3a . 3b ) or by a non-active micropump ( 3 . 3a . 3b ) is formed. Intraocular lens according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized. characterized in that the lens body ( 2 ) and / or the expansion tank ( 4 ) is assigned at least one pressure relief valve. System comprising at least one intraocular lens ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one sensor for detecting sensor information for automatic focusing of the intraocular lens ( 1 ). System according to claim 10, characterized in that a transmitting unit is provided, with which the sensor information and / or from the sensor information, preferably by means of a logic unit, obtained control instructions to the micropump ( 3 ) of the intraocular lens ( 1 assigned ASIC ( 5 ) are sendable. System according to claim 11, characterized in that that the transmitting unit, the sensor information and / or the control instructions on electromagnetic waves for contactless coupling of energy is formed aufmodulierend. System according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized that the sensor and / or the transmitting unit in a visual aid, in particular integrated in a pair of glasses and / or are integrally formed / is.