Methods for tailoring the refractive index of lenses

US10254562B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Battelle Memorial Institute · CH

Inventors

• Herbert S. Bresler · Silver Spring, US
• Erik W. Edwards · Columbus, US
• Amy M. Heintz · Dublin, US
• John S. Laudo · Hilliard, US
• Alexander Morrow · Gahanna, US
• Steven M. Risser · Reynoldsburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 11, 2016
• Grant date: Apr 9, 2019
• Expiry date: Apr 10, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B1/043
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and devices for altering the power of a lens, such as an intraocular lens, are disclosed. In one method, the lens comprises a single polymer matrix containing crosslinkable pendant groups, wherein the polymer matrix increases in volume when crosslinked. The lens does not contain free monomer. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, crosslinking causes the exposed portion of the lens to increase in volume, causing an increase in the refractive index. In another method, the lens comprises a polymer matrix containing photobleachable chromophores. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, photobleaching causes a decrease in refractive index in the exposed portion without any change in lens thickness. These methods avoid the need to wait for diffusion to occur to change the lens shape and avoid the need for a second exposure to radiation to lock in the changes to the lens.