After a successful research phase, a new type of Accommodating Intraocular Lens (AIOL) capable of effectively treating presbyopia is looking for a place in the market. Scientists from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) are hoping to have the first pre-commercial prototype ready by 2026.
The technology behind this innovative AIOL was revealed in a study published last year in the Optica journal brought out by the Optical Society of America (OSA). Susana Marco, from the Daza Valds Optical Institute of the CSIC, led the team in this ambitious project.
Presbyopia is an age-related condition involving the loss of the crystalline lenss ability to focus after it becomes stiffer with time. This creates difficulties for the eye to properly fixate on either nearby or faraway objects and see them clearly. However, despite affecting 100% of humans over 45 years of age, there is still no satisfactory solution to this condition.
But this might change soon!
The Spanish research team is bringing an intraocular lens that can reshape itself inside the eye and thereby focus on far or near objects, mimicking the ability of a young eye. This is something that has never been done before.
The potential of this optical technology lies not only in the innovative mechanism that sets it apart from any other intraocular lens on the market but also in its capacity to improve the quality of life for those greatly affected by presbyopia.
The team is planning to set up a company in order to bring this to the market Lightlens that aims to commercialize the product. While this has not been completed as yet, the scientists have already started receiving funding to further develop the patented technology.
We are currently talking to different intraocular lens manufacturing companies who could be potential investors and partners. We will set up the company as soon as we have secured financing, Marco said.
Alongside her, the co-inventors of the two patents involved in this research are Carlos Dorronsoro from the CSICs Institute of Optics, and Irene Kochevar from the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital (University of Harvard). Other collaborators include Rocio Gutierrez and Andrs de la Hoz also from the Institute of Optics in Spain.
Marco explained to Innovation Origins that two elements are responsible for the lens capacity being able to adapt and accommodate various distances. The first one produces refraction, which is mainly responsible for the focus on faraway objects. The second is a flexible part that alters the shape of the lens by changing its curvature, which allows it to adapt and fixate properly on any nearby items.
The lens works by changing its curvature to accommodate far and near objects, just like young eye do, added the Spanish scientists.
The way in which its elements come into play is quite straightforward: the lens captures the movement of a muscle in the eye and adjusts itself accordingly. Specifically, it catches the ciliary muscles force, which is the one responsible for dealing with objects at various distances.
The tricky part was how to attach the intraocular lens to the eye so that its mechanism would be sensitive to the movement of the muscles. The answer was found in a photo-adhesive technique, which is a process that involves a photoinitiator agent that is activated by light and enables bonding of the eye with the lens.
According to Marcos, this underlines the success of the lens, as the technique has never been used before to treat presbyopia.
She added that the biggest challenge her team underwent in order to create the technology, was combining all the disciplines that were necessary for its success. The lens uses elements of optomechanical design, photochemical techniques for photoactivation of the bonding process, surgical techniques for implantation, and a material with the relevant optical and mechanical properties.
All elements needed to work smoothly with one another, and in the end, they did.
The result is a never-before-seen technology that is capable of successfully recreating in aging humans the functional capacities of young eyes.
Commercially, the intraocular lens would enter the segment of the sector known as premium. This refers to intraocular lenses that not only correct the crystallines opacification but also improve the patients quality of life and sight. In this case, by recovering their sights ability to accommodate distances, Marco stated.
The lens was first designed through a computational process. After that, prototypes were manufactured and tested in an eye stretcher (equipment optimized for eye surgery, ed) which had a system installed that replicated the ciliary muscles movement. The photochemical bonding was demonstrated initially outside the context of an eye and then surgically inside the eyes of a porcine animal model.
According to Marco, before implantation in humans, it is necessary to adjust some design parameters so that biocompatibility and toxicity tests, as well as preclinical tests, can be carried out on animal models and then in clinical trials with human patients. She emphasized that the lens is still under development and that other tests are necessary to ensure an optimal and safe outcome.
The current challenge with the LightLens is that it is not only an intraocular lens, but that it is also particularly sophisticated, with new elements in its design, with new substances in its material, and it uses light in its application.
In the past, the team behind Lightlens has had experience in commercializing other optical products. They founded 2EyesVision, Plenoptika, and PhysIOL; all of which are looking to improve ophthalmological processes.
Marco is very positive about the future of LightLens. She concluded that their aim is to provide patients with a solution that replicates the functioning of the young eye, which will, without a doubt, improve their quality of vision and their quality of life.
See more here:
Younger eyes for an aging population with this innovative intraocular lens - Innovation Origins
- 001 Stem Cells improve or reverse problems associated with Blindness, Eye Sight and Vision [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2010]
- 002 Burn Victim Eye Sight Restored with Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2010]
- 003 Advanced Cell Technology Announces Approval of Wills Eye Institute as Additional Site for Stem Cell Clinical Trial for ... [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2012]
- 004 New Research Characterizes Glaucoma as a Neurologic Disorder Rather Than an Eye Disease [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- 005 Human stem cells 'help blind rat' [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- 006 New research characterizes glaucoma as neurologic disorder rather than eye disease [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- 007 Glaucoma: A Neurological Disorder? [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- 008 Mum tells of delight at pioneering eye operation which has helped restore her sight [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2012]
- 009 6 Tips for Eye Health and Maintaining Good Eyesight [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2015]
- 010 Blurry Eye Vision Blurred Vision, and Cures for Blurry ... [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2015]
- 011 All About Eyes | "Your Sight is My Vision" [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2015]
- 012 Autism Spectrum Disorders, Vision, and Eyesight - Autistic ... [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2015]
- 013 Visual perception - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2015]
- 014 Human eye - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 5th, 2015]
- 015 Color vision - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2015]
- 016 How is your vision after Cataract Surgery? - Eye Care ... [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2015]
- 017 Eye Conditions & Treatments | Eye Site Vision Center ... [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2015]
- 018 eye conditions - All About Vision [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2015]
- 019 Eye Health Center - WebMD [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2015]
- 020 CDC - About Vision Health - Common Eye Disorders - Vision ... [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2015]
- 021 Craft & Vision [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2015]
- 022 VISION 2020 | International Agency for the Prevention of ... [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2015]
- 023 Subaru EyeSight: Driver Assist Technology [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2015]
- 024 Eye - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2015]
- 025 Information on eyesight and vision: myths and facts at ... [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2015]
- 026 Childrens vision and eye exams - Center For Sight [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- 027 Eye care professional - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- 028 Lasik Eye Surgery - Get Your Best Vision at LA Sight [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- 029 Eye Exercises Improve Vision Eyesight [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- 030 Sight (Vision) - University of Washington [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- 031 Second Sight Argus II Eye Prosthesis Brings Central Vision ... [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2015]
- 032 Neuroscience for Kids - The Eye and Its Connections [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2015]
- 033 Laser Eye Treatment Center - Centre For Sight [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2015]
- 034 Eye Exam - Sight and Eye Exam - Vision and Eye Health ... [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2015]
- 035 Driving eyesight rules - GOV.UK [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2015]
- 036 Eye & Vision Problems - American Optometric Association [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2015]
- 037 Lasik eye surgery - Centre For Sight [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 038 Dry Eye and Dry Eye Syndrome - Center for Sight in ... [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 039 Common vision problems | National Eye Institute [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 040 Computer Vision Syndrome | Eye Treatment - Centre For Sight [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 041 Eight Ways to Protect Your Eyesight - AllAboutVision.com [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 042 Facts About Diabetic Eye Disease | National Eye Institute [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 043 Vision Therapy: Can We Train Our Sight (Vanderbilt.edu) [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 044 Refractive Errors and Refraction - How the Eye Sees [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 045 Types of Vision Problems - Department of Health [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 046 Eyesight and vision - About-Vision.com [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 047 Eye Can Learn | Eye Exercises for Visual Health and School ... [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 048 Low Vision and Legal Blindness Terms and Descriptions ... [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 049 Eyesight NH - Cataract Surgery Portsmouth NH | LASIK Eye ... [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 050 Ophthalmologist Zeeland, MI | Sight Eye Clinic [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2016]
- 051 Fox Eye Care Group - Eye Doctor Winston Salem, High Point [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2016]
- 052 Eye Test - The Eye Chart and 20/20 Vision Explained [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2016]
- 053 How Light Works | HowStuffWorks [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2016]
- 054 Sight $avers Family Eye Care - Optometry In Richmond, KY ... [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- 055 Fibromyalgia and Your Eye Sight - Fibromyalgia-Symptoms.org [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- 056 All About Vision - Humanitarian Eye Care Organizations [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2016]
- 057 Visual perception - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2016]
- 058 Vision and Eye News - AllAboutVision.com [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2016]
- 059 Test your vision [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2016]
- 060 20/20 Vision: Is It Perfect Eyesight? - AllAboutVision.com [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2016]
- 061 Human eye - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2016]
- 062 Monday Close-Up: Finding her way - Daily Herald [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- 063 Blind mom regains sight after church visit - whnt.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- 064 Love at first sight - win Free Laser Eye Surgery for you or your partner - Belfast Live [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- 065 Blind woman's sight restored - St. Charbel's relic brings slew of miraculous healings - Catholic Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- 066 Finding her way Student excels in goalball, life despite visual impairment - Daily Herald [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- 067 Maintaining Good Eye Health: What Causes Cataracts And 3 Ways To Prevent Cloudy Vision - Medical Daily [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- 068 Eyesight to the Blind - Business Jet Traveler [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- 069 Barely Visible Device Can Save Your Eyesight - NBC4 Washington [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- 070 Out of sight, out of mind: 61 million Americans are at risk for serious eye trouble and they don't even know it - Rare.us [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- 071 EYESIGHT WARNING: Kids risk eye damage 'by spending too much time indoors' - Express.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- 072 The Inspiring VIsion Behind Ridin' for Cash Bull Bash - Big Country Homepage [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- 073 Lions club provides free eye screenings for elementary, middle school students - The Exponent Telegram (press release) (registration) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- 074 10 ways to keep your eyes healthy - Irish Independent [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- 075 Douglas Anderson: My invention saved my son's eyesight - Express.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- 076 The Story Of Ajay Kumar Reddy - From Losing His Vision As A Child To Leading India To The Blind World T20 Title - Indiatimes.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- 077 Stanford researchers personalize virtual reality displays to match a user's eyesight - Stanford University News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- 078 Storm's journey to regain his eyesight - South Coast Sun [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2017]
- 079 North Central Sight Services celebrates diamond anniversary - Williamsport Sun-Gazette [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2017]
- 080 Eying vision changes and problems related to aging - Burlington County Times [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2017]