Biomimetic accommodating intraocular lens (IOL)

This work reports a preliminary study of a fully implantable biomimetic accommodative intraocular lens (IOL) structured as a MEMS-valved endocapsular balloon. The biomimetic accommodative IOL is modeled after the geometry of a 29-year-old human lens and fabricated using only biocompatible materials. Successful accommodation, or focusing ability of the lens, is demonstrated in an objective benchtop test bed with enucleated porcine eyes. After surgical implantation of the lens, the focusing muscles of the eye are stretched in a manner consistent with prior work to demonstrate a change in focal power as the muscle is stretched in a manner similar to the natural lens. This work also includes detailed surgical procedures for the insertion and inflation of the lens.