Artificial iris with automatic adjustment of pupil size based on shape memory effect

Release date: 2017-06-26

The iris is an important part of the eye structure and is mainly used to adjust the amount of external light into the eye. When the external light is strong, the iris will shrink, reducing the damage of light to the eyes. In dimly lit conditions, the iris will zoom in, increasing the amount of light entering the eye and helping you see the object.

Once the iris is damaged, the most common symptom of the patient is photophobia. The data show that patients with congenital aniridia are rare, and the incidence rate is 1:133931, while the acquired iris-free is mostly caused by trauma.

In order to reduce the symptoms of photophobia, colored glasses and opaque contact lenses have been used in the past to alleviate the discomfort of patients with corneal damage, but these treatments have limited effectiveness. Later, scientists developed an iris-type intraocular lens. The implantation of the crystal into the patient can seriously solve the original symptoms of photophobia, tearing, dizziness, dizziness, nystagmus, etc., and effectively improve the patient's vision.

However, this type of intraocular lens is not omnipotent. Because it is an external material for post-implantation, it does not have the neuromodulation function of its own iris, so it is impossible to adjust the size of the pupil according to the change of light intensity. Scientists say they will try to calibrate a suitable size, leaving a medium-sized pupil position to keep the light entering the eye at an appropriate level.

Scientists at the University of Technology in Tampere, Finland, have developed a synthetic iris that can be adjusted for external light. It is worth noting that this synthetic iris does not require any external control equipment.

The principle of this synthetic iris is not complicated. Scientists cut a piece of 14mm diameter from a polymerized liquid crystal elastomer into a 12-lobed radial shape from the center, and the outermost edge portion remains connected.

According to the research and development staff, the reason why this artificial iris can be adjusted automatically according to the light is because the polymerized liquid crystal elastomer can generate a reversible shape memory effect under external stimuli such as heat, light and electricity, which will change according to the heat received. Its own shape. When in a dim environment, each radial flap bends upwards and outwards, creating a circular void in the middle that increases the amount of light entering. At the same time, the researchers added red fuel to the liquid crystal mixture. When blue or green light is applied to the dye, heat is generated. The radial flap will curl back and close the aperture.

However, this artificial iris cannot be implanted in the human eye. Since the artificial iris controls the aperture opening and closing by the material sensing heat, it is difficult to ensure the accuracy of the opening and closing control, and the artificial iris at this stage can only react to the strong light.

In addition, the closing speed of the artificial iris has yet to be improved. The aperture speed of the smart camera reaches the microsecond level, so that the camera effect can be optimized in different environments. The opening and closing speed of the artificial iris still takes a few seconds, and the patient experience is not too good.

In addition to the closing speed, the degree of closure of the artificial iris in the closed state also needs to be increased. Now that the artificial iris is completely closed, it still leaks about 10% of the light.

Source: 36æ°ª

Air Purifier

Home Air Purifiers,Portable Air Purifier,Portable Air Purifier for Car,Mini Portable Air Purifier,Air Purifier Mask

Ningbo Shuangtuo International Trade Co., Ltd. , https://www.nbst-sports.com