Photoresponsive, biocompatible materials for reconfigurable intraocular lenses

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Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are soft, flexible lenses that are surgically implanted to replace cataractous lenses in the human eye; cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures in the world. In the case of further vision changes, current IOLs must be surgically replaced. Our objective is to develop reconfigurable IOLs, which can be post-operatively and non-invasively modified with (benign) laser beams to correct vision. Reconfigurable IOLs would eliminate the need for ophthalmic surgery, associated risk of infection, recovery time and expense; they represent a disruptive technology that would significantly enhance quality of life in a predominantly geriatric and vulnerable patient population.Our approach to reconfigurable IOLs is necessarily interdisciplinary, spanning molecular-level photochemistry, optical physics, optical engineering, chemical and biomedical engineering of lenses, in vitro and in vivo safety and toxicity studies, ophthalmic surgery to patient care. It begins with the design and synthesis of light-responsive molecules, which are incorporated into biocompatible hydrogels (flexible, water-swollen networks akin to biological lenses) that can be moulded into IOLs. When exposed to wavelengths in the near infrared (NIR) region, these photoresponsive molecules within IOLs undergo carefully designed configurational changes that alter the optical properties - including the refractive index - of the hydrogel. This in turn changes the power (prescription) of the IOL - allowing it to be remotely tuned with a laser beam - even after insertion into the eye. By employing NIR light rather than visible wavelengths, we ensure that modification of the lens is elicited only by design with a NIR laser and that IOLs remain inert to ambient light. The applicants bring the diverse and broad suite of technical expertise and instrumentation critical to this project, ranging from optical physics, photo-responsive soft materials (Saravanamuttu), chemical/biomedical engineering (Sheardown), ophthalmic surgery (McLaughlin) and synthetic chemistry (Vargas Baca). We will co-supervise a team of two post-doctoral fellows, charged respectively with synthesis of photoresponsive molecules, and fabrication, characterization and viability testing of IOL prototypes. Each will mentor a graduate student during the course of the project. We will coordinate reciprocal, seamless interactions between team members, which is key to the success of this project.