JP6869318B2 - Intraocular lens system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an intraocular lens system having a lens placed in the eye.

Of the various sensations that humans have, vision has a great impact on quality of life (QOL), and the disorder significantly reduces QOL. Therefore, it is important to establish a technique to supplement the lost function in the event of visual impairment. As such a technique, an intraocular lens (IOL), an artificial retina, and the like are known.

Patent Document 1 discloses an intraocular lens configured to be accommodated in the capsular bag in the eye. This intraocular lens has an optical portion having a predetermined refractive power and a pair of flat plate-shaped support portions extending from an outer peripheral portion in the vertical direction of the optical portion. At the end of each support, a peripheral surface having an outer peripheral surface that receives a force applied from the outer peripheral direction of the capsular bag is provided. As a result, the optical portion can be configured to be displaceable in the optical axis direction according to the force from the outer peripheral direction of the capsular bag due to the movement of the ciliary body (ciliary muscle), and the perspective can be adjusted. ..

Patent Document 2 discloses an artificial retina arranged inside an eyeball having a retina. The artificial retina is composed of a stimulation array arranged in the central region of the retina and a photovoltaic cell arranged outside the macula region of the retina. Photovoltaic cells generate electric power in response to ambient light. The stimulation array utilizes the power generated by the photovoltaic cell.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-190193 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-517828

However, even with the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, if the movement of the ciliary body becomes insufficient due to aging or the like, the movement of the ciliary body cannot sufficiently act on the crystalline lens. , There is a problem that the focal length (refractive power) cannot be changed appropriately.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the purposes thereof is a lens placed in the eye even when the movement of the ciliary body is insufficient due to aging or the like. The purpose is to provide a technology that can appropriately change the focal length of the lens.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a lens arranged in the eye and configured so that the focal distance can be changed, and light arranged in the eye and incident on the eye. A conversion means that allows a part of the light to pass through and converts the energy of the other part of the light into electrical energy, and an operation that is arranged in the eye and receives the electrical energy obtained by the conversion means. It operates by receiving the driving means for changing the focal distance of the lens, the electric energy arranged in the eye and obtained by the conversion means, and detects the light passing through the conversion means to generate an electric signal. It operates by receiving an artificial retina including an array of photoelectric conversion elements to be generated, a transmission means for sending the electric signal generated by the artificial retina to the visual field of the brain, and electric energy obtained by the conversion means. The driving means includes a control means for controlling the driving means and a detecting means for detecting the direction of the eyeball by receiving the electric energy obtained by the converting means, and the driving means determines the focal distance of the lens. It is possible to switch between the first focal distance and the second focal distance longer than the first focal distance, and the control means of the eyeball is based on the detection result obtained by the detection means. When the change in orientation is monitored and it is determined that the orientation of the eyeball has entered a predetermined lower region when the second focal distance is set, the focal distance of the lens is set from the second focal distance. When the direction of the eyeball is determined to have come out of the predetermined lower region when the first focal distance is changed to the first focal distance and the first focal distance is set , the focal distance of the lens is changed to the first focal distance. It is an intraocular lens system characterized in that the focal distance of the eye is changed to the second focal distance .

According to the present invention, the focal length of the lens arranged in the eye can be appropriately changed even when the movement of the ciliary body is insufficient.

It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the intraocular lens system which concerns on embodiment.

An example of an embodiment of the intraocular lens system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The intraocular lens system according to the present invention includes a lens arranged in the eye and configured so that the focal length (focal length) can be changed, and receives electrical energy converted from the energy of light incident in the eye. The focal length of the lens is changed. In addition, the description content of the document described in this specification can be appropriately incorporated as the content of the following embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
[Constitution]
FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of an example of the configuration of the intraocular lens system according to the first embodiment. The intraocular lens system 100 includes an Alvarez lens 110, a transmissive solar cell 130, a first detection unit 140, and a drive unit 150. The intraocular lens system 100 is placed in the lens capsule from which the lens has been removed, for example by a known phacoemulsification. In FIG. 1, the light path is represented by an arrow indicated by a broken line, and is represented separately from other paths (electrical signals, etc.) indicated by a solid line.

The Alvarez lens 110 is a varifocal lens configured so that at least the focal length can be changed. The transmissive solar cell 130 transmits a part of the light incident on the inside of the eye (inside the lens capsule) and converts the other part of the energy into electric energy. The first detection unit 140 detects the movement of the ciliary body or the biological signal for moving the ciliary body. Biological signals for exercising the ciliary body include, for example, signals sent from the brain to the ciliary body via nerves. The first detection unit 140 operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the transmissive solar cell 130 when a power supply from the outside is required. The drive unit 150 operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the transmissive solar cell 130, and changes the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 140. In this embodiment, the first detection unit 140 and the drive unit 150 are configured by hardware (circuit or the like) so that the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 140 becomes a drive control signal for controlling the drive unit 150. ing. Hereinafter, "passage" shall include the meaning of "transparency", and in this specification, "passage" may be equated with "transparency". Further, in this specification, "electric energy" and "electric power" may be equated with each other.

A power supply line for supplying electric power (electrical energy) generated by the transmissive solar cell 130 is connected between the transmissive solar cell 130 and the first detection unit 140. Further, a power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the transmissive solar cell 130 is connected between the transmissive solar cell 130 and the drive unit 150. Further, a signal line for supplying a drive signal for driving the drive unit 150 is connected between the first detection unit 140 and the drive unit 150.

In this embodiment, the Alvarez lens 110 transmits the light incident on the eye in the crystalline lens capsule, and the transmissive solar cell 130 converts the energy of the light transmitted through the Alvarez lens 110 into electrical energy. That is, the Alvarez lens 110 is arranged on the corneal side, and the transmissive solar cell 130 is arranged on the fundus side.

(Alvarez lens, drive unit)
The Alvarez lens 110 has a pair of optical elements 111 and 112, and the spherical power can be changed by the relative movement of the optical elements 111 and 112. That is, the Alvarez lens 110 is configured so that the focal length can be changed by the relative movement of the optical elements 111 and 112.

FIG. 2 shows an explanatory diagram of the Alvarez lens 110 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the horizontal direction is the x direction, the vertical direction is the y direction, and the fundus direction is the z direction. Optical elements 111 and 112 are arranged on a predetermined axis O of the Alvarez lens 110. Each of the optical elements 111 and 112 is formed by a three-dimensional curved surface whose surface shapes facing each other are known.

The direction parallel to the axis O is defined as the z direction. Refraction obtained by optically synthesizing the optical elements 111 and 112 by relatively moving the optical elements 111 and 112 in the y direction (vertical direction) in the xy plane (see FIG. 2) orthogonal to the axis O. The force (spherical power) can be changed continuously. In FIG. 2, the optical element 111 is moved in the downward direction (−y direction), and the optical element 112 is moved in the upward direction (+ y direction).

3 and 4 show an example of a cross-sectional view of the Alvarez lens 110 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 schematically shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the Alvarez lens 110 of FIG. 2 passing through the axis O when viewed from the K direction. FIG. 4 shows an example of a cross-sectional view taken along the line LL of FIG.

The optical elements 111 and 112 constituting the Alvarez lens 110 are housed in an enclosure 113 filled with a medium such as air having a predetermined transmittance. The medium may be a gas other than air, a liquid, or a viscous solid. The outer enclosure 113 includes a transparent member 113a that allows light from the first main surface side (outside) to pass through the inside of the outer enclosure 113, and light inside the outer enclosure 113 on the side opposite to the first main surface. A transparent member 113b that allows transmission to the second main surface side (inside the eye) is provided. The optical elements 111 and 112 are arranged between the transparent members 113a and 113b inside the enclosure 113.

Inside the outer enclosure 113, ultrasonic linear motors 114a to 114d for relatively moving the optical elements 111 and 112 in the vertical direction (y direction in FIG. 2) are provided. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic linear motors 114a to 114d constitute the drive unit 150.

The outer enclosure 113 is provided with side wall portions 115a and 115b on the left and right sides. Guide grooves 116a and 117a extending in the vertical direction are formed on the side wall portion 115a. The side wall portion 115b is formed with guide grooves 116b and 117b extending in the vertical direction corresponding to the guide grooves 116a and 117a. An ultrasonic linear motor 114a is provided in the guide groove 116a. An ultrasonic linear motor 114b is provided in the guide groove 116b.

Each of the ultrasonic linear motors 114a and 114b includes a piezoelectric element array 118a, a vibrating body 119a as a stator, and a mover 120a. The piezoelectric element array 118a is formed, for example, by alternately connecting electrodes and piezoelectric elements to form a linear shape. The vibrating body 119a is, for example, vibrated by the piezoelectric element array 118a in which a large number of teeth are arranged in the longitudinal direction on the side opposite to the piezoelectric element array 118a. The mover 120a engages with a large number of teeth of the vibrating body 119a by friction. The piezoelectric element array 118a is fixed to the vibrating body 119a. The movers 120a and 120a of the guide grooves 116a and 116b are fixed to both sides of the optical element 111.

Similarly, the guide groove 117a is provided with an ultrasonic linear motor 114c. An ultrasonic linear motor 114d is provided in the guide groove 117b.

Each of the ultrasonic linear motors 114c and 114d includes a piezoelectric element array 118b, a vibrating body 119b as a stator, and a mover 120b. The piezoelectric element array 118b is formed, for example, by alternately connecting electrodes and piezoelectric elements to form a linear shape. The vibrating body 119b has, for example, a large number of teeth arranged in the longitudinal direction on the side opposite to the piezoelectric element array 118b, and is vibration-driven by the piezoelectric element array 118b. The mover 120b is frictionally engaged with a large number of teeth of the vibrating body 119b. The piezoelectric element array 118b is fixed to the vibrating body 119b. The movers 120b and 120b of the guide grooves 117a and 117b are fixed to both sides of the optical element 112.

In the configurations shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the phase of the bending standing wave vibration generated on the tooth side of the vibrating body 119a is changed by controlling the voltage applied to each electrode of the piezoelectric element array 118a. As a result, the vibrating body 119a moves the mover 120a upward or downward. As the structure of such ultrasonic linear motors 114a and 114b, a known structure of ultrasonic linear motors can be used.

Similarly, by controlling the voltage applied to each electrode of the piezoelectric element array 118b, the phase of the bending standing wave vibration generated on the tooth side of the vibrating body 119b is changed. As a result, the vibrating body 119b moves the mover 120b upward or downward. As the structure of such ultrasonic linear motors 114c and 114d, a known structure of ultrasonic linear motors can be used.

With the above configuration, the Alvarez lens 110 is set to a desired spherical power by moving the optical elements 111 and 112 in the vertical direction by the ultrasonic linear motors 114a to 114d. The Alvarez lens 110 having the above configuration may be sealed in a package having a predetermined shape so that it can be easily inserted into the capsular bag and held in the capsular bag. The Alvarez lens 110 is an example of a "lens". The drive unit 150 is an example of a “drive means”.

(Transparent solar cell)
The transmissive solar cell 130 is constructed using, for example, organic thin film technology.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional structure of an example of the transmissive solar cell 130 according to the first embodiment. The transmissive solar cell 130 has a structure in which an active layer 131 that receives light to generate electricity is sandwiched between a hole transport layer 132 and a hole block layer 133. The hole transport layer 132 is formed on the light receiving surface side with respect to the active layer 131. The hole block layer 133 is formed on the surface side of the active layer 131 opposite to the hole transport layer 132. A transparent electrode 134 serving as an anode is formed on the light receiving surface side of the hole transport layer 132. A transparent substrate 135 is arranged on the light receiving surface side of the transparent electrode 134. On the other hand, a transparent electrode 136 serving as a cathode is formed on the surface side of the hole block layer 133 opposite to the light receiving surface. The element including the transparent substrate 135, the transparent electrode 134, the hole transport layer 132, the active layer 131, the hole block layer 133, and the transparent electrode 136 is formed by a sealing layer 137 made of a transparent epoxy resin or the like and a transparent substrate 138. It is sealed.

The active layer 131 is formed by dissolving a p-type organic semiconductor and an n-type organic semiconductor in an organic solvent and applying the active layer 131 by a spin coating method. The formed active layer 131 has a bulk heterojunction structure. The light incident on the transmissive solar cell 130 is absorbed by the active layer 131. In the active layer 131, excitons are generated by photoexcitation in, for example, an n-type organic semiconductor. Exciton diffuses in the n-type organic semiconductor. The excitons diffused to the pn junction interface are dissociated into holes and electrons here. The dissociated holes diffuse in the p-type organic semiconductor and are transported to the transparent electrode 134 by the hole transport layer 132. On the other hand, the dissociated electrons diffuse in the n-type organic semiconductor and are transported to the transparent electrode 136 by the hole block layer 133. As a result, a potential difference is generated between the transparent electrode 134 and the transparent electrode 136.

The hole transport layer 132 suppresses deactivation due to the recombination of holes and electrons by the movement of holes and electrons toward the anode side. The hole block layer 133 suppresses deactivation due to the recombination of holes and electrons by the movement of holes and electrons toward the cathode side.

The technology related to such a transmissive solar cell 130 is, for example, "organic thin film solar cell technology that realizes low cost and high performance" (Sancho Saito, two others, Toshiba Review, Vol.67 No. 1 (2012), It is described on p.30-33).

With the above configuration, the transmissive solar cell 130 can transmit a part of the light incident on the crystalline lens and convert the other part of the energy into electric energy. As will be described later, by forming an opening in the transmissive solar cell 130, a part of the light incident on the lens capsule is passed, and the energy of the other part of the light is converted into electric energy. be able to. The transmissive solar cell 130 is an example of a "conversion means".

(1st detection unit)
The focal length of the eye is changed by changing the thickness of the crystalline lens wrapped in the capsular bag. The thickness of the crystalline lens changes due to the movement of the ciliary body transmitted into the lens sac via the ciliary zonule (Zonule of Zinn). Therefore, the first detection unit 140 determines the acceleration of a predetermined part of the ciliary body for changing the thickness of the crystalline lens, the amount of movement of the predetermined part of the ciliary body, the tension of the ciliary zonule, the pressure in the crystalline lens sac, and Detects at least one of the ciliary myoelectric signals.

When detecting the acceleration of a predetermined portion of the ciliary body, the first detection unit 140 is composed of an acceleration sensor or the like attached to the predetermined portion of the ciliary body. In this case, the first detection unit 140 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the detected acceleration to the drive unit 150. The first detection unit 140 is configured such that, for example, the detected acceleration and the output drive signal have a predetermined relationship. As a result, even when the movement of the ciliary body becomes insufficient due to deterioration of the ciliary body or the like, it is possible to output a drive signal in which the movement of the ciliary body is amplified. Further, in order to deal with the characteristics of the arranged eye and the further deterioration of the ciliary body after the fact, the first detection unit 140 uses, for example, table information in which the acceleration and the drive signal (amplitude and phase) are associated with each other. The drive signal corresponding to the detected acceleration may be output to the drive unit 150 by referring to. In this case, the table information is configured to be modifiable (the same applies hereinafter).

When detecting the amount of movement of a predetermined portion of the ciliary body, the first detection unit 140 is configured by a position sensor or the like attached to the predetermined portion of the ciliary body. In this case, the first detection unit 140 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the detected movement amount to the drive unit 150. The first detection unit 140 is configured such that, for example, the detected movement amount and the output drive signal have a predetermined relationship. As a result, even when the movement of the ciliary body becomes insufficient due to deterioration of the ciliary body or the like, it is possible to output a drive signal in which the movement of the ciliary body is amplified. Further, in order to deal with the characteristics of the arranged eye and further deterioration of the ciliary body after the fact, the first detection unit 140 is, for example, a table in which the movement amount and the drive signal (amplitude and phase) are associated with each other. By referring to the information, a drive signal corresponding to the detected movement amount may be output to the drive unit 150.

When detecting the tension of the ciliary zonule, the first detection unit 140 is composed of a tension sensor or the like attached to the ciliary zonule. In this case, the first detection unit 140 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the detected tension to the drive unit 150. The first detection unit 140 is configured such that, for example, the detected tension and the output drive signal have a predetermined relationship. As a result, even when the movement of the ciliary body becomes insufficient due to deterioration of the ciliary body or the like, it is possible to output a drive signal in which the movement of the ciliary body is amplified. Further, in order to deal with the characteristics of the arranged eye and further deterioration of the ciliary body after the fact, the first detection unit 140 uses, for example, table information in which tension and a drive signal (amplitude and phase) are associated with each other. The drive signal corresponding to the detected tension may be output to the drive unit 150 by referring to.

When detecting the pressure in the capsular bag, the first detection unit 140 is composed of a pressure sensor or the like attached to the capsular bag. In this case, the first detection unit 140 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the detected pressure to the drive unit 150. The first detection unit 140 is configured such that, for example, the detected pressure and the output drive signal have a predetermined relationship. As a result, even when the movement of the ciliary body becomes insufficient due to deterioration of the ciliary body or the like, it is possible to output a drive signal in which the movement of the ciliary body is amplified. Further, in order to deal with the characteristics of the arranged eye and the further deterioration of the ciliary body after the fact, the first detection unit 140 uses, for example, table information in which the pressure and the drive signal (amplitude and phase) are associated with each other. The drive signal corresponding to the detected pressure in the lens capsule may be output to the drive unit 150 by referring to.

When detecting a myoelectric potential signal (biological signal in a broad sense) of a predetermined part of the ciliary body, the first detection unit 140 is composed of a myoelectric potential sensor attached to the predetermined part of the ciliary body or the like. In this case, the first detection unit 140 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the detected myoelectric potential signal to the drive unit 150. The first detection unit 140 is configured such that, for example, the detected myoelectric potential signal and the output drive signal have a predetermined relationship. As a result, even when the movement of the ciliary body becomes insufficient due to deterioration of the ciliary body or the like, it is possible to output a drive signal in which the movement of the ciliary body is amplified. Further, in order to deal with the characteristics of the arranged eye and further deterioration of the ciliary body after the fact, the first detection unit 140 associates, for example, a myoelectric potential signal with a drive signal (amplitude and phase). By referring to the table information, the drive signal corresponding to the detected myoelectric potential signal may be output to the drive unit 150.

The first detection unit 140 may be configured by using any one of the above sensors, or outputs a drive signal corresponding to a combination of at least two detection results of the above sensors to the drive unit 150. It may be configured as follows.

With the above configuration, the first detection unit 140 detects the movement of the ciliary body or the biological signal for moving the ciliary body, and outputs the drive signal corresponding to the detection result to the drive unit 150. The drive unit 150 changes the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 based on the drive signal corresponding to the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 140. At this time, the first detection unit 140 can output a drive signal that amplifies the movement of the ciliary body to the drive unit 150. As a result, even when the movement of the ciliary body is insufficient due to aging or the like, the drive unit 150 can be driven to appropriately change the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110. The first detection unit 140 may be composed of a sensor or the like that does not require power supply from the transmissive solar cell 130. In this case, the power supply line connected between the transmissive solar cell 130 and the first detection unit 140 becomes unnecessary. The first detection unit 140 is an example of the “first detection means”.

[Arrangement example]
FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the eye on which the intraocular lens system 100 according to the first embodiment is arranged. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the right eye when viewed from above, and the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 6, for convenience of illustration, the power supply line and the signal line connected between the respective parts constituting the intraocular lens system 100 may be omitted.

The eyeball 20 has a substantially spherical shape whose outside is covered with the sclera 21. Light incident from the front of the eyeball 20 is refracted by the cornea 22 and passes through the pupil 24 whose size is adjusted by the iris 23. By passing through the pupil 24, the amount of light projected on the retina 30 is adjusted. The light that has passed through the pupil 24 is refracted again by the intraocular lens system 100 provided in the capsular bag 25.

The intraocular lens system 100 can detect the movement (state such as tension and relaxation) of the ciliary body 27 transmitted into the crystalline lens sac via the ciliary body zonule 28 by the first detection unit 140. In the intraocular lens system 100, the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 is changed based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 140. The light transmitted through the Alvarez lens 110 is incident on the transmissive solar cell 130. The transmissive solar cell 130 transmits a part of the light transmitted through the Alvarez lens 110 and converts the other part of the energy into electrical energy. The electric energy converted by the transmissive solar cell 130 is supplied to the first detection unit 140 and the drive unit 150.

The light refracted by the intraocular lens system 100 whose focal length is changed in this way passes through the vitreous body 29 and reaches the retina 30. The choroid 31 supplies oxygen, nutrients, and the like to the retina 30. The retina 30 has a large number of photoreceptor cells, and the light that reaches the retina 30 is converted into an electric signal by the photoreceptor cells. The electrical signal converted by the photoreceptor cells is collected in the optic nerve head through the nerve fibers of the retina 30 and sent to the brain via the optic nerve 32.

[motion]
FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of an operation example of the intraocular lens system 100 according to the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 7 describes a case where the first detection unit 140 detects the movement of the ciliary body 27, but also a case where the first detection unit 140 detects a biological signal for moving the ciliary body 27. The same is true.

(S1: Detects ciliary body movement?)
First, the first detection unit 140 monitors the movement of the ciliary body. When the movement of the ciliary body 27 is detected (step S1: Y), the intraocular lens system 100 shifts to step S2. When the movement of the ciliary body 27 is not detected (step S1: N), the intraocular lens system 100 continues the process of step S1 (return).

(S2: Corresponds to an increase in crystalline lens thickness ?, S3: Change to the first focal length)
When the movement of the ciliary body 27 detected in step S1 is a movement corresponding to an increase in the thickness of the crystalline lens (step S2: Y), the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 in the first detection unit 140 is shorter than the current focal length. A drive signal is generated so as to have a first focal length, and the generated drive signal is output to the drive unit 150. At this time, the first detection unit 140 generates a drive signal indicating the amount of change in the focal length according to the movement (acceleration or the like) of the ciliary body 27 detected in step S1 and the change direction thereof.

(S4: Corresponds to a decrease in lens thickness ?, S5: Change to the second focal length)
When the movement of the ciliary body 27 detected in step S1 is a movement corresponding to a decrease in the thickness of the crystalline lens (step S2: N, step S4: Y), the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 is currently set in the first detection unit 140. A drive signal is generated so that the second focal length is longer than the focal length of the lens, and the generated drive signal is output to the drive unit 150. At this time, the first detection unit 140 generates a drive signal that changes the focal length according to the movement (acceleration or the like) of the ciliary body 27 detected in step S1.

Following step S3 or step S5, the intraocular lens system 100 proceeds to step S1 (return). Further, when the movement of the ciliary body 27 detected in step S1 is neither the movement corresponding to the increase in the crystalline lens thickness nor the movement corresponding to the decrease in the crystalline lens thickness (step S4: N), the intraocular lens system 100 performs the intraocular lens system 100 in step S1. Move to (return). For example, when the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 140 is less than the threshold level, the process proceeds from step S4 to step S1. The threshold value can be changed after the fact. Further, a means for detecting eye movement is provided separately from the first detection unit 140, and the first detection unit uses the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 140 and the detection result obtained by the means. It is possible to cancel the information related to the eye movement from the detection result by 140 and extract the information substantially necessary for changing the thickness of the crystalline lens.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the first detection unit 140 detects the movement corresponding to the increase in the thickness of the crystalline lens, the intraocular lens system 100 focuses on the detected movement of the ciliary body 27 and the like. The Alvarez lens 110 is driven so that the distance is shorter than the current focal length. On the other hand, when the first detection unit 140 detects a movement corresponding to a decrease in the thickness of the crystalline lens, the intraocular lens system 100 has a focal length longer than the current focal length according to the detected movement of the ciliary body 27 and the like. The Alvarez lens 110 is driven so as to be.

In this embodiment, the case where the intraocular lens system 100 is arranged in the capsular bag 25 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each part may be held or arranged in the eye.

[effect]
The intraocular lens system 100 is an example of the intraocular lens system according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the effect of the intraocular lens system according to the embodiment will be described.

The intraocular lens system (for example, the intraocular lens system 100) includes a lens (for example, an Alvarez lens 110), a conversion means (for example, a transmissive solar cell 130), and a driving means (for example, a driving unit 150).

The lens is placed within the lens capsule and is configured to allow for variable focal lengths. The conversion means is arranged in the lens capsule, allows a part of the incident light to pass through, and converts the energy of the other part of the light into electrical energy. Here, the "other part of the light" may include the entire part of the light incident in the lens capsule except for a part of the light that has passed through the conversion means. The driving means is placed in the lens capsule and operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the converting means to change the focal length of the lens.

In such an intraocular lens system, the energy of light incident on the inside of the eye (inside the lens capsule) is converted into electrical energy by the conversion means. The driving means receives the electric energy converted by the converting means to drive the lens. As a result, the lens can be arranged in the lens sac by the same method as the conventional method, and the focal length of the lens can be appropriately changed by using the energy of the light incident in the lens sac.

Further, in an intraocular lens system, the lens may pass light incident on the lens capsule, and the conversion means may convert the energy of the light passing through the lens into electrical energy. That is, in such an intraocular lens system, the lens is arranged on the corneal side and the conversion means is arranged on the fundus side. As a result, the lens and the conversion means can be brought close to each other to reduce the space required for placement, and the placement in the lens capsule can be facilitated.

Further, in the intraocular lens system, a first detection means (for example, a first detection unit 140) is arranged in the crystalline lens sac to detect the movement of the ciliary body or the biological signal for moving the ciliary body. Good. The driving means changes the focal length of the lens based on the detection result obtained by the first detecting means.

According to such an intraocular lens system, the movement of the ciliary body or the biological signal for moving the ciliary body is detected by the first detection means, so that the movement of the ciliary body is amplified and driven. The focal length of the lens can be changed by means. As a result, even when the movement of the ciliary body is insufficient, the movement of the ciliary body can be amplified and the focal length of the lens can be appropriately changed.

Further, in the intraocular lens system, the first detection means is the acceleration of a predetermined part of the ciliary body, the amount of movement of the predetermined part of the ciliary body, the tension of the ciliary zonule, the pressure in the crystalline lens sac, and the ciliary body. At least one of the myoelectric potential signals of a predetermined portion of the above may be detected.

The movement of the ciliary body is a change in acceleration of a predetermined part of the ciliary body, a change in the amount of movement of a predetermined part of the ciliary body, a change in tension of the ciliary zonule, a change in pressure in the crystalline lens sac, or a hair-like movement. It causes a change in the myoelectric signal at a predetermined part of the body. Therefore, by providing the first detection means for detecting such a physical quantity, it is possible to detect the movement of the ciliary body with high accuracy, and the high-precision drive control of the lens according to the movement of the ciliary body can be performed. It will be possible.

The intraocular lens system may also include a transmissive solar cell that transmits some of the light incident into the eye and converts some of the other energy into electrical energy.

A transmissive solar cell transmits light incident on the eye. The light transmitted through the transmissive solar cell reaches the retina. As a result, the size of the light receiving surface of the transmissive solar cell can be secured without blocking the light reaching the retina, and more electric power can be generated without blocking the light reaching the retina. Will be able to.

Also, in an intraocular lens system, the lens may be configured to allow continuous change of focal length. According to such an intraocular lens system, it is possible to change the focal length delicately according to the movement of the ciliary body and the like. The lens may be configured so that the focal length can be changed for each step. The steps can be made changeable after the fact.

Also, in an intraocular lens system, the lens may include an Alvarez lens.

According to such an intraocular lens system, it is possible to provide an intraocular lens system in which the focal length can be changed by an Alvarez lens using the electric power generated in the lens capsule.

<Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment, an example in which the Alvarez lens 110 is arranged on the cornea side and the transmissive solar cell 130 is arranged on the fundus side has been described, but the transmissive solar cell 130 is arranged on the cornea side and the fundus side. The Alvarez lens 110 may be arranged in the. Hereinafter, the intraocular lens system according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[Constitution]
FIG. 8 shows a functional block diagram of an example of the configuration of the intraocular lens system according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 8, the light path is represented by an arrow indicated by a broken line, and is represented separately from other paths (electrical signals, etc.) indicated by a solid line.

The intraocular lens system 100a includes an Alvarez lens 110, a transmissive solar cell 130, a first detection unit 140, and a drive unit 150. The intraocular lens system 100a is arranged in the lens capsule in the same manner as the intraocular lens system 100. The difference between the intraocular lens system 100a and the intraocular lens system 100 is that the transmissive solar cell 130 is arranged on the corneal side and the Alvarez lens 110 is arranged on the fundus side.

In this embodiment, in the crystalline sac, the transmissive solar cell 130 transmits a part of the light incident on the eye and converts the other part of the energy into electrical energy, and the Alvarez lens 110 is a transmissive type. The energy of light transmitted through the solar cell 130 is converted into electrical energy. That is, the transmissive solar cell 130 is arranged on the cornea side, and the Alvarez lens 110 is arranged on the fundus side.

The Alvarez lens 110, the transmissive solar cell 130, the first detection unit 140, and the drive unit 150 included in the intraocular lens system 100a are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.
[Arrangement example]
FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the eye on which the intraocular lens system 100a according to the second embodiment is arranged. FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the right eye when viewed from above, and the same parts as those in FIG. 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 9, for convenience of illustration, the power supply line and the signal line connected between the respective parts constituting the intraocular lens system 100a may be omitted.

The eyeball 20 has a substantially spherical shape whose outside is covered with the sclera 21. Light incident from the front of the eyeball 20 is refracted by the cornea 22 and passes through the pupil 24 whose size is adjusted by the iris 23. By passing through the pupil 24, the amount of light projected on the retina 30 is adjusted. The light that has passed through the pupil 24 is refracted again by the intraocular lens system 100a provided in the capsular bag 25.

In the intraocular lens system 100a, the light incident on the lens capsule is incident on the transmissive solar cell 130. The transmissive solar cell 130 transmits a part of the light incident on the lens capsule and converts the other part of the energy into electrical energy. The electric energy converted by the transmissive solar cell 130 is supplied to the first detection unit 140 and the drive unit 150.

The intraocular lens system 100a can detect the movement of the ciliary body 27 transmitted into the crystalline lens sac via the ciliary body zonule 28 by the first detection unit 140. In the intraocular lens system 100a, the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 is changed based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 140.

The light refracted by the intraocular lens system 100a whose focal length is changed in this way passes through the vitreous body 29 and reaches the retina 30. The choroid 31 supplies oxygen, nutrients, and the like to the retina 30. The retina 30 has a large number of photoreceptor cells, and the light that reaches the retina 30 is converted into an electric signal by the photoreceptor cells. The electrical signal converted by the photoreceptor cells is collected in the optic nerve head through the nerve fibers of the retina 30 and sent to the brain via the optic nerve 32.

The intraocular lens system 100a in the second embodiment operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that the passage (transmission order) of light incident on the lens capsule is different from that in the first embodiment.

[effect]
The intraocular lens system 100a is an example of the intraocular lens system according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the effect of the intraocular lens system according to the embodiment will be described.

The intraocular lens system (for example, the intraocular lens system 100a) includes a lens (for example, an Alvarez lens 110), a conversion means (for example, a transmissive solar cell 130), and a driving means (for example, a driving unit 150). The conversion means allows a portion of the light incident into the lens capsule to pass through. The lens allows light that has passed through the conversion means to pass through.

In such an intraocular lens system, light incident on the inside of the eye (inside the lens capsule) is incident on the conversion means, and a part of the energy of the incident light is converted into electrical energy. The light that has passed through the conversion means is incident on the Alvarez lens. The driving means receives the electric energy converted by the converting means to drive the lens. As a result, the lens can be arranged in the lens sac by the same method as the conventional method, and the focal length of the lens can be appropriately changed by using the energy of the light incident in the lens sac.

<Third embodiment>
In the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the example in which the conversion means for converting the energy of light into electric energy is a transmissive type has been described, but the conversion means may be a non-transmissive type. Hereinafter, the intraocular lens system according to the third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[Constitution]
FIG. 10 shows a functional block diagram of an example of the configuration of the intraocular lens system according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 10, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 10, the light path is represented by an arrow indicated by a broken line, and is represented separately from other paths (electrical signals, etc.) indicated by a solid line.

The intraocular lens system 200 includes an Alvarez lens 110, a non-transmissive solar cell 230, a first detection unit 140, and a drive unit 150. The intraocular lens system 200 is arranged in the lens capsule in the same manner as the intraocular lens system 100. The difference between the intraocular lens system 200 and the intraocular lens system 100 is that a non-transmissive solar cell 230 is provided instead of the transmissive solar cell 130. The non-transmissive solar cell 230 allows a part of the light incident into the eye to pass through, for example, by making the size and shape different from those of the transmissive solar cell 130. For example, by reducing the size of the non-transmissive solar cell 230, it is possible to allow light incident on the lens capsule to pass through. Further, for example, by forming an opening or a notch, which will be described later, in the non-transmissive solar cell 230, it is possible to allow light incident in the lens capsule to pass through. Further, the non-transmissive solar cell 230 may be arranged so as to avoid the path of light projected on the center of the fundus or the macula.

A power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the non-transmissive solar cell 230 is connected between the non-transmissive solar cell 230 and the first detection unit 140. Further, a power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the non-transmissive solar cell 230 is connected between the non-transmissive solar cell 230 and the drive unit 150.

In this embodiment, one or more openings are formed in the non-transmissive solar cell 230.

11 and 12 show a configuration example of the non-transmissive solar cell 230 according to the third embodiment. 11 and 12 schematically show a case where the non-transmissive solar cell 230 is arranged perpendicular to a predetermined axis O of the intraocular lens system 200. As shown in FIG. 11, the non-transmissive solar cell 230 is formed with an opening 231 at a position through which light along a predetermined axis O of the intraocular lens system 200 and light in the vicinity thereof pass, for example. Further, the non-transmissive solar cell 230 may have a plurality of openings 231 formed as shown in FIG.

The light transmitted through the Alvarez lens 110 passes through the opening 231 formed in the non-transmissive solar cell 230 and reaches the vitreous body 29 as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG.

Such a non-transmissive solar cell 230 includes an active layer, a hole transport layer, and a hole block layer similar to those of the transmissive solar cell 130, and seals these with a non-transparent electrode, a substrate, a sealing layer, or the like. Formed by stopping. The non-transmissive solar cell 230 is an example of a "conversion means".

In this embodiment, the non-transmissive solar cell 230 has one or more openings 231 at positions facing the macula so that the light passing through the openings 231 reaches the macula where photoreceptor cells are densely present. May be formed. By doing so, it becomes possible to secure the amount of light that reaches the macula.

In this embodiment, the non-transmissive solar cell 230 has one or more openings formed therein, but the transmissive solar cell 130 according to the first embodiment has one or more openings. An opening may be formed.

[effect]
The intraocular lens system 200 is an example of the intraocular lens system according to the embodiment. The intraocular lens system according to the embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

In an intraocular lens system (eg, an intraocular lens system 200), the conversion means may include a non-transmissive solar cell (eg, a non-transmissive solar cell 230) that converts the energy of light incident into the eye into electrical energy. ..

Non-transmissive solar cells do not have the function of transmitting light incident on the eye. Light that does not enter the non-transmissive solar cell reaches the retina. Even in such an intraocular lens system, the driving means is arranged in the lens capsule, and the focal length of the lens can be changed by receiving the electric energy obtained by the converting means.

Further, in the intraocular lens system, an opening (for example, opening 231) may be formed in the conversion means.

According to such an intraocular lens system, the light that has passed through the opening can reach the retina, so that the size of the light receiving surface of the conversion means is made larger while keeping the light that reaches the retina as unobstructed as possible. You will be able to.

Further, in the intraocular lens system, the opening may be formed at a position facing the macula.

According to such an intraocular lens system, it is possible to increase the size of the light receiving surface of the conversion means while ensuring at least the light that reaches the macula.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the above embodiment, the case where the intraocular lens system is arranged in the lens capsule has been described, but the intraocular lens system may include an artificial retina. Hereinafter, the intraocular lens system according to the fourth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[Constitution]
FIG. 13 shows a functional block diagram of an example of the configuration of the intraocular lens system according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 13, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 13, the light path is represented by an arrow indicated by a broken line, and is represented separately from other paths (electrical signals, etc.) indicated by a solid line. The intraocular lens system 300 includes an Alvarez lens 110, a transmissive solar cell 130, a first detection unit 340, a drive unit 150, an artificial retina 380, an electrode unit 390, and a control unit 370. .. The intraocular lens system 300 is arranged in the eye.

The Alvarez lens 110 is configured so that at least the focal length can be changed. The transmissive solar cell 130 transmits a part of the incident light and converts the other part of the energy into electrical energy. The first detection unit 340 operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the transmissive solar cell 130, and detects the movement of the ciliary body 27 or the biological signal for moving the ciliary body. The drive unit 150 operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the transmissive solar cell 130, and changes the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340. The artificial retina 380 operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the transmissive solar cell 130, and detects the light transmitted through the transmissive solar cell 130 by the photoelectric conversion element array. The electrode unit 390 is used to send an electrical signal generated by the artificial retina 380 to the visual cortex of the brain. The control unit 370 operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the transmissive solar cell 130, and controls the drive unit 150. As a specific example, the control unit 370 controls the drive unit 150 based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340.

A power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the transmissive solar cell 130 is connected between the transmissive solar cell 130 and the first detection unit 340. Further, a power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the transmissive solar cell 130 is connected between the transmissive solar cell 130 and the artificial retina 380. Further, a power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the transmissive solar cell 130 is connected between the transmissive solar cell 130 and the control unit 370. Further, a biological signal line for sending the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340 is connected between the first detection unit 340 and the control unit 370. Further, a signal line for supplying a drive signal for driving the drive unit 150 is connected between the control unit 370 and the drive unit 150. Further, a signal line for transmitting an electric signal sent to the visual cortex of the brain is connected between the artificial retina 380 and the electrode portion 390.

(1st detection unit)
The first detection unit 340 includes acceleration of a predetermined part of the ciliary body 27 in the eye that changes the thickness of the crystalline lens, the amount of movement of the predetermined part of the ciliary body 27, tension of the ciliary zonule 28, and the ciliary body. Detects at least one of the 27 myoelectric signals. The first detection unit 340 differs from the first detection unit 140 in that it does not detect the pressure in the crystalline lens and outputs the detection result to the control unit 370. In other respects, it differs from the first detection unit 140. The same is true. The first detection unit 340 is an example of the “first detection means”.

(Artificial retina)
The artificial retina 380 includes a photoelectric conversion element array, and outputs an electric signal generated by each photoelectric conversion element that receives the light transmitted through the Alvarez lens 110 to the electrode unit 390. The photoelectric conversion element array is an array in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged, for example, in a matrix. As such an artificial retina 380, an artificial retina having a known structure can be used. The artificial retina 380 is an example of an “artificial retina”.

(Electrode part)
The electrode unit 390 has, for example, a plurality of stimulation electrodes arranged in a matrix. Each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes corresponds to any of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements constituting the artificial retina 380. Each stimulation electrode is electrically connected to a corresponding photoelectric conversion element. The plurality of stimulation electrodes are implanted so as to stimulate the retina 30 and the optic nerve 32 with an electric signal generated by the artificial retina 380. When stimulating the retina 30 with an electrical signal, the plurality of stimulating electrodes are implanted so that the electrical signal is transmitted to photoreceptor cells, retinal ganglion cells, or bipolar cells. The electrode portion 390 is an example of a “transmission means”.

(Control unit)
The control unit 370 is composed of a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) and a memory in which a program executed by the CPU is stored. The control unit 370 controls the drive unit 150 according to a program stored in the memory. Here, the control unit 370 controls the drive unit 150 to change the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 by analyzing the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340 and the image detected by the artificial retina 380. can do. The control unit 370 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a control circuit. The control unit 370 is an example of "control means".

[Arrangement example]
FIG. 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the eye on which the intraocular lens system 300 according to the fourth embodiment is arranged. FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the right eye when viewed from above, and the same parts as those in FIGS. 8 or 13 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 14, for convenience of illustration, the power supply line and the signal line connected between the respective parts constituting the intraocular lens system 300 may be omitted.

The eyeball 20 has a substantially spherical shape whose outside is covered with the sclera 21. The light incident from the front of the eyeball 20 is refracted by the cornea 22 and refracted again by the Alvarez lens 110 arranged at the position of the crystalline lens.

The first detection unit 340 can detect the movement of the ciliary body 27 or the biological signal for moving the ciliary body. The detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340 is sent to the control unit 370. The control unit 370 generates a drive signal based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340, and outputs the generated drive signal to the drive unit 150. The drive unit 150 drives the Alvarez lens 110 based on the drive signal received from the control unit 370. As a result, the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 is changed.

The light refracted by the intraocular lens system 300 whose focal length is changed in this way passes through the vitreous body 29 and passes through the transmissive solar cell 130. At this time, the transmissive solar cell 130 converts the energy of a part of the incident light into electrical energy. The electric energy converted by the transmissive solar cell 130 is supplied to the first detection unit 340, the drive unit 150, the artificial retina 380, and the control unit 370.

The light transmitted through the transmissive solar cell 130 reaches the artificial retina 380. The photoelectric conversion element array included in the artificial retina 380 converts the received light into an electric signal. The electrical signal generated by the artificial retina 380 is transmitted to the photoreceptor cell, the retinal ganglion cell, the bipolar cell, or the optic nerve via the electrode portion 390.

[motion]
FIG. 15 shows a flow chart of an operation example of the intraocular lens system 300 according to the fourth embodiment. The program corresponding to each step in FIG. 15 is stored in the memory included in the control unit 370. The CPU of the control unit 370 reads the program stored in the memory and executes the process corresponding to the read program.

(S11: Detects ciliary body movement?)
First, the control unit 370 monitors whether or not the movement of the ciliary body 27 is detected based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340. When the movement of the ciliary body 27 is not detected by the first detection unit 340 (step S11: N), the control unit 370 monitors whether or not the movement of the ciliary body 27 is detected by the first detection unit 340. Continue (return). On the other hand, when the movement of the ciliary body 27 is detected by the first detection unit 340 (step S11: Y), the control unit 370 shifts the operation of the intraocular lens system 300 to step S12. In step S11, it is also possible to monitor whether or not a biological signal for exercising the ciliary body 27 is detected.

(See S12: Table information)
Table information in which the value of the physical quantity detected by the first detection unit 340 and the content (amplitude and phase) of the drive signal are associated with each other is set in advance. As specific examples, the first detection unit 340 accelerates the predetermined part of the ciliary body 27, the amount of movement of the predetermined part of the ciliary body 27, the tension of the ciliary body zonule 28, and the myoelectric potential signal of the ciliary body 27. When detecting any one of the physical quantities, the table information in which the value of the physical quantity is associated with the content of the drive signal is set in advance. Further, the first detection unit 340 has two of the acceleration of the predetermined part of the ciliary body 27, the movement amount of the predetermined part of the ciliary body 27, the tension of the ciliary body zonule 28, and the myoelectric potential signal of the ciliary body 27. When detecting the above physical quantities, table information in which the combination of the values of these physical quantities and the contents of the drive signal are associated with each other is set in advance. By referring to any of the above table information, the control unit 370 generates a drive signal for changing the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110, similarly to the first detection unit 140 according to the first embodiment. To do. For example, the control unit 370 generates a drive signal based on the content of the drive signal set in any of the above table information corresponding to the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 140.

(S13: Output drive signal)
The control unit 370 outputs a drive signal generated based on the table information referred to in step S12 to the drive unit 150. After that, the control unit 370 shifts the operation of the intraocular lens system 300 to step S11 (return).

In addition to the first detection unit 140, a means for detecting eye movement is provided, and the control unit 370 uses the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 140 and the detection result obtained by the means. Therefore, it is possible to cancel the information related to the eye movement from the detection result by the first detection unit 140 and extract the information substantially necessary for changing the thickness of the crystalline lens.

Further, in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the transmissive solar cell 130 may be arranged on the corneal side and the Alvarez lens 110 may be arranged on the fundus side. In this case, the Alvarez lens 110 is arranged between the transmissive solar cell 130 and the artificial retina 380.

[effect]
The intraocular lens system 300 is an example of the intraocular lens system according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the effect of the intraocular lens system according to the embodiment will be described.

The intraocular lens system includes a lens (for example, an Alvarez lens 110), a conversion means (for example, a transmissive solar cell 130), a driving means (for example, a driving unit 150), an artificial retina (for example, an artificial retina 380), and a transmission means. (For example, an electrode portion 390).

The lens is placed in the eye and is configured so that the focal length can be changed. The conversion means is arranged in the eye, allows a part of the light incident in the eye to pass through, and converts the energy of the other part of the light into electrical energy. Here, the "other part of the light" may include the entire part of the light incident in the eye excluding a part of the light that has passed through the conversion means. The driving means is arranged in the eye and operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the converting means to change the focal length of the lens. The artificial retina includes a photoelectric conversion element array that is placed in the eye, operates by receiving electrical energy obtained by the conversion means, detects light that has passed through the conversion means, and generates an electric signal. Transmission means are used to send electrical signals generated by the artificial retina to the visual cortex of the brain.

In such an intraocular lens system, the energy of light incident on the eye is converted into electrical energy by the conversion means. The driving means receives electric energy from the converting means to drive the lens. As a result, the lens can be arranged in the eye by the same method as the conventional method, and the focal length of the lens can be appropriately changed by using the energy of the light incident in the eye.

Further, the intraocular lens system may have a first detection means (for example, a first detection unit 340) arranged in the eye to detect the movement of the ciliary body or the biological signal for moving the ciliary body. Good. The driving means changes the focal length of the lens based on the detection result obtained by the first detecting means.

According to such an intraocular lens system, the movement of the ciliary body or the biological signal for moving the ciliary body is detected by the first detection means, so that the movement of the ciliary body is amplified and driven. The focal length of the lens can be changed by means. As a result, even when the movement of the ciliary body is insufficient, the movement of the ciliary body can be amplified and the focal length of the lens can be appropriately changed.

Further, in the intraocular lens system, the first detection means is acceleration of a predetermined part of the ciliary body, movement amount of the predetermined part of the ciliary body, tension of the ciliary zonule, and muscle of the predetermined part of the ciliary body. At least one of the potential signals may be detected.

The movement of the ciliary body is a change in acceleration of a predetermined part of the ciliary body, a change in the amount of movement of a predetermined part of the ciliary body, a change in tension of a ciliary zonule, or a myoelectric potential of a predetermined part of the ciliary body. It causes a change in the signal. Therefore, by providing the first detection means for detecting such a physical quantity, it is possible to detect the movement of the ciliary body with high accuracy, and the high-precision drive control of the lens according to the movement of the ciliary body can be performed. It will be possible.

The intraocular lens system may also include control means (eg, control unit 370). In this case, the control means operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the conversion means to control the drive means.

According to such an intraocular lens system, since the control means that operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the conversion means is provided, the drive means can be controlled more finely, and the focal length of the lens can be adjusted. You will be able to change it more appropriately.

Further, in the intraocular lens system, the conversion means may include a transmissive solar cell that transmits a part of the light incident in the eye and converts the other part of the energy into the electric energy.

A transmissive solar cell transmits light incident on the eye. The light transmitted through the transmissive solar cell reaches the artificial retina. This makes it possible to secure the size of the light receiving surface of the transmissive solar cell without blocking the light reaching the artificial retina, and generates more electric power without blocking the light reaching the artificial retina. You will be able to make it. In addition, it becomes possible to suppress a decrease in light absorption efficiency in the artificial retina and increase the amount of information transmitted to the optic nerve.

Also, in an intraocular lens system, the lens may include an Alvarez lens.

According to such an intraocular lens system, it is possible to provide an intraocular lens system in which the focal length can be changed by an Alvarez lens by utilizing the electric power generated in the eye.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In a fifth embodiment, the Alvarez lens 110 is driven based on the image detected by the artificial retina 380. Hereinafter, the intraocular lens system according to the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the fourth embodiment.

[Constitution]
The configuration of the intraocular lens system according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the intraocular lens system 300 according to the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the intraocular lens system according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 or FIG.

[motion]
FIG. 16 shows a flow chart of another operation example of the intraocular lens system according to the fifth embodiment. The program corresponding to each step in FIG. 16 is stored in the memory included in the control unit 370. The CPU of the control unit 370 reads the program stored in the memory and executes the process corresponding to the read program.

(S21: Acquire the detection result of ciliary body movement)
First, the control unit 370 acquires the detection result of the movement of the ciliary body 27 obtained by the first detection unit 340. This detection result is the physical quantity of at least one of the acceleration of the predetermined part of the ciliary body 27, the movement amount of the predetermined part of the ciliary body 27, the tension of the ciliary zonule 28, and the myoelectric potential signal of the ciliary body 27. Includes the detection result of.

(S22: Acquire the image detected by the artificial retina)
Next, the control unit 370 acquires the image detected by the artificial retina 380. As a specific example, the control unit 370 acquires an electric signal generated by each photoelectric conversion element in the artificial retina 380.

(S23: Analysis)
Subsequently, the control unit 370 analyzes at least one of the detection result acquired in step S21 and the image acquired in step S22, and generates a drive signal for driving the drive unit 150 based on the analysis result. To do.

For example, the control unit 370 generates a drive signal corresponding to the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340. As a specific example, the control unit 370 determines whether the movement of the ciliary body 27 is an exercise for thickening the crystalline lens or an exercise for thinning the crystalline lens, based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340. The discrimination is performed, and a drive signal is generated based on the discrimination result. When the movement of the ciliary body for thickening the crystalline lens is detected, the control unit 370 generates a drive signal so that the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 is shorter than the current focal length. When the movement of the ciliary body for thinning the crystalline lens is detected, the control unit 370 generates a drive signal so that the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 becomes longer than the current focal length. At this time, the control unit 370 can generate a drive signal so as to amplify the movement of the ciliary body 27. For example, when the first detection unit 340 detects a minute movement amount of the ciliary body 27, the control unit 370 multiplies the detected minute movement amount by the amplification factor corresponding to this movement amount. A drive signal is generated, and the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 is changed by the generated drive signal. The amplification factor corresponding to the amount of movement is configured to be changeable after the fact. The drive signal is a signal corresponding to the change amount of the focal length and the change direction thereof.

Further, for example, the control unit 370 generates a drive signal corresponding to the sharpness of the image obtained by the artificial retina 380. As a specific example, the control unit 370 detects a line in the image obtained by the artificial retina 380, and sets the focal length in each first step in the direction in which the harmonic component at the boundary portion of the detected line is emphasized. Generate a drive signal to change. Further, the control unit 370 detects an edge portion in the image obtained by the artificial retina 380, and changes the focal length in each second step in a direction in which the harmonic component of the detected edge portion is emphasized. Generate a drive signal. Further, the control unit 370 detects the contrast of the image obtained by the artificial retina 380, and generates a drive signal for changing the focal length in each third step in the direction in which the contrast of the detected image is maximized. ..

Further, for example, the control unit 370 may generate a drive signal based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340 and the image obtained by the artificial retina 380. As a specific example, in the control unit 370, when the movement of the ciliary body 27 is a movement for thickening the crystalline lens, the fourth step is in the direction in which the harmonic component and the edge portion of the boundary portion of the line in the image are emphasized. Each time, a drive signal is generated so that the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 is shorter than the current focal length. Each of the above first steps to the fourth step is configured to be changeable after the fact.

(S24: Output drive signal)
The control unit 370 outputs the drive signal generated in step S23 to the drive unit 150. After that, the control unit 370 shifts the operation of the intraocular lens system to step S21 (return).

[effect]
The above-mentioned intraocular lens system is an example of the intraocular lens system according to the embodiment. The intraocular lens system according to the embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects of the fourth embodiment.

In an intraocular lens system, the control means may control the drive means based on an electrical signal generated by the artificial retina.

The electrical signal generated by the artificial retina corresponds to the image detected by the artificial retina. The control means can control the drive means based on, for example, the sharpness of the image obtained by the artificial retina, the information about the edge, and the contrast. According to such an intraocular lens system, the focal length of the lens can be changed based on the electric signal generated by the artificial retina, so that the movement of the ciliary body or the biological signal for moving the ciliary body can be obtained. It may be possible to change the focal length of the lens more appropriately, even if it is not enough to detect.

<Sixth Embodiment>
In the intraocular lens system according to the above embodiment, the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 may be changed according to the direction of the eyeball (line-of-sight direction, eye-axis direction, eye-axis direction). The intraocular lens system according to the sixth embodiment changes the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 according to the orientation of the eyeball by adding the second detection unit to the configuration of the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the intraocular lens system according to the sixth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the fourth embodiment.

[Constitution]
FIG. 17 shows a functional block diagram of an example of the configuration of the intraocular lens system according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 17, the same parts as those in FIG. 13 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 17, the light path is represented by an arrow indicated by a broken line, and is represented separately from other paths (electrical signals, etc.) indicated by a solid line. The intraocular lens system 500 includes an Alvarez lens 110, a transmissive solar cell 130, a first detection unit 340, a drive unit 150, an artificial retina 380, an electrode unit 390, a control unit 570, and a second detection unit. It is provided with a unit 580. The intraocular lens system 500 is placed in the eye.

The configuration of the intraocular lens system 500 according to the sixth embodiment is different from the configuration of the intraocular lens system 300 according to the fourth embodiment in that the second detection unit 580 is added and the control unit 370 Instead, a control unit 570 is provided.

A power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the transmissive solar cell 130 is connected between the transmissive solar cell 130 and the control unit 570. Further, a power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the transmissive solar cell 130 is connected between the transmissive solar cell 130 and the second detection unit 580. Further, a signal line for supplying a drive signal for driving the drive unit 150 is connected between the control unit 570 and the drive unit 150. Further, a signal line for sending the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580 is connected between the control unit 570 and the second detection unit 580.

(Control unit)
The control unit 570 has the same configuration as the control unit 370. The control unit 570 can generate a drive signal for driving the drive unit 150 by using the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580 in addition to the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340. The control unit 570 is an example of "control means".

(2nd detector)
The second detection unit 580 operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the transmissive solar cell 130, and detects the orientation of the eyeball in which the intraocular lens system 500 is arranged. The second detection unit 580 is configured by a tilt sensor or the like attached to a predetermined portion of the eyeball (inside the eyeball (retina or the like)) and detects the orientation of the eyeball. The tilt sensor is configured to detect an angle of tilt corresponding to the amount of change in the capacitance value when the tilt sensor is tilted, based on, for example, the capacitance value in the horizontal direction in the vertical direction. A similar tilt sensor can detect tilts in other directions such as the left-right direction. The orientation of the eyeball is specified, for example, by the detection result obtained by the tilt sensor that detects the tilt in the vertical direction. Further, the orientation of the eyeball may be specified by the detection results obtained by a plurality of tilt sensors that detect the tilts in the biaxial directions or the triaxial directions that are orthogonal to each other including the vertical direction. The detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580 is sent to the control unit 570. The second detection unit 580 is an example of the “second detection means”.

[Arrangement example]
FIG. 18 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the eye on which the intraocular lens system 500 according to the sixth embodiment is arranged. FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the right eye when viewed from above, and the same parts as those in FIGS. 14 or 17 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 18, for convenience of illustration, the power supply line and the signal line connected between the respective parts constituting the intraocular lens system 500 may be omitted.

The eyeball 20 has a substantially spherical shape whose outside is covered with the sclera 21. The light incident from the front of the eyeball 20 is refracted by the cornea 22 and refracted again by the Alvarez lens 110 arranged at the position of the crystalline lens.

The control unit 570 generates a drive signal based on at least one of the detection result obtained by the first detection unit 340 and the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580, and drives the generated drive signal. Output to unit 150. The drive unit 150 drives the Alvarez lens 110 based on the drive signal received from the control unit 570. As a result, the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 is changed.

The light refracted by the intraocular lens system 500 whose focal length is changed in this way passes through the vitreous body 29 and passes through the transmissive solar cell 130. At this time, the transmissive solar cell 130 converts the energy of a part of the incident light into electrical energy. The electric energy generated by the transmissive solar cell 130 is supplied to the first detection unit 340, the drive unit 150, the artificial retina 380, the control unit 570, and the second detection unit 580.

The light transmitted through the transmissive solar cell 130 reaches the artificial retina 380. The photoelectric conversion element array included in the artificial retina 380 converts the received light into an electric signal. The electrical signal generated by the artificial retina 380 is transmitted to the photoreceptor cell, the retinal ganglion cell, the bipolar cell, or the optic nerve via the electrode portion 390.

[motion]
FIG. 19 shows a flow chart of an operation example of the intraocular lens system 500 according to the sixth embodiment. The program corresponding to each step in FIG. 19 is stored in the memory included in the control unit 570. The CPU of the control unit 570 reads the program stored in the memory and executes the process corresponding to the read program.

(S31: Change in eyeball orientation?)
First, the control unit 570 monitors whether or not the orientation of the eyeball 20 has changed based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580. When it is not detected that the orientation of the eyeball has changed based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580 (step S31: N), the control unit 570 determines the orientation of the eyeball 20 by the second detection unit 580. Continue monitoring for changes (return). On the other hand, when the second detection unit 580 detects that the orientation of the eyeball 20 has changed (step S31: Y), the control unit 570 shifts the operation of the intraocular lens system 500 to step S32.

(S32: Did you enter the lower area?)
When the second detection unit 580 detects that the direction of the eyeball has changed, the control unit 570 determines that the direction of the eyeball 20 is downward from the front direction based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580. Determine if you have entered the area. When it is determined that the direction of the eyeball 20 has entered the lower region (step S32: Y), the control unit 570 shifts the operation of the intraocular lens system 500 to step S33. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the direction of the eyeball 20 has entered the lower region (step S32: N), the control unit 570 shifts the operation of the intraocular lens system 500 to step S34.

(S33: Change to the first focal length)
When it is detected that the orientation of the eyeball 20 has changed downward based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580, the control unit 570 sets the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 shorter than the current focal length. A drive signal set to a focal length of 1 is generated, and the generated drive signal is output to the drive unit 150.

(S34: Did you come out of the lower area?)
When the second detection unit 580 does not detect that the direction of the eyeball has entered the lower region, the control unit 570 determines that the orientation of the eyeball 20 is in the lower region based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580. Determine if it came out of. When it is determined that the direction of the eyeball 20 is out of the lower region (step S34: Y), the control unit 570 shifts the operation of the intraocular lens system 500 to step S35. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the direction of the eyeball 20 is out of the lower region (step S34: N), the control unit 570 shifts the operation of the intraocular lens system 500 to step S31 (return).

(S35: Change to the second focal length)
When it is detected that the direction of the eyeball 20 has come out of the lower region based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580, the control unit 570 sets the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 longer than the current focal length. A drive signal to be set to the second focal length is generated. The second focal length is longer than the first focal length. The control unit 570 outputs the generated drive signal to the drive unit 150.

The control unit 570 shifts the operation of the intraocular lens system 500 to step S31 (return) following step S33 or step S35.

As described above, when the second detection unit 580 detects that the eyeball 20 is pointing downward, the control unit 570 sets the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 to be shorter than the current focal length of the first focal length. Can be changed to. That is, the control unit 570 can change the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 to a second focal length longer than the current focal length at other times. Here, the second focal length is longer than the first focal length.

In this embodiment, the case where the orientation of the eyeball is detected by the second detection unit 580 and the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 is changed according to the detected orientation of the eyeball has been described, but the present invention is limited to this. It is not something that is done.

The second detection unit 580 may detect the congested eye movement (convergence). Congested eye movement is a movement in which the left and right eyes are directed inward (nasal side) when looking at a nearby object. In this case, the control unit 570 changes the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 based on the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580. As a specific example, when the second detection unit 580 detects that the eyeball 20 is in the first congestion state, the control unit 570 changes the focal length of the Alvarez lens 110 to the third focal length. The first congestion state is a state in which the eyeball faces inward from a predetermined direction (for example, the front direction). In addition to the second detection unit 580, a means for detecting the congested eye movement of the other eye is provided, and the control unit 570 includes the detection result obtained by the second detection unit 580 and the detection result obtained by the means. By using, for example, the line-of-sight direction was simply changed to an oblique direction (both left and right eyes pointed in the same direction) and congested eye movement was performed (both left and right eyes were turned inward). Can be determined.

Further, in this embodiment, the case where the orientation of the eyeball is detected by adding the second detection unit 580 to the configuration of the fourth embodiment has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 370 according to the fourth embodiment may determine the orientation of the eyeball by, for example, analyzing an image (electrical signal generated by the artificial retina) detected by the artificial retina 380. As a specific example, the control unit 370 changes the orientation (direction, amount) of the eyeball based on the change in the image in a predetermined region (for example, the central region including the central portion) of the image detected by the artificial retina 380. Ask for. Further, the control unit 370 obtains a change in the orientation of the eyeball based on the change in the position of the image of interest in the image detected by the artificial retina 380. In this case, when the control unit 370 determines that the direction of the eyeball is downward based on the image (electrical signal generated by the artificial retina) detected by the artificial retina 380, the control unit 370 of the Alvarez lens 110 Change the focal length to a fifth focal length, which is shorter than the current focal length.

[effect]
The intraocular lens system 500 is an example of the intraocular lens system according to the embodiment. The intraocular lens system according to the embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects of the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment.

In the intraocular lens system (for example, the intraocular lens system 500), a second detection means (for example, a second detection unit 580) may be arranged in the eye to detect the orientation of the eyeball. In this case, the second detecting means operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the converting means. The control means controls the drive means based on the detection result obtained by the second detection means.

According to such an intraocular lens system, the orientation of the eyeball can be detected in the eye, and the focal length of the lens can be changed according to the detected orientation of the eyeball. This allows the focus of the lens to be based on the detected eye orientation when it is possible to specify whether the focal length should be changed to be shorter or longer depending on the orientation of the eye. An intraocular lens system capable of changing the distance can be provided.

Further, in the intraocular lens system, when the second detection means detects that the eyeball is pointing downward, the control means changes the focal length of the lens to the first focal length, and at other times, The control means may change the focal length of the lens to a second focal length longer than the first focal length.

When looking at a nearby object (for example, when reading a book), it is common to point the eyeball downwards. Therefore, when the second detection means detects that the eyeball is pointing downward, the control means controls the lens so as to have the first focal length, and at other times, the control means is the first. By controlling the lens so that the second focal length is longer than the focal length of the lens, the focal length of the lens can be appropriately changed according to the natural movement of the eyeball.

Further, in the intraocular lens system, the second detection means may detect at least one of the acceleration of a predetermined portion of the eyeball and the congested eye movement.

When trying to see a nearby object, the acceleration of a predetermined part of the eyeball changes, or a focused eye movement is performed. Therefore, by providing a second detection means for detecting such movement, it is possible to detect the movement of looking at a nearby object with high accuracy, and drive the lens with high accuracy according to the movement of the eyeball. Control is possible.

<7th embodiment>
In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the conversion means for converting light energy into electrical energy is a transmission type has been described, but the conversion means may be a non-transmission type as in the third embodiment. Good. Hereinafter, the intraocular lens system according to the seventh embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the fourth embodiment.

[Constitution]
FIG. 20 shows a functional block diagram of an example of the configuration of the intraocular lens system according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 20, the same parts as those in FIG. 10 or 13 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 20, the light path is represented by an arrow indicated by a broken line, and is represented separately from other paths (electrical signals, etc.) indicated by a solid line.

The intraocular lens system 600 includes an Alvarez lens 110, a non-transmissive solar cell 230, a first detection unit 340, a drive unit 150, an artificial retina 380, an electrode unit 390, and a control unit 370. There is. The intraocular lens system 600 is arranged in the eye like the intraocular lens system 300. The difference between the intraocular lens system 600 and the intraocular lens system 300 is that a non-transmissive solar cell 230 is provided instead of the transmissive solar cell 130. As shown in FIG. 11 or 12, the non-transmissive solar cell 230 is formed with one or more openings 231. The light transmitted through the Alvarez lens 110 passes through the opening 231 formed in the non-transmissive solar cell 230 and reaches the vitreous body 29.

In such an intraocular lens system 600, a power supply line for supplying electric power generated by the non-transmissive solar cell 230 is connected between the non-transmissive solar cell 230 and the first detection unit 340. Further, a power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the non-transmissive solar cell 230 is connected between the non-transmissive solar cell 230 and the drive unit 150. Further, a power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the non-transmissive solar cell 230 is connected between the non-transmissive solar cell 230 and the artificial retina 380. Further, a power supply line for supplying the electric power generated by the non-transmissive solar cell 230 is connected between the non-transmissive solar cell 230 and the control unit 370.

In this embodiment, the photoelectric conversion element array constituting the artificial retina 380 receives light passing through the opening 231 formed in the non-transmissive solar cell 230 and generates an electric signal. The opening 231 formed in the non-transmissive solar cell 230 can be formed at a position facing the macula in the artificial retina 380.

In this embodiment, the case where the non-transmissive solar cell 230 has an opening is described, but the non-transmissive solar cell 230 may have a notch. Further, in this embodiment, the non-transmissive solar cell 230 has one or more openings formed therein, but the transmissive solar cell 130 according to the fourth embodiment has one or more openings. An opening or a notch may be formed.

[effect]
The intraocular lens system 600 is an example of the intraocular lens system according to the embodiment. The intraocular lens system according to the embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects of the fourth embodiment.

In an intraocular lens system (eg, an intraocular lens system 600), the conversion means may include a non-transmissive solar cell (eg, a non-transmissive solar cell 230) that converts the energy of light incident into the eye into electrical energy. ..

Non-transmissive solar cells do not have the function of transmitting light incident on the eye. Light that does not enter the non-transmissive solar cell reaches the artificial retina. Even in such an intraocular lens system, the driving means is arranged in the eye, and the focal length of the lens can be changed by receiving the electric energy obtained by the conversion means.

Further, in the intraocular lens system, the conversion means may be formed with an opening (for example, opening 231) through which a part of the light incident in the eye passes.

According to such an intraocular lens system, the light that has passed through the opening can reach the artificial retina, so that the size of the light receiving surface of the conversion means is made larger without blocking the light that reaches the artificial retina as much as possible. You will be able to.

Further, in the intraocular lens system, the opening may be formed at a position facing the macula in the artificial retina.

According to such an intraocular lens system, the size of the light receiving surface of the conversion means and the size of the artificial retina can be sufficiently secured.

Further, in an intraocular lens system, the photoelectric conversion element array may receive light that has passed through an opening to generate an electric signal.

According to such an intraocular lens system, it is possible to secure the size of the artificial retina and send as much information as possible to the visual cortex while securing the size of the light receiving surface of the conversion means to generate as much power as possible. it can.

<8th embodiment>
In the seventh embodiment, the opening formed in the non-transmissive solar cell 230 may be provided with a lens for adjusting the luminous flux reaching the macula. As a result, the size of the opening can be adjusted, so that, for example, a large area of the light receiving portion of the non-transmissive solar cell 230 can be secured, and more electric power can be generated. Further, when the direction in which the Alvarez lens 110 is arranged with respect to the non-transmissive solar cell 230 is set to the front, the size of the artificial retina 380 arranged behind the non-transmissive solar cell 230 can be increased. The size of the image detected by the artificial retina 380 can also be increased. As a result, the accuracy of the above control based on the image detected in the artificial retina 380 can be improved.

The transmissive solar cell 130 may also include a lens provided at the opening and adjusting the luminous flux reaching the macula. In this case as well, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

[effect]
The intraocular lens system according to the eighth embodiment is an example of the intraocular lens system according to the eighth embodiment. The intraocular lens system according to the embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects of the seventh embodiment.

In an intraocular lens system, the opening may be provided with a lens that adjusts the luminous flux reaching the macula.

According to such an intraocular lens system, it is possible to secure a large area of the light receiving portion of the non-transmissive solar cell, and it is possible to generate more electric power. Further, since the size of the artificial retina can be increased, the size of the image detected by the artificial retina can also be increased. As a result, the accuracy of the above control based on the image detected in the artificial retina can be improved.

(First modification)
In the intraocular lens system according to the above embodiment, the case where the spherical power is changed by the Alcohol lens has been described, but the astigmatic power may be changed by the Alcohol lens. For example, in FIG. 2, it is obtained by optically synthesizing the optical elements 111 and 112 by relatively moving the optical elements 111 and 112 in the x direction (left-right direction) in the xy plane orthogonal to the axis O. The astigmatic power (refractive power) can be changed continuously. In FIG. 2, the optical element 111 is moved in the left direction (−x direction), and the optical element 112 is moved in the right direction (+ x direction).

Further, the astigmatic power may be changed by arranging a variable cross cylinder lens on the incident side of the Alvarez lens 110. The variable cross cylinder lens is composed of a pair of cylinder lenses. In this case, by rotating the pair of cylinder lenses relatively, the astigmatic power obtained by optically synthesizing the pair of cylinder lenses changes continuously. For example, by a known ultrasonic linear motor, one of the pair of cylinder lenses is rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, and the other of the pair of cylinder lenses is rotationally driven in the reverse rotation direction.

Further, an optical element capable of changing arbitrary optical characteristics such as transmission wavelength, transmittance and magnification, and a prism for changing the direction of light rays may be arranged on the incident side or the outgoing side of the Alvarez lens 110.

(Second modification)
In the intraocular lens system according to the above embodiment or the first modification, the case where the Alvarez lens is used as the variable focus lens has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of the lens according to the second modification. FIG. 21 schematically shows a vertical cross-sectional view passing through the axis O when the lens according to the second modification is viewed from the lateral direction.

The lens 710 according to the second modification includes a pair of optical elements 711 and 712 and a pair of wedge members (spacers) 713 and 714. The optical elements 711 and 712 are arranged so that the optical axis coincides with the predetermined axis O of the lens 710. The optical element 711 is urged in the first direction L1 along the axis O by a first urging means (not shown). The optical element 712 is urged by a second urging means (not shown) in the second direction L2 opposite to the first direction L1 along the axis O. The wedge members 713 and 714 are configured to be movable in the third direction L3 and the fourth direction L4 orthogonal to the first direction L1 and the second direction L2 so that the intervals between the optical elements 711 and 712 are changed. When widening the distance between the optical elements 711 and 712, the wedge members 713 and 714 are brought close to each other. As a specific example, when the distance between the optical elements 711 and 712 is widened, the wedge member 713 is moved to the third direction L3 by the drive unit 150 based on the drive signal, and the wedge member 714 is the drive unit based on the drive signal. It is moved to the fourth direction L4 by 150. When narrowing the distance between the optical elements 711 and 712, the wedge members 713 and 714 are separated from each other. As a specific example, when the distance between the optical elements 711 and 712 is narrowed, the wedge member 713 is moved by the drive unit 150 in the direction L3a opposite to the third direction L3 based on the drive signal, and the wedge member 714 moves the drive signal. Is moved by the drive unit 150 in the direction L4a opposite to the fourth direction L4. As a result, the focal length of the lens 710 according to the second modification can be changed by the drive unit 150. In the above embodiment or the first modification, the lens 710 according to the second modification can be used instead of the Alvarez lens 110.

(Third modification example)
In the above embodiment, as a method of changing parameters (table information and threshold values) and a program executed by the control unit after being placed in the eye, an invasive method and a non-invasive (minimally invasive) method are performed. There is a method.

The invasive method is to remove at least a part of the intraocular lens system by surgery, for example, or to insert an instrument into the eye and directly operate the intraocular lens system by a predetermined method. It is a method to change the parameters and programs stored inside.

In the non-invasive method, for example, one or a plurality of switches controlled by receiving light (may be magnetic force or electromagnetic wave) such as a laser are provided in the eye (for example, the surface of the first detection unit or the control unit). This is a method of changing the switching state of one or a plurality of switches by irradiating a laser from the outside of the eye. A signal corresponding to the switching state of one or a plurality of switches is generated, and the first detection unit and the control unit receive this signal to switch the table information, the threshold value, and the program. The operation content of the switch can be switched according to the laser intensity, irradiation time, irradiation pattern, and the like. Further, when a plurality of switches are provided, the operation content may be switched according to the selection of the switch to be operated and the operation order.

The configuration described above is only an example for preferably carrying out the present invention. Therefore, any modification (omission, substitution, addition, etc.) within the scope of the gist of the present invention can be appropriately applied.

For example, the configuration of the lens according to the above embodiment or modification is not limited to the configuration described with reference to FIG. 2 or FIG. 21. Further, the drive unit according to the above embodiment or modification is not limited to the one described in FIGS. 3 and 4, and may be configured by, for example, a MEMS having an actuator function.

The transmissive solar cell 130 and the non-transmissive solar cell 230 are not limited to those described in the above-described embodiment or modification. As the transmissive solar cell 130 or the non-transmissive solar cell 230, for example, a dye-sensitized solar cell (Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell) may be used.

A computer program for realizing the above embodiment or modification can be stored in any computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the recording medium include semiconductor memory, optical disc, magneto-optical disk (CD-ROM / DVD-RAM / DVD-ROM / MO, etc.), magnetic storage medium (hard disk / floppy (registered trademark) disk / ZIP, etc.) and the like. Can be used.

It is also possible to send and receive this program through a network such as the Internet or LAN.

20 Eyeball 21 Strong membrane 22 Cornea 23 Iris 24 Pupil 25 Crystal sac 27 Hairy body 28 Hairy zonule 29 Glass body 30 Retina 31 Corneal membrane 32 Intraocular lens system 110 Aruba Let's lenses 111, 112, 711, 712 Optical elements 114a to 114d Ultrasonic linear motor 130 Transmissive solar cell 140, 340 First detection unit 150 Drive unit 230 Non-transmissive solar cell 231 Opening 370, 570 Control unit 380 Artificial retina 390 Electrode part 580 Second detection part 710 Lens 713, 714 Wedge member

Claims (1)

A lens that is placed in the eye and has a focal length that can be changed.
A conversion means that is arranged in the eye, allows a part of the light incident in the eye to pass through, and converts the energy of the other part of the light into electrical energy.
A driving means arranged in the eye, operating by receiving the electric energy obtained by the converting means, and changing the focal length of the lens.
An artificial retina that is placed in the eye, operates by receiving electrical energy obtained by the conversion means, detects light that has passed through the conversion means, and generates an electric signal, and an artificial retina including a photoelectric conversion element array.
A means of transmitting the electrical signal generated by the artificial retina to the visual cortex of the brain, and
A control means that operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the conversion means and controls the drive means.
A detection means that operates by receiving the electric energy obtained by the conversion means and detects the direction of the eyeball.
Including
The driving means can switch the focal length of the lens between a first focal length and a second focal length longer than the first focal length.
The control means
Based on the detection result obtained by the detection means, the change in the orientation of the eyeball is monitored.
When it is determined that the orientation of the eyeball has entered a predetermined lower region when the second focal length is set , the focal length of the lens is changed from the second focal length to the first focal length. change,
When it is determined that the direction of the eyeball is out of the predetermined lower region when the first focal length is set , the focal length of the lens is changed from the first focal length to the second focal length. An intraocular lens system characterized by changing to.

Images