Adjusting Eye Implants with Lasers for Clearer Vision
This patent describes using precise laser pulses to change the focusing power of an implanted artificial eye lens, helping people see clearly without glasses.
Original patent title: “Systems and methods for spectacle independence using refractive index writing with an intraocular lens”
This patent describes using precise laser pulses to change the focusing power of an implanted artificial eye lens, helping people see clearly without glasses. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The patent details systems and methods for improving vision in a person who has an intraocular lens (IOL) implanted in their eye. It involves applying "a plurality of laser pulses" to the IOL. These laser pulses are designed to create a specific, permanent alteration within the lens material, a process called "refractive index writing." This writing results in a "predetermined change in phase profile" of the IOL, which means its focusing power is precisely adjusted. The ultimate goal is to increase "spectacle independence," allowing the person to see well without needing glasses or contact lenses. For example, after cataract surgery, if the implanted IOL doesn't provide perfect vision, this method could fine-tune the lens without requiring another surgery.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover methods for adjusting an intraocular lens that do not use laser pulses.
- Does not cover adjusting the optical properties of an intraocular lens before it is implanted into the eye.
- Does not cover vision correction techniques that do not involve an intraocular lens, such as LASIK on the natural eye.
- Does not cover intraocular lenses that are adjusted mechanically or chemically after implantation.
- Does not cover methods that improve vision without making a permanent change to the refractive index of the IOL.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in precisely altering the optical properties of an already implanted lens using focused laser light. Instead of replacing a poorly focused lens, this method "writes" a new optical profile onto it, correcting vision without requiring another surgical procedure.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
RxSight Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) technology
Post-cataract surgery vision correction
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology could significantly enhance the outcomes for individuals receiving intraocular lenses, particularly after cataract surgery. It provides a non-invasive way to correct residual vision errors that might persist after the initial surgery. This ability to fine-tune vision post-implantation can lead to greater patient satisfaction and potentially eliminate the need for corrective eyewear, improving overall quality of life.
Filed
February 18, 2023
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
RxSight is a prominent company currently active in this space with their Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) technology, which allows for post-implantation adjustment using UV light. Major intraocular lens manufacturers like Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and Bausch + Lomb are also investing in advanced IOL technologies that aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce spectacle dependence.
Market impact
The ability to fine-tune intraocular lenses after implantation could significantly improve patient satisfaction and outcomes, potentially making adjustable lenses a premium option in the cataract surgery market. This technology could reduce the need for secondary surgeries or reliance on glasses after IOL implantation, creating a new standard for precision in vision correction and expanding the market for advanced IOLs.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The patent details systems and methods for improving vision in a person who has an intraocular lens (IOL) implanted in their eye. It involves applying "a plurality of laser pulses" to the IOL. These laser pulses are designed to create a specific, permanent alteration within the lens material, a process called "refractive index writing." This writing results in a "predetermined change in phase profile" of the IOL, which means its focusing power is precisely adjusted. The ultimate goal is to increase "spectacle independence," allowing the person to see well without needing glasses or contact lenses. For example, after cataract surgery, if the implanted IOL doesn't provide perfect vision, this method could fine-tune the lens without requiring another surgery.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in precisely altering the optical properties of an already implanted lens using focused laser light. Instead of replacing a poorly focused lens, this method "writes" a new optical profile onto it, correcting vision without requiring another surgical procedure.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover methods for adjusting an intraocular lens that do not use laser pulses.
- Does not cover adjusting the optical properties of an intraocular lens before it is implanted into the eye.
- Does not cover vision correction techniques that do not involve an intraocular lens, such as LASIK on the natural eye.
- Does not cover intraocular lenses that are adjusted mechanically or chemically after implantation.
- Does not cover methods that improve vision without making a permanent change to the refractive index of the IOL.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$26K – $84K
Midpoint $53K · 16.4 yr remaining · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). Adjusting Eye Implants with Lasers for Clearer Vision (U.S. Patent No. 12,734,028). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734028/systems-and-methods-for-spectacle-independence-using-refractive-index-writing
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Adjusting Eye Implants with Lasers for Clearer Vision cover?
This patent describes using precise laser pulses to change the focusing power of an implanted artificial eye lens, helping people see clearly without glasses.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology could significantly enhance the outcomes for individuals receiving intraocular lenses, particularly after cataract surgery. It provides a non-invasive way to correct residual vision errors that might persist after the initial surgery. This ability to fine-tune vision post-implantation can lead to greater patient satisfaction and potentially eliminate the need for corrective eyewear, improving overall quality of life.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover methods for adjusting an intraocular lens that do not use laser pulses.
Patent monitoring