Patent ID: 8715346

Claim:
An intraocular lens (IOL) for insertion into a capsular bag having a zonular contact region, the IOL comprising: a shape changing optical element comprising an anterior surface configured to outwardly bow upon application of a compressive force applied radially inward at an oblique angle to the optical element creating an accommodated shape; and an accommodating element coupled to the shape changing optical element, the accommodating element comprising: (i) at least one force transmitting element; and (ii) a plurality of spaced apart contacting elements each adapted to contact a portion of the zonular contact region; and (iii) a first linking arm comprising: a first end obliquely connected to a first region of a first contacting element of the plurality of spaced apart contacting elements where the first contacting element contacts an anterior portion of the capsular bag; and a second end, and (iv) a second linking arm comprising: a first end obliquely connected to a second region of the first contacting element where the first contacting element contacts a posterior portion of the capsular bag; and a second end, wherein the second end of the first linking arm and the second end of the second linking arm are flexibly connected to each other at a point where each respective second end also connects to the force transmitting element, wherein the accommodating element is configured to cooperate with at least one of the ciliary muscle of the mammalian eye, the zonules of the mammalian eye and the vitreous pressure in the eye to transmit the compressive force to the optical element.