Patent ID: 6530953
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An ocular replacement system for replacing a natural eye removed from an eye cavity having ocular tissue including muscle tissue and conjunctiva, said ocular replacement system comprising:a ball-shaped implant body sized and configured for receipt within the eye cavity and having an outer, generally spherical and porous surface that is receptive to ingrowth of the ocular tissue, and said surface including an anterior portion having a convex surface configuration defining a portion of said spherical surface, said anterior portion being structured and disposed to permit closing of the conjunctiva in covering relation to said anterior portion so that said implant body is completely enclosed within the eye cavity and covered by the ocular tissue; a prosthesis including an outer convex surface provided with a cosmetically acceptable appearance to resemble the natural eye and an inner concave surface; magnetic coupling means for coupling said prosthesis to said implant body through said ocular tissue covering said implant body so that said prosthesis follows movement of said implant body when said implant body moves within the eye cavity; and said magnetic coupling means including: at least one first magnet having an exposed face defining a magnetic pole, said at least one first magnet being imbedded within the anterior portion of said implant body so that said exposed face is flush with said outer, generally spherical and porous surface of said implant body on said anterior portion; at least one second magnet having an exposed face defining a magnetic pole, said at least one second magnet being fitted to said inner concave surface of said prosthesis so that said exposed face is flush with said inner concave surface of said prosthesis; and said at least one first magnet and said at least one second magnet being positioned and arranged relative to one another so that a magnetic force exists between said magnetic poles of said exposed faces of said at least one first magnet and said at least one second magnet.