Intraocular lens

Intraocular lens including a plano-convex lens and a plurality of flexible closed loops spaced about a circumference of an edge of the lens, one end of each closed loop fixedly secured into a hole in the edge and the other end of the closed loop in slidable engagement with an other hole in the edge, the other hole of a larger geometrical cross section than the cross section of the slidable end of the closed loop thereby providing an all-size lens. The arms of each loop can be planar or vaulted. A geometrical section of loop material such as a U-shaped curve or S-shaped curve can be positioned in the loop providing for additional sizing, adjusting and positioning of the slidable end of the loop. Pressure-relief ports can be provided through a port in the convex surface, the plano surface, or the edge or any combination thereof. Pressure relief can also be provided through an elliptical or notched hole for the slidable end of the loop, or a notched or tapered portion of the slidable end of the loop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a surgical prosthesis and, more 
importantly, pertains to an implantable intraocular lens with a slidable 
loop thereby providing that the lens is accommodated by substantially all 
sizes of eyes. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
The prior art intraocular lenses have been manufactured to a number of 
sizes denoted as diametrical lengths. These diametrical lengths generally 
range from 10.5 to 13.5 mm. Consequently, surgeons and hospitals are 
required to stock a supply of the most common size implantable lens along 
with other sizes for surgical procedures. 
During surgery, it sometimes occurred that the first lens intended for 
implantation may not have been entirely accommodated by an individual's 
eye, requiring the surgeon to utilize the next smaller or next larger 
size. This then requires that the surgeon open and remove a second and 
sometimes even a third sterile lens for implantation, resulting in 
considerable time and motion expenditure, in addition to the expense of 
the other opened but unused lens. 
The prior art has heretofore offered few types of all-size lens for implant 
in the eye. The lenses have usually been fixed in geometrical structure 
and relationship, and have been implanted based on the requirements of the 
individual's eye for 4-point fixation, usually in the anterior chamber. 
Also, not all eyes are the same size, thereby requiring a size in between 
that of commonly manufactured lens. Further, the eye may exert pressure 
against the loops requiring that the sides of the loops adjust 
accordingly. Prior art lenses have never accommodated these two particular 
prior art points. 
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by 
providing an all-size lens with a slidable loop on at least one of the two 
closed loops. The slidable loop also can include a pressure-relief system 
eliminating any pressure which may build up in the hole accommodating the 
sliding long end. The slidable loop is adjustable to the size of an eye as 
well as being flexible. The sliding loop is suitable for lenses which 
utilize four point fixation as well as lesser points of fixation such as 
three or less. The configuration offers relative ease of handling and 
positioning by the surgeon in the human eye. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an implantable 
intraocular lens which is accommodating to all sizes of eyes through a 
slidable loop. In addition, the slidable loops will provide required 
flexibility during movement and touch of the eye. The loops may also 
include a pressure-relief system to relieve any pressure which may build 
up in a hole of the sliding loop structure. 
According to the present invention, there is provided a lens such as a 
plano-convex lens including a plano surface, a convex surface and an edge 
about the circumference having a finite height, a plurality of spaced 
holes for accepting closed loops, one of the holes of like or slightly 
larger diameter than the other and at last one closed loop, one end of the 
closed loop secured into a hole and the other end of the closed loop in 
slidable engagement with the other hole whereby the free end of the loop 
is slidable in and out of the hole thereby inherently adjusting the closed 
loop extending beyond the edge of the lens. A predetermined geometrical 
configuration such as an S-shaped or U-shaped curve can be positioned 
toward the base of the closed loop for accommodating and reducing the 
length of the movement going from a larger size to a smaller size. 
According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided 
a pressure-relief system between the slidable and free end of the closed 
loop and the larger hole in the lens. This pressure-relief system operates 
on the principle of providing a path for fluid and internal air pressure 
to flow along the length of the slidable loop or out of the hole as 
required. 
According to other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided 
a pressure-relief system which can include a port through the plano, 
convex or edge surfaces of the lens intersecting the end of the slidable 
hole; a difference in geometrical cross section between the slidable free 
end of the loop and the hole such as where the hole would have an 
elliptical cross section while the loop has a circular cross section; the 
loop would have a finite tapered free end while the hole would have a 
circular cross section; and, either the hole could have a longitudinal 
groove, notch, etc., or the free slidable end of the loop could have a 
groove, notch, etc. Of course, a larger hole for encompassing the slidable 
loop will pass any pressures which might occur during any possible 
flexing. 
A significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an intraocular 
lens which can be positioned in the eye as an all-size lens in that the 
eye inherently provides the placement of non-reactionary forces to result 
in the slidable loops of the lens adjusting to the proper size. 
Another aspect and feature of the present invention is an all-size lens 
which is particularly advantageous to the surgeon as well as the hospital 
in that the surgical supply only needs to stock the one or possibly two 
sizes of all-size lenses for implant in the eye. 
A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a 
pressure-relief system inherently configured and structured into the 
slidable loop structure for relieving any pressures which may possibly 
build up during flexing. 
An additional significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a 
geometrical section which provides for adjustability of a flexible loop 
about the circumference of the lens. The geometrical section provides for 
inherent size reduction or expansion of the loop between the interior of 
the eye and the edge of the lens. While the geometrical section is 
disclosed for a closed loop, the principles of the present invention are 
also applicable to any type of loop whether the loop be closed or open. 
The lens can be plano-convex, aspheric, convex plano, or the like for 
implant into the human eye. 
Having thus described the invention, it is a principal object hereof to 
provide an all-size lens. 
An object of the present invention is to provide an all-size lens which can 
be accommodated to any size eye. This is accomplished through a closed 
loop where one end of the loop is secured in a hole in the edge and the 
other end is in slidable engagement with a hole in the edge. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a geometrical section 
such as an S-shaped, U-shaped, or other like section in a portion of the 
loop providing for adjustability, expansion and compression of the loop 
conforming to the eye. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a pressure-relief 
system between a closed loop and the lens including a geoemtrical member 
or difference of geometrical members interacting, providing for relief of 
pressure, inherent or otherwise, existing in the hole where the free end 
of the closed loop is slidably engageable. Whatever pressure of fluids or 
gases which may exist is inherently dissipated through the geometrical 
relief member. 
An additional object of the present invention is that when the eye 
compresses the sliding loop, the loop end goes farther into the optic 
offsetting the oil canning tendency which vaulted lenses undergo.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of the present invention, an all-size 
intraocular lens 10. The all-size lens 10 includes a plano surface 12, as 
also illustrated in FIG. 2, a convex surface 14, and a finite edge surface 
16 joining the plano surface 12 to the convex surface 14. The edge 16 has 
a finite height about the entire circumference. Two opposing closed-end, 
flexible, smooth, round loops 18 and 20 position and secured at edge 16 of 
the lens, as now described in detail for the loop 18, as loop 18 and 20 
are exactly identical in geometry and structure in this example. The lens 
and loops can be made of polymethylmethacrylate ("PMMA") or like material. 
End 22 of loop 18 secures into hole 24 which extends through the edge 16 
and partially into and adjacent the plano surface 12. The end is secured 
into the lens by known processes. The other end 26 is in slidable 
engagement with a hole 28 extending into the lens and through the edge 
circumference 16. The circular cross section of hole 28 is slightly larger 
than the cross section of the end of the loop 26. The loop includes the 
two arm segments 28 and 30, a base 32, and a geometrical section 34. The 
geometrical section 34 is positioned to allow for flexibility and 
adjustability of the loop to a desired memory and size when finally 
implanted in the eye. In this particular example, for purposes of 
illustration only and not to be construed as limiting of the present 
invention, there is illustrated an integrated S curve which includes the 
base 32 and the geometrical portion 34. Describing the geometrical section 
as a unit, the section 34 assumes the shape of an elongated U, or an 
ovoid, a paraboloid, or semi-circle, such that there is an open portion 
and a geometrical space provided adjacent the secured end of the arm of 
the flexible loop by the geometrical adjusting section 34. 
Loop 20 includes an end 36, hole 38, slidable end 40, and hole 42 of a 
slightly larger cross section than the cross section of slidable end 40, 
secured arm 44, slidable arm 46, base 48, and geometrical section 50 and 
is likewise identical to loop 18. 
Pressure-relief ports 52 and 54 can be provided at the end of holes 28 and 
42. In this particular example, the pressure-relief port 52 at the end of 
hole 28 extends downwardly through the plano surface 12 while 
pressure-relief port 54 at the end of hole 42 extends upwardly through the 
convex surface 14. Whether the pressure-relief ports extend downward or 
upward is a matter of medical and manufacturing consideration. The ports 
could extend through the plano surface, both ports could extend through 
the convex surface, or the ports could extend through the edge surface as 
illustrated in an alternative embodiment of FIG. 3, or in any combination 
thereof. 
FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1 where 
all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. Particular 
attention is drawn to the placement of the ports 52 and 54 through 
surfaces 12 and 14 respectively. 
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of an all-size 
intraocular lens 70. The lens and closed loop structure is identical to 
that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and additionally includes vaulted, also known as 
ramped, arms where the vault or ramp is positioned between the base of the 
loop and the edge of the lens. The lens 70 includes a plano-convex lens 
72, and opposing flexible closed loops 74 and 76 as previously described 
in detail. One end of the loops is secured while the other end of the 
loops is in slidable engagement with the hole. All elements in the figure 
correspond to those of FIGS. 1 and 2. The only difference is that in this 
alternative embodiment, pressure-relief ports 78 and 80 are provided 
through the edge surface 82 of the lens. Ramps 84 and 86 are illustrated 
in the FIG. and encompass the geometrical sections 34 and 50 in the ramped 
or vaulted portions of the loop. 
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 4 illustrates an all-size lens 100 including plano-convex lens 102, 
flexible loops 104 and 106 and slidable ends 108 and 110 of the flexible 
loops. The principles of operation of the slidable ends are identical to 
those previously discussed. The significant aspects and features of the 
alternative embodiment are pressure-relief systems where the slidable end 
108 is a first principle of different geometrical cross sections of the 
loop with respect to a hole 114, while the slidable end 110 is a second 
principle of a different predetermined geometrical cross section 116 in 
the hole 118, both of these principles now discussed with respect to the 
following two figures. 
FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4 
illustrating the first principle of a cross section of the loop 108 and 
the cross section of the hole 112 which assumes a different and slightly 
larger cross-sectional area than the loop 108. The geometrical 
configuration is such that the cross-sectional dimensions of the hole 
would include an elongated circular configuration with dimensions which 
might be described as ovoid, paraboloid, elliptical, etc. The principle is 
to allow for a sliding engagement of the end of the loop 108 while 
providing for additional free area to permit air presssure and any fluid 
to flow in between the outer surface of the loop 108 and the inner surface 
of the hole 112 providing free space 114. 
FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5 
illustrating the second principle of a circular cross section of the loop 
110, the circular cross section of the hole 118 and a notch 116 provided 
in the hole 118. While the hole is illustrated as having a circular cross 
section with the notched groove 116, the hole could also have a 
non-circular cross section in addition to the notched groove 116. The 
notched groove 116 is illustrated by way of example and for purposes of 
illustration only and can assume any predetermined geometrical 
configuration such as a channel, trough or slight groove, and is not to be 
construed as limited to a notched V groove. Free space 120 is provided as 
a pressure-relief port. 
ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an additional embodiment of an all-size 
lens 200. The all-size lens 200 includes a plano-convex lens 202, and 
flexible closed loops 204 and 206. The first principle of a slidable 
notched end 208 with V-notch 210 of the loop 204 and the second principle 
of a tapered end 214 of loop 206 are now described in detail providing 
free space as a pressure-relief port. 
FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 7 
illustrating the principle of a slidable end 208 including a V-notched 
groove 210 in the end of the flexible loop 204 in hole 212. This V-notched 
groove which can be any predetermined geometrical cross section such as 
ovoid, paraboloid, semi-circle, channel, etc. extends partially along the 
distance of the loop and provides for pressure relief. The hole 212 has a 
substantially circular cross section and is slightly larger in diameter 
than the diameter of the slidable end 208. The V-notched groove 210 
provides that any fluid or air pressure can flow along this 
cross-sectional void out beyond the edge of the lens. 
FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 7 
illustrating the principle of a slidable end 214 of the loop 206 which is 
tapered about a length slightly beyond the edge of the lens as a 
decreasing taper 216. This taperedness provides for pressure relief. The 
taper is illustrated as coming to a blunt point 218 at the end, and 
tapering out to a geometrical cross section of the loop member about a 
finite length of the slidable end of the loop. The taper runs from point 
220 to the end 218 and is a decreasing taper to the reduced diameter end 
218. 
MODE OF OPERATION 
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the slidable, adjustable and pressure-relieving 
aspects and features of the present invention. The sliding interaction 
between the end of the loops 26 and 40 within the holes 52 and 54 provides 
for slidable engagement and inherent adjustment of the size of the loops 
18 and 20. The end of the loop slides within the depth of the hole due to 
interaction of the forces and pressures inherently in the eye when the 
base of the loop is pushed up against the interior chamber of the eye. 
This provides that the end of the loop will slide within the depth of the 
hole while adjusting to the interior of the eye. During the slidable 
engagement, additional adjustment and positioning of the loop is 
inherently adsorbed and taken up by the geometrical sections 34 and 50 
which are illustrated as "U-shaped" curves, or more broadly, "S-shaped" 
curves or the like. These geometrical sections take up and adjust and 
expand as required while maintaining the arms of the loops in a 
substantially parallel position with respect to each other. 
Finally, any pressure which may build up in the holes such as fluid or gas 
is easily eliminated through pressure ports 52 and 54 which can extend out 
through the plano surface, convex, or through the edge as is illustrated 
in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 3. 
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the principles of the slidable engagement of the 
ends of the loops, the adjustment of the mid portion of the loops, and the 
relieving of pressure at the ends of the loops. These principles of 
operation are applicable to any intraocular lens having loop members 
closed or open and are not limited to the specific embodiment of lens 
disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 or any of the other figures of this patent. 
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate all three principles of the present invention of 
this patent; that is, the sliding of the free end, the adjustment over a 
portion of the loop structure with a geometrical section, and the 
relieving of any pressure which may build up at the free end of the lens. 
FIG. 3 illustrates that the pressure-relief port can extend through the 
sides of the lens opposed to the plano or convex surfaces. The 
pressure-relief ports can be of a smaller diameter than the hole 
accommodating the slidable end of the loop or can be of a like or larger 
diameter as desired. 
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate different embodiments where the hole is configured to 
provide inherent pressure relief. FIG. 5 illustrates that the hole can be 
of a different geometrical cross section than the cross section of the end 
of the loop, providing for passage of pressure between the free space 
provided therein. FIG. 6 illustrates that a channel of a geometrical cross 
section can be provided within the hole, providing additional free space 
for the passage and relief of pressure. The hole assumes a slightly larger 
cross section than the end of the loop. 
FIGS. 7-9 illustrate that the slidable end of the loop can be provided with 
structure of geometrical sections for providing for passage of pressure. 
FIG. 8 illustrates that the slidable end of the loop can include an 
elongated groove or other elongated cross section providing for passage of 
pressure while FIG. 9 illustrates that the slidable end can have a taper 
of decreasing diameter thereby providing for slidable engagement as well 
as passage of pressure along the decreasing diameter. While the hole is a 
constant diameter, the cross section of the loop is either varying or 
assumes a different cross section than that of the hole. 
Various modifications can be made to the present invention without 
departing from the apparent scope thereof. The principles of the present 
invention are applicable to any lens, either solely, jointly, or in 
combination with each other. The lens can be an anterior chamber lens or 
posterior chamber lens. While the invention of the geometrical section has 
been illustrated for closed loops, the same is applicable to an open loop.