Abstract:
An IOL having an optic and a peripheral stabilizing ring. The optic and the ring are connected by a flexible bridge. An area on the ring coinciding with a feature on the optic helps to locate the optic within the ring in an unstressed state until the capsular bag collapses and locks the optic into place.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to the field of intraocular lenses (IOL) and, more particularly, micro-incision IOLs. 
         [0002]    The human eye in its simplest terms functions to provide vision by transmitting light through a clear outer portion called the cornea, and focusing the image by way of a crystalline lens onto a retina. The quality of the focused image depends on many factors including the size and shape of the eye, and the transparency of the cornea and the lens. 
         [0003]    When age or disease causes the lens to become less transparent, vision deteriorates because of the diminished light which can be transmitted to the retina. This deficiency in the lens of the eye is medically known as a cataract. An accepted treatment for this condition is surgical removal of the lens and replacement of the lens function by an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). 
         [0004]    In the United States, the majority of cataractous lenses are removed by a surgical technique called phacoemulsification. During this procedure, an opening is made in the anterior capsule and a thin phacoemulsification cutting tip is inserted into the diseased lens and vibrated ultrasonically. The vibrating cutting tip liquifies or emulsifies the lens so that the lens may be aspirated out of the eye. The diseased lens, once removed, is replaced by an artificial lens. 
         [0005]    For many years, IOLs were made from a hard plastic, such as polymethylmethacrylate. As the optic of the IOL had a diameter of 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm, implanting the IOL required that the incision into the eye be enlarged to a size sufficient to allow the IOL to pass into the anterior chamber of the eye. Such a large incision can induce a distortion in the cornea, or induced astigmatism, post-operatively. More recently, IOL&#39;s have increasing been made from soft, foldable materials, such as silicone and soft acrylics. These foldable materials allow the IOL to be implanted through incisions that are generally less than 3 mm. Even the relatively small incision required for implantation of foldable IOLs can induce post-operative astigmatism, so there has been a desire to develop IOLs that can be implanted through even smaller incisions, on the order of 2 mm or less. 
         [0006]    From a practical standpoint, there are limits on how small an IOL can be made. For example, the IOL generally must have an optic having a diameter of about 5.5 mm or greater for optimum optical performance. In addition, the IOL must be provided in a large range of optical powers, up to 30 diopters or more. These large powers limit how thin the optic can be made. Of course, increasing the refractive index of the material used to make the optic allows for a thinner optic. Current materials and designs permit the manufacture of very thin optics, having an extremely thin, almost knife-like, edge thickness. These extremely thin lenses, however, tend to be unstable and distort when implanted within the capsular bag, requiring an encircling ring or equatorial band to be inserted into the capsular bag to help stabilize the capsular bag. The ring component of the IOL can be formed integrally with the optic or implanted as a separate component. If the ring is a separate component, the surgical procedure is increased in complexity because two separate devices, the ring and the optic must be inserted into the eye, assembled and properly located within the capsular bag. Prior to the present invention, if the ring component is integrally formed with the optic, undesirable size and bulk is added, increased the require size of the incision. 
         [0007]    Therefore, a need continues to exist for a safe and stable intraocular lens system that can be inserted through a very small incision and does not require assembly within the eye. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention improves upon the prior art by providing an IOL having an optic and a peripheral stabilizing ring. The optic and the ring are connected by a flexible bridge. An area on the ring coinciding with a feature on the optic helps to locate the optic within the ring in an unstressed state until the capsular bag collapses and locks the optic into place. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, one objective of the present invention is to provide a safe and biocompatible intraocular lens. 
         [0010]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a safe and biocompatible intraocular lens that is easily implanted in the posterior chamber. 
         [0011]    Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a safe and biocompatible intraocular lens that is stable in the posterior chamber. 
         [0012]    Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a safe and biocompatible lens system that can be implanted through a small incision. 
         [0013]    Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a safe and biocompatible lens system that helps reduce the incidence of PCO. 
         [0014]    Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a safe and biocompatible lens system for use in cataract and/or clear lens exchange surgeries. 
         [0015]    These and other advantages and objectives of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and claims that follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is an enlarged perspective view of a first embodiment of the lens of the present system. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the lens of the present system taken at line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of a second embodiment of the lens of the present system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the lens of the present system taken at line  4  in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of a third embodiment of the lens of the present system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the lens of the present system taken at line  6  in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the lens of the present system in an unlocked position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the lens of the present system taken at line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the lens of the present system similar to  FIG. 7 , but illustrating the lens in a locked position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the lens of the present system in an unlocked position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the lens of the present system similar to  FIG. 10 , but illustrating the lens in a locked position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the lens of the present system taken at line  12  in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the lens of the present system similar to  FIG. 12 , but illustrating an alternative locking mechanism. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the lens of the present system illustrating the lens in a locked position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the lens of the present system taken at line  15  in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the lens of the present system, similar to  FIG. 14 , but illustrating the lens in an unlocked position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is an enlarged prospective view of a sixth embodiment of the lens of the present invention illustrating the lens in a stretched and elongated form, suitable for implantation through a small incision. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , lens  100  of the present invention generally includes optic  110  and support ring  112 . Optic  110  is connected to support ring  112  by bridge  114 . Tab  116  is attached to optic  110  opposite bridge  114  so as to cooperate with corresponding locating feature  118  on support ring  112 . Locating feature  118  is integrally molded with support ring  112  and in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , consists of bumps or protuberances projecting inwardly from support ring  112  and toward optic  110 . Support ring  112  is preferably formed in any suitable overall diameter, for example, between approximately 8.0 millimeters and 12.0 millimeters, a suitable interior diameter, for example, between approximately 6.0 millimeters and 8.5 millimeters and made from a soft, foldable material such as a soft acrylic, rubber elastomers, hydrogel or silicone. By way of example, support ring  112  may be made of rubber elastomers, such as butyl rubber, latex rubber, natural rubber, pure gum rubber, neoprene rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene monomer rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, hypalon rubber, silicone rubber and siloxane elastomers, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane), polyurethane rubber, viton rubber, ethylene-butylene rubber, isobutylene rubber and elastomers of polyphosphazenes, like poly(bis-trifluorethoxyphosphazene)oly(dimethylphosphazene) and poly(phenylmethylphosphazene). Preferably, support ring  112  may be formed so as to be opaque, such as by frosting or texturing the anterior and/or posterior surfaces of support ring  112 , or support ring  112  may be relatively clear. Support ring  112  may also contain a chromophore to block ultraviolet and/or blue and/or green light, such chromophore(s) being well-known in the art. 
         [0034]    Optic  110  is generally circular having a diameter for example, between approximately 4.0 millimeters and 7.0 millimeters. Optic  110  tapers from being relatively thick in the middle to having a relatively thin, or sharp, edge and is preferably integrally formed with and from the same material as support ring  112 . Optic  110  may also a chromophore to block ultraviolet and/or blue light, such chromophore(s) being well-known in the art, but unlike support ring  112 , which may be opaque, optic  110  is optically clear. Tab  116  is also integrally formed with optic  110  opposite bridge  114 . 
         [0035]    When lens  100  is implanted in an eye, tab  116  and feature  118  help to center optic  110  in an unstressed state within ring  112  until lens  100  becomes naturally fixated within the eye. The construction of tab  116  and feature  118 , allows the lens to be elongated and reduced in cross-section, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , for implantation through a relative small (2.4 mm or less) incision. 
         [0036]    As best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , lens  200  of the present invention generally includes optic  210  and support ring  212 . Optic  210  is connected to support ring  212  by bridge  214 . Tab  216  is attached to support ring  212  opposite bridge  214  so as to cooperate with corresponding locating feature  218  on optic  210 . Tab  216  is integrally molded with support ring  212 . Support ring  212  is of construction and materials similar to support ring  112 . 
         [0037]    Optic  210  is of construction and materials similar to optic  110 . Feature  218  is integrally formed with optic  210  opposite bridge  214  and in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , consists of bumps or protuberances projecting outwardly from optic  210  and toward tab  216 . 
         [0038]    When lens  200  is implanted in an eye, tab  216  and feature  218  help to center optic  210  within ring  212  until lens  200  becomes naturally fixated within the eye. The construction of tab  216  and feature  218 , allows the lens to be elongated and reduced in cross-section, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , for implantation through a relative is small (2.4 mm or less) incision. 
         [0039]    As best seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , lens  300  of the present invention generally includes optic  310  and support ring  312 . Optic  310  is connected to support ring  312  by bridge  314 . Tab  316  is attached to optic  310  opposite bridge  314  so as to cooperate with corresponding locating feature  318  on support ring  312 . Locating feature  318  is integrally molded with support ring  312  and in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , consists of ledge  320  and locking ridge  322  projecting inwardly from support ring  312  and toward optic  310 . 
         [0040]    Optic  310  is of construction and materials similar to optic  110 . Tab  316  is also integrally formed with optic  310  opposite bridge  314 . 
         [0041]    When lens  300  is implanted in an eye, tab  316  and feature  318  help to center optic  310  within ring  312  until lens  300  becomes naturally fixated within the eye. The construction of tab  316  and feature  318 , allows the lens to be elongated and reduced in cross-section, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , for implantation through a relative small (2.4 mm or less) incision. 
         [0042]    As best seen in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , lens  400  of the present invention generally includes optic  410  and support ring  412 . Optic  410  is connected to support ring  412  by bridge  414 . Tab  416  is attached to optic  410  opposite bridge  414  so as to cooperate with corresponding locating feature  418  on support ring  412 . Locating feature  418  is integrally molded with support ring  412  and in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , consists of ledge  420  having slot  422  projecting inwardly from support ring  412  and toward optic  410 . 
         [0043]    Optic  410  is of construction and materials similar to optic  110 . Tab  416  is also integrally formed with optic  410  opposite bridge  414 . 
         [0044]    When lens  400  is implanted in an eye, tab  416  and feature  418  help to center optic  410  within ring  412  until lens  400  becomes naturally fixated within the eye. The construction of tab  416  and feature  418 , allows the lens to be elongated and reduced in cross-section, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , for implantation through a relative small (2.4 mm or less) incision. To insert tab  416  into slot  422  of feature  418 , optic  410  may be manipulated so that bridge  414  is deformed, as shown in  FIG. 7 . Tab  416  can them be inserted into slot  422  and lens  400  returned to its normal shape, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0045]    As best seen in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  12  and  13 , lens  500  of the present invention generally includes optic  510  and support ring  512 . Optic  510  is connected to support ring  512  by bridge  514 . Tab  516  is attached to optic  510  opposite bridge  514  so as to cooperate with corresponding locating feature  518  on support ring  512 . Locating feature  518  is integrally molded with support ring  512  and in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12 , consists of ledge  520  having slot  522  projecting inwardly from support ring  512  and toward optic  510 . 
         [0046]    Optic  510  is of construction and materials similar to optic  110 . Tab  516  is also integrally formed with optic  510  opposite bridge  514 . Tab  516  contains locking rim  517  or  517 ′ that cooperates with slot  522  in feature  518  to assist in locking tab  516  within feature  518 . 
         [0047]    When lens  500  is implanted in an eye, tab  516  and feature  518  help to center optic  510  within ring  512  until lens  500  becomes naturally fixated within the eye. The construction of tab  516  and feature  518 , allows the lens to be elongated and reduced in cross-section, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , for implantation through a relative small (2.4 mm or less) incision. Following implantation, tab  516  is inserted into slot  522  in the manner described above. As best seen in  FIG. 12 , locking rim  517  fits within slot  522  of feature  518  so as to assist in holding tab  516  within feature  518 . Alternatively, as seen in  FIG. 13 , locking rim  517  can be flared so as to dovetail into slot  522  and provide a more positive locking of tab  516  within feature  518 . To insert tab rim  517  into slot  522  of feature  518 , optic  510  may be manipulated so that bridge  514  is deformed, as shown in  FIG. 10 . Tab  516  can them be inserted into slot  522  and lens  500  returned to its normal shape, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0048]    As best seen in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  16  and  17 , lens  600  of the present invention generally includes optic  610  and support ring  612 . Optic  610  is connected to support ring  612  by bridge  614 . Tab  616  is attached to optic  610  opposite bridge  614  so as to cooperate with corresponding locating feature  618  on support ring  612 . Locating feature  618  is integrally molded with support ring  612  and in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  16  and  17 , consists of channel  620  having open slot  622  projecting inwardly from support ring  612  and toward optic  610 . 
         [0049]    Optic  610  is of construction and materials similar to optic  110 . Tab  616  is also integrally formed with optic  610  opposite bridge  614 . Tab  616  contains “T”-shaped locking rim  617  that cooperates with slot  622  in feature  618  to assist in locking tab  616  within feature  618 . 
         [0050]    When lens  600  is implanted in an eye, tab  616  and feature  618  help to center optic  610  within ring  612  until lens  600  becomes naturally fixated within the eye. The construction of tab  616  and feature  618 , allows the lens to be elongated and reduced in cross-section, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , for implantation through a relative small (2.4 mm or less) incision. Following implantation, tab  616  is inserted into slot  622  in the manner described above. As best seen in  FIG. 15 , locking rim  567  fits within slot  622  of feature  618  so as to assist in holding tab  616  within feature  618 . To insert tab rim  617  into slot  622  of feature  618 , optic  610  may be manipulated so that bridge  614  is deformed, as shown in  FIG. 16 . Rim  617  can them be inserted into slot  622  and lens  600  returned to its normal shape, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0051]    This description is given for purposes of illustration and explanation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that changes and modifications may be made to the invention described above without departing from its scope or spirit.