Abstract:
A lens for an eye including an optic element and a plurality of supports connected to the optic element, wherein the lens may be implanted in the eye. The plurality of supports may be symmetrical and each may include an aperture. A related method is also provided.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/730,733 filed Oct. 27, 2005, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to the ophthalmological arts and, more specifically, to an intraocular lens having lateral supports.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The human eye includes a transparent lens positioned behind the iris to focus light rays onto the retina. As humans age, this lens loses clarity and becomes clouded. This lens condition, sometimes referred to as a cataract, results in decreased vision or even blindness in the affected eye.  
         [0004]     The predominant method for treating a cataract is to remove the cloudy lens from the eye. However, once the natural lens of the eye becomes removed, an artificial lens is necessary to return vision to the eye. A well known method for returning vision is to implant a permanent prescription lens, sometimes referred to as an intraocular lens (“IOL”).  
         [0005]     Generally, the eye surgeon will make an incision in the cornea of the eye and the capsular bag that holds the natural lens. After removal of the natural lens, the surgeon may insert the IOL into the capsular bag. Several methods are known for cutting and inserting the IOL. One popular method is to make a small incision (˜2.5 mm in length) in the eye, fold or roll the IOL, and insert it through the small incision into the capsular bag. Once inserted, the IOL naturally unfurls itself into a desired position within the capsular bag. Given the small size of the incision, the natural internal pressure of the eye holds the incision closed, thereby possibly alleviating the need for stitches to close the incision.  
         [0006]     Many different configurations of IOLs have been developed. These previous designs often include two arcuate cantilevered support extending from the optic element of the lens. Once inserted, this lens requires large scale bending of the support to maintain the optic element in the desired position for focal correction. Unfortunately, these configurations do not provide the desired to support for the capsular bag, This often results in an increased amount of capsular prolapse.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, the ophthalmological arts have need for a IOL that includes increased supports for supporting the optic element, as well as the capsular bag.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a lens for an eye is disclosed. The lens comprises an optic element and a plurality of symmetrical supports connected to the optic element, wherein the lens may be implanted in the eye.  
         [0009]     In one embodiment, the plurality of symmetrical supports are flexible and the supports include two supports positioned on opposite sides of the optic element. The optic element may be formed from first and second curved surfaces on opposite sides of a body. The plurality of symmetrical supports may include a first leg and a second leg extending away from a body. The first and second legs may diverge from a center line of the body.  
         [0010]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a lens for an eye is disclosed. The lens comprises a body having a curved optic element and a first and second support connected to the optic element. Each support has a plurality of leg portions and the first support includes a first aperture, whereby the lens may be implanted in the eye. The optic element may comprise first and second curved surfaces formed on opposite sides of the body. The optic element may be positioned substantially in the center of the body. The first and second supports may be symmetrical. The second support may include an aperture and the first and second supports may bend in a direction away from a plane defined by the body. Each of the leg portions may terminate in a foot portion. A first member may connect the foot portions of the first support and a second member may connect the foot portions of the second support. The first and second members may be curved and the legs of the first support and first member may define the first aperture. The legs of the second support and second curved member may define a second aperture. The apertures may be substantially triangular.  
         [0011]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a lens for an eye is disclosed. The lens comprises a body having a curved optic element and first and second symmetrical supports connected to the body. Each support may include an aperture and each support may terminate in a curved member, wherein the lens may be implanted in the eye. The body may have both horizontal and vertical symmetry. Each support may include at least one foot portion that extends beyond a radius of the optic element. Each support may include an aperture.  
         [0012]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a lens for an eye is disclosed. The lens comprises a body having first and second curved optic elements. The optic elements are positioned on opposite sides of the body. First and second symmetrical supports are connected to the body, each support including a plurality of legs, each of the legs curving away from a center line of the body. The lens includes a foot portion positioned at the end of each leg. A first member resides between and connects each of the foot portions of the first support and a second member resides between and connects each of the foot portions of the second support, wherein each of the first and second symmetrical supports includes an aperture and the lens may be implanted in the eye. Each the foot portions may extend beyond a radius of the optic elements. The first and second symmetrical supports may be flexible, the first and second members may be curved, and the apertures may substantially triangular.  
         [0013]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of implanting a lens inside an eye is disclosed. The method comprises making an incision in a cornea or sclera of the eye and inserting the lens into a capsular bag of the eye, wherein the lens includes an optic element and a plurality of symmetrical supports carried by the lens. The inserting step may comprise rolling the lens and placing it into an injector. The inserting step may comprise folding the lens and placing it into an injector.  
         [0014]     The following drawings pertain to one possible embodiment of this invention, and are merely designed to illustrate one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
         [0000]     In the drawings:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of an intraocular lens forming one possible embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 1   b  is a front view of the lens of  FIG. 1   a ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 1   c  is a side view of the lens of  FIG. 1   a ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic view of an eye and one possible embodiment of installation of the lens of  FIG. 1   a ; and  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view of an eye with the lens of  FIG. 1   a  installed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]      FIGS. 1   a - 3  illustrate one embodiment of the intraocular lens (“IOL”)  10  of the present invention. The IOL  10  becomes installed in a capsular bag  34  of the eye E to restore vision to an aphakic human eye. With specific reference to  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c , the IOL  10  includes a main body  12  having an optic element  14  and a pair of supports  16   a ,  16   b.    
         [0022]     As shown in  FIG. 1   c , the optic element  14  includes first and second curved surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  positioned on opposite sides of the main body  12 . The first and second curved surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  of optic element  14  form the lens that serves as a replacement for the cataract lens removed from the eye. Similar to previously known IOLs, the amount of curvature may be varied to meet the needs of the recipient and provide optimized vision. Preferably the curved surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  lie intermediate of the supports  16   a ,  16   b . This enables the optic element  14  to become positioned in a plane appropriate for focal correction of the eye.  
         [0023]     To assist in properly positioning the optic element  14 , the supports  16   a ,  16   b  are preferably positioned symmetrically on the main body  12  in an opposed fashion. Each support  16   a ,  16   b  includes a first leg  20  and a second leg  22  extending away from the main body  12  in an opposed fashion. As shown in  FIG. 1   b , the first and second legs  20 ,  22  divergently curve away from a center line Y. Additionally, each leg  20 ,  22  terminates in foot portions  24   a ,  24   b , respectively. Preferably, the foot portions  24   a ,  24   b  extend a distance D 1  away from the center line Y. The distance D 1  is equal to or slightly larger than a radius between the center point C of the optic element  14  and the point R. This distance D 1  of the foot portions  24   a ,  24   b  helps to disperse the force of the supports  16   a ,  16   b  to a greater area of the capsular bag  34 , which assists in supporting optic element  14  and the capsular bag  34 .  
         [0024]     One will appreciate that the present configuration provides the IOL  10  with symmetry about the horizontal axis X and the vertical axis (represented by the center line Y). The symmetry of the supports  16   a ,  16   b  provides an even amount of force on the optic element  14  when installed. This helps maintain the IOL  10  and the optic element  14  in the desired plane appropriate for focal correction of the eye. Additionally, this helps support the capsular bag  34 , thereby minimizing prolapse, as discussed below.  
         [0025]     The supports  16   a ,  16   b  also include curved members  26   a ,  26   b  residing between and connecting the foot portions  24   a ,  24   b . The curved members  26   a ,  26   b  assist in providing some structural rigidity to the supports  16   a ,  16   b . The curved members  26   a ,  26   b  also engage and provide support for the capsular bag  34 , when installed. As shown, the legs  20 ,  22  and curved members  26   a ,  26   b  define apertures  28   a ,  28   b . In one embodiment, the apertures  28   a ,  28   b  have a somewhat triangular appearance with the legs  20 ,  22  and curved member  26  providing the apertures  28   a ,  28   b  with curved surfaces  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c . The apertures  28   a ,  28   b  enable the supports  16   a ,  16   b  to slightly bend in the directions Z 1 , Z 2  ( FIG. 1   c ). This bending provides outward force for assisting in support of the optic element  14 , as well as the capsular bag  34 , when installed.  
         [0026]     The IOL  10  may have any dimensions desired and be formed of any material that enables insertion in the capsular bag  34  and penetration of light through the optic element  14 . In one embodiment, the optic element of the IOL  10  has a diameter D 2  of approximately 6.0 mm and an overall diameter D 3  of 12.5 mm. The IOL  10  may also have a thickness T of 0.25 mm ( FIG. 1   c ). In this embodiment, the IOL  10  is formed from silicon or any hydrophilic or hydrophobic material, such as an acrylate. Additionally, the IOL  10  may be formed as a single piece of material or multiple pieces joined together by methods known in the art.  
         [0027]     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , to install the IOL  10 , a surgeon will make a small incision (˜2.5 mm in length) in the cornea or sclera the eye E. Next, he or she will fold or roll the IOL  10  and place it into a lens injector  32 , as known in the art. The surgeon then inserts the injector  32  into the small incision until it reaches the capsular bag  34 . At this point, the folded or rolled IOL  10  may be injected into the capsular bag  34 . Over a short amount of time, the IOL  10  will naturally unfurl itself within the capsular bag  34 . As it unfurls, the supports  16   a ,  16   b  of the IOL  10  engage the outer wall  34   a  of the capsular bag  34 . As previously discussed, the supports  16   a ,  16   b  provide force in the direction Y 1  and Y 2 , which positions the optic element  14  in the desired plane for focal correction. Additionally, these outward forces support the capsular bag  34 , thereby assisting and minimizing capsular prolapse. Given the small incision, the natural internal pressure of the eye holds the incision closed, thereby alleviating the need for stitches. Although shown in  FIG. 3  as substantially vertical, the IOL  10  may reside horizontally or at any angle/position in the capsular bag  34 .  
         [0028]     The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments of the invention are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Modifications or variations are also possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the apertures  28   a ,  28   b  may be any shape to allow for the desired amount of outward force and/or bending. Alternatively, the supports  16   a  and  16   b  may be substantially solid and not include the apertures  28   a  and  28   b . Additionally, the legs  20 ,  22  may be substantially straight and connected as a single piece of material. The curved members  26   a ,  26   b  may also be substantially straight. The IOL  10  may have any number of supports for positioning the optic element  14  in the desired position. The embodiments described above were chosen to provide the best application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosed inventions in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention.