Abstract:
An intraocular device including at least one lens and a flexible integrally formed support element for retaining the at least one lens, the support element including first and second axially separated anchor portions which are joined by at least one flexible joining element which supports the at least one lens without having to be fixed thereto.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to intraocular implants generally and more particularly to implantable implant devices and implantation methodologies.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The following U.S. Patents and published patent applications of applicant/assignee are believed to represent the current state of the art:  
         [0003]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,074,368; 4,172,297; 4,373,218; 4,759,761; 4,892,543; 4,976,732 4,994,082; 5,222,981; 5,384,606; 5,391,202; 5,628,798; 5,653,751; 5,769,889; 5,769,890; 5,814,103; 5,876,442; 5,928,283; 6,007,579; 6,066,171; 6,464,725; and 6,596,026;  
         [0004]     Published U.S. Applications 2001/018,612; 2004/117,011; and 2004/138,746.  
         [0005]     The following patent publications are also believed to be of interest:  
         [0006]     Published PCT Applications WO 94/07,435; WO 00/38593 and WO 83/01566;  
         [0007]     Foreign Patent Publications DE 4,403,326; EP 1,092,402; EP 0,419,740; GB 2,181,355; EP 0,897,702; EP 0,212,616; DE 3,428,895 and DE 19,501,444.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention seeks to provide improved structures and installation methodologies for intraocular implants.  
         [0009]     There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an intraocular device including at least one lens and a flexible integrally formed support element for retaining the at least one lens, the support element including first and second axially separated anchor portions which are joined by at least one flexible joining element which supports the at least one lens without having to be fixed thereto.  
         [0010]     Preferably, the support element is adapted to be anchored to the eye at a ciliary sulcus thereof by engagement of the first and second anchor portions with the ciliary sulcus. Additionally or alternatively, the support element is operative to retain the at least one lens from undesired axial motion along a central axis defined by an iris of the eye.  
         [0011]     There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention an intraocular device including at least one optical lens and at least one flexible elongate support element arranged to support the at least one optical lens within an eye, without being fixed to the at least one optical lens.  
         [0012]     Preferably, the at least one flexible elongate support element is adapted to be anchored to the eye at one of a ciliary body and a ciliary sulcus thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one flexible elongate support element includes multiple flexible elongate support elements defining a retaining structure.  
         [0013]     Preferably, the at least one flexible elongate support element is operative to retain the at least one optical lens against undesired motion toward a rear of the eye. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one flexible elongate support element is operative to retain the at least one optical lens from undesired axial motion along a central axis defined by an iris of the eye. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one flexible elongate support element is operative to retain the at least one optical lens from undesired radial motion relative to a central axis defined by an iris of the eye.  
         [0014]     Preferably, the at least one optical lens has haptics fixed thereto.  
         [0015]     There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention an intraocular device including at least one optical lens and an anterior chamber locatable lens retainer removably engageable with the at least one optical lens when located in an anterior chamber of an eye for restricting Generally axial displacement of the at least one optical lens in a rearward direction away from the anterior chamber.  
         [0016]     Preferably, the at least one optical lens has haptics fixed thereto. Additionally or alternatively, the anterior chamber locatable lens retainer engages the optical lens in a snap-fit type engagement. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the anterior chamber locatable lens retainer includes an inner portion for engaging the optical lens and an outer portion for retaining the anterior chamber locatable lens retainer against an iris of an eye, preventing the anterior chamber locatable lens retainer from motion rearward of the iris.  
         [0017]     Preferably, the lens retainer includes at least one broadened support portion. Additionally, the at least one broadened support portion is adapted to be seated within a canal between the iris and a cornea of the eye.  
         [0018]     There is yet further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention an intraocular device support including an integrally formed support element having first and second axially separated anchor portions which are joined by at least one flexible joining element which allows the axial separation of the first and second axially separated anchor portions to be varied by axial compression thereof.  
         [0019]     Preferably, the support element is adapted to be anchored to an eye at a ciliary sulcus thereof by engagement of the first and second anchor portions with the ciliary sulcus.  
         [0020]     There is still further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for implanting an intraocular device including providing at least one optical lens and positioning within an eye at least one flexible elongate support element arranged to support the at least one optical lens within the eye, without being fixed to the at least one optical lens.  
         [0021]     Preferably, the method for implanting an intraocular device also includes drawing the at least one flexible elongate support element through the eye at one of the ciliary body and ciliary sulcus. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning includes positioning within an eye multiple flexible elongate support elements defining a retaining structure.  
         [0022]     There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for implanting an intraocular device including inserting and compressing a support element into an anchored orientation within an eye and thereafter inserting at least one lens into supported engagement with the support element in the anchored orientation within the eye.  
         [0023]     Preferably, the inserting and compressing includes inserting a first anchor portion into supported engagement with the eye, compressing the support element to provide clearance for a second anchor portion to be inserted into the eye and inserting the second anchor portion into supported engagement with the eye. Additionally, the compressing causes movement of the second anchor portion relative to the first anchor portion.  
         [0024]     Preferably, the method for implanting an intraocular device also includes inserting, at least one guide into the eye prior to the inserting and compressing. Preferably, the at least one guide includes two guides located parallel to each other. Additionally, the two guides are located on opposite sides of a central axis defined by an iris of the eye.  
         [0025]     There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for implanting an intraocular device including providing at least one optical lens and in an anterior chamber of an eye, employing a lens retainer to engage the at least one optical lens, restricting generally axial displacement of the at least one optical lens in a rearward direction away from the anterior chamber.  
         [0026]     Preferably, the retainer engages the optical lens in a snap-fit engagement.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]     The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:  
         [0028]      FIGS. 1A, 1B  &amp;  1 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a first stage or implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIGS. 2A, 2B  &amp;  2 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a second stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIGS. 3A, 3B  &amp;  3 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a third stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIGS. 4A, 4B  &amp;  4 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a fourth stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIGS. 5A, 5B  &amp;  5 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a fifth stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIGS. 6A, 6B  &amp;  6 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a final stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIGS. 7A, 7B  &amp;  7 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a first stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIGS. 8A, 8B  &amp;  8 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a second stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIGS. 9A, 9B  &amp;  9 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a third stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIGS. 10A, 10B  &amp;  10 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a fourth stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIGS. 11A, 11B  &amp;  11 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a fifth stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIGS. 12A, 12B  &amp;  12 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a final stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIGS. 13A, 13B  &amp;  13 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a first stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0041]      FIGS. 14A, 14B  &amp;  14 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-13C  inserted into the posterior chamber of the eye;  
         [0042]      FIGS. 15A, 15B  &amp;  15 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a retaining clip prepared for placement within the anterior chamber of the eye in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0043]      FIGS. 16A .  16 B &amp;  16 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 15A-15C  placed into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C ;  
         [0044]      FIGS. 17A, 17B  &amp;  17 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a retaining clip prepared for placement within the anterior chamber of the eye in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  are respective side sectional and front view illustrations of a first step in the insertion of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 17A-17C  into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C ;  
         [0046]      FIGS. 19A and 19B  are respective side sectional and front view illustrations of a further step in the insertion of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 17A-17C  into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C ;  
         [0047]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  are respective side sectional and front view illustrations of a final step in the insertion of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 17A-17C  into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C ;  
         [0048]      FIGS. 21A, 21B  &amp;  21 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 17A-20B  placed into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C ;  
         [0049]      FIGS. 22A, 22B  &amp;  22 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a retaining clip prepared for placement within the anterior chamber of the eye in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0050]      FIGS. 23A and 23B  are respective side sectional and front view illustrations of a first step in the insertion of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 22A-22C  into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C ;  
         [0051]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  are respective side sectional and front view illustrations of a further step in the insertion of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 22A-22C  into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C ; and  
         [0052]      FIGS. 25A, 25B  &amp;  25 C are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 22A-24B  placed into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0053]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A, 1B  &amp;  1 C, which are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a first stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIGS. 1A-1C , typically following removal of the lens capsule from the eye, a first flexible elongate support element  100 , preferably a portion of thread or suture, is drawn in a straight line through the eye at the ciliary body  102 , typically by means of a needle  104  manipulated by a surgeon. As seen particularly in  FIG. 1C , the first flexible elongate support element  100  is preferably positioned to one side of a central axis  106  defined by the iris  108 . Alternatively, first flexible elongate support element  100  is drawn through the eye at the ciliary sulcus  103  or any other suitable location.  
         [0054]     Turning to  FIGS. 2A   2 B &amp;  2 C, it is seen that subsequently a second flexible elongate support element  110 , preferably a portion of thread or suture, which may be integral with first flexible elongate support element  100 , is drawn in a straight line through the eye at the ciliary body  102 , parallel to and spaced from the first flexible elongate support element  100  and preferably coplanar therewith in a plane which is perpendicular to axis  106 . As seen particularly in  FIG. 2C , second flexible elongate support element  110  preferably lies on an opposite side of central axis  106  from first flexible elongate support element  100 . Alternatively, second flexible elongate support element  110  is drawn through the eye at the ciliary sulcus  103  or any other suitable location.  
         [0055]      FIGS. 3A-3C  and  FIGS. 4A-4C  respectively illustrate the placement in the eye of respective third and fourth flexible elongate support elements  120  and  130 . each preferably a portion of thread or suture, in mutually spaced orientation generally coplanar with flexible elongate support elements  100  and  110  but along lines perpendicular thereto.  
         [0056]     It is appreciated that mutually intersecting flexible elongate support elements  100 ,  110 ,  120  and  130  define a retaining structure  140  within the eye. Preferably the retaining structure  140  is formed at the ciliary body  102 . Alternatively, retaining structure  140  is formed at the ciliary sulcus  103  or other suitable location. The dimensions of the retaining structure are selected in accordance with the dimensions of an intraocular device which is sought to be implanted. Typically, the retaining structure  140  forms a square.  
         [0057]     Turning now to  FIGS. 5A .  5 B &amp;  5 C. it is seen that a suitable intraocular optical device  142 , such as a device described in any of the U.S. Patents or Published U.S. Patent applications listed hereinabove in the Background of the Invention, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference, is to be inserted into the eye and held by the retaining structure  140  in an orientation which is centered along axis  106  and retained against undesired axial motion along axis  106 , particularly motion towards the rear of the eye. Alternatively, there may be applications where maintenance of a centered orientation is not required.  
         [0058]     It is appreciated that retaining structure  140  defines an opening  144 , which is sufficiently large to allow a generally elongate portion  146  of intraocular optical device  142  to extend therethrough, but is sufficiently small so as to prevent a generally planar portion  148  of the device  142  from extending therebeyond and so as to retain device  142  in a centered position about axis  106 .  
         [0059]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A .  6 B &amp;  6 C which illustrate the intraocular optical device  142  implanted within the eye and being centered and retained against undesired rearward movement along axis  106  by engagement of planar portion  148  thereof with retaining structure  140  defined by flexible elongate support elements  100 ,  110 ,  120  and  130 .  
         [0060]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7A, 7B  &amp;  7 C, which are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a first stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIGS. 7A-7C , two elongate guides  150 , such as needles, are inserted through the eye such that the ends of guides  150  extend beyond the outer wall of the eye. As seen particularly in  FIG. 7B , guides  150  are preferably positioned at the ciliary body  152  directly behind the ciliary sulcus  153 . As seen particularly in  FIG. 7C , guides  150  are preferably located parallel to each other on opposite sides of a central axis  156  defined by the iris  158 . Guides  150  provide for insertion and proper placement into the eye of an optics support element, as described further hereinbelow.  
         [0061]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 8A, 8B  &amp;  8 C, which are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a support element  160  prepared for insertion into the eye along guides  150  of  FIGS. 7A-7C . Support element  160  is preferably top-to-bottom and side-to side symmetrical and defines an optics receiving opening  162 . Support element  160  is preferably integrally formed of a flexible, resilient plastic, such as PMMA, and comprises at least one flexible joining element. In the illustrated embodiment the at least one flexible joining element includes flexible resilient side portions  164 . Support element  160  also includes compression engagement portions  166 , each including hook insertion aperture  167 . Support element  160  preferably also comprises outwardly extending first and second anchor portions  168  and  170 .  
         [0062]     It is appreciated that flexible, resilient, side portions  164  enable support element  160  to be compressed as it is placed in the eye, and then to return to its original shape, as described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 9A-10C .  
         [0063]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 9A, 9B  &amp;  9 C, which are pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a first stage of placement of support element  160  into the eye through an opening  172  in the cornea.  
         [0064]     As seen particularly in  FIG. 9B , support element  160  is moved along guides  150 , in an upward direction relative to the eye, as shown by arrow  174 , into a position where first anchor portions  168  engage the ciliary sulcus  153 . Further movement of support element  160  upwardly along guides  150  causes side portions  164  to bend outwardly, as shown particularly by arrows  176  in  FIG. 9C . The outward bending of side portions  164  moves second anchor portions  170  relative to first anchor portions  168 , as shown by arrow  178  in  FIG. 9B , and provides ample clearance to allow ends of second anchor portions  170  to be placed into the eye without interference from the iris  158 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compression of support element  160  is achieved by inserting a hook  179  into hook insertion aperture  167  adjacent anchor portions  170  and pushing or pulling hook  179  in the direction of first anchor portions  168 , as shown by arrow  180  in  FIG. 9C .  
         [0065]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 10A, 10B  &amp;  10 C, which are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of support element  160  following the insertion of second anchor portions  170  into the eye and the return of resilient side portions  164  to their original shape. As seen in  FIGS. 10A, 10B  and  10 C, side portions  164  of support element  160  return to their original shape and push downward on second anchor portions  170  until second anchor portions  170  engage the ciliary sulcus  153 .  
         [0066]     It is appreciated that first anchor portions  168  and second anchor portions  170  hold support element  160  firmly in place in the eye. It is also appreciated that support element  160  may be centered about axis  156  to enable centered positioning of an intraocular device to be implanted as described further hereinbelow. It is further appreciated that, as seen in  FIGS. 10A-10C , guides  150  may have been removed from the eye subsequent to the engagement of second anchor portions  170  with the ciliary sulcus  153 . Alternatively, guides  150  may be obviated and support element  160  may be inserted in a fashion similar to that described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 9A-9C .  
         [0067]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 11A .  11 B &amp;  11 C, which are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of the insertion of a suitable intraocular optical device into optics receiving opening  162  of support element  160  of  FIGS. 8A-10C . As seen in  FIGS. 11A-11C , an intraocular optical device  182  is preferably inserted into support element  160  in an orientation centered about axis  156  and thereby retained against undesired axial motion along axis  156 , particularly motion towards the rear of the eye. It will be appreciated that intraocular optical device  182  may be any suitable intraocular device, such as an intraocular lens or any device described in any of the U.S. Patents or Published U.S. Patent applications listed hereinabove in the Background of the Invention, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Optics receiving opening  162  of support element  160  preferably allows a generally elongate portion  186  of intraocular optical device  182  to extend therethrough, while side portions  164  of support element  160  preferably prevent a generally planar portion  190  of the device  182  from extending therebeyond.  
         [0068]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 12A .  12 B &amp;  12 C, which illustrate the intraocular optical device  182  implanted within the eye and being centered and retained against undesired rearward movement along axis  156  by engagement of planar portion  190  thereof with side portions  164  of support element  160 .  
         [0069]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 13A .  13 B &amp;  13 C, which are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of a first stage of implantation of an implantable intraocular device in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 13A-13C , an intraocular optical device  200  is provided. Intraocular optical device  200  may be similar or identical to device  149  ( FIGS. 5A-6C ) and may be any suitable intraocular optical device, such as devices described in any of the U.S. Patents or Published U.S. Patent applications listed hereinabove in the Background of the Invention, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference, but is configured to provide an engagement portion, such as a groove  202 , at a forward end thereof.  
         [0070]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 14A, 14B  &amp;  14 C, which are respective pictorial, side sectional and front view illustrations of the intraocular optical device  200  of  FIGS. 13A-13C  inserted into the posterior chamber of the eye in a conventional manner. Intraocular optical device  200  is generally centered about a central axis  206  defined by the iris  208 .  
         [0071]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 15A, 15B  &amp;  15 C, which illustrate a retaining clip prepared for placement within the anterior chamber of the eye, and to  FIGS. 16A, 16B  &amp;  16 C, which illustrate the retaining clip of  FIGS. 15A-15C  following placement into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C .  
         [0072]     As seen in  FIGS. 15A-15C , a retaining clip  210  is preferably integrally formed of plastic, and includes an inner ring  212  adapted to engage groove  202  of intraocular optical device  200 , preferably in a snap-fit engagement. Retaining clip  210  also includes an outer ring  214 , which is adapted to lie in front of the iris  208  so as to be retained by the iris  208  against undesired axial movement along axis  206 . Retaining clip  210  also includes hook insertion apertures  216  to facilitate engagement of retaining clip  210  and intraocular optical device  200 .  
         [0073]     As seen in  FIGS. 16A-16C . retaining clip  210  is in engagement with intraocular optical device  200  such that iris  208  lies between intraocular optical device  200  and retaining clip  210 , causing retaining clip  210  and intraocular optical device  200  to be retained by the iris against undesired axial movement along axis  206 . It is appreciated that retaining clip  210  may be manipulated, using at least one hook (not shown) inserted into at least one of hook insertion apertures  216 , to facilitate engagement of inner ring  212  of retaining clip  210  and groove  202  of intraocular optical device  200 .  
         [0074]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 17A, 17B  &amp;  17 C, which illustrate another embodiment of a retaining clip prepared for placement within the anterior chamber of the eye.  
         [0075]     As seen in  FIGS. 17A, 17B  &amp;  17 C, a retaining clip  230  is prepared for placement within the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with intraocular optical device  200  of  FIGS. 13A-14C . As seen particularly in  FIG. 17A , retaining clip  230  is preferably integrally formed of plastic and includes an inner ring  232 , which is adapted to engage groove  202  of intraocular optical device  200 , preferably in snap-fit engagement. Inner ring  232  includes hook insertion apertures  233  to facilitate engagement oft retaining clip  230  and intraocular optical device  200 , as described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 19A-19C .  
         [0076]     Retaining clip  230  preferably also includes a pair of outwardly extending arms  234  positioned at generally opposite sides of inner ring  232 . Each of arms  234  preferably includes a generally straight portion  236  and a generally curved portion  238 . Generally curved portion  238  is typically a generally “U” shaped portion and preferably includes at least one broadened support portion  246 .  
         [0077]     It is appreciated that, during insertion into the eye, retaining clip  230  is compressed by pushing arms  234  inwardly, thereby causing generally straight portions  236  to deform inwardly toward inner ring  232 . The compression enables retaining clip  230  to be inserted into the eye without increasing the opening in the eye used to insert intraocular device  200 , as described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 18A-20B .  
         [0078]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , which illustrate a first step in the insertion of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 17A-17C  into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C .  
         [0079]     As seen in  FIGS. 18A and 18B . a first arm of the pair of arms  234  is inserted into the eye to lie in front of iris  208 . As further seen in  FIGS. 18A and 18B , broadened support portions  246  of the first arm  234  are preferably inserted into the interior chamber between the iris  208  and the cornea.  
         [0080]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 19A and 19B , which illustrate a further step in the insertion of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 17A-17C  into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C .  
         [0081]     As seen in  FIGS. 19A and 19B , engagement of inner ring  232  with groove  202  of intraocular optical device  200  is facilitated by insertion of hooks  248  into hook insertion apertures  233  ( FIG. 17C ). Hooks  248  allow for the manipulation of inner ring  232  by increasing and decreasing the distance between hook insertion apertures  233 , to ensure proper engagement with groove  202 .  
         [0082]     It is appreciated that the engagement of inner ring  232  with groove  202  causes generally straight portion  236  of first arm  234  to deform inwardly toward inner ring  232 , as seen particularly in  FIG. 19B . It is also appreciated that the engagement of inner ring  232  with groove  202  causes generally straight portion  236  of a second arm of pair of arms  234  to deform outwardly toward the cornea, as seen particularly in  FIG. 19A .  
         [0083]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 20A and 20B , which illustrate a final step in the insertion of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 17A-17C  into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C .  
         [0084]     As seen in  FIGS. 20A and 20B , second arm  234  is compressed inwardly in the direction of arrow  249  by a hook  250 , causing generally straight portion  236  of second arm  234  to deform inwardly toward inner ring  232  and to allow second arm  234  to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye between the iris  208  and the cornea.  
         [0085]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 21A, 21B  &amp;  21 C, which illustrate the retaining clip of  FIGS. 17A-20B  following placement into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C .  
         [0086]      FIGS. 21A, 21B  &amp;  21 C show retaining clip  230  of  FIGS. 17A-20B  in its operative position in the anterior chamber of the eye, engaged with intraocular optical device  200 .  
         [0087]     As seen particularly in  FIG. 21B , retaining clip  230  is located within the anterior chamber of the eye such that the iris  208  lies between intraocular optical device  200  and retaining clip  230 , causing retaining clip  230  and intraocular optical device  200  to be retained by the iris against undesired axial movement along axis  206 . As seen further in  FIG. 21B , arms  234  are preferably formed so that support surfaces  246  will be located within the canal between the iris and the cornea when retaining clip  230  is centered about axis  206 , thus restricting radial movement of retaining clip  230  about axis  206 . As seen particularly in  FIG. 21C , the broadened support portions  246  are preferably radially equidistant from the center of inner ring  232 .  
         [0088]     It is appreciated that the inward deforming of generally straight portions  236  provides tension which causes broadened support portions  246  of retaining clip  230  to remain firmly in place within the eye following insertion.  
         [0089]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 22A, 22B  &amp;  22 C, which illustrate yet another embodiment of a retaining clip prepared for placement within the anterior chamber of the eye.  
         [0090]     As seen in  FIGS. 22A, 22B  &amp;  22 C, a retaining clip  260  is prepared for placement within the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with intraocular optical device  200  of  FIGS. 13A-14C . As seen particularly in  FIG. 22A , retaining clip  260  is preferably integrally formed of plastic and includes a generally circular optics engagement portion  262 , which is adapted to engage groove  202  of intraocular optical device  200 , preferably in a snap-fit engagement. Retaining clip  260  also preferably includes a hook insertion aperture  263  adjacent optics engagement portion  262  to facilitate engagement of retaining clip  260  and intraocular optical device  200 , as described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 23A and 23B .  
         [0091]     Retaining clip  260  preferably also includes a first arm  264  and a second arm  265 , which extend outwardly from generally circular engagement portion  262 . First arm  264  preferably includes a generally straight portion  266  and a generally curved portion  268 . Generally curved portion  268  is typically a generally “U” shaped portion and preferably includes at least one broadened support portion  278 . Second arm  265  preferably includes an elongate section  280  terminating in a broadened support portion  284 .  
         [0092]     It is appreciated that, during insertion into the eye, retaining clip  260  is compressed by pushing arms  264  and  265  inwardly, thereby causing generally straight portion  266  and elongate section  280  to deform inwardly toward generally circular optics engagement portion  262 . The compression enables retaining clip  260  to be inserted into tile eye without increasing the opening in the eye used to insert intraocular device  200 , as described hiereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 23A-24B .  
         [0093]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 23A and 23B , which illustrate a first step in the insertion of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 22A-22C  into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C .  
         [0094]     As seen in  FIGS. 23A and 23B , retaining clip  260  is inserted into the eye into engagement with groove  202  of intraocular optical device  200  by manipulating optics engagement portion  262  using a hook  286  inserted into hook insertion aperture  263  ( FIG. 22C ). It is appreciated that optics engagement portion  262  is flexible to ensure proper engagement with groove  202 .  
         [0095]     It is appreciated that the engagement of optics engagement portion  262  with groove  202  also enables placement of second arm  265  into position in the anterior chamber between the iris  208  and the cornea. It is also appreciated that the engagement of optics engagement portion  262  with groove  202  causes elongate section  280  of second arm  265  to deform inwardly toward optics engagement portion  262 , as seen particularly in  FIG. 23B . It is further appreciated that the engagement of optics engagement portion  262  with groove  202  causes generally straight portion  266  of first arm  264  to deform outwardly toward the cornea, as seen particularly in  FIG. 23A .  
         [0096]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 24A and 24B , which illustrate a further step in the insertion of the retaining clip of  FIGS. 22A-22C  into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C .  
         [0097]     As seen in  FIGS. 24A and 24B , first arm  264  is compressed inwardly in the direction of arrow  288  by a hook  290 , causing generally straight portion  266  of first arm  264  to deform inwardly toward optics engagement portion  262  and to allow first arm  264  to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye between the iris  208  and the cornea.  
         [0098]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 25A, 25B  &amp;  25 C, which illustrate the retaining clip of  FIGS. 22A-24B  following placement into the anterior chamber of the eye in engagement with the intraocular optical device of  FIGS. 13A-14C .  
         [0099]      FIGS. 25A, 25B  &amp;  25 C show retaining clip  260  of  FIGS. 22A-24B  in its operative position in the anterior chamber of the eye, engaged with intraocular optical device  200 .  
         [0100]     As seen particularly in  FIG. 25B , retaining clip  260  is located within the anterior chamber of the eye such that the iris  208  lies between intraocular optical device  200  and retaining clip  260 , causing retaining clip  260  and intraocular optical device  200  to be retained by the iris against undesired axial movement along axis  206 . First and second arms  264  and  265  are preferably formed so that broadened support portions  278  and  284  will be located within the canal between the iris and the cornea when retaining clip  260  is centered about axis  206 , thus restricting radial movement of retaining clip  260  about axis  206 . As seen particularly in  FIG. 25C , broadened support portions  278  and  284  are radially equidistant from the center of generally circular engagement portion  262  and thus from axis  206 , when retaining clip  260  is centered about axis  206 .  
         [0101]     It is appreciated that the inward deforming of generally straight portion  266  and elongate section  280  provides tension which causes broadened support portions  278  and  284  of retaining clip  260  to remain firmly in place within the eye following insertion.  
         [0102]     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.