Patent ID: 8715345

Claim:
An accommodating intraocular lens apparatus, comprising: a biocompatible polymer balloon of an air-semipermeable silicone elastomer first material, the balloon fillable with an optically clear medium, the balloon configured for insertion into a capsular bag of an eye; and a valve including a self-sealing elastomeric patch having a surface in intimate contact with a surface of the balloon and surrounded by a second material that is stiffer than the first material, the first and second materials being different from one another, the elastomeric patch having a pre-formed slit adapted as a reusable port for a blunt needle to pass through to an interior of the balloon in order to fill or adjust an optically clear medium within the balloon, the pre-formed slit adapted to seal the valve upon elastomer surrounding the slit relaxing after withdrawal of the needle, wherein the elastomeric patch has a thickness between 150 μm and 700 μm, thereby being thin enough to avoid contact with a posterior iris when implanted in an eye.