US20060095126A1 - Scleral expansion device having duck bill - Google Patents
Scleral expansion device having duck bill Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060095126A1 US20060095126A1 US11/252,369 US25236905A US2006095126A1 US 20060095126 A1 US20060095126 A1 US 20060095126A1 US 25236905 A US25236905 A US 25236905A US 2006095126 A1 US2006095126 A1 US 2006095126A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- prosthesis
- end portion
- scleral
- central body
- body portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
- A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/14—Eye parts, e.g. lenses, corneal implants; Implanting instruments specially adapted therefor; Artificial eyes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/14—Eye parts, e.g. lenses, corneal implants; Implanting instruments specially adapted therefor; Artificial eyes
- A61F2/147—Implants to be inserted in the stroma for refractive correction, e.g. ring-like implants
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
- A61F9/0008—Introducing ophthalmic products into the ocular cavity or retaining products therein
- A61F9/0017—Introducing ophthalmic products into the ocular cavity or retaining products therein implantable in, or in contact with, the eye, e.g. ocular inserts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
- A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
- A61F9/00781—Apparatus for modifying intraocular pressure, e.g. for glaucoma treatment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
- A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
- A61F9/013—Instruments for compensation of ocular refraction ; Instruments for use in cornea removal, for reshaping or performing incisions in the cornea
Definitions
- This invention relates to methods of treating presbyopia, hyperopia, primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension and more particularly to methods of treating these diseases by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle.
- the invention also relates to increasing the amplitude of accommodation of the eye by increasing the effective working range of the ciliary muscle.
- the effective focal length of the eye In order for the human eye to have clear vision of objects at different distances, the effective focal length of the eye must be adjusted to focus the image of the object as sharply as possible on the retina. Changing the effective focal length is known as accommodation, and is accomplished in the eye by varying the shape of the crystalline lens. Generally the curvature of the lens in an unaccommodated emmetropic eye allows distant objects to be sharply imaged on the retina, while near objects are not focused sharply on the retina in the unaccommodated eye because the image lie behind the retinal surface. In order to perceive a near object clearly, the curvature of the crystalline lens is increased, thereby increasing the refractive power of the lens and causing the image of the near object to fall on the retina.
- the change in shape of the crystalline lens is accomplished by the action of certain muscles and structures within the eyeball or globe of the eye.
- the lens has the shape of a classical biconvex optical lens—that is, generally circular with two convex refracting surfaces—and is located in the forward part of the eye immediately behind the pupil and generally on the optical axis of the eye (i.e., a straight line drawn from the center of the cornea to the macula in the retina at the posterior portion of the globe).
- the curvature of the posterior surface of the lens is somewhat greater than that of the anterior surface.
- the lens is closely surrounded by a membranous capsule that serves as an intermediate structure in the support and actuation of the lens.
- the lens and the capsule are suspended on the optical axis behind the pupil by a circular assembly of many radially directed elastic fibers, the zonules, which are attached at inner ends to the lens capsule and at outer ends to the ciliary muscle, a muscular ring of tissue located just within the outer supporting structure of the eye, the sclera.
- the ciliary muscle is relaxed in the unaccommodated eye and therefore assumes a maximum diameter.
- the relatively large diameter of the ciliary muscle in this condition causes a tension on the zonules, which in turn pull radially outward on the lens capsule and cause the equatorial diameter of the lens to increase slightly, while decreasing the anterior-posterior dimension (thickness) of the lens at the optical axis.
- the tension on the lens capsule causes the lens to assume a flattened state wherein the curvature of the anterior surface, and to some extent the posterior surface, is less than the curvature which would exist in the absence of the tension. In this state the refractive power of the lens is relatively low and the eye is focused for clear vision for distant objects.
- the ciliary muscles contract. According to the classical theory, this contraction causes the ciliary muscle to move forward and inward, thereby relaxing the outward pull of the zonules on the equator of the lens capsule.
- Such reduced zonular tension allows the elastic capsule of the lens to contract, causing an increase in the antero-posterior diameter (thickness) of the lens (i.e., the lens becomes more spherical) and resulting in an increase in the optical power of the lens.
- the central anterior radius of curvature decreases more than the central posterior radius of curvature. This constitutes the accommodated condition of the eye, wherein the image of near objects falls sharply on the retina.
- Presbyopia is the universal decrease in the amplitude of accommodation that is typically observed in individuals over 40-years of age. In the person having normal vision (i.e., having emmetropic eyes) the ability to focus on near objects is gradually lost, and the individual comes to need glasses for tasks requiring near vision, such as reading.
- the amplitude of accommodation of the aging eye is decreased because of the loss of elasticity of the lens capsule and/or sclerosis of the lens with age. Consequently, even though the radial tension on the zonules is relaxed by contraction of the ciliary muscles, the lens does not assume a greater Curvature. According to the conventional view, treatment to restore the accommodative power to the presbyopic eye is not possible.
- the loss of elasticity of the lens and capsule is seen as irreversible, and the only solution to the problems presented by presbyopia is to use corrective lenses for close work, or bifocal lenses, if corrective lenses are also required for distant vision.
- the Schachar theory of accommodation postulates that outward equatorial displacement of the crystalline lens produces a central steepening (and peripheral flattening) of the lens surface.
- the equatorial displacement results from increased tension on the equatorial zonules which is produced, in turn, by contraction of the anterior radial muscle fibers of the ciliary muscle. Since active force is involved in accommodation, the amount of force which may be applied to the lens equator is dependent on how much the ciliary muscle is stretched.
- the crystalline lens is of ectodermal origin and continues to grow throughout the life of an individual while the dimensions of the scleral shell do not change significantly after 13 years of age (with certain exceptions), the distance between the ciliary muscle and the equator of the lens decreases throughout the life of an individual. Therefore, the effective force which the ciliary muscle may apply to the lens equator is reduced with age, such that the decrease in the amplitude of accommodation resulting in presbyopia is a consequence of normal lens growth.
- presbyopia may be suitably treated by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle, such as by increasing the distance between the ciliary muscle and the lens equator, preferably by increasing the diameter of the sclera (i.e., scleral expansion) in the region of the ciliary body.
- Prostheses have been disclosed in the related applications identified above for treating presbyopia by implantation within a number of elongated pockets formed in the sclera of the eye transverse to a meridian of the eye, expanding the sclera and restoring the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle.
- Ser. No. 09/589,626 (“the '626 application”), such prostheses may exhibit a tendency to slide back and forth within the scleral pocket or to turn or topple over within the scleral pocket, reducing the effectiveness of the prostheses in treating presbyopia in either case.
- prosthesis embodiments which have a circumferential shape including a curved bottom surface may have limited surface contact between the bottom surface and the inner wall of the surgically formed scleral pocket, generally in the area of the first and second ends of the prosthesis, and therefore suffer stability problems due at least in part, to the disproportionate surface contact of the top surface of the prosthesis relative to the bottom surface.
- a prosthesis for scleral expansion includes a central body portion and at least one end portion having a width greater than the width of the central body portion.
- the end portion therefore inhibits rotation of the prosthesis about a long axis when the prosthesis is implanted within a scleral pocket or tunnel.
- the other end of the central body portion may have a blunted end portion including grooves, for receiving a edge or lip of an incision forming the scleral tunnel to inhibit the prosthesis from sliding within the scleral tunnel.
- Curvature of the bottom surface of the central body portion may be greater than the curvature of the innermost surface of the scleral tunnel so that contact between the scleral and the bottom surface of the prosthesis is primarily with the end portions.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to one embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 1C and 1D are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 1E and 1F are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1G is a top plan view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1H is a top plan view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1I is a side elevation view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1J is a side elevation view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the central body portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention
- FIGS. 3A through 3E are transverse cross-sectional views of the central body portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention
- FIGS. 4A through 4D are transverse cross-sectional views of duck bill end portions of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are longitudinal cross-sections of duck bill end portions of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section of a blunted end portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- presbyopia and certain other eye disorders may suitably be treated by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle.
- increase may be achieved by increasing the distance between the ciliary muscle and the lens equator, preferably by increasing the diameter of the sclera (i.e., scleral expansion) in the region of the ciliary body.
- the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle may suitably be increased by implanting, within pockets surgically formed in the sclera of the eye, a plurality of prostheses designed to place an outward traction on the sclera in the region of the ciliary body.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- Prosthesis 100 includes a central body portion 101 connecting end portions 102 and 103 .
- prosthesis 100 is intended to be inserted within a surgically formed pocket or tunnel within the sclera, elevating a portion of the sclera to increase the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle.
- the planform of exemplary prosthesis 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B includes “duck bill” end portions 102 and 103 which are wider and flatter (and, in the exemplary embodiment, thinner) than the intermediate central body portion 101 . These “duck bill” end portions promote stability when the prosthesis 100 is within the scleral tunnel, inhibiting the prosthesis 100 from turning or toppling over (i.e., rotating about a long axis of the prosthesis 100 ) within the scleral tunnel.
- central body portion 101 When prosthesis 100 is inserted within a scleral tunnel, essentially all of central body portion 101 is preferably contained within the tunnel, while essentially all of end portions 102 and 103 are preferably outside the scleral tunnel (i.e., the scleral tunnel has a length approximately equal to the length of central body portion 101 of prosthesis 100 ).
- central body portion 101 is within the sclera or under the scleral layer, while end portions 102 and 103 are on the sclera, a bottom surface of end portions 102 and 103 in contact with an outer surface of the sclera.
- one or more portions of central body portions 101 proximate to end portions 102 and/or 103 may be outside the scleral tunnel, or one or more portions of end portions 102 and/or 103 may be within the tunnel (i.e., the scleral tunnel has a length which is either greater than or less than the length of central body portion 101 of prosthesis 100 ).
- FIGS. 1C and 1D are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- one duck bill end portion 102 projecting from the central body portion 101 of the prosthesis 110 is wider and/or thicker than the other duck bill end portion 104 .
- narrower and/or thinner end portion 104 is intended to be passed through both incisions within the sclera which form the ends of the scleral tunnel.
- the benefits of having one duck billed end portion 104 which is narrower and/or thinner than the other is addressed in further detail below.
- FIGS. 1E and 1F are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- Prosthesis 120 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1E-1F includes only duck billed end portion 102 projecting from the central body portion 101 .
- the other end of the central body portion may have no end portion, or, as shown in the example of FIGS. 1E-1F , may have an end portion 105 which is not wider than central body portion 101 .
- blunted end portion 105 is not as long as duck bill end portion 102 .
- blunted end portion 105 is substantially thicker than duck bill end portion 102 , tapering from the thickness of central body portion 101 to an end thickness to a lesser degree than does duck bill end portion 102 .
- Prosthesis 120 may be implanted in a scleral pocket (i.e., a passage either into and along or through or under the scleral layer which has only on opening) rather than a scleral tunnel (a passage either into, along and out of the scleral layer of through, under and back through the scleral layer, with two openings, one at either end).
- a scleral tunnel a passage either into, along and out of the scleral layer of through, under and back through the scleral layer, with two openings, one at either end.
- prosthesis 120 is implanted in a scleral tunnel with substantially all of central body portion 101 within the scleral tunnel (either within or under the scleral layer) while duck bill end portion 102 and blunted end portion 105 are both substantially outside the scleral tunnel resting on the outer surface of the sclera. Advantages of having blunted end portion 105 outside the scleral tunnel are described in further detail below.
- Dashed line 190 within duck bill end portion 102 illustrates that the end portions which are wider than the central body portions of a prosthesis need not increase in width uniformly in both directions (on both sides), but may instead increase in width only on one side with the other side retaining planar alignment with the side of the central body portion.
- FIG. 1G is a top plan view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the planform of the central body portion 111 for prosthesis 130 in FIG. 1G is circumferential—that is, shaped to follow a portion of a circle around the lens of the eye. While the sides surfaces 160 and 161 of central body portion 101 depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1C and 1 E are straight along a long axis of the respective prosthesis 100 , 110 or 120 , the side surfaces 162 and 163 of prosthesis 130 are both curved along the long axis of prosthesis 130 .
- Side surfaces 162 and 163 are both curved in the same direction (with side surface 162 being convex and side surface 163 being concave) and preferably having a common focal point for the radius of curvature. However, the two sides 162 and 163 may have differing degrees of curvature (i.e., each having a different focal point for the respective radius of curvature).
- the prosthesis 130 of FIG. 1G is intended to be implanted within a scleral tunnel with side surface 162 further from the lens than side surface 163 . Use of an end portion which widens only on one side (e.g., the outer edge) may be useful in this embodiment and other embodiments where rotation of the implanted prosthesis is much more likely in one direction than in the opposite direction.
- FIG. 1H is a top plan view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention. While the sides surfaces 160 and 161 of central body portion 101 depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1C and 1 E are straight along a long axis of the respective prosthesis 100 , 110 or 120 and the side surfaces 162 and 163 of the central body portion 111 depicted in FIG.
- both side surfaces 164 and 165 of the central body portion 121 for prosthesis 140 are curved, along the long axis of prosthesis 140 , in opposite directions in the example shown, both side surfaces 164 and 165 are concave, and have identical curvatures (i.e., the same radius of curvature, although with different focal, points).
- the side surfaces may alternatively both be convex and/or may have different curvatures.
- end portions 102 and 103 are wider than the wide point(s) of central body portion 121 (i.e., the ends of the central body portion 121 for the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1H ). In accordance with the present invention, however, end portions 102 and 103 need only be wider than some portion of central body portion 121 (i.e., should be wider than the narrowest portion of central body portion 121 ) to improve stability of the prosthesis 140 within the scleral tunnel.
- prostheses 130 and 140 are depicted in FIGS. 1G and 1H as having equally sized duck bill end portions 102 and 103 as described above with respect to prosthesis 100 depicted in FIG. 1A and 1B , either prosthesis 130 or 140 may instead include a duck bill end portion at one end of central body portion 111 or 121 which is smaller and/or thinner than the duck bill end portion at the opposite end, in the manner of prosthesis 110 depicted in FIGS. 1C and 1D (end portions 102 and 104 ).
- either prosthesis 130 or 140 may alternatively include a duck bill end portion at one end of central body portion 111 or 121 and a blunted end portion at the opposite end, in the manner of prosthesis 120 depicted in FIGS. 1E and 1F (end portions 102 and 105 ).
- FIG. 1I is a side elevation view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention. While the bottom surface 170 of the central body portion 101 depicted in FIGS. 1B, 1D and 1 F is curved (concave) along a long axis of the prosthesis 100 , 110 or 120 , prosthesis 150 includes a central body portion 131 having a bottom surface 171 which is straight along the long axis of prosthesis 150 (but which may be curved in other directions, as described in further detail below). Alternatively, the bottom surface of the central body portion may be convex along the long axis of the prosthesis.
- Central body portions 111 and 121 depicted in FIGS. 1G and 1H may have a bottom surface which is concave along the long axis of the respective prosthesis 130 or 140 , similar to central body portion 101 in FIGS. 1B, 1D and 1 F, flat along the long axis in the manner depicted for central body portion 131 depicted in FIG. 1I , or convex along the long axis.
- prostheses 150 is depicted in FIG. 1I as having equally sized duck bill end portions 102 and 103 as described above with respect to prosthesis 100 depicted in FIG.
- prosthesis 150 may instead include either: (1) a first duck bill end-portion at one end of central body portion 131 which is smaller and/or thinner than a second duck bill end portion at the opposite end, in the manner of prosthesis 110 depicted in FIGS. 1C and 1D (end portions 102 and 104 ); or (2) a duck bill end portion at one end of central body portion 131 and a blunted end portion at the opposite end, in the manner of prosthesis 120 depicted in FIGS. 1E and 1F (end portions 102 and 109 ).
- FIG. 1J is a side elevation view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention. While the, end portions 102 - 105 are depicted in FIGS. 1B, 1D , 1 F and 1 I as being substantially aligned with the respective central body portion 101 or 131 , end portions 106 and 107 in prosthesis 160 are angled with respect to central body portion 101 .
- the planes 180 and 181 with which end portions 106 and 107 are aligned are angled with respect to, and intersect, the plane 182 with which central body portion 101 or 131 is aligned (again, taken with respect to the bottom surface 170 or 171 of central body portion 101 or 131 ).
- the planes with which end portions 102 - 105 are aligned are at least parallel with the planes to which central body portions 101 and 131 are aligned; end portions 102 - 105 and central body portions 101 and 131 may, in fact, be aligned with the same plane.
- Such angling of end portions 106 and 107 with respect to the central body portion 101 is preferably sufficient to allow the bottom surfaces 190 and 191 to be substantially tangential to the surface of the sclera on which such end portions 106 and 107 rest when prosthesis 160 in implanted within a scleral tunnel.
- End portions 102 , 103 and/or 104 may also be angled with respect to the corresponding central body portions 101 , 111 , 121 or 131 in the prostheses 120 , 130 , 140 and 150 depicted in FIGS. 1C and 1F through 1 I.
- end portion 102 may be angled with respect to a central body portion, while the opposite end portion (e.g., duck bill end portion 104 or blunted end portion 105 ) may be substantially aligned with the corresponding central body portion.
- any of the various alternative embodiments described or suggested above which includes either no end portion or a blunted end portion at one end of the respective prosthesis may be implanted within a scleral pocket rather than a scleral tunnel.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the central body portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention.
- the central body portion cross-sections 200 and 201 depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B may correspond to any of central body portions 101 , 111 or 121 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1H and 1 J.
- the top surface 172 of the central body portion has a convex curvature along the long axis of the respective prosthesis (e.g., prosthesis 100 , 110 , 120 , 130 , 140 or 160 ).
- the top surface of the central body portion may be straight or have a concave curvature.
- bottom surface 170 has a concave curvature along a long axis of the respective prosthesis.
- the bottom surface 170 a may have a curvature which is approximately equal to a curvature of the innermost surface 202 of the scleral tunnel into which the prosthesis is to be implanted (i.e., the curvature of the remaining scleral layer underlying the scleral tunnel for an intra-scleral tunnel or, where the scleral tunnel is formed between the sclera and the underlying tissue, of the tissue underlying the scleral layer).
- the bottom surface 170 b may have a curvature which is greater than the curvature of the innermost surface 202 of the scleral tunnel (i.e., a smaller radius of curvature), such that the prosthesis rests primary on the end portions and/or end regions of the central body portion when implanted, with the bottom surface 170 b in a middle area of the central body portion spaced apart from the underlying innermost surface 202 of the scleral tunnel.
- FIGS. 3A through 3E are transverse cross-sectional views of the central body portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention.
- the central body portion cross-sections depicted in FIGS. 3A through 3E may correspond to any of central body portions 101 , 111 , 121 or 131 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1J .
- the bottom and top surfaces 170 a and 172 a are both straight in a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis, as are side surfaces 160 a and 161 a.
- the bottom surface 170 b is curved in a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis.
- the curvature of the example shown is approximately equal to the curvature of the innermost surface 202 of the scleral tunnel into which the prosthesis is to be implanted.
- 3C is similarly curved in a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis, but with a curvature greater than the curvature of the innermost surface 202 of the scleral tunnel.
- Top surface 172 c and sides surfaces 160 c and 161 c are straight.
- top surface 172 d has a convex curvature in a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis, and bottom surface 170 d has a concave curvature.
- side surfaces 160 d and 161 d are uniformly or equally sloped in the embodiment of FIG. 3D
- the side surfaces may be unequally sloped as shown in FIG. 3E to form an oblique profile.
- Side surfaces 160 e and 161 e are straight, and sloped to different degrees, while top surface 172 e has a convex curvature and bottom surface 170 e has a concave, curvature.
- Either or both of the side surfaces may alternatively be curved, either convexly or concavely, in a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis, regardless of whether the side surfaces are substantially parallel to each other or angled with respect to each other.
- the top surface may have a concave curvature, or the bottom surface may have a convex curvature.
- top and bottom surfaces 172 and 170 While reference is made to side surfaces 160 and 161 and top and bottom surfaces 172 and 170 with respect to FIGS. 3A-3E , the profiles and/or curvatures illustrated are equally applicable to sides surfaces 162 - 165 or bottom surface 171 .
- bottom surface 171 depicted in FIG. 1I is straight along a long axis of the prosthesis, the same surface may be curved in a direction transverse to the long axis in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3C .
- FIGS. 4A through 4D are transverse cross-sectional views of duck bill end portions of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention.
- FIGS. 4A through 4D depict a cross-section taken along section lines C-C, transverse to a long axis of the prosthesis, with the remainder of the prosthesis broken away.
- the end portion cross-sections depicted in FIGS. 4A through 4D may correspond to any of end portions 102 , 103 , 104 , 106 or 107 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1J .
- the top and bottom surfaces 400 a and 401 a of the end portion are straight in a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis.
- the prosthesis which may be prosthesis 100 , 110 , 130 , 140 , 150 or 160
- the cross-sectional circumference and/or area of the end portions should preferably not be significantly greater than the cross-sectional circumference and/or area of the central body portion. In this manner, the end portion may pass through an incision forming an opening to a scleral tunnel intended to accommodate the central body portion without tearing.
- the size of the surgical incision required to form a scleral tunnel which will admit the central body portion of the prosthesis without tearing i.e., an incision having a length which is at least twice the circumference of the cross-section of the central body portion
- an incision having a length which is at least twice the circumference of the cross-section of the central body portion will also permit passage of the end portion therethrough without tearing.
- the cross-sectional circumference and/or area of the end portion intended to pass through the scleral tunnel should be equal to or less than the cross-sectional circumference and/or area of the corresponding central body portion.
- an embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 1C-1D in which one duck bill end portion is narrower and/or thinner than the other, may be beneficially employed.
- Dashed outline 402 illustrates a relative proportion for the differently sized duck bill end portions.
- FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment including a top surface 400 b which is straight but a bottom surface 401 b which is curved along a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis.
- the curvature of the bottom surface 401 b in the example of FIG. 4 B is approximately equal to the curvature of the scleral surface 403 upon which the respective end portion is intended to rest following implantation of the prosthesis.
- FIG. 4C similarly illustrates an embodiment including a top surface 400 c which is straight but a bottom surface 401 c which is curved along a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis.
- the curvature of the bottom surface 401 c in FIG. 4C is greater than the curvature of the sclera surface 403 upon which the respective end portion is intended to rest following implantation of the prosthesis. In this manner, the force of contact between the duck bill end portions and the underlying sclera occurs near the edge of the respective end portion, maximizing the effect of the end portion in preventing rotation of the implanted prosthesis.
- FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment in which both the top surface 400 d and the bottom surface 401 d which is curved along a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of duck bill end portions of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention.
- FIGS. 5A and 5D depict a cross-section of an end portion taken along section lines A-A with the remainder of the prosthesis broken away.
- the end portion cross-sections depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B may correspond to any of end portions 102 , 103 , 104 , 106 or 107 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1J .
- FIG. 5A depicts an embodiment in which the top surface 500 a is straight but the bottom surface 501 a of a duck bill end portion is curved along the long axis of the prosthesis, at least in a central area of the end portion (i.e., the cross-section may be straight near an edge of the end portion).
- the curvature of the bottom surface 501 a in the example of FIG. 5A is approximately equal to the curvature of the scleral surface 403 upon which the respective end portion is intended to rest following implantation of the prosthesis.
- FIG. 5B depicts an embodiment in which both the top surface 500 b and the bottom surface 501 a of a duck bill end portion are curved along the long axis of the prosthesis, at least in a central area of the end portion.
- FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section of a blunted end portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- Blunted end portion 105 includes one or more grooves 600 or 601 , in the bottom surface, the top surface or both. Although not shown in FIG. 1F , grooves 600 and 601 , if present, preferably extend across an entire width of the end portion 105 .
- Grooves may be uniform, similar to groove 601 , or oblique, similar to groove 600 , and are intended to “catch” the lip of a scleral incision through which the prosthesis is inserted to inhibit sliding of the prosthesis within the scleral tunnel.
- the dimensions of the central body portion of the prosthesis of the present invention are similar to the overall prosthesis dimension (including lengths, widths, thickness, and radii of curvature/heights for various curved surfaces) given in the related applications identified above.
- the prosthesis of the present invention may be fabricated of the same materials, and in the same manner, as those described in the related applications. Additionally, in treatment of eye disorders utilizing the prosthesis of the present invention, a number of prostheses are implanted in a single eye in the same manner as described in the related applications.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Cardiology (AREA)
- Transplantation (AREA)
- Prostheses (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) (1) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/206,134 filed May 22, 2000, and is a continuation-in-part of: (1) U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 09/061,168, entitled “SCLERAL PROSTHESIS FOR TREATMENT OF PRESBYOPIA AND OTHER EYE DISORDERS” and filed on Apr. 16, 1998, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/946,975 entitled “SCLERAL PROSTHESIS FOR TREATMENT OF PRESBYOPIA AND OTHER EYE DISORDERS” and filed Oct. 8, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,578 issued Dec. 28, 1999; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/472,535 entitled “SCLERAL PROSTHESIS FOR TREATMENT OF PRESBYOPIA AND OTHER EYE DISORDERS” and filed Dec. 27, 1999, which application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/946,975; (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/589,626 entitled “IMPROVED SCLERAL PROSTHESIS FOR TREATMENT OF PRESBYOPIA AND OTHER EYE DISORDERS” and filed Jun. 7, 2000, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 08/946,975, 09/061,168 and 09/472,535. All of the above-identified documents, and the inventions disclosed therein, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
- This invention relates to methods of treating presbyopia, hyperopia, primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension and more particularly to methods of treating these diseases by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle. The invention also relates to increasing the amplitude of accommodation of the eye by increasing the effective working range of the ciliary muscle.
- In order for the human eye to have clear vision of objects at different distances, the effective focal length of the eye must be adjusted to focus the image of the object as sharply as possible on the retina. Changing the effective focal length is known as accommodation, and is accomplished in the eye by varying the shape of the crystalline lens. Generally the curvature of the lens in an unaccommodated emmetropic eye allows distant objects to be sharply imaged on the retina, while near objects are not focused sharply on the retina in the unaccommodated eye because the image lie behind the retinal surface. In order to perceive a near object clearly, the curvature of the crystalline lens is increased, thereby increasing the refractive power of the lens and causing the image of the near object to fall on the retina.
- The change in shape of the crystalline lens is accomplished by the action of certain muscles and structures within the eyeball or globe of the eye. As described in greater detail in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,366, the lens has the shape of a classical biconvex optical lens—that is, generally circular with two convex refracting surfaces—and is located in the forward part of the eye immediately behind the pupil and generally on the optical axis of the eye (i.e., a straight line drawn from the center of the cornea to the macula in the retina at the posterior portion of the globe). In the unaccommodated human eye the curvature of the posterior surface of the lens (the surface adjacent to the vitreous body) is somewhat greater than that of the anterior surface.
- The lens is closely surrounded by a membranous capsule that serves as an intermediate structure in the support and actuation of the lens. The lens and the capsule are suspended on the optical axis behind the pupil by a circular assembly of many radially directed elastic fibers, the zonules, which are attached at inner ends to the lens capsule and at outer ends to the ciliary muscle, a muscular ring of tissue located just within the outer supporting structure of the eye, the sclera. The ciliary muscle is relaxed in the unaccommodated eye and therefore assumes a maximum diameter. According to the classical theory of accommodation, originating with Helmholtz, the relatively large diameter of the ciliary muscle in this condition causes a tension on the zonules, which in turn pull radially outward on the lens capsule and cause the equatorial diameter of the lens to increase slightly, while decreasing the anterior-posterior dimension (thickness) of the lens at the optical axis. Thus, the tension on the lens capsule causes the lens to assume a flattened state wherein the curvature of the anterior surface, and to some extent the posterior surface, is less than the curvature which would exist in the absence of the tension. In this state the refractive power of the lens is relatively low and the eye is focused for clear vision for distant objects.
- To focus the eye on a near object, the ciliary muscles contract. According to the classical theory, this contraction causes the ciliary muscle to move forward and inward, thereby relaxing the outward pull of the zonules on the equator of the lens capsule. Such reduced zonular tension allows the elastic capsule of the lens to contract, causing an increase in the antero-posterior diameter (thickness) of the lens (i.e., the lens becomes more spherical) and resulting in an increase in the optical power of the lens. Because of topographical differences in the thickness of the lens capsule, the central anterior radius of curvature decreases more than the central posterior radius of curvature. This constitutes the accommodated condition of the eye, wherein the image of near objects falls sharply on the retina.
- Presbyopia is the universal decrease in the amplitude of accommodation that is typically observed in individuals over 40-years of age. In the person having normal vision (i.e., having emmetropic eyes) the ability to focus on near objects is gradually lost, and the individual comes to need glasses for tasks requiring near vision, such as reading.
- According to the conventional view the amplitude of accommodation of the aging eye is decreased because of the loss of elasticity of the lens capsule and/or sclerosis of the lens with age. Consequently, even though the radial tension on the zonules is relaxed by contraction of the ciliary muscles, the lens does not assume a greater Curvature. According to the conventional view, treatment to restore the accommodative power to the presbyopic eye is not possible. The loss of elasticity of the lens and capsule is seen as irreversible, and the only solution to the problems presented by presbyopia is to use corrective lenses for close work, or bifocal lenses, if corrective lenses are also required for distant vision.
- In contrast to the conventional (Helmholtz) theory, the Schachar theory of accommodation—on which the related patent applications identified above are based—postulates that outward equatorial displacement of the crystalline lens produces a central steepening (and peripheral flattening) of the lens surface. The equatorial displacement results from increased tension on the equatorial zonules which is produced, in turn, by contraction of the anterior radial muscle fibers of the ciliary muscle. Since active force is involved in accommodation, the amount of force which may be applied to the lens equator is dependent on how much the ciliary muscle is stretched. Since the crystalline lens is of ectodermal origin and continues to grow throughout the life of an individual while the dimensions of the scleral shell do not change significantly after 13 years of age (with certain exceptions), the distance between the ciliary muscle and the equator of the lens decreases throughout the life of an individual. Therefore, the effective force which the ciliary muscle may apply to the lens equator is reduced with age, such that the decrease in the amplitude of accommodation resulting in presbyopia is a consequence of normal lens growth.
- Such continued lens growth decreases the working distance of the zonules and ciliary muscle, decreasing the range of accommodation which may be achieved by contracting the ciliary muscle to a point where focusing near objects on the retina is no longer possible. Under this view, presbyopia may be suitably treated by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle, such as by increasing the distance between the ciliary muscle and the lens equator, preferably by increasing the diameter of the sclera (i.e., scleral expansion) in the region of the ciliary body.
- Prostheses have been disclosed in the related applications identified above for treating presbyopia by implantation within a number of elongated pockets formed in the sclera of the eye transverse to a meridian of the eye, expanding the sclera and restoring the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle. However, as disclosed in Ser. No. 09/589,626 (“the '626 application”), such prostheses may exhibit a tendency to slide back and forth within the scleral pocket or to turn or topple over within the scleral pocket, reducing the effectiveness of the prostheses in treating presbyopia in either case. In particular, prosthesis embodiments which have a circumferential shape including a curved bottom surface may have limited surface contact between the bottom surface and the inner wall of the surgically formed scleral pocket, generally in the area of the first and second ends of the prosthesis, and therefore suffer stability problems due at least in part, to the disproportionate surface contact of the top surface of the prosthesis relative to the bottom surface.
- There is, therefore, a need as disclosed in the '626 application to improve the stability of a prosthesis inserted within a scleral pocket for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders.
- A prosthesis for scleral expansion includes a central body portion and at least one end portion having a width greater than the width of the central body portion. The end portion therefore inhibits rotation of the prosthesis about a long axis when the prosthesis is implanted within a scleral pocket or tunnel. The other end of the central body portion may have a blunted end portion including grooves, for receiving a edge or lip of an incision forming the scleral tunnel to inhibit the prosthesis from sliding within the scleral tunnel. Curvature of the bottom surface of the central body portion may be greater than the curvature of the innermost surface of the scleral tunnel so that contact between the scleral and the bottom surface of the prosthesis is primarily with the end portions.
- The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled, in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.
- An advantageous embodiment of the present invention may be understood with reference to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers designate like objects, in which:
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 1C and 1D are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 1E and 1F are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 1G is a top plan view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 1H is a top plan view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 1I is a side elevation view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 1J is a side elevation view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 2A and 2B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the central body portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 3A through 3E are transverse cross-sectional views of the central body portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 4A through 4D are transverse cross-sectional views of duck bill end portions of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 5A and 5B are longitudinal cross-sections of duck bill end portions of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention; and -
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section of a blunted end portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to one embodiment of the present invention. - According to present invention, presbyopia and certain other eye disorders (e.g., hyperopia, primary open angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension, etc.) may suitably be treated by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle. Such increase may be achieved by increasing the distance between the ciliary muscle and the lens equator, preferably by increasing the diameter of the sclera (i.e., scleral expansion) in the region of the ciliary body. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle may suitably be increased by implanting, within pockets surgically formed in the sclera of the eye, a plurality of prostheses designed to place an outward traction on the sclera in the region of the ciliary body.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to one embodiment of the present invention.Prosthesis 100 includes acentral body portion 101 connectingend portions prosthesis 100 is intended to be inserted within a surgically formed pocket or tunnel within the sclera, elevating a portion of the sclera to increase the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle. - The planform of
exemplary prosthesis 100 ofFIGS. 1A-1B includes “duck bill”end portions central body portion 101. These “duck bill” end portions promote stability when theprosthesis 100 is within the scleral tunnel, inhibiting theprosthesis 100 from turning or toppling over (i.e., rotating about a long axis of the prosthesis 100) within the scleral tunnel. - When prosthesis 100 is inserted within a scleral tunnel, essentially all of
central body portion 101 is preferably contained within the tunnel, while essentially all ofend portions central body portion 101 of prosthesis 100). In such instances,central body portion 101 is within the sclera or under the scleral layer, whileend portions end portions central body portions 101 proximate to endportions 102 and/or 103 may be outside the scleral tunnel, or one or more portions ofend portions 102 and/or 103 may be within the tunnel (i.e., the scleral tunnel has a length which is either greater than or less than the length ofcentral body portion 101 of prosthesis 100). -
FIGS. 1C and 1D are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1C-1D , one duckbill end portion 102 projecting from thecentral body portion 101 of theprosthesis 110 is wider and/or thicker than the other duckbill end portion 104. During insertion of theprosthesis 110 within a scleral tunnel, narrower and/orthinner end portion 104 is intended to be passed through both incisions within the sclera which form the ends of the scleral tunnel. The benefits of having one duck billedend portion 104 which is narrower and/or thinner than the other is addressed in further detail below. -
FIGS. 1E and 1F are a top plan view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention.Prosthesis 120 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1E-1F includes only duck billedend portion 102 projecting from thecentral body portion 101. The other end of the central body portion may have no end portion, or, as shown in the example ofFIGS. 1E-1F , may have anend portion 105 which is not wider thancentral body portion 101. In the example shown, bluntedend portion 105 is not as long as duckbill end portion 102. However, bluntedend portion 105 is substantially thicker than duckbill end portion 102, tapering from the thickness ofcentral body portion 101 to an end thickness to a lesser degree than does duckbill end portion 102. -
Prosthesis 120 may be implanted in a scleral pocket (i.e., a passage either into and along or through or under the scleral layer which has only on opening) rather than a scleral tunnel (a passage either into, along and out of the scleral layer of through, under and back through the scleral layer, with two openings, one at either end). Preferably, however, prosthesis 120 is implanted in a scleral tunnel with substantially all ofcentral body portion 101 within the scleral tunnel (either within or under the scleral layer) while duckbill end portion 102 and bluntedend portion 105 are both substantially outside the scleral tunnel resting on the outer surface of the sclera. Advantages of having bluntedend portion 105 outside the scleral tunnel are described in further detail below. - Dashed
line 190 within duckbill end portion 102 illustrates that the end portions which are wider than the central body portions of a prosthesis need not increase in width uniformly in both directions (on both sides), but may instead increase in width only on one side with the other side retaining planar alignment with the side of the central body portion. -
FIG. 1G is a top plan view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention. The planform of thecentral body portion 111 forprosthesis 130 inFIG. 1G is circumferential—that is, shaped to follow a portion of a circle around the lens of the eye. While the sides surfaces 160 and 161 ofcentral body portion 101 depicted inFIGS. 1A, 1C and 1E are straight along a long axis of therespective prosthesis prosthesis 130 are both curved along the long axis ofprosthesis 130. Side surfaces 162 and 163 are both curved in the same direction (withside surface 162 being convex andside surface 163 being concave) and preferably having a common focal point for the radius of curvature. However, the twosides prosthesis 130 ofFIG. 1G is intended to be implanted within a scleral tunnel withside surface 162 further from the lens thanside surface 163. Use of an end portion which widens only on one side (e.g., the outer edge) may be useful in this embodiment and other embodiments where rotation of the implanted prosthesis is much more likely in one direction than in the opposite direction. -
FIG. 1H is a top plan view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention. While the sides surfaces 160 and 161 ofcentral body portion 101 depicted inFIGS. 1A, 1C and 1E are straight along a long axis of therespective prosthesis central body portion 111 depicted inFIG. 1G are both curved in the same direction, side surfaces 164 and 165 of thecentral body portion 121 forprosthesis 140 are curved, along the long axis ofprosthesis 140, in opposite directions in the example shown, both side surfaces 164 and 165 are concave, and have identical curvatures (i.e., the same radius of curvature, although with different focal, points). However, the side surfaces may alternatively both be convex and/or may have different curvatures. - In the example shown,
end portions central body portion 121 for the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1H ). In accordance with the present invention, however, endportions prosthesis 140 within the scleral tunnel. - It should be noted that while
prostheses FIGS. 1G and 1H as having equally sized duckbill end portions prosthesis 100 depicted inFIG. 1A and 1B , eitherprosthesis central body portion prosthesis 110 depicted inFIGS. 1C and 1D (endportions 102 and 104). Likewise, eitherprosthesis central body portion prosthesis 120 depicted inFIGS. 1E and 1F (endportions 102 and 105). -
FIG. 1I is a side elevation view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention. While thebottom surface 170 of thecentral body portion 101 depicted inFIGS. 1B, 1D and 1F is curved (concave) along a long axis of theprosthesis prosthesis 150 includes acentral body portion 131 having abottom surface 171 which is straight along the long axis of prosthesis 150 (but which may be curved in other directions, as described in further detail below). Alternatively, the bottom surface of the central body portion may be convex along the long axis of the prosthesis. -
Central body portions FIGS. 1G and 1H may have a bottom surface which is concave along the long axis of therespective prosthesis central body portion 101 inFIGS. 1B, 1D and 1F, flat along the long axis in the manner depicted forcentral body portion 131 depicted inFIG. 1I , or convex along the long axis. Moreover, whileprostheses 150 is depicted inFIG. 1I as having equally sized duckbill end portions prosthesis 100 depicted inFIG. 1A and 1B ,prosthesis 150 may instead include either: (1) a first duck bill end-portion at one end ofcentral body portion 131 which is smaller and/or thinner than a second duck bill end portion at the opposite end, in the manner ofprosthesis 110 depicted inFIGS. 1C and 1D (endportions 102 and 104); or (2) a duck bill end portion at one end ofcentral body portion 131 and a blunted end portion at the opposite end, in the manner ofprosthesis 120 depicted inFIGS. 1E and 1F (endportions 102 and 109). -
FIG. 1J is a side elevation view of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral tunnels according to another embodiment of the present invention. While the, end portions 102-105 are depicted inFIGS. 1B, 1D , 1F and 1I as being substantially aligned with the respectivecentral body portion end portions prosthesis 160 are angled with respect tocentral body portion 101. That is, theplanes portions end portions 106 and 107) are angled with respect to, and intersect, theplane 182 with whichcentral body portion bottom surface central body portion 101 or 131). By contrast, the planes with which end portions 102-105 are aligned are at least parallel with the planes to whichcentral body portions central body portions - Such angling of
end portions central body portion 101 is preferably sufficient to allow the bottom surfaces 190 and 191 to be substantially tangential to the surface of the sclera on whichsuch end portions prosthesis 160 in implanted within a scleral tunnel.End portions central body portions prostheses FIGS. 1C and 1F through 1I. Moreover, only one end portion (e.g., end portion 102) may be angled with respect to a central body portion, while the opposite end portion (e.g., duckbill end portion 104 or blunted end portion 105) may be substantially aligned with the corresponding central body portion. - Those skilled in the art will understand that any of the various alternative embodiments described or suggested above which includes either no end portion or a blunted end portion at one end of the respective prosthesis may be implanted within a scleral pocket rather than a scleral tunnel.
-
FIGS. 2A and 2B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the central body portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention.FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a cross-section taken along section lines A-A, along a long axis of the prosthesis, with the end portions broken away. The central body portion cross-sections 200 and 201 depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B may correspond to any ofcentral body portions FIGS. 1A-1H and 1J. - As shown in both central body portion cross-sections 200 and 201, the
top surface 172 of the central body portion has a convex curvature along the long axis of the respective prosthesis (e.g.,prosthesis - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1B, 1D , 1F and 1J,bottom surface 170 has a concave curvature along a long axis of the respective prosthesis. Thebottom surface 170 a may have a curvature which is approximately equal to a curvature of theinnermost surface 202 of the scleral tunnel into which the prosthesis is to be implanted (i.e., the curvature of the remaining scleral layer underlying the scleral tunnel for an intra-scleral tunnel or, where the scleral tunnel is formed between the sclera and the underlying tissue, of the tissue underlying the scleral layer). - As illustrated in
FIG. 2B and described in the '626 application, however, thebottom surface 170 b may have a curvature which is greater than the curvature of theinnermost surface 202 of the scleral tunnel (i.e., a smaller radius of curvature), such that the prosthesis rests primary on the end portions and/or end regions of the central body portion when implanted, with thebottom surface 170 b in a middle area of the central body portion spaced apart from the underlyinginnermost surface 202 of the scleral tunnel. -
FIGS. 3A through 3E are transverse cross-sectional views of the central body portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention.FIGS. 3A through 3E depict a cross-section taken along section lines B-B, transverse to a long axis of the prosthesis. The central body portion cross-sections depicted inFIGS. 3A through 3E may correspond to any ofcentral body portions FIGS. 1A-1J . - In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 3A , the bottom andtop surfaces side surfaces FIG. 3B , however, while thetop surface 172 b andside surfaces bottom surface 170 b is curved in a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis. The curvature of the example shown is approximately equal to the curvature of theinnermost surface 202 of the scleral tunnel into which the prosthesis is to be implanted. Thebottom surface 170 c in the embodiment ofFIG. 3C is similarly curved in a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis, but with a curvature greater than the curvature of theinnermost surface 202 of the scleral tunnel.Top surface 172 c andsides surfaces - In the embodiment of
FIG. 3D , the side surfaces 160 d and 161 d, while straight, are angled with respect to each other rather than being substantially parallel.Top surface 172 d has a convex curvature in a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis, andbottom surface 170 d has a concave curvature. - While the side surfaces 160 d and 161 d are uniformly or equally sloped in the embodiment of
FIG. 3D , the side surfaces may be unequally sloped as shown inFIG. 3E to form an oblique profile. Side surfaces 160 e and 161 e are straight, and sloped to different degrees, whiletop surface 172 e has a convex curvature andbottom surface 170 e has a concave, curvature. - Either or both of the side surfaces may alternatively be curved, either convexly or concavely, in a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis, regardless of whether the side surfaces are substantially parallel to each other or angled with respect to each other. Moreover, the top surface may have a concave curvature, or the bottom surface may have a convex curvature.
- While reference is made to side
surfaces bottom surfaces FIGS. 3A-3E , the profiles and/or curvatures illustrated are equally applicable to sides surfaces 162-165 orbottom surface 171. For example, while,bottom surface 171 depicted inFIG. 1I is straight along a long axis of the prosthesis, the same surface may be curved in a direction transverse to the long axis in the manner illustrated inFIGS. 3B-3C . -
FIGS. 4A through 4D are transverse cross-sectional views of duck bill end portions of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention.FIGS. 4A through 4D depict a cross-section taken along section lines C-C, transverse to a long axis of the prosthesis, with the remainder of the prosthesis broken away. The end portion cross-sections depicted inFIGS. 4A through 4D may correspond to any ofend portions FIGS. 1A-1J . - In the embodiment of
FIG. 4A , the top andbottom surfaces FIG. 3A withFIG. 4A shows that the prosthesis (which may be prosthesis 100, 110, 130, 140, 150 or 160) has a cross-section within the end portions which is wider and thinner than the cross-section of the central body portion. However, the cross-sectional circumference and/or area of the end portions should preferably not be significantly greater than the cross-sectional circumference and/or area of the central body portion. In this manner, the end portion may pass through an incision forming an opening to a scleral tunnel intended to accommodate the central body portion without tearing. The size of the surgical incision required to form a scleral tunnel which will admit the central body portion of the prosthesis without tearing (i.e., an incision having a length which is at least twice the circumference of the cross-section of the central body portion) will also permit passage of the end portion therethrough without tearing. - Most preferably, the cross-sectional circumference and/or area of the end portion intended to pass through the scleral tunnel should be equal to or less than the cross-sectional circumference and/or area of the corresponding central body portion. For this reason, an embodiment such as that illustrated in
FIG. 1C-1D , in which one duck bill end portion is narrower and/or thinner than the other, may be beneficially employed. Dashedoutline 402 illustrates a relative proportion for the differently sized duck bill end portions. -
FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment including atop surface 400 b which is straight but abottom surface 401 b which is curved along a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis. The curvature of thebottom surface 401 b in the example of FIG. 4B is approximately equal to the curvature of thescleral surface 403 upon which the respective end portion is intended to rest following implantation of the prosthesis. -
FIG. 4C similarly illustrates an embodiment including atop surface 400 c which is straight but abottom surface 401 c which is curved along a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis. However, the curvature of thebottom surface 401 c inFIG. 4C is greater than the curvature of thesclera surface 403 upon which the respective end portion is intended to rest following implantation of the prosthesis. In this manner, the force of contact between the duck bill end portions and the underlying sclera occurs near the edge of the respective end portion, maximizing the effect of the end portion in preventing rotation of the implanted prosthesis. -
FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment in which both thetop surface 400 d and thebottom surface 401 d which is curved along a direction transverse to the long axis of the prosthesis. -
FIGS. 5A and 5B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of duck bill end portions of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to various alternative embodiments of the present invention.FIGS. 5A and 5D depict a cross-section of an end portion taken along section lines A-A with the remainder of the prosthesis broken away. The end portion cross-sections depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B may correspond to any ofend portions FIGS. 1A-1J . -
FIG. 5A depicts an embodiment in which thetop surface 500 a is straight but thebottom surface 501 a of a duck bill end portion is curved along the long axis of the prosthesis, at least in a central area of the end portion (i.e., the cross-section may be straight near an edge of the end portion). The curvature of thebottom surface 501 a in the example ofFIG. 5A is approximately equal to the curvature of thescleral surface 403 upon which the respective end portion is intended to rest following implantation of the prosthesis. -
FIG. 5B depicts an embodiment in which both thetop surface 500 b and thebottom surface 501 a of a duck bill end portion are curved along the long axis of the prosthesis, at least in a central area of the end portion. -
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section of a blunted end portion of a prosthesis for increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle by implantation into surgically formed scleral pockets or tunnels according to one embodiment of the present invention. Bluntedend portion 105 includes one ormore grooves FIG. 1F ,grooves end portion 105. Grooves may be uniform, similar to groove 601, or oblique, similar to groove 600, and are intended to “catch” the lip of a scleral incision through which the prosthesis is inserted to inhibit sliding of the prosthesis within the scleral tunnel. - The dimensions of the central body portion of the prosthesis of the present invention are similar to the overall prosthesis dimension (including lengths, widths, thickness, and radii of curvature/heights for various curved surfaces) given in the related applications identified above. The prosthesis of the present invention may be fabricated of the same materials, and in the same manner, as those described in the related applications. Additionally, in treatment of eye disorders utilizing the prosthesis of the present invention, a number of prostheses are implanted in a single eye in the same manner as described in the related applications.
- The present invention has been described in detail. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/252,369 US20060095126A1 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 2005-10-17 | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
US11/474,588 US20060241750A1 (en) | 2001-05-22 | 2006-06-26 | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/946,975 US6007578A (en) | 1997-10-08 | 1997-10-08 | Scleral prosthesis for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US09/061,168 US6280468B1 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 1998-04-16 | Scleral prosthesis for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US09/472,535 US6299640B1 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 1999-12-27 | Scleral prosthesis for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US20613400P | 2000-05-22 | 2000-05-22 | |
US09/589,626 US7416560B1 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2000-06-07 | Scleral prosthesis for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US09/863,006 US6991650B2 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 2001-05-22 | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
US11/252,369 US20060095126A1 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 2005-10-17 | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/863,006 Continuation US6991650B2 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 2001-05-22 | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/474,588 Continuation US20060241750A1 (en) | 2001-05-22 | 2006-06-26 | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060095126A1 true US20060095126A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
Family
ID=27490181
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/863,006 Expired - Lifetime US6991650B2 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 2001-05-22 | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
US11/252,369 Abandoned US20060095126A1 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 2005-10-17 | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/863,006 Expired - Lifetime US6991650B2 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 2001-05-22 | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6991650B2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060241750A1 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2006-10-26 | Ras Holding Corp | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
WO2009067325A1 (en) | 2007-11-02 | 2009-05-28 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for forming incisions in ocular tissue |
Families Citing this family (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2784287B1 (en) * | 1998-10-13 | 2000-12-08 | Georges Baikoff | SCLERAL EXPANSION SEGMENT |
AU2002321563A1 (en) * | 2001-08-31 | 2003-03-18 | Duckworth And Kent Limited | Ophthalmic devices and procedures |
US20050197697A1 (en) * | 2003-01-13 | 2005-09-08 | Georges Baikoff | Corrective element for presbyopia |
US7736389B1 (en) | 2004-08-23 | 2010-06-15 | Damiano Richard E | Reading enhancement device for preventing and treating presbyopia of the eye |
US20060116759A1 (en) * | 2004-11-30 | 2006-06-01 | Thornton Spencer P | Method of treating presbyopia and other eye conditions |
US20070073324A1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-03-29 | Georges Baikoff | Method and surgical tool for forming scleral tunnels |
US20070162116A1 (en) * | 2006-01-11 | 2007-07-12 | Georges Baikoff | Method for locating optimum presbyopia implant location |
US20070235043A1 (en) * | 2006-04-10 | 2007-10-11 | Georges Baikoff | Presbyopia treatment by weakening the zonula |
CA2976837C (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2020-12-15 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders |
MX367099B (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2019-08-05 | Refocus Group Inc | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods. |
WO2009018440A1 (en) * | 2007-08-02 | 2009-02-05 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis having crossbars for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US9308082B2 (en) | 2012-08-07 | 2016-04-12 | RegenEye, L.L.C. | Ocular collar stent for treating narrowing of the irideocorneal angle |
US10265161B2 (en) | 2012-08-07 | 2019-04-23 | Regeneye L. L. C. | Ocular collar stent for treating narrowing of the irideocorneal angle |
US9974645B2 (en) | 2012-08-07 | 2018-05-22 | RegenEye, L.L.C. | Method of reducing the occurrence of macular and neuroretinal degenerations by alleviating age related retinal stresses as a contributing factor in a mammalian eye |
US11571333B2 (en) | 2020-05-18 | 2023-02-07 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Apparatus and method for securing ocular tissue and providing surgical tool positioning points |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4624669A (en) * | 1984-09-26 | 1986-11-25 | Surgidev Corporation | Corneal inlay with holes |
US5607437A (en) * | 1990-07-12 | 1997-03-04 | University Of Miami | Instruments for use in performing gel injection adjustable keratoplasty |
US7008396B1 (en) * | 1999-09-03 | 2006-03-07 | Restorvision, Inc. | Ophthalmic device and method of manufacture and use |
Family Cites Families (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2952023A (en) | 1957-03-19 | 1960-09-13 | Rosen Hyman | Corneal fabrication |
US3064643A (en) | 1960-12-13 | 1962-11-20 | James H Dixon | Scleral brace |
US3454966A (en) | 1965-02-11 | 1969-07-15 | Hyman Rosen | Prosthetic corneal fabrication with heating and cooling means to facilitate attachment to corneal tissue |
US4439198A (en) | 1981-07-09 | 1984-03-27 | University Of Illinois Foundation | Biodegradable ocular insert for controlled delivery of ophthalmic medication |
US4521210A (en) | 1982-12-27 | 1985-06-04 | Wong Vernon G | Eye implant for relieving glaucoma, and device and method for use therewith |
US4549529A (en) | 1985-10-11 | 1985-10-29 | White Thomas C | Myopia alleviation prosthesis |
US4863457A (en) | 1986-11-24 | 1989-09-05 | Lee David A | Drug delivery device |
US4976719A (en) | 1988-11-21 | 1990-12-11 | Siepser Steven B | Device used to change corneal curvature |
USRE35390E (en) | 1989-11-17 | 1996-12-03 | Smith; Stewart G. | Pressure relieving device and process for implanting |
US4946436A (en) | 1989-11-17 | 1990-08-07 | Smith Stewart G | Pressure-relieving device and process for implanting |
WO1993013724A1 (en) | 1992-01-14 | 1993-07-22 | Keravision, Inc. | Method for corneal curvature variation |
US5465737A (en) | 1992-07-15 | 1995-11-14 | Schachar; Ronald A. | Treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US5354331A (en) | 1992-07-15 | 1994-10-11 | Schachar Ronald A | Treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
BR9306848A (en) | 1992-08-07 | 1998-12-08 | Keravision Inc | Split polymeric ring for introduction into the stroma |
US5944752A (en) | 1992-09-03 | 1999-08-31 | Kera Vision, Inc. | Astigmatic correcting intrastromal corneal insert |
US5370607A (en) * | 1992-10-28 | 1994-12-06 | Annuit Coeptis, Inc. | Glaucoma implant device and method for implanting same |
US5707643A (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1998-01-13 | Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Biodegradable scleral plug |
DE69425411T2 (en) | 1993-02-26 | 2001-02-08 | Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd | BIODEGRADABLE Scleral Plug |
WO1995003755A1 (en) | 1993-08-02 | 1995-02-09 | Keravision, Inc. | Segmented preformed intrastromal corneal insert |
US5443505A (en) | 1993-11-15 | 1995-08-22 | Oculex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Biocompatible ocular implants |
CA2180756A1 (en) | 1994-01-07 | 1995-07-13 | Thomas A. Silvestrini | System for inserting material into corneal stroma |
FR2721499B1 (en) | 1994-06-22 | 1997-01-03 | Opsia | Trabeculectomy implant. |
US5520631A (en) | 1994-07-22 | 1996-05-28 | Wound Healing Of Oklahoma | Method and apparatus for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye |
US5558630A (en) | 1994-12-30 | 1996-09-24 | Fisher; Bret L. | Intrascleral implant and method for the regulation of intraocular pressure |
US5774274A (en) | 1995-05-12 | 1998-06-30 | Schachar; Ronald A. | Variable focus lens by small changes of the equatorial lens diameter |
CA2222130A1 (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1996-12-19 | Keravision, Inc. | Radial intrastromal corneal insert and a method of insertion |
US5919228A (en) | 1995-06-27 | 1999-07-06 | Hennig; Juergen | Corneal insert |
US5964748A (en) | 1995-10-20 | 1999-10-12 | Peyman; Gholam A. | Intrastromal corneal modification |
US6171336B1 (en) | 1996-03-26 | 2001-01-09 | Mark R. Sawusch | Method, implant, and apparatus for refractive keratoplasty |
US5855604A (en) | 1996-12-09 | 1999-01-05 | Microoptix, Llc | Method and apparatus for adjusting corneal curvature using a solid filled corneal ring |
WO1999017684A1 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 1999-04-15 | Ras Holding Corporation | Segmented scleral band for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US6007578A (en) | 1997-10-08 | 1999-12-28 | Ras Holding Corp | Scleral prosthesis for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
FR2784287B1 (en) | 1998-10-13 | 2000-12-08 | Georges Baikoff | SCLERAL EXPANSION SEGMENT |
US6146366A (en) | 1998-11-03 | 2000-11-14 | Ras Holding Corp | Device for the treatment of macular degeneration and other eye disorders |
FR2787991B1 (en) | 1998-12-31 | 2001-05-25 | Medicale De Prec S M P Sa Soc | DEVICE FOR TREATING PRESBYGIA OR OTHER EYE CONDITION |
FR2791552B1 (en) | 1999-04-02 | 2001-10-19 | Georges Baikoff | IMPLANT FOR THE CORRECTION OF PRESBYTY OF EYES SEALED |
-
2001
- 2001-05-22 US US09/863,006 patent/US6991650B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2005
- 2005-10-17 US US11/252,369 patent/US20060095126A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4624669A (en) * | 1984-09-26 | 1986-11-25 | Surgidev Corporation | Corneal inlay with holes |
US5607437A (en) * | 1990-07-12 | 1997-03-04 | University Of Miami | Instruments for use in performing gel injection adjustable keratoplasty |
US7008396B1 (en) * | 1999-09-03 | 2006-03-07 | Restorvision, Inc. | Ophthalmic device and method of manufacture and use |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060241750A1 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2006-10-26 | Ras Holding Corp | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
WO2009067325A1 (en) | 2007-11-02 | 2009-05-28 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for forming incisions in ocular tissue |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6991650B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 |
US20020002403A1 (en) | 2002-01-03 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20060095126A1 (en) | Scleral expansion device having duck bill | |
US7785367B2 (en) | Scleral prosthesis for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders | |
US6579316B2 (en) | Segmented scleral band for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders | |
US6280468B1 (en) | Scleral prosthesis for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders | |
AU728981B2 (en) | Segmented scleral band for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders | |
US6921415B2 (en) | Deformable intraocular corrective lens | |
US20060241750A1 (en) | Scleral expansion device having duck bill | |
AU2004201931B2 (en) | Segmented scleral band for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PRESBY CORP., TEXAS Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:RAS HOLDING CORP.;REEL/FRAME:018043/0640 Effective date: 20020306 Owner name: RAS HOLDING CORP., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ZDENEK, GENE W.;SCHACHAR, RONALD A.;REEL/FRAME:018043/0597;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010604 TO 20010608 Owner name: REFOCUS OCULAR, INC., TEXAS Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:PRESBY CORP.;REEL/FRAME:018044/0173 Effective date: 20030422 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION |