Abstract: The present invention is concerned with biomedical device comprising (a) a biocompatible organic or inorganic bulk material and (b) a coating comprising polymerizable carbon-carbon double bonds covalently attached to at least part of the bulk surface. The biomedical devices of the invention are radiation sensitive and may be used, for example, as ready-to-use corneal onlay in ophthalmic surgery.

Abstract: A method for correcting vision of an eye, including the steps of separating a portion of the cornea to form first and second internal surfaces in the cornea, and then placing at least one microscopic lens in between the first and second internal surfaces in the cornea, so that the external surface of the cornea is not substantially displaced. In a preferred embodiment, the microscopic lenses can be placed in concentric circles around the main optical axis so that the lenses form multifocal or bifocal vision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inlay for correcting refractive error in an eye. The inlay includes a first portion having a first volume that remains substantially constant when exposed to an energy, and a second portion having a second volume that is adapted to change when exposed to the energy. This inlay results in a device that can correct severe ametropic conditions, without ablating any portion of the inlay itself or the cornea.

Abstract: A system designed to store an implant together with the tools necessary to implant the stored implant, and a method of using said system. Such system includes an implant storage tool adapted to retain the implant within a storage container. The implant storage tool is operable to provide an implant applicator.

Abstract: This relates to a lens made of donor corneal tissue suitable for use as a contact lens or an implanted lens, to a method of preparing that lens, and to a technique of placing the lens on the eye. The lens is made of donor corneal tissue that is acellularized by removing native epithelium and keratocytes. These cells optionally are replaced with human epithelium and keratocytes to form a lens that has a structural anatomy similar to human cornea. The ocular lens may be used to correct conditions such as astigmatism, myopia, aphakia, and presbyopia.

Abstract: Prosthetic implants designed to be implanted in the cornea for modifying the cornea curvature and altering the corneal refractive power for correcting myopia, and myopia with astigmatism, such implants formed of a micro-porous hydrogel material.

Abstract: A system adapted to modify refractivity of a cornea of an eye, including a first component, and adapted to be implanted at a first depth in the cornea. A second component, separate from the first component, is adapted to be implanted at a second depth in the cornea at a position relative to the first component, such that an axis passing through the eye parallel to the optical axis passes through the second component without passing through the first component. The second depth is closer to the front surface of the cornea than is the first depth.

Abstract: A tissue barrier (410), for example of titanium alloy, for insertion into an incision in the sclera of the eye for the treatment of conditions such as presbyopia, comprises an elongate insert which is provided with a longitudinally extending flange (414, 416) at each end to prevent the barrier from being ejected from the incision. Each flange (414, 416) is preferably about half the height of the central portion (412) of the insert. Preferably, the flanges are of unequal length. The flanges may be circular or rectangular in cross-section. The central portion (412) may be thicker than the flanges transversely to the longitudinal axis of the insert. The outer ends of the flanges may be chamfered (418).

Abstract: A method of performing a penetrating keratoplasty in a living eye positions a full-thickness corneal graft obtained from a corneal donor in a full-thickness open bed in the recipient's cornea. The graft is held with a suture to prevent the graft from sliding out of position. Subsequently, the suture is removed. The corneal graft is circular, having a step-like edge-to-edge lateral profile with the diameter of the posterior surface being larger than the diameter of the anterior surface. The full-thickness open recipient bed is prepared to be essentially complementary to the donor corneal graft. The suture is lax to induce a post-operation astigmatism not higher than 4 dioptres (D). The suture is normally removed not later than three months from surgery.

Abstract: A method of correcting refractive error in an eye, comprising the steps of marking at least one axis on the surface of the cornea. A portion of the cornea is then separated, forming a first anterior facing surface and a second posterior facing surface. An inlay having at least one axis indicated on the surface thereof is positioned between the first and second surfaces, and the at least one axis on the inlay is aligned with the at least one axis on the surface of the cornea. This results in precise positioning and orientation of the inlay and thus correction of astigmatic error in the cornea.

Abstract: An intraocular lens system for implantation in the eye to modify the lens system of the eye comprising the cornea and the natural or existing artificial lens in the eye, and a method for using the same. The system and method comprises a lens having a high minus portion, adapted to be implanted in the eye to create a lens system that functions as a teledioptic lens system which, when used without an external lens, provides unmagnified and peripherally unrestricted vision and which, when used with an external lens, provides magnified and peripherally restricted vision to correct for macular degeneration. The lens can be attached to the iris, to a portion of the iris that was removed by iridectomy, or can be implanted in the cornea. The lens can also include a plus portion that is surrounded by the high minus portion.

Abstract: Macromolecular photocrosslinkers have polymeric backbones of substituted siloxane groups carrying photoactive groups. When exposed to light of wavelength above 305 nm, the photocrosslinkers are adapted to generate radicals which are retained on the macromolecular photocrosslinker and react to form a crosslinked network structure. The photocrosslinkers may be used in the production of medical devices, including ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: The invention related to a hydrogel forming aqueous composition of water soluble polymers having a sufficiently high coherency that it substantially not is dispersed when being injected into an aqueous environment of a body site such as the capsular bag of the eye to undergo a photoinitiated crosslinking reaction. The water soluble polymers either can be a water-soluble polymer bearing free acrylic, or other vinylic groups capable of facile free radical reaction with a polymeric water-soluble photoinitiator also present in the composition, or a water-soluble polymer bearing both free acrylic, or other vinylic groups capable of facile free radical reaction and photoinitiator, wherein both polymers are capable of being crosslinked when irradiated with light of wavelengths greater than about 305 nm to form the hydrogel.

Abstract: A partially hydrated lens is provided for implantation into a cornea. The partially hydrated lens has a water content less than the water content of the cornea, resulting in an osmotic pressure differential between the lens and the cornea which improves adhesion between the lens and the corneal tissue. It also causes the lens to expand and flatten when implanted, and to [naturally center itself while flattening.] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lens is maintained in its partially hydrated state by storage in a hypertonic hydration medium.

Abstract: A method for correcting vision of an eye, including the steps of separating a portion of the cornea to form first and second internal surfaces in the cornea, and then placing at least one microscopic lens in between the first and second internal surfaces in the cornea, so that the external surface of the cornea is not substantially displaced. In a preferred embodiment, the microscopic lenses can be placed in concentric circles around the main optical axis so that the lenses form multifocal or bifocal vision.

Abstract: A device for helping to correct imperfections of a cornea includes a molding lens. The molding lens includes an external surface having a concave shape to correspond to the desired shape of the cornea. Heating and cooling elements are located with the molding lens to control the temperature the molding lens, and thus to control the temperature of a substance located on the molding lens.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an intrastromal corneal insert designed to be meridionally situated in an interlamellar pocket or channel made within the cornea of a mammalian eye. The insert has a shape which, when inserted into the cornea, has a significant meridional dimension and may be used to adjust corneal curvature and thereby correct or improve vision abnormalities such as hyperopia. The inserts may also have a circumferential component to their configuration to allow concurrent correction of other vision abnormalities. The radial insert may be made of a physiologically compatible material, e.g., one or more synthetic or natural, soft, firm, or gelatinous polymers. In addition, the insert or segment may be used to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents to the corneal interior or to the interior of the eye.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a scleral expansion segment of the type consisting of an arched rod designed to be placed on the sclera perpendicular to the ciliary body. The free ends of said rod have a spatula shape wider than the diameter of said bridge, so as to constitute wide support bases.

Abstract: A bio-compatible corneal ring for myopic correction and accommodation for presbyopia. The corneal ring is made from a bio-compatible material with a lens body having an inner and outer circular edge. The inner circular edge forms an opening in the lens body. The posterior surface of the lens body has a uniform radii of curvature between the inner and outer circular edges. The anterior surface has two radii of curvatures providing for correction of myopia. The first radii of curvature extends from near the outer circular edge to a junction point before the inner circular edge. The second radii of curvature extends from the junction point and continues to the inner circular edge. The inner and outer circular edges have a thickness of less than about 0.020 mm, but preferably are about 0.010 mm or less.

Abstract: A hydrogel corneal inlay for implantation under a lamellar dissection of the cornea to modify the anterior corneal curvature, thereby altering the refractive power of the eye, in the treatment of hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. The inlay front and rear surfaces are the same configuration so the function of the inlay will not depend on which surface of the inlay is placed against the stroma.

Abstract: A synthetic device for cornea augmentation and replacement that increases corneal epithelium cell adhesion and migration. Using tethered extracellular matrix proteins (ECMPs), corneal growth factors, and other ligand-specific corneal enhancer species (e.g., laminin, fibronectin, substance P, fibronectin adhesion-promoting peptide sequence, FAP, and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]) on the polymeric surface of an artificial cornea, the epithelial cell response can be significantly enhanced. Other proteins of interest include, but are not limited to, k-laminin, talin, integrin, kalinin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and TGF-&bgr;. By tethering a combination of corneal enhancer molecules, a more natural environment can be created.

Abstract: The invention provides an in vitro avascular human corneal equivalent that comprises immortalized human cell lines. As these corneal equivalents are in vitro models, they are maintained in an incubator throughout the testing period, thereby eliminating the problems and expense associated with animal care. The corneal equivalent is preferably surrounded by a matrix in which angiogenesis (formation of capillary-like structures) can occur in vitro. This surrounding matrix has the potential to play the role of a pseudo-sclera, allowing the in vitro assessment of the cornea's angiogenic reaction to any substance or injury. Furthermore, the model is capable of being produced easily, is physiologically functional and can give predictable and quantifiable results when submitted to various drugs, chemicals and/or physical trauma.

Abstract: Prosthetic implants designed to be implanted in the cornea for modifying the cornea curvature and altering the corneal refractive power for correcting myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia, and, in addition, such implants formed of a micro-porous hydrogel material.

Abstract: A method for correcting vision of an eye, including the steps of separating a portion of the cornea to form first and second internal surfaces in the cornea, and then placing at least one microscopic lens in between the first and second internal surfaces in the cornea, so that the external surface of the cornea is not substantially displaced. In a preferred embodiment, the microscopic lenses can be placed in concentric circles around the main optical axis so that the lenses form multifocal or bifocal vision.

Abstract: A method and system control the depth of corneal ablation during optical surgery by mapping the anterior and posterior surfaces of a patient's cornea to obtain full pachymetric topographical mapping of the patient's cornea. The patient's corneal pachymetric topographical mapping is used to identify a desirable corneal bed, and to guide a surgical laser in ablating a portion of the anterior surface of the patient's cornea to produce the desired corneal bed for appropriate vision correction.

Abstract: A method of changing the shape and/or size of an intracorneal ring in situ. The intracorneal ring can be a lens. Preferably, the intracorneal ring is made of a collagen-based polymer material such as COLLAMER.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step method of making soft, high refractive index, acrylic ophthalmic device materials. In the first step, a copolymer containing pendant oxirane groups is formed by copolymerizing one or more aryl acrylic hydrophobic monomers with one or more compounds of the formula wherein X is H or CH3; and n is 1-4. In the second step, the copolymer containing pendant oxirane groups formed in the first step is reacted with a compound of the formula W—T—H wherein W is H, CH3(CH2)a, or Z(OCH2CH2)b; a is 0-3; b is 1-5; Z is H, or CH3(CH2)p; p is 0-3; and T is O, NH, S; provided that if T≠O, then W≠H.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for holding and packaging intracorneal implants are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a holder body having a surface sized and adapted to carry an intracorneal implant, and a through hole extending through the surface, preferably sized and adapted to facilitate suction being applied to the intracorneal implant located in proximity to the surface. A cap member preferably is provided and is sized and adapted to be secured to the holder body so as to hold an intracorneal implant between the surface of the body and the cap member. Methods for packaging intracorneal implants and for providing intracorneal implants ready for use are provided and may involve using such apparatus.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens system for improving the vision of a patient comprising first and second ophthalmic lenses. Each of these lenses is adapted for implantation in an eye or to be disposed on or in the cornea. The first ophthalmic lens is biased for distance vision and the second ophthalmic lens is biased for intermediate vision. The ophthalmic lenses may be intraocular lenses which are implanted in the eyes of a patient without removal of the natural lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved keratoprosthesis comprising a keratoprosthesis prepared with such properties and radii that when implanted into a patient it assumes the optic radii of curvature for a desirable refractive outcome.

Abstract: A process for improving the vision of a patient's eye, in which the patient's eye includes a cornea includes the step of instilling a bio-compatible material to the cornea of the eye, in which the bio-compatible material includes bio-compatible molecules and the cornea has a first composite refractive index and a first optical power. In addition, the bio-compatible molecules alter the first composite refractive index to a second composite refractive index and the first optical power to a second optical power. In another embodiment, a process for treating presbyopia of a patient's eye, in which the patient's eye includes a cornea, is described. The process includes the step of instilling a bio-compatible molecule to the cornea of the eye, in which the bio-compatible material includes bio-compatible molecules and the cornea has a first composite refractive index and a first optical power.

Abstract: This invention is a pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert. It is made of a physiologically compatible polymer and may be used to adjust corneal curvature and thereby correct vision abnormalities. The insert or segment may also be used to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents to the interior of the cornea or of the eye. The insert subtends only a portion of a ring, or “arc”, encircling the anterior cornea outside of the cornea's field of view. The invention also includes a procedure for inserting the device into the cornea.

Abstract: A surgical method for vision correction includes the step of first determining the type, size and shape of a corneal implant and a location within the stroma for placement of the corneal implant. Next, the dimensions of a stromal pocket suitable for accommodating the corneal implant are prescribed. To create the stromal pocket, a pulsed laser beam is focused to a point within the stromal tissue and then moved within the stromal tissue to photodisrupt the prescribed volume of stromal tissue. Once the stromal pocket is established, an entry channel extending from the anterior surface of the eye to the stromal pocket is created. The entry channel is sized to allow the prescribed corneal implant to pass through the entry channel and into the stromal pocket.

Abstract: A retina implant, comprises a surface and a plurality of pixel elements disposed on the surface for receiving and converting incoming light energy into electric energy. At least one amplifier is provided in the implant, and a plurality of stimulation electrodes supplied via the at least one amplifier as a function of signals received by the pixel elements. At least one light-sensitive reference element is coupled with the at least one amplifier for controlling amplification thereof as a function of light energy impinging on the at least one reference element.

Abstract: An binocular lens system for improving the vision of a patient including first and second ophthalmic lenses. Each of these lenses is adapted for implantation in an eye or to be disposed on or in the cornea. The first lens has a first baseline diopter power for distance vision correction and the second ophthalmic lens has a second baseline diopter power for other than distance vision correction. The ophthalmic lenses may be intraocular lenses which are implanted in the eyes of a patient or has natural lenses or following removal of the natural lenses.

Abstract: A corneal onlay or corneal implant is disclosed which is to be placed within or onto the surface of the cornea, being a biocompatible, optically transparent, synthetic and biostable polymeric material, said material comprising a surface that supports the attachment and growth of tissue cells, and where the exterior surface of the implant onto which epithelial tissue is to be attracted and to become attached, or in the case of a corneal onlay the anterior surface of the onlay, has a topography comprising a plurality of surface indentations.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that improves visual acuity by reshaping the cornea, by subjectively altering the corneal curvature in the optic zone by increasing the mechanical stiffness of the cornea outside (and/or slightly inside) the optic zone. One or more of the corneal battens are inserted into the cornea, after selectively distorting the natural corneal shape. Once inserted the stiffness of the corneal batten prevents the cornea from returning to its original curvature.

Abstract: A universally sized blank made of organic or synthetic material, or a hybrid combination of an organic and synthetic material, that can be placed on an exposed inner surface of a live cornea and, if desired, ablated with a laser beam to be altered to a particular shape. The blank further includes material which can increase the volume of the blank when exposed to a particular energy, and another material which can decrease or shrink the volume of the blank when exposed to a particular type of energy. A flap-like portion of the live cornea is removed to expose an inner surface of the cornea, and the blank is positioned on the exposed inner surface of the eye. If desired, a laser beam is directed onto certain portions of the blank that are selected based on the type of ametropic condition (i.e., myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism) of the eye needing correction, so that the laser beam ablates those portions and thus reshapes the blank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of insertion of keratoprostheses, and in particular, a method of surgical insertion and placement of a soft hydrogel prosthetic corneal device into the host cornea. The method of the invention provides a greatly improved rate of success for the implantation and retention of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for corneal surgery, apt to increase the accuracy of the surgical interventions, comprising a chassis, apt to be placed onto the eyeball for the centration with respect to the eyeball of the apparatus itself; at least one surgical device, apt to operate onto the corneal tissue, insertable in the apparatus; surgical device positioning means, movable with respect to the chassis, apt to be handled by a user for bringing the surgical device in an operative position; and surgical device moving means, also movable with respect to the chassis, apt to be handled by a user to actuate the surgical device, in the operative position, according to a pre-set actuating path (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Prosthetic implants designed to be implanted in the cornea for modifying the cornea curvature and altering the corneal refractive power for correcting myopia, and myopia with astigmatism, such implants formed of a micro-porous hydrogel material.

Abstract: Prosthetic implants designed to be implanted in the cornea for modifying the cornea curvature and altering the corneal refractive power for correcting myopia, and myopia with astigmatism, such implants formed of a micro-porous hydrogel material.

Abstract: A method for making, storing and using a surgical graft from human amniotic membrane; the resulting graft; and the storage solution. The amniotic membrane is obtained from human placenta, from which the chorion has been separated. Sheets of the amniotic membrane are cut to size and mounted on filter paper. The cells of the amniotic membrane are killed, preferably while being frozen and thawed in the storage solution. The storage solution comprises a culture medium and a hyperosmotic agent, wherein the hydration of the amniotic membrane is maintained. The membrane can be impregnated with therapeutic agents, prior to storage, for use in post surgical healing or other therapies.

Abstract: A diffractive optical ICL made from two different hydrogel materials that are biologically acceptable for long term implantation in the cornea. The first material has a higher refractive index than the cornea and it is bound to the second material which has a refractive index similar to corneal tissue. The interface between the two materials consists of a microstructured diffractive surface. The adequate permeability of metabolites through both of the hydrogels of the diffractive ICL yields a safe implant for the cornea. Alternatively, the lens may be made of a single material and/or have an edge geometry that minimizes corneal irritation and allows the lens to sit within the corneal tissue smoothly and relatively flat.

Abstract: An intracorneal astigmatic, rectangular onlay has been discovered that can correct for astigmatism by physically adjusting the shape of the cornea. This astigmatic onlay can be narrow or wide and can easily be placed in the stroma of the cornea. The onlay can be placed on top of a laser ablation or on a spherical lens, which in turn was implanted either under a tissue flap or in a stromal pocket. The astigmatic onlay is easy to position at precisely the correct angle to compensate for the astigmatism-causing meridional distortion. This invention greatly increases the utility and practicality of intracorneal spherical lenses and makes it easy to position the astigmatic correcting ridge at precisely the correct angle to compensate for the astigmatism. The invention greatly decreases the inventory needed to compensate for both spherical and astigmatic corrections. For example, spherical corrections from +5 D to −5 D at 0.

Abstract: A multifocal ophthalmic lens, having outer annular zones with vision correction powers less than a far vision correction power of the patient, is disclosed. These additional annular zones come into play, when the pupil size increases under dim lighting conditions, to thereby compensate for the near-vision powered annular zones. The net effect of the additional near vision annular zones and the additional annular zones having power less than the far vision correction power is to shift the best quality image from in front of the retina to an area on the retina of the eye, to thereby reduce halo effects and improve image contrast.

Abstract: A method for modifying the curvature of a live cornea to correct a patient's vision. The live cornea is first separated into first and second opposed internal surfaces. Next, a laser beam or a mechanical cutting device can be directed onto one of the first and second internal surfaces, or both, if needed or desired. The laser beam or mechanical cutting device can be then used to incrementally and sequentially ablate or remove a three-dimensional portion of the cornea for making the cornea less curved. An ocular material is then introduced to the cornea to modify the curvature. The ocular material can be either a gel or a solid lens or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a pocket is formed in the central portion of the cornea to receive an ocular material. In another embodiment, a plurality of internal tunnels are formed in the cornea to receive the ocular material. The ocular material can be either a fluid such as a gel or a solid member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting corneal curvature of the eye comprising an adjustable corneal arcuate segment or segments which is implantable into the cornea. The arcuate segment is a flexible hollow shell composed of a synthetic or a natural material, with an annular chamber that is filled with a predetermined amount of a biocompatible material. The corneal curvature is adjusted by removing or augmenting the predetermined amount of biocompatible material contained in the arcuate segment.

Abstract: A method, implant, and apparatus to alter the refractive power of the cornea. The method involves creation of radial, intrastromal corneal incisions and insertion of semirigid, biocompatible implants (13). An apparatus (26) is provided to facilitate creation of the incisions with precise depth, orientation, and dimension. The implants (13) are of predetermined shape and curvature in accordance with the patient's pre-existing refractive error and corneal curvature. The implants (13) induce a predictable and stable flattening or steepening of corneal curvature for the correction of refractive errors. If residual refractive error is present following this procedure, the curvature or dimensions of the implants may be selectively increased or decreased by application of laser or other energy source to a heat-shrinkable portion of the implants, thereby eliminating residual refractive error.