Abstract: A lens for placement in a human eye, such as intraocular lens, has at least some of its optical properties formed with a laser. The laser forms modified loci in the lens when the modified loci have a different refractive index than the refractive index of the material before modification. Different patterns of modified loci can provide selected dioptic power, toric adjustment, and/or aspheric adjustment provided. Preferably both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lens are planar for ease of placement in the human eye.

Abstract: Unitary accommodating intraocular lenses (AIOLs) including a haptics system for self-anchoring in a human eye's ciliary sulcus and a resiliently elastically compressible shape memory optical element having a continuously variable Diopter strength between a first Diopter strength in a non-compressed state and a second Diopter strength different than its first Diopter strength in a compressed state. The unitary AIOLS include an optical element with an exposed trailing surface and are intended to be used with a discrete base member for applying an axial compression force against the exposed trailing surface from a posterior direction. Some unitary AIOLs are intended to be used with either a purpose designed base member or a previously implanted standard in-the-bag IOL. Other unitary AIOLs are intended to be solely used with a purpose designed base member.

Abstract: An improved multifocal design for an ocular implant is provided. This ocular implant includes an intraocular lens (IOL) and a number of haptics. The IOL passes optical energy. A microstructure within the IOL places the IOL under tension. The microstructure is operable to be broken in a controlled manner to release tension in the IOL and reshape the IOL. This may be done at any time post operatively and in conjunction with wavefront aberrometry to provide improved results. The haptics mechanically couple to the IOL in order to position and secure the IOL within the eye.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electro-active element having a dynamic aperture. The electro-active element provides increased depth of field and may be used in a non-focusing ophthalmic device that that is spaced apart from but in optical communication with an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, a contact lens, or a spectacle lens that provide an optical power. The electro-active element provides increased depth of field and may also be used in a focusing or non-focusing device such as an intraocular optic, an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, or a contact lens which may or may not have an optical power. By changing the diameter of dynamic aperture either increased depth of field or increased light reaching the retina may be achieved.

Abstract: A vision prosthesis includes an intra-ocular lens system having a variable focal length; and a controller that causes a change in the focal length thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ocular, variable-focus lens, and in particular, to an ocular, fluid-focussed, accommodating lens having first and second fluids which are in contact over a meniscus of changeable shape, for the restoration or improvement of vision in a patient.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing an ophthalmic lens with a stacked integrated component device for function. In some embodiments, the stacked integrated component device may contain an energy source capable of powering an electrical component incorporated into the lens.

Abstract: A sensing system and method to detect and determine magnitude and direction of ciliary body movement within an eye of a patient is disclosed. The invention comprises a permanent magnet (PM) positioned in the ciliary body, and a sensing device (SD) positioned adjacent the ciliary body and configured to detect displacement of the permanent magnet relative to the sensing device via movement of the ciliary body. The invention also comprises a data processing device (DPD) configured to determine magnitude and direction of the ciliary body movement based on the displacement of the permanent magnet detected by the sensing device.

Abstract: A vision prosthesis includes a first detector disposed to detect a polarization state of light reflected from a retina, and a controller in communication with the first detector. The controller is configured to receive, from the detector, a measurement signal indicative of the polarization state. In response thereto, the controller generates a control signal for causing a change to an optical property of an optical system in optical communication with the retina.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided including an external device including, a mount, which is placed in front of an eye of a subject. A power source is coupled to the mount and emits energy toward the eye. An intraocular device is implanted entirely in the subject's eye, and includes a control unit, a plurality of stimulating electrodes, and an energy receiver, which receives the energy from the power source and generates a voltage drop in response thereto. A plurality of photosensors detect photons and generate a signal in response thereto. Driving circuitry is coupled to the energy receiver and to the photosensors, and drives the electrodes to apply electrical charges to a retina in response to the signals from the photosensors. The external device modulates the emitted energy, and the control unit demodulates the modulated energy to regulate an operation parameter of the intraocular device. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: This present invention provides apparatus and methods for the activation of an energized ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for activation and deactivation of one or more components via wireless communication with an activation unit external to the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an energized ophthalmic lens contains components which detect external signals, process the detected signal and activate components that change optical characteristics via the control of electrical energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for restoring the accommodating ability of the eye, which comprises: a) at least one optical system (3) b) at least one data acquisition system (8) that does not touch the ciliary muscle and has either acoustic or optical means to detect the movement of the ciliary body, or it has means to detect the spatial orientation of the two eyeballs with respect to each other, or it has means for measuring the diameter of the pupil and the luminance in at least one eye as a physiological control signal for accommodation c) at least one data processing system to produce a regulating signal for the optical system from the physiological control signal received d) at least one power supply system (10), and e) at least one system for attachment (22).

Abstract: The present invention is related to an adjustable intraocular lens system comprised of a lens body having an adjustable refractive index and a shield for protecting the lens body from degradation that might otherwise be caused by exposure to particular electromagnetic radiation. More preferably, the present invention is directed to an adjustable intraocular lens system comprised of a lens body and a shield wherein the lens body is formed of a material with a refractive index that can be adjusted by exposure to adjusting electromagnetic radiation (e.g., multiple photon energy) and wherein the shield protects the lens body from degradation that might otherwise be caused by exposure to degrading electromagnetic radiation such as ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A lens system is provided. The lens system includes a lens adapted to be positioned along the main optical axis of the eye and a control unit. The control unit is operable with the lens to alter the focal length of the lens based at least partly upon a condition, such that the lens alters light rays and focuses the rays on the retina of the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel intraocular lenses. The lenses are capable of post-operative adjustment of their optical properties, including conversion from single focal lenses to multifocal lenses.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) including a biasing mechanism for elastically deforming an elastically deformable shape memory disk-like optical element for affording the AIOL a natural positive diopter strength for near vision. The AIOL is intended to be implanted in a human eye such that relaxation of its ciliary body causes its capsular diaphragm to apply an accommodation force for overcoming the biasing mechanism to reduce the AIOL's natural positive diopter strength for distance vision.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis for an eye having a lens and a retina has first, second and third substrate parts. The first substrate part has a coil and is fixable in the lens. The second substrate part has stimulation electrodes and connection lines and is fixable to the retina. The third substrate part has a processing unit and connects the first and second substrate parts to each other, the processing unit being electrically connected to the coil and to the stimulation electrodes and being configured to convert a signal generated in the coil by an electromagnetic wave to a stimulation impulse and pass same on via the connection line to the stimulation electrodes. The first substrate part is foldable relative to the third substrate part.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) that provides for optical power adjustment following its implantation, for example, for use in treating cataract patients. The lens body has first and second surface portions that bound at least one interior chamber or space that extends from the central optic portion to the lens periphery. The interior chamber or space has a microporous body that is intermediate inner and outer portions of the space. In one embodiment, the microporous body is capable of cooperating with an external Rf or light source to expose a charge to a charge-carrying fluid within the interior chamber. By this system, fluid flows are induced to alter the optical parameters of the lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for insertion into the capsular bag of an eye contains an optic, an outer periphery, and an outer support structure. The optic has a periphery and centered about an optical axis. The outer periphery is disposed about the optic and configured to engage an equatorial region of the capsular bag of an eye. The outer support structure is disposed along the periphery and spaced from the optic with voids outer support structure and the optic. The intraocular lens further comprises a first intermediate member and a weakened region disposed along the outer periphery between the outer support structure and the first intermediate member. The first intermediate member operably couples the optic and the outer support structure. The weakened region is attached to, and configured to provide relative motion between, the outer support structure and the first intermediate member in response to the ciliary muscle of the eye.

Abstract: An artificial vision system including a sealed capsule adapted for intraocular placement upstream of a retina, an electronic display located within the sealed capsule and focusing optics located within the sealed capsule and arranged for focusing an image on the electronic display onto the retina.

Abstract: An artificial vision system including a sealed capsule adapted for intraocular placement upstream of a retina, an electronic display located within the sealed capsule and focusing optics located within the sealed capsule and arranged for focusing an image on the electronic display onto the retina.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the vision correction of an eye (6), comprising: a converter (3, 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B) which can generate an electrical and/or magnetic and/or electromagnetic signal in response to the mechanical energy generated by a movement of the eye; and a soft lens (2) intended to be aligned with the eye. The converter is positioned in relation to the lens such that the electrical and/or magnetic and/or electromagnetic signal generated during the movement of the eye causes the optical properties of the lens to change. The invention is characterised in that the lens (2) includes a polymer material (7) containing a material (4) having a refractive index that can vary under the action of the electrical and/or magnetic and/or electromagnetic signal generated during a movement of the eye.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a an ophthalmic lens with an energy source capable of powering an electrical component incorporated into the lens.

Abstract: A sensor is provided to detect an accommodative trigger, particularly ion concentration. The sensor can send a signal to an optical component, which in turn can respond by changing optical power to focus on a near object.

Abstract: An improved multifocal design for an ocular implant is provided. This ocular implant includes an intraocular lens (IOL) and a number of haptics. The IOL passes optical energy. A microstructure within the IOL places the IOL under tension. The microstructure is operable to be broken in a controlled manner to release tension in the IOL and reshape the IOL. This may be done at any time post operatively and in conjunction with wavefront aberrometry to provide improved results. The haptics mechanically couple to the IOL in order to position and secure the IOL within the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of artificial sphincter system, which takes shape memory alloy (SMA) as its motion device, and then cooperates with controlled circuit to imitate the motion of human sphincter, especially in imitating iris. The present invention can be used in a human body, a robot or a machine.

Abstract: An intraocular lens is adapted for insertion into a capsular bag having a zonular contact region. The intraocular lens comprises a shape changing optical element and an accommodating element comprising at least one force transmitting element and a plurality of spaced apart contacting elements each adapted to contact a portion of the zonular contact region and transmit compressive displacement radially inward at an oblique angle to the optical element and configured to cooperate with at least one of the ciliary muscle of the mammalian eye, the zonules of the mammalian eye and the vitreous pressure in the eye to effect an accommodating shape and a disaccommodating shape change to the optical element.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for mapping a high resolution image to a lower resolution electrode array and, by applying varying stimulus to neighboring electrodes, creating a perceived image greater in resolution than the electrode array. The invention is applicable to a wide range of neural stimulation devices including artificial vision and artificial hearing. By applying a sub-threshold stimulus to two neighboring electrodes where the sum of the stimuli is above the threshold of perception, a perception is created in neural tissue between the two electrodes. By adjusting the stimulus on neighboring electrodes, the location of stimulation can be altered. Further, noise can be applied to the stimulating electrode or its neighboring electrodes to reduce the threshold of stimulation.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) system includes an optic, a pair of haptics located on sides of the optic, and hinge portions at each of the optic haptic junctions. The hinge portions have stressed and non-stressed configurations. One or more restraining elements are provided to maintain the stressed state configuration of the hinge portion during implantation and during a post-operative period during which the capsular bag of the eye heals about the lens. The restraining elements are thereafter removable, preferably via a non-surgically invasive manner, e.g., via dissolution or laser light. Removal of the restraining elements allows anteriorization of the optic as the lens assumes a non-stressed configuration during accommodation. The ciliary body and lens may then interact in a manner substantially similar to the physiological interaction between the ciliary body and a healthy natural crystalline lens.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens is provided, in which optical parameters are altered in-situ using forces applied by the ciliary muscles, and in which a lens body carries an actuator separating two fluid-filled chambers having either the same index of diffraction or different indices of refraction. The actuator causes the relative volumes of fluid within an optic element of the lens to change, thereby altering the optical power of the lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (10) is configured so that it can be incorporated into the capsule of an eye and its refractive power can be modified by the application of electrical voltages.

Abstract: A lens including a flexible refractive optic having a fixed refractive index, an electro-active element embedded within the flexible refractive optic, wherein the electro-active element has an alterable refractive index, and a controller electrically connected to the electro-active element wherein when power is applied thereto the refractive index of the electro-active element is altered.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention involve intraocular lenses that are light adjustable to change a focal length of the lens after it has been implanted into a person or animal. The lens includes a layer of UV absorbent material located on a rear side, which is the side facing a retina. The lens may comprise a UV reducing rim that surrounds a peripheral portion of the lens, and reduces or blocks UV light from striking the retina.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens, comprising an optical system adapted to provide variable optical power, and a drive mechanism configured to alter a focal plane of the optical system, the drive mechanism being adapted to provide at least one of a selectable speed of accommodation and disaccommodation. The drive mechanism may comprise a branch to control a speed of one of accommodation and disaccommodation.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of designing an ocular implant (e.g., an IOL), which comprises establishing corneal topography of a patient's eye, e.g., by performing one or more wavefront aberration measurements of the eye, prior to an ocular surgery. The method further includes ascertaining an astigmatic aberration of the cornea that is expected to be induced by the surgery and determining a toricity of a surface of an ocular implant, which is intended for implantation in the patient's eye, so as to enable the implant to compensate for the surgically-induced aberration.

Abstract: A vision prosthesis includes a first detector disposed to detect a polarization state of light reflected from a retina, and a controller in communication with the first detector. The controller is configured to receive, from the detector, a measurement signal indicative of the polarization state. In response thereto, the controller generates a control signal for causing a change to an optical property of an optical system in optical communication with the retina.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens is provided having optical parameters that are altered in-situ, wherein an optic portion of the lens includes a lens piston that alters the shape of a lens element of the lens to alter the optical power of the lens, responsive to forces applied to a haptic portion to the lens by contraction of the ciliary muscles. Forces applied to the haptic portion are concentrated by the lens piston to provide a greater dynamic range, and may be further augmented by the use of haptic pistons disposed in the haptic portion of the lens.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis includes an artificial muscle configured to deform in response to a focusing signal. The artificial muscle is coupled to at least a portion of an optical system for changing a focal point thereof.

Abstract: A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads (1) arranged in multistart turns of a helical line. The threads (1) are arranged in at least two groups (2 and 3) of the helical turns featuring opposite senses of helix. The stent ends are established by sections (5) where the turns of one helical line merge into those of the other helical line, said sections appearing as a single length of the thread (1).

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) includes an optic for focusing light and an accommodation assembly for axially moving and/or deforming the optic in response to naturally occurring actions of the eye, thus allowing a patient to more effectively focus on near objects. In addition, the optic may be multifocal or aspheric, wherein the maximum add power of the lens is combined with the increase in diopter power obtained through axial movement and/or deformation of the optic, resulting in enhanced accommodation.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vision prosthesis having an optical system in optical communication with the retina, the method including detecting a polarization state of light reflected from a retina; and at least in part on the basis of the polarization state, generating a control signal for causing a change to an optical property of the optical system.

Abstract: An artificial vision system for regenerating or restoring vision of an eye of a patient includes: a power acquiring unit which is disposed inside the eye, includes a magnetic core having an opening and a coil wound around the magnetic core, and is adapted to acquire power from outside a body using electromagnetic induction; and a plurality of electrodes which is provided at a retina and is adapted to electrically stimulate cells constituting the retina.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens is disclosed that provides vision accommodation in response to contraction of an eye's ciliary muscle. The intraocular lens includes a deformable elastic dynamic lens having a non-accommodating surface curvature and a lens-shaping member having flexible portions in contact with peripheral edge regions of the dynamic lens for enabling compressive deformation thereof for changing the lens surface curvature to achieve accommodation. The intraocular lens also includes an elastically flexible coil member mounted around the lens-shaping member flexible portions. A first lens-supporting member has a proximal end region that engages the flexible coil member and a second lens-supporting member has a proximal end region connected to the lens-shaping member.

Abstract: A vision prosthesis includes a lens having an index of refraction that varies in response to a focusing stimulus. An actuator in communication with the lens provides the focusing stimulus on the basis of a range estimate from a rangefinder. A controller coupled to the rangefinder and to the actuator causes the actuator to generate a focusing stimulus on the basis of the range estimate.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) includes an optic for focusing light, an outer ring for supporting the optic in a capsular bag of an eye and a plurality of radially spaced apart, elongated intermediate members connecting the optic to the outer ring. The intermediate members are configured to convert radial forces exerted by the capsular bag on the support ring into axial movement of the optic, allowing a presbyopic patient to more effectively focus on near objects. The outer ring is preferably contoured to conform to the portion of the capsular bag between the anterior and posterior zonules, and has sufficient axial thickness to contact both sets of zonules. In addition, the edge of the ring includes at least one sharp edge corner to prevent epithelial cell growth toward the optic. In addition, the outer ring may include weakened areas configured to allow consistent and repeatable deformation in response to compressive forces.

Abstract: An lens for correcting human vision, for example an IOL, contact lens or corneal inlay or onlay, that carries and interior phase or layer comprising a pattern of individual transparent adaptive displacement structures. In one embodiment, the displacement structures are actuated by a shape memory polymer (SMP) material or other polymer that is adjustable in shape in response to applied energy. The SMP can be designed to be selectively adjustable in volumetric dimension, modulus of elasticity and/or permeability. The adaptive optic means of the invention can be used to create highly localized surface corrections in the lens to correct higher order aberrations—which types of surfaces cannot be fabricated into and IOL and then implanted. The system of displacement structures also can provide spherical corrections in the lens.

Abstract: An optical component for changing angular magnification of an imaging device. The optical component comprises a chamber having a first substrate on one side and a second substrate on the opposite side for separately disposing a first liquid drop and a second liquid drop along an optical axis. The chamber is also filled with a liquid, which is different from the first and second liquid drops. The optical component also has a first electrode adjacent to the first side, a second electrode adjacent to the second side, and a third electrode layer between the first and second electrode layers for applying different electric fields on the first and second liquid drops to change the focal lengths of the first and second liquid drops, without changing the sum of the focal lengths.

Abstract: An intraocular implant including a lens and a shell component. The shell component includes a shell peripheral wall encompassing a shell inner volume for protectively enclosing the lens and allowing the latter to move therein between lens accommodating positions. The lens is pivotable within the shell inner volume between a lens first position wherein the lens is in a substantially proximal relationship relative to a shell wall first segment and a lens second position wherein the lens is in a substantially proximal relationship relative to a shell wall second segment.

Abstract: This intraocular lens includes an optic body having anterior and posterior walls, a chamber, and optically transmissive primary and secondary fluids, and method for making and using the same. The secondary fluid is substantially immiscible with the primary fluid and has a different density and a different refractive index than the primary fluid. The primary fluid is present in a sufficient amount that orienting optical body optical axis horizontally for far vision positions the optical axis through the primary fluid, thereby immersing the anterior and posterior optical centers in the primary fluid. The secondary fluid is contained in the optic body in a sufficient amount that orienting the optical axis at a range of effective downward angles relative to the horizontal for near vision positions the optical axis to extend through the primary fluid and the secondary fluid, thus changing the focus of the intraocular lens.

Abstract: Methods for the creation of microspheres treat the clear, intact crystalline lens of the eye with energy pulses, such as from lasers, for the purpose of correcting presbyopia, other refractive errors, and for the retardation and prevention of cataracts. Microsphere formation in non-contiguous patterns or in contiguous volumes works to change the flexure, mass, or shape of the crystalline lens in order to maintain or reestablish the focus of light passing through the ocular lens onto the macular area, and to maintain or reestablish fluid transport within the ocular lens.