Abstract: An implant device used to replace and restore the function of the knee meniscus in a human. The compliant, yet resilient device is comprised of a biocompatible, non-degradable three-dimensional body comprised of at least a central body, a second structure, a third structure, and a coating. The device is concentrically aligned wherein the second structure is adjoined to the central body wherein the third structure is adjoined on the central body opposite of the second structure. The third structure further features a first and a second pulling element which is coupled to the central body and forms the outer periphery and major circumference of the device. The device is comprised of multiple components which provide tensile strength, compressive resilience, and attachment mechanisms for replacing the meniscus. Each structure is comprised of multiple surfaces which are further reinforced, separated, and connected by an individual plurality of vertical elements.

Abstract: Described herein is a device for lowering intraocular pressure, the device comprising a plate structure comprising an upper surface opposite a lower surface, the plate structure formed from a multi-directional plate having a plate thickness ranging from about 1 nm to about 1,000 nm.

Abstract: A glaucoma drainage device includes an elongated body extending axially from a distal end to a proximal end. The distal end forms a wedge with a leading distal edge. During implantation of the device into the suprachoroidal space of the eye, the wedge can facilitate penetration into and spreading open the tissue of the suprachoroidal space. The elongate body has one or more outer surfaces that define at least one open groove extending from at or near the proximal end towards the distal end of the body. With the distal end of the elongate body located in the suprachoroidal space of the eye and the distal end of the elongate body extending into the anterior chamber of the eye, the at least one open groove is configured such that aqueous humor flows along the open groove from the anterior chamber of the eye to the suprachoroidal space of the eye.

Abstract: A fiber matrix is provided for maintaining space in soft tissue, for example for use in procedures for assisting drainage of aqueous humor from an eye to treat glaucoma. The fiber matrix comprises a plurality of crossing fibers forming a mesh with a plurality of void spaces. The fibers and void spaces are sized and arranged so as to permit passage of fluid through the fiber matrix and to inhibit formation of scar tissue through the fiber matrix. The fibers may comprise a polymeric material, and the fiber matrix may be manufactured by electrospinning. The fibers may comprise a biostable and/or a biodegradable material. In one method of using a fiber matrix, the fiber matrix is positioned under a scleral flap, with at least part of the fiber matrix under the scleral flap.

Abstract: Treating glaucoma utiilizing a shunt having an elastormeric plate and a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera with an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube open to an outer surface of the plate. An inflow end of the drainage tube tunnels through the sclera and cornea to the anterior chamber of the eye. The drainage tube collapses upon initial insertion within an incision in the sclera and cornea, or at a kink on the outside of the incision, but has sufficient resiliency to restore its patency over time. The effect is a flow restrictor that regulates outflow from the eye until a bleb forms around the plate. The plate desirably has a peripheral ridge and a large number of fenestrations, and a longer suturing tab extending from one side of the plate to enhance visibility and accessibility when suturing the shunt to the sclera.

Abstract: A method for prevention of migration of epithelial cells in a capsular bag of an eye of a mammal is provided. The method comprises removing the natural lens of the eye from the capsular bag; introducing an object with at least one sharp edge into the capsular bag, in such a way that said sharp edge contacts the inside of the capsular bag to form a barrier preventing migration of epithelial cells across said barrier; and injecting a lens-forming composition into the capsular bag.

Abstract: A biocompatible glaucoma drainage device, comprising a non-porous element, a porous element, an anchoring assembly disposed around the non-porous element, wherein the anchoring assembly comprises a plurality of barbs extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are described. One method involves providing an elongated delivery device and an implant mounted at a distal end of the delivery device. An incision is formed in eye tissue and the implant is inserted the through the incision using the delivery device. The implant is implanted at a location communicating with a physiologic outflow pathway of an eye such that a distal end portion of the implant and a proximal end portion of the delivery device are relatively disposed in a non-linear orientation during implantation. In one method, the implant is non-linear after insertion.

Abstract: Axial distances between ocular structures can be measured by focusing an optical unit on focus planes corresponding to the ocular structures and using the distance between focus planes to determine the distance between the ocular structures. The method is particularly useful during eye surgery, e.g., cataract surgery, where the distance between ocular structures, particularly an aphakic pupil, can be used to more accurately predict the effective lens position for an intraocular lens.

Abstract: An image is captured or otherwise converted into a signal in an artificial vision system. The signal is transmitted to the retina utilizing an implant. The implant consists of a polymer substrate made of a compliant material such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) or PDMS. The polymer substrate is conformable to the shape of the retina. Electrodes and conductive leads are embedded in the polymer substrate. The conductive leads and the electrodes transmit the signal representing the image to the cells in the retina. The signal representing the image stimulates cells in the retina.

Abstract: Various polymers are provided that can be polymerized in the lens capsule with the ability to covalently bond an intraocular lens implant to the posterior capsule of the eye such that there is no space available between the intraocular lens implant and the lens capsule for lens epithelial cells to proliferate and thereby significantly reducing posterior capsule opacification.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of ophthalmic surgery and relates to a method for the prevention of capsular opacification, especially after extraction of the natural lens from the lens capsule of the eye. Particular methods disclosed include replacing the natural lens with a capsule filling implant comprising an injectable material and injecting an agent capable of inhibiting the proliferation of lens epithelial cells, migration of lens epithelial cells, and/or production of extra-cellular matrix by lens epithelial cells into a space between the inserted capsule filling implant and the lens capsule using an instrument having a hydrophobic outer surface such that the composition reaches a germinative zone of the capsular bag.

Abstract: A punctal plug inserted into the punctum-canaliculus, includes a shaft, a tip portion attached to one end of said shaft and a brim attached to the other end of said shaft, and a thin member penetrated into either one or all 3 out of said tip portion, shaft and brim, or said tip portion and shaft, or said shaft and brim. The thin member is thread 0.05 mm or less in diameter. The brim is disk shaped and the diameter of the brim is far smaller than the diameter of the tip. A protuberance is attached to the tip portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic surgery device comprising a handle presenting, at one of its ends, a first active part and, at the other of its ends, a second active part, characterized in that removable protection means are associated with at least one of the active parts. Therefore, the functional zones of the device thus protected do not risk being altered before use.

Abstract: A method for prevention of migration of epithelial cells in a capsular bag of an eye of a mammal is provided. The method comprises removing the natural lens of the eye from the capsular bag; introducing an object with at least one sharp edge into the capsular bag, in such a way that said sharp edge contacts the inside of the capsular bag to form a barrier preventing migration of epithelial cells across said barrier; and injecting a lens-forming composition into the capsular bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a supplemental endo capsular lens (SECL) and the method of inserting and embedding the SECL within either a gel or polymer, inside the capsule of the crystalline lens, during phaco-ersatz or similar surgical procedures in order to supplement the refractive power of the eye with a view to (1) correcting ametropia while (2) maintaining a useable amplitude of accommodation.

Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, corneal inlays and contact lenses made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more aromatic-based siloxane macromonomers or the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-based siloxane macromonomers with one or more non-siloxy aromatic-based monomers, non-aromatic-based hydrophobic monomers or non-aromatic-based hydrophilic monomers.

Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, corneal inlays and contact lenses made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more aromatic-based siloxane macromonomers or the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-based siloxane macromonomers with one or more non-siloxy aromatic-based monomers, non-aromatic-based hydrophobic monomers or non-aromatic-based hydrophilic monomers.

Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, contact lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more aromatic-based silyl monomers or the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-based silyl monomers with one or more aromatic or non-aromatic non-siloxy-based monomers, hydrophobic monomers or hydrophilic monomers.

Abstract: Relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as for example intraocular lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-substituted polysiloxane prepolymers with one or more aromatic monomers, alkylated monomers or hydrophilic monomers.

Abstract: A method of minimizing blood reflux from an episcleral vein during an ab interno eye surgery includes advancing an applicator from an anterior chamber through trabecular meshwork toward Schlemm's canal, and administering a vasoconstrictive agent to about Schlemm's canal for minimizing the blood reflux. The vasoconstrictive agent may be an alpha-adrenergic agonist.

Abstract: Eye implant, comprising a flat element made of biocompatible material, said element being made at least partly opaque or light reflecting, such that in use the eye implant shall be visible, once implanted in an eye.

Abstract: Disclosed are surface modified viscoelastics and methods of performing viscosurgery using polymer-containing irrigating solution to reduce cohesiveness of the viscoelastic agent at the interface, thereby improving its performance by reducing the occurrence of unintentional aspiration, especially in ocular surgery.

Abstract: A glaucoma shunt including first and second porous regions laminated together, and a third region having edge areas fused to edge areas of the second region so as to form a hollow reservoir therebetween. Also included is a catheter having a first end sandwiched between the second and third regions and a second end to be implanted into an anterior region of an eye. A method of making and surgically implanting such a glaucoma shunt is also included.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of restoring the vision of an eye having an impaired lens with an artificial lens implant. The method involves replacing the lens by a polymerizable material injected into the emptied lens capsule and thereby providing a new lens implant with a predetermined refractive value, while admitting the possibility of controlling and adjusting the refractive value of the eye during the surgical process.

Abstract: Improved ophthalmological surgical methods, systems and devices, employing a colorant.

Abstract: A method for prevention of migration of epithelial cells in a capsular bag of an eye of a mammal is provided. The method comprises removing the natural lens of the eye from the capsular bag; introducing an object with at least one sharp edge into the capsular bag, in such a way that said sharp edge contacts the inside of the capsular bag to form a barrier preventing migration of epithelial cells across said barrier; and injecting a lens-forming composition into the capsular bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a supplemental endo capsular lens (SECL) and the method of inserting and embedding the SECL within either a gel or polymer, inside the capsule of the crystalline lens, during phaco-ersatz or similar surgical procedures in order to supplement the refractive power of the eye with a view to (1) correcting ametropia while (2) maintaining a useable amplitude of accommodation.

Abstract: A method of deriving a prediction model and calculating a predicted lens power to provide a desired post-operative spherical equivalent to correct myopia in a phakic eye of a patient using an intraocular lens includes measuring and determining the predictive significance of certain pre-operative characteristics of the eye, including cycloplegic and manifest spherical equivalent, vertex distance, anterior chamber depth, and keratometry. The prediction model is derived using multiple regression analysis on the pre-operative and post operative data. Measured data corresponding to a particular patient is used in the lens power prediction model to calculate the predicted lens power for implantation in the patient.

Abstract: For attaching an intraocular implant having pincher like clamping arms forming a pinching area between end portions of the clamping arms to an iris of an eye, the implant is positioned against a surface of the iris in the anterior chamber of the eye, a passage in a distal end portion of an ophthalmologic surgical instrument in the anterior chamber of the eye is positioned against a surface portion of the iris closely adjacent the pinching area, and suction is applied to the passage and at least one of the end portions of the clamping arms is urged towards the iris, causing a tuck of iris material adhered to the passage to be inserted into the pinching area. Thus, a tuck adhering to the passage can easily be introduced into the pinching area between the clamping arms. An instrument and an implant specifically adapted for this method are described as well.

Abstract: An integrated rigid fixation orbital expander has a coupling tunnel, an injection port, and a substantially spherically shaped expansion chamber. The coupling tunnel is configured with opposing side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The top wall of the coupling tunnel may have a depression denoting a mid-point of the coupling tunnel and serves as an entry point to introduce a needle for injection. The depression lines up with a hole on the vertical arm of a plate. The plate may glide within the coupling tunnel to align the depression with a desired hole in the plate. The injection port has a floor and a dome and a plurality of channels. The floor of the injection port may have a backstop plate to block a needle from further penetration. The dome of the injection port is connected to the bottom wall of the coupling tunnel.

Abstract: Surgical correction of presbyopia and hyperopia by a circularly distributed assembly of mini-bridges implanted between the interior surfaces of the ciliary muscle and the exterior surface of the lens capsule, for augmenting the transmission of the contraction force of the ciliary muscle/zonule assembly to the lens capsule. The lens is symmetrically squeezed by mini-bridges acting in concert with the ciliary muscle thus changing the curvature of the lens. The mini-bridges are composite synthetic muscles comprising either passive biocompatible mini-bridges made with polymeric gels, silicone polymers or a composite, electromagnetically or mechanically deployable mini-bridges, inflatable balloons or synthetic muscles. The surgical procedure comprises using a ciliary muscle relaxant to stretch the lens/zonules/ciliary muscle assembly.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical lens to prevent retinopathy caused by microscopic illumination during cataract or intra-ocular lens surgery. The lens is soft and includes a transparent lens portion placed on a cornea, at least one haptic that extends from the base of the lens portion, and at least one aperture formed by the at least one haptic and the base of the lens portion. The at least one aperture exposes the ocular surface to allow for surgical incisions. The lens portion prevents incisions from being made on the cornea during surgery. The lens also absorbs a patient's corneal refraction so as to prevent the retinopathy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for creating shaped implants, such as intraocular lenses in vivo, as well as the novel implants themselves. Utilizing the method of the invention, it is possible to create an implant in vivo and to adjust either the physical properties such as refractive index, viscosity, etc., mechanical properties such as modulus, tensile strength, tear, etc., or the shape of the implant by noninvasive means. For example, using the method of the patent it is possible to create an intraocular lens in vivo and then adjust the shape and power of the lens through no invasion means. The novel implants are also addressed in this application.

Abstract: Ophthalmic devices suitable for implantation into the eye through small incisions are disclosed. These devices are made from a composition comprising crystalline or semi-crystalline polymeric materials which have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from about −100° C. to about 20° C., a melting point temperature (Tm) of from about 0° C. to about 37° C., and wherein Tg for the material is lower than Tm for the composition. Disclosed devices include intraocular lenses, corneal inlays, ocular drug delivery devices and implants for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; intraocular lenses are preferred.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods and apparatus that reverse or eliminate presbyopia by affecting a change in the shape of the sclera. The change can be designed to reduce tension placed on the lens from the zonules, thereby allowing the lens to bulge about its central axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for placing a fluid shunt, for the treatment of glaucoma, from inside the anterior chamber of an eye, through the trabecular meshwork, and into Schlemm's canal. The apparatus can include a handpiece having a distal end and a proximal end; an elongate tip connected to the distal end of said handpiece, the elongate tip having a distal portion and being configured to be placed through a corneal incision and into an anterior chamber of said eye; a holder attached to the distal portion of the elongate tip, the holder configured to hold and release said inlet section of the trabecular shunt; and an actuator on the handpiece that actuates the holder to release the inlet section of the trabecular shunt from the holder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a refractive anterior chamber ocular implant for placement in the anatomic angle of a phakic eye, the implant having an artificial lens or optic with an anterior surface and a posterior surface and having a haptic for engaging and positioning the optic in the anatomic angle, wherein the haptic possesses in an extension pad that extends and tapers in thickness from the haptic in an axial direction. The disclosure is further directed to methods for correcting refractive errors in a patient in need thereof having a phakic eye and an anatomic angle by surgically implanting an angle supported anterior chamber ocular implant having an optic with the desired refractive properties and a haptic having an extension pad that extends and tapers in thickness from the haptic in an axial direction, and anchoring the extension pad into the anatomic angle of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an intraocular lens inside a capsular bag (28;73) after that the natural lens has been removed and to a sealing device (21;41;61;71) comprising a plug part (23;43;63;77) adapted to seal a rhexis (30;75) in a capsular bag (28;73) and thus preventing displacement through the rhexis (30;75) of a lens-forming liquid material injected through the rhexis (30;75) and adapted to replace the natural lens and form an intraocular lens implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polysiloxanes suitable for the preparation of intraocular lenses by a crosslinking reaction, having a specific gravity of greater than about 1.0, a refractive index suitable for restoring the refractive power of the natural crystalline lens and a viscosity suitable for injection through a standard cannula. The present invention includes an injectable intraocular lens material based on said polysiloxanes and methods of preparing intraocular lenses by direct injection into the capsular bag of the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implantation in an eye comprising an optic configured so that the optic can be deformed to permit the intraocular lens to be passed through an incision into the eye. A peripheral zone circumscribes the optical zone of the optic and one or more fixation members coupled to the peripheral zone and extending outwardly from the peripheral zone to retain the optic in the eye are provided. In one embodiment the fixation member or members are located so that the optical zone is free of such member or members. The peripheral zone preferably has a maximum axial thickness which is larger than the maximum axial thickness of the periphery of the optical zone.

Abstract: A surgically implantable synthetic intraocular lens having a wavelength blocker for blocking transmission of 100% or at least a portion of blue light of wavelengths between about 400 and 510 nanometers, as well as for blocking ultraviolet A and B wavelengths and optionally infrared wavelength transmissions. A preferred wavelength transmission blocker is a tint composition either disposed exteriorly upon the lens or blended interiorly within the lens. Lens utility is found in replacement of the natural crystalline lens to achieve visual correction of aphakia, as well as in correcting refractive errors of the eye through implantation without removal of the natural crystalline lens to thereby provide filtering properties that yield maximum visual acuity along with blockage of untoward wavelength transmissions. The lens implants thereby support vision health by protecting eyes from damage caused through the transmission of untoward wavelengths to the interior of the eye.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting vascular proliferation introduces a composition into the eye inducing posterior vitreous detachment. The composition includes a combination of plasminogen, a collagen crosslinking agent and at least one plasminogen activator selected from the group consisting of urokinase, streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, chondroitinase, pro-urokinase, retavase, metaloproteinase, and thermolysin. The composition is introduced into the vitreous in an amount effective to induce crosslinking of the vitreous and to induce substantially complete or partial posterior vitreous detachment from the retina without causing inflammation of the retina. In one embodiment, a gaseous material is introduced into the vitreous before or simultaneously with the composition to compress the vitreous against the retina while the composition induces the posterior vitreous detachment.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of restoring the vision of an eye having an impaired lens with an artificial lens implant. The method involves replacing the lens by a polymerizable material injected into the emptied lens capsule and thereby providing a new lens implant with a predetermined refractive value, while admitting the possibility of controlling and adjusting the refractive value of the eye during the surgical process.

Abstract: A method and implantable device for treating anoxic tissue. A substrate supporting an angiogenesis factor in an amount for treating anoxic tissue is implanted so as to promote revascularization of the tissue. The substrate is a physiologically compatible polymer and may have different configurations such as a fiber, a filament, a microsphere, a needle or a pin. The implantable device may be transported through a catheter or implanted directly in the anoxic tissue. The anoxic tissue may be heart, eye, brain, brain stem, spinal cord, bone and combinations of tissues.

Abstract: An integrated rigid fixation orbital expander has a coupling tunnel, an injection port, and a substantially spherically shaped expansion chamber. The coupling tunnel is configured with opposing side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The top wall of the coupling tunnel may have a depression denoting a mid-point of the coupling tunnel and serves as an entry point to introduce a needle for injection. The depression lines up with a hole on the vertical arm of a plate. The plate may glide within the coupling tunnel to align the depression with a desired hole in the plate. The injection port has a floor and a dome and a plurality of channels. The floor of the injection port may have a backstop plate to block a needle from further penetration. The dome of the injection port is connected to the bottom wall of the coupling tunnel.

Abstract: A method for selecting the size of a phakic intraocular lens positioned in the eye between the iris and the natural lens, is disclosed. In this method, the white to white distance of the patient's eye is measured and the length of the lens is based on that measurement. A photographic method of measurement is disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable artificial iris device which takes the form of a thin, generally annular, single-radially-split wafer, or web, of a bio-compatible, flexible material which can be colored in various ways to replicate the appearance of its predecessor, damaged natural iris. The device permits and encourages a surgical procedure which involves gentle and very simple circular threading (or snaking) of the device circularly longitudinally through a tiny slit created as an incision near the periphery of a cornea. The device is suitable for easy placement within the environment of an eye, either within the region known as the ciliary sulcus or in the region of meeting or joinder of the anterior and posterior capsules and within the realm of the capsular bag.

Abstract: Presbyopia is treated by implanting within a plurality of elongated pockets formed in the tissue of the sclera of the eye transverse to a meridian of the eye, a prosthesis having an elongated body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface to contact the base and flap of the scleral pocket. The first and second surfaces are spaced apart a distance so that the implanted prosthesis exerts an outward force on the flap of the scleral pocket which results in an outward traction on at least the anterior margin of the scleral pocket. The combined effect of the implanted prostheses is to exert a radially outward traction on the sclera in the region overlying the ciliary body which expands the sclera in the affected region together with the underlying ciliary body. The expansion of the ciliary body restores the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle in the presbyopic eye and thereby increases the amplitude of accommodation.