Abstract: An improved self-centering phakic refractive lens is disclosed. The lens floats freely in the posterior chamber of the eye and corrects vision of the patient but also prevents buildup of intraocular pressure, cataract induction and iris pigment dispersion. The lens comprises an optical body, haptic members which extend outward from the optical body, and a small hole in the approximate center of the optical body for the purpose of allowing aqueous humor to flow through that hole. The lens is designed such that its posterior surface conforms to the shape of the anterior surface of the patient's natural crystalline lens.

Abstract: Ophthalmic devices suitable for implantation into the eye through small incisions or insertion into an existing orifice 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 37° C., and wherein Tg for the material is lower than Tm for the composition. Disclosed devices include intraocular lenses, corneal inlays, drug delivery devices and implants for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses containing a photochromic agent, are disclosed. Specifically, the foldable intraocular lens of the present invention comprises an optic body made from a crosslinked material comprising at least one monomer, a crosslinker, a UV absorber, and a photochromic agent which has a maximum absorption peak of about 400-500 nm in its excited state. The lens has a glass transition temperature of about 37° C. or lower. Methods for making these intraocular lenses are also taught.

Abstract: An accommodative intraocular lens system for treating presbyopic is disclosed. The system includes a first lens having negative optic power adapted for placement in the posterior chamber of the eye and capable of moving forward and back along the optic axis; and a second lens having a positive optic power which is implanted within the capsular bag. The second lens can be the natural crystalline lens of the eye. The position of the first lens, forward or back relative to the second lens, focuses the eye for seeing distant or close-in objects.

Abstract: An accommodative intraocular lens is disclosed. The lens provides multiple focuses as the result of a bi-directional shift along the eye's optical axis, and also minimizes or prevents posterior chamber opacification. The lens includes a first component which consists of an optical body and a haptic body, a second component which is structurally adapted to maintain substantial contact with the posterior surface of the capsular bag of the eye (when implanted in the eye), and a transition zone connecting the first and second components. The method of implanting the lens in the eye and the method of making the lens are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ocular implants composed of homopolymers containing stable elasticity inducing crosslinkers which contain rigid chemical groups disposed between at least two polymerizable ethyleneically unsaturated chemical groups are disclosed. These ocular implants are stable, elastic, soft, optically clear, have high refractive index and low-tack surfaces.

Abstract: A method of forming an ophthalmic lens, such as an intraocular lens, from a hydrophobic acrylic polymer is disclosed. In this method, a pre-polymer gel is formed form the hydrophobic acrylic polymer, at least the optical portion of the lens is formed from the gel using a fused silica mold, and the lens is solvent extracted such that it remains transparent and substantially without glistenings in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Phakic refractive lens (PRL) for correcting myopia or hyperopia are disclosed. The lens is implanted in the posterior chamber of the eye, with no permanent point of fixation, such that it floats between the patient's iris and natural lens. The lens corrects refractive errors in the eye, while maintaining the fluid dynamics of the eye and not causing stress or damage to eye structures. The lenses are made from a flexible material (such as those having a hardness of from about 20 to about 50 Shore A), having a specific gravity of from about 0.9 to about 1.2 g/cm3, and have a mass per unit area of from about 0.03 to about 0.30 mg/mm2. The method for using those lenses and surgical kits including those lenses are also disclosed.

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: A method for treating presbyopia using a scleral insert is described. The scleral insert is prepared from either (or both) of two specific classes of polymeric materials having both viscous and elastic properties. The first class of polymeric materials has a glass transition temperature (Tg) at or below human body temperature (37° C.). The second class of polymeric materials has a melting temperature (Tm) at or below human body temperature (37° C.). The implant is stored in a frozen, rigid, elongated state prior to insertion in to the eye. Once it is placed on or within the sclera the insert responds to the increase in temperature, due to the surrounding physiochemical environment whereby it becomes soft and expands to reach its final shape. This implant can be inserted in to the eye through a much smaller incision than is used with conventional scleral implant techniques.

Abstract: An accommodative intraocular lens is disclosed. The lens provides multiple focuses as the result of a bi-directional shift along the eye's optical axis, and also minimizes or prevents posterior chamber opacification. The lens includes a first component which consists of an optical body and a haptic body, a second component which is structurally adapted to maintain substantial contact with the posterior surface of the capsular bag of the eye (when implanted in the eye), and a transition zone connecting the first and second components. The method of implanting the lens in the eye and the method of making the lens are also disclosed.

Abstract: A phakic refractive lens which conforms to the structure of the eye, particularly to the ciliary sulcus, is disclosed. This lens minimizes stresses of the lens on the interior structure of the eye and eliminates excessive vaulting of the lens which tends to deform the shape of the eye and/or structures in the eye. The lenses comprise an optical body and at least one haptic body. The haptic body(ies) is made up of a first portion adjacent to the optical body, a second portion which extends outwardly from the first haptic portion, and a transition zone between the first and second haptic portions (for example, a groove or score line in the lens surface) which permits the second haptic portion to conform to the shape of the ciliary sulcus of the eye.

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: An intraocular lens made from a class of optically clear, ultraviolet (UV) light absorbing, vulcanized silicone compositions containing about 35 mole % or greater phenyl groups (C6H5), suitable for implanting in the human eye is disclosed. The high mole percentage of phenyl groups in the vulcanized silicone compositions provides a high refractive index (at least about 1.50) and partially blocks ultraviolet light absorption.

Abstract: The present application discloses a phakic intraocular lens (IOL) for the correction of visual disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. The lens is made from a biocompatible, elastomeric material such as silicone. The lens further includes one or more annular surfaces that protrude from the anterior surface of the lens or surrounds the lens such that when placed in the eye, it makes contact with the iris. As the iris dilates and constricts, the contact with the iris places a centering force on the implanted lens. The lens is not in contact with the natural lens of the eye and floats in the posterior chamber without insult or abrasion to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A phakic refractive lens which conforms to the structure of the eye, particularly to the ciliary sulcus, is disclosed. This lens minimizes stresses of the lens on the interior structure of the eye and eliminates excessive vaulting of the lens which tends to deform the shape of the eye and/or structures in the eye. The lenses comprise an optical body and at least one haptic body. The haptic body(ies) is made up of a first portion adjacent to the optical body, a second portion which extends outwardly from the first haptic portion, and a transition zone between the first and second haptic portions (for example, a groove or score line in the lens surface) which permits the second haptic portion to conform to the shape of the ciliary sulcus of the eye.

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: Ocular implants composed of homopolymers containing stable elasticity inducing crosslinkers which contain rigid chemical groups disposed between at least two polymerizable ethyleneically unsaturated chemical groups are disclosed. These ocular implants are stable, elastic, soft, optically clear, have high refractive index and low-tack surfaces.

Abstract: An ocular plug design and method of insertion is described for the treatment of dry eye. This ocular plug is a narrow rod-like cylinder of appropriate diameter, which is tapered at one end, for insertion into an ocular channel. The plug is prepared from either (or both) of two specific classes of polymeric materials having both viscous and elastic properties. The first class of polymeric materials have a glass transition temperature (Tg) at or below human body temperature (37° C.). The second class of polymeric materials have a melting temperature (Tm) at or below human body temperature (37° C.). The plug is stored in a frozen, rigid, elongated state prior to insertion into an ocular channel. Once inserted into an ocular channel, the smart plug responds to an increase in temperature, due to the surrounding physiochemical environment, whereby it becomes soft and the plug subsequently expands to adapt to the size and shape of the patient's punctum or canaliculum.