Abstract: A patient-specific finite element model of the cornea is generated for the purposes of modeling a cornea for simulating tissue cuts in the cornea. A first group of tissue fibers, with main fibers that extend parallel to the surface of the cornea, is distributed in the finite element model in accordance with a first distribution function. Moreover, a second group of tissue fibers, with inclined cross-linked fibers that do not extend parallel to the surface of the cornea, is distributed in the finite element model in accordance with a second distribution function. Here, the second distribution function distributes the cross-linked fibers with a non-uniform weighting function over the depth of the cornea, from the outer surface of the cornea to the inner surface of the cornea.

Abstract: Methods and devices for altering the power of a lens, such as an intraocular lens, are disclosed. In one method, the lens comprises a single polymer matrix containing crosslinkable pendant groups, wherein the polymer matrix increases in volume when crosslinked. The lens does not contain free monomer. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, crosslinking causes the exposed portion of the lens to increase in volume, causing an increase in the refractive index. In another method, the lens comprises a polymer matrix containing photobleachable chromophores. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, photobleaching causes a decrease in refractive index in the exposed portion without any change in lens thickness. These methods avoid the need to wait for diffusion to occur to change the lens shape and avoid the need for a second exposure to radiation to lock in the changes to the lens.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to apparatus and methods for measuring a deformation characteristic of a deformable target surface. The measurement principles of the invention may be applied to a large variety of organic (e.g., human, animal or plant tissue) and inorganic materials having a surface that can be deformed by an applied non-contact force. The surface may be light diffusing and non-transparent or non-diffusing and transparent. An illustrative embodiment of the invention is directed to a device for measuring a deformation characteristic of a cornea. The device comprises a corneal topographer and a non-contact tonometer that is operationally integrated with the corneal topographer. In an aspect, the corneal topographer is a rasterstereography-based topographer. Use of the inventive device enables a method for measuring a deformation characteristic of the cornea.

Abstract: A patient-specific finite element model of the cornea is generated for the purposes of modeling a cornea for simulating tissue cuts in the cornea. A first group of tissue fibers, with main fibers that extend parallel to the surface of the cornea, is distributed in the finite element model in accordance with a first distribution function. Moreover, a second group of tissue fibers, with inclined cross-linked fibers that do not extend parallel to the surface of the cornea, is distributed in the finite element model in accordance with a second distribution function. Here, the second distribution function distributes the cross-linked fibers with a non-uniform weighting function over the depth of the cornea, from the outer surface of the cornea to the inner surface of the cornea.

Abstract: Methods and devices for altering the power of a lens, such as an intraocular lens, are disclosed. In one method, the lens comprises a single polymer matrix containing crosslinkable pendant groups, wherein the polymer matrix increases in volume when crosslinked. The lens does not contain free monomer. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, crosslinking causes the exposed portion of the lens to increase in volume, causing an increase in the refractive index. In another method, the lens comprises a polymer matrix containing photobleachable chromophores. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, photobleaching causes a decrease in refractive index in the exposed portion without any change in lens thickness. These methods avoid the need to wait for diffusion to occur to change the lens shape and avoid the need for a second exposure to radiation to lock in the changes to the lens.

Abstract: Methods and devices for altering the power of a lens, such as an intraocular lens, are disclosed. In one method, the lens comprises a single polymer matrix containing crosslinkable pendant groups, wherein the polymer matrix increases in volume when crosslinked. The lens does not contain free monomer. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, crosslinking causes the exposed portion of the lens to increase in volume, causing an increase in the refractive index. In another method, the lens comprises a polymer matrix containing photobleachable chromophores. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, photobleaching causes a decrease in refractive index in the exposed portion without any change in lens thickness. These methods avoid the need to wait for diffusion to occur to change the lens shape and avoid the need for a second exposure to radiation to lock in the changes to the lens.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring a dynamic deformation characteristic of a deformable target surface during a deformation interval. The measurement principles may be applied to a large variety of organic and inorganic materials having a surface that can be deformed by an applied non-contact force. The surface may be light diffusing and non-transparent or non-diffusing and transparent. A device for measuring a dynamic deformation characteristic of an in-vivo cornea during a deformation interval includes a corneal topographer and an air puff generator that are operationally integrated. Use of the inventive device enables a method for making a measurement of a deformation characteristic of the in-vivo cornea during a deformation interval, further allowing a determination of spatially-resolved in-vivo corneal biomechanical and biodynamic properties such as corneal elasticity and corneal viscosity.

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: Methods and devices for altering the power of a lens, such as an intraocular lens, are disclosed. In one method, the lens comprises a single polymer matrix containing crosslinkable pendant groups, wherein the polymer matrix increases in volume when crosslinked. The lens does not contain free monomer. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, crosslinking causes the exposed portion of the lens to increase in volume, causing an increase in the refractive index. In another method, the lens comprises a polymer matrix containing photobleachable chromophores. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, photobleaching causes a decrease in refractive index in the exposed portion without any change in lens thickness. These methods avoid the need to wait for diffusion to occur to change the lens shape and avoid the need for a second exposure to radiation to lock in the changes to the lens.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring a dynamic deformation characteristic of a deformable target surface during a deformation interval. The measurement principles may be applied to a large variety of organic and inorganic materials having a surface that can be deformed by an applied non-contact force. The surface may be light diffusing and non-transparent or non-diffusing and transparent. A device for measuring a dynamic deformation characteristic of an in-vivo cornea during a deformation interval includes a corneal topographer and an air puff generator that are operationally integrated. Use of the inventive device enables a method for making a measurement of a deformation characteristic of the in-vivo cornea during a deformation interval, further allowing a determination of spatially-resolved in-vivo corneal biomechanical and biodynamic properties such as corneal elasticity and corneal viscosity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus related to enhancing corneal accommodation to address the effect of presbyopia. Corneal/scleral topology measurements in accommodating and non-accommodating states are indicative of a presbyopic subject's nominal corneal accommodative power. A desired accommodative power intended to improve on the effect of presbyopia can be determined, suggesting a selective biomechanical intervention in the corneal structure outside of the optical zone to create flexure regions. These flexure regions would allow enhanced corneal accommodation upon presentation of an accommodating stimulus. Intervention could be in the form of, for example, corneal surface ablation, intrastromal ablation, conductive keratoplasty (CK), laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK), and corneal and/or scleral implants. An improved topology measuring apparatus having an improved field of view and other attributes is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus related to enhancing corneal accommodation to address the effect of presbyopia. Corneal/scleral topology measurements in accommodating and non-accommodating states are indicative of a presbyopic subject's nominal corneal accommodative power. A desired accommodative power intended to improve on the effect of presbyopia can be determined, suggesting a selective biomechanical intervention in the corneal structure outside of the optical zone to create flexure regions. These flexure regions would allow enhanced corneal accommodation upon presentation of an accommodating stimulus. Intervention could be in the form of, for example, corneal surface ablation, intrastromal ablation, conductive keratoplasty (CK), laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK), and corneal and/or scleral implants. An improved topology measuring apparatus having an improved field of view and other attributes is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for non-invasively ultrasonically measuring biomechanical properties of ocular tissue in vivo is presented. The method comprises positioning an ultrasonic transducer proximally to the ocular tissue. Reflections of the ocular tissue can be ultrasonically obtained using the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic reflections can be converted into reflection spectra. Biomechanical properties of the ocular tissue, such as, for example, thickness, corneal stiffness, density, and longitudinal modulus, can be determined based on the reflection spectra. A wave propagation model can be developed to simulate ultrasound propagation of ocular tissue in vivo. The ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation method and system for the non-invasive measuring of reflection spectra and determining biomechanical properties of ocular tissue in vivo can provide information for ocular disease management and therapeutic and refractive procedures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to apparatus and methods for measuring a deformation characteristic of a deformable target surface. The measurement principles of the invention may be applied to a large variety of organic (e.g., human, animal or plant tissue) and inorganic materials having a surface that can be deformed by an applied non-contact force. The surface may be light diffusing and non-transparent or non-diffusing and transparent. An illustrative embodiment of the invention is directed to a device for measuring a deformation characteristic of a cornea. The device comprises a corneal topographer and a non-contact tonometer that is operationally integrated with the corneal topographer. In an aspect, the corneal topographer is a rasterstereography-based topographer. Use of the inventive device enables a method for measuring a deformation characteristic of the cornea.

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.