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 process for forming a surface modification on a polymer substrate and polymer substrates having such surface modifications. The process comprises the steps of absorbing a swelling monomer into the polymer substrate for a period of time in order to swell the polymer substrate; removing the swollen polymer from the swelling monomer; transferring the swollen polymer to a reaction mixture containing at least one functional monomer; polymerizing the functional monomer in the reaction mixture containing the swollen polymer substrate for a period of time; and removing the polymer from the reaction mixture. Because the surface modification produced by the process is a surface interpenetrating polymer network, the process is not sensitive to the reactive groups located on the surface of the polymer substrate. Further, the surface interpenetrating network bonds to the polymer substrate through caternary connections or other forms of chain entanglement and this is quite stable.

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 of preparing phakic intraocular lenses from hydrophobic materials is described. In this process, the lens is tested to determine whether it can float submerged in an aqueous medium. If it cannot (e.g., if it remains on top of the aqueous medium), the lens is surface treated (for example, by vacuum UV or corona discharge processes) to increase its wetting ability (e.g., to reduce its hydrophobicity). The lenses prepared by this process are also described.

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: 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: 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: A process for forming a surface modification on a polymer substrate and polymer substrates having such surface modifications. The process comprises the steps of absorbing a swelling monomer into the polymer substrate for a period of time in order to swell the polymer substrate; removing the swollen polymer from the swelling monomer; transferring the swollen polymer to a reaction mixture containing at least one functional monomer; polymerizing the functional monomer in the reaction mixture containing the swollen polymer substrate for a period of time; and removing the polymer from the reaction mixture. Because the surface modification produced by the process is a surface interpenetrating polymer network, the process is not sensitive to the reactive groups located on the surface of the polymer substrate. Further, the surface interpenetrating network bonds to the polymer substrate through caternary connections or other forms of chain entanglement and thus is quite stable.

Abstract: 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 are provided. Moreover, injectable intraocular lens material based on these polysiloxanes and methods of preparing intraocular lenses by direct injection into the capsular bag of the eye 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: 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: A method of preparing phakic intraocular lenses from hydrophobic materials is described. In this process, the lens is tested to determine whether it can float submerged in an aqueous medium. If it cannot (e.g., if it remains on top of the aqueous medium), the lens is surface treated (for example, by vacuum UV or corona discharge processes) to increase its wetting ability (e.g., to reduce its hydrophobicity). The lenses prepared by this process are also described.

Abstract: A process for forming a surface modification on a polymer substrate and polymer substrates having such surface modifications. The process comprises the steps of absorbing a swelling monomer into the polymer substrate for a period of time in order to swell the polymer substrate; removing the swollen polymer from the swelling monomer; transferring the swollen polymer to a reaction mixture containing at least one functional monomer; polymerizing the functional monomer in the reaction mixture containing the swollen polymer substrate for a period of time; and removing the polymer from the reaction mixture. Because the surface modification produced by the process is a surface interpenetrating polymer network, the process is not sensitive to the reactive groups located on the surface of the polymer substrate. Further, the surface interpenetrating network bonds to the polymer substrate through caternary connections or other forms of chain entanglement and thus is quite stable.

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.

Abstract: An injectable intraocular lens composed of a silicone material is disclosed. The silicone lens material is polymerized from a plurality of siloxane monomers. The silicone lens material has a specific gravity great than 1.0 and a refractive index of a natural lens.

Abstract: Hydrophilic UV light absorbing polymerizing monomers are provided. These monomers are copolymerizable for providing biocompatible hydrogels capable of absorbing at least 90% of the UV light incident to the hydrogels. Such hydrogels are optically transparent, have high refractive indices, and possess long term stability. The hydrogels provided are useful in all applications where hydrogels may be used including intraocular lenses, corneal inlays, corneal onlays, contact lenses and similar applications.