Abstract: Disclosed is an optical cylinder of a corneal prosthesis comprising: a) an optical cylinder comprising a solid polymer, and b) a plurality of nanoparticles forming a substantially uniform layer on a circumference of the solid polymer surface of the optical cylinder. Also disclosed are methods of surface treatment of optical cylinders of corneal prostheses, and corneal prostheses thereof.

Abstract: Methods of photoaltering a region of a material using a pulsed laser beam. The method includes scanning the pulsed laser beam in a first portion of the region with a first pattern, scanning the pulsed laser beam in a second portion of the region with a second pattern, and separating a flap of the material at the region. The system includes a laser, a controller selecting at least first and second patterns, and a scanner operable in response to the controller. The first pattern has a first maximum acceleration associated with the second portion, and the second pattern has a second maximum acceleration associated with the second portion. The second maximum acceleration is less than the first maximum acceleration. The scanner scans the pulsed laser beam from the laser in the first portion with the first pattern and in the second portion with the second pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intracorneal lens (1), comprising a circular main body having a convex front surface and a convex rear surface, characterized in that the convex front surface has a single uniform radius of curvature (Rcv) and the concave rear surface has a radius of curvature (Rcci). The radius of curvature (Rcci) of the concave rear surface is greater than the average radius of the cornea by 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mm, in particular preferably 0.5 to 1 mm The present invention further relates to a kit, comprising a storage unit (15) and a pre-load unit (P) inside the storage unit (15). The storage unit (15) is made of a watertight material and can be closed watertight by means of a plug (16). The pre-load unit (P) is fitted with the intracorneal lens according to the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the depth of focus of the human eye is comprised of a lens body, an optic in the lens body configured to produce light interference, and a pinhole-like optical aperture substantially in the center of the optic. The optic may be configured to produce light scattering or composed of a light reflective material. Alternatively, the optic may increase the depth of focus via a combination of light interference, light scattering, light reflection and/or light absorption. The optic may also be configured as a series of concentric circles, a weave, a pattern of particles, or a pattern of curvatures. One method involves screening a patient for an ophthalmic lens using a pinhole screening device in the lens to increase the patient's depth of focus. Another method comprises surgically implanting a mask in the patient's eye to increase the depth of focus.

Abstract: To provide an injector for ophthalmology which can guide an implant easily to an transplant place without causing any damage to the implant when the implant is inserted into an eyeball. The injector for an eye used for inserting an implant into an eyeball comprises an outer tube, and an implant holding structure arranged in the outer tube to be slidable with respect to the outer tube. The implant holding structure has an implant holding portion which can be contained in the outer tube and forms a space for containing the implant between the implant holding portion and the inner surface of the outer tube when it is contained in the outer tube. The implant holding portion projects from the outer tube when the implant holding structure is advanced and the implant can be taken out from the outer tube.

Abstract: A method for providing faster visual and functional recovery of patients following refractive surgery such as laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is disclosed. The method comprises providing a covering to the eye of a patient comprising an inner portion having an inner rigidity and at least one inner radius of curvature; and an outer portion having an outer rigidity and at least one outer radius of curvature; wherein the inner rigidity is greater than the outer rigidity.

Abstract: A mask configured to be implanted in a cornea of a patient to increase the depth of focus of the patient includes an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a plurality of holes. The anterior surface is configured to reside adjacent a first corneal layer. The posterior surface is configured to reside adjacent a second corneal layer. The plurality of holes extends at least partially between the anterior surface and the posterior surface. The holes of the plurality of holes are configured to substantially eliminate visible diffraction patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic devices configured to be implanted in an eye of a patient. In one embodiment, the ophthalmic device includes a mask configured to increase the depth of focus of the patient and comprising a highly fluorinated polymeric material in which the number of carbon-fluorine bonds equals or exceeds the number of carbon-hydrogen bonds in the highly fluorinated polymeric material. The highly fluorinated polymeric material can be resistant to degradation upon exposure to ultraviolet light. The mask further includes an aperture configured to transmit light and a portion configured to be substantially opaque to visible light and to surround at least a portion of the aperture.

Abstract: A jig and a cooling fluid injection tool are provided for use in the correction of corneal shape of an eyeball. Correction of the eyeball takes place while the cornea is warmed. The jig includes a shape retention part of a sucking disc configuration having an inner surface side that contacts the eyeball and a grip part formed on an outer surface side of the shape retention part. An inner surface-sided cornea contacting section of the shape retention part is flattened and a cooling fluid injection hole passing through the grip part is formed in the center of the shape retention part with a diameter large enough for a wearer to see outside.

Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic devices configured to be implanted in an eye of a patient. In one embodiment, the ophthalmic device includes a mask configured to increase the depth of focus of the patient and comprising a highly fluorinated polymeric material in which the number of carbon-fluorine bonds equals or exceeds the number of carbon-hydrogen bonds in the highly fluorinated polymeric material. The highly fluorinated polymeric material can be resistant to degradation upon exposure to ultraviolet light. The mask further includes an aperture configured to transmit light and a portion configured to be substantially opaque to visible light and to surround at least a portion of the aperture.

Abstract: Corneal inlays and masks and methods of improving vision of a patient with corneal inlays and masks are provided. Masks with an aperture can improve the vision of a patient, such as by increasing the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. For example, a mask can have an annular portion with a relatively low visible light transmission surrounding a relatively high transmission central portion, such as a clear lens or aperture. This provides an annular mask with a small aperture for light to pass through to the retina to increase depth of focus. The mask may also include nutrient transport structures that provide nutrient flow through mask to prevent nutrient depletion. These nutrient transport structures can be configured to concentrate nutrient transmission near a center region of the mask to provide more nutrient flow near the center region.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for aligning an implant with a visual axis of an eye of a patient. The apparatus has an instrument with an instrument axis and an aperture through which the patient may look along the instrument axis. The implant includes an aperture having an implant axis that can be positioned substantially collinear with the instrument axis. The implant further includes a substantially opaque annulus extending between the aperture and an outer periphery of the implant. The annulus has a nutrient transport structure for conveying nutrients between anterior and posterior surfaces of the implant.

Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic devices configured to be implanted in an eye of a patient. In one embodiment, the ophthalmic device includes a mask configured to increase the depth of focus of the patient and comprising a highly fluorinated polymeric material in which the number of carbon-fluorine bonds equals or exceeds the number of carbon-hydrogen bonds in the highly fluorinated polymeric material. The highly fluorinated polymeric material can be resistant to degradation upon exposure to ultraviolet light. The mask further includes an aperture configured to transmit light and a portion configured to be substantially opaque to visible light and to surround at least a portion of the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed are mask optics configured to be implanted in a cornea of a patient. In one embodiment, the body of the optic has a light transmitting portion, a light blocking portion disposed about the light transmitting portion, and an outer periphery surrounding the light blocking portion. The optic is adapted to reside between two intracorneal layers of a cornea. The mask optic may be formed from a material comprising a highly fluorinated polymeric material and an opacification agent. Preferred highly fluorinated polymeric materials include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and preferred opacification agents include carbon. The highly fluorinated polymeric material is preferably resistant to degradation upon exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A keratoprosthesis having a central optical part tightly connected to a peripheral haptic part both made of hydrophobic polymers. Smooth surfaces of the optical part are present where the surface oriented toward the eyelid has been rendered hydrophilic, whereas, the chemical nature of the surface oriented to the anterior chamber of the eye is such that it does not support fibrin adherence and membrane formation. The chemical nature of the textured haptic part is configured to promote the adherence of cells and eventually the vascular ingrowth.

Abstract: A kit is provided, which comprises a) a collagen patch and b) an adhesive composition comprising (i) fibrin, fibrinogen or a combination thereof, and (ii) a biocompatible polymer capable of forming a viscous aqueous solution. Also provided is use of the kit for the preparation of a sealing device for use in ophthalmic surgery to replace a natural lens which has been removed, in which sealing device the collagen patch of the kit is adapted to seal an opening in a capsular bag of an eye while admitting the entrance of an injection device through the opening for injection of a lens-forming material into the capsule; and in which sealing device the adhesive composition of the kit is adapted to be applied to the collagen patch so as to enable adhesion of the collagen patch to the capsular bag. Also provided are methods for sealing an opening in a capsular bag of an eye, in which methods the kit is employed.

Abstract: The invention provides a transcorneal vision assistance device implantable in the eye of a patient. A preferred embodiment transcorneal microtelescope vision assistance device is implantable in the eye of a patient and includes a keratoprosthesis configured to replace a portion of the cornea of a patient and to secure the keratoprosthesis to a remaining front portion of the cornea. A microtelescope is carried by the keratoprosthesis for transcorneal mounting of the microtelescope.

Abstract: A mask configured to be implanted in a cornea of a patient to increase the depth of focus of the patient includes an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a plurality of holes. The anterior surface is configured to reside adjacent a first corneal layer. The posterior surface is configured to reside adjacent a second corneal layer. The plurality of holes extends at least partially between the anterior surface and the posterior surface. The holes of the plurality of holes are configured to substantially eliminate visible diffraction patterns.

Abstract: A method for correcting vision of an eye, including the steps of separating a portion of the cornea to form first and second internal surfaces in the cornea, and then placing at least one microscopic lens in between the first and second internal surfaces in the cornea, so that the external surface of the cornea is not substantially displaced. In a preferred embodiment, the microscopic lenses can be placed in concentric circles around the main optical axis so that the lenses form multifocal or bifocal vision.

Abstract: A system designed to store an implant together with the tools necessary to implant the stored implant, and a method of using said system. Such system includes an implant storage tool adapted to retain the implant within a storage container. The implant storage tool is operable to provide an implant applicator.

Abstract: A bio-compatible corneal ring for myopic correction and accommodation for presbyopia. The corneal ring is made from a bio-compatible material with a lens body having an inner and outer circular edge. The inner circular edge forms an opening in the lens body. The posterior surface of the lens body has a uniform radii of curvature between the inner and outer circular edges. The anterior surface has two radii of curvatures providing for correction of myopia. The first radii of curvature extends from near the outer circular edge to a junction point before the inner circular edge. The second radii of curvature extends from the junction point and continues to the inner circular edge. The inner and outer circular edges have a thickness of less than about 0.020 mm, but preferably are about 0.010 mm or less.

Abstract: An implantable keratoprosthesis having a central lenticule and a peripheral annulus of corneal tissue. The keratoprosthesis includes a transparent polymeric lenticule having an elongated stem with a generally cylindrical outer surface and a central axis. On one end thereof, the stem carries a dome having a peripheral skirt extending outwardly from the axis beyond the cylindrical surface of the stem. An annulus of corneal tissue has a central bore within which the stem is received, the peripheral skirt contacting and overlying a portion of the corneal annulus adjacent the bore. A portion of the annulus extends outwardly beyond the peripheral skirt for attachment to a surgically prepared cornea. A ring of polymeric material is received over the stem to capture between the ring and the skirt the corneal annulus.

Abstract: Intracomeal lenses having flow enhancement regions facilitate optimized nutrient transmission from posterior to anterior sides of lenses. Thinning, fenestration, and related structural emplacements permit, for example, hyperopic lenses to be crafted whereby nutrient transport is substantially enhanced in novel ways.

Abstract: A system adapted to modify refractivity of a cornea of an eye, including a first component, and adapted to be implanted at a first depth in the cornea. A second component, separate from the first component, is adapted to be implanted at a second depth in the cornea at a position relative to the first component, such that an axis passing through the eye parallel to the optical axis passes through the second component without passing through the first component. The second depth is closer to the front surface of the cornea than is the first depth.

Abstract: Prosthetic implants designed to be implanted in the cornea for modifying the cornea curvature and altering the corneal refractive power for correcting myopia, and myopia with astigmatism, such implants formed of a micro-porous hydrogel material.

Abstract: A bio-compatible corneal ring for myopic correction and accommodation for presbyopia. The corneal ring is made from a bio-compatible material with a lens body having an inner and outer circular edge. The inner circular edge forms an opening in the lens body. The posterior surface of the lens body has a uniform radii of curvature between the inner and outer circular edges. The anterior surface has two radii of curvatures providing for correction of myopia. The first radii of curvature extends from near the outer circular edge to a junction point before the inner circular edge. The second radii of curvature extends from the junction point and continues to the inner circular edge. The inner and outer circular edges have a thickness of less than about 0.020 mm, but preferably are about 0.010 mm or less.

Abstract: A flexible biconvex lens for intra-capsular implantation in an intra-ocular lens capsule of a patient enables the lens refractive properties to be to altered by the transfer of forces from ciliary muscles of the patient to said the flexible biconvex lens. The flexible lens comprises a plurality of holes spaced at equal radial intervals around the periphery of the lens. The plurality of holes promote tissue ingrowths to secure the flexible biconvex lens to the intra-ocular lens capsule without requiring peripheral mechanical extensions, adhesives or mechanical fasteners to said flexible biconvex lens.

Abstract: A bio-compatible corneal ring for myopic correction and accommodation for presbyopia. The corneal ring is made from a bio-compatible material with a lens body having an inner and outer circular edge. The inner circular edge forms an opening in the lens body. The posterior surface of the lens body has a uniform radii of curvature between the inner and outer circular edges. The anterior surface has two radii of curvatures providing for correction of myopia. The first radii of curvature extends from near the outer circular edge to a junction point before the inner circular edge. The second radii of curvature extends from the junction point and continues to the inner circular edge. The inner and outer circular edges have a thickness of less than about 0.020 mm, but preferably are about 0.010 mm or less.

Abstract: Prosthetic implants designed to be implanted in the cornea for modifying the cornea curvature and altering the corneal refractive power for correcting myopia, and myopia with astigmatism, such implants formed of a micro-porous hydrogel material.

Abstract: A corneal onlay or corneal implant is disclosed which is to be placed within or onto the surface of the cornea, being a biocompatible, optically transparent, synthetic and biostable polymeric material, said material comprising a surface that supports the attachment and growth of tissue cells, and where the exterior surface of the implant onto which epithelial tissue is to be attracted and to become attached, or in the case of a corneal onlay the anterior surface of the onlay, has a topography comprising a plurality of surface indentations.

Abstract: A method for modifying the curvature of a live cornea to correct a patient's vision. First, at least one relatively small opening is made in the cornea for inserting a fiber optic cable or micro-cutting tool therein to create a pocket or cavity with first and second opposed internal surfaces. The laser beam or micro-cutting tool can be directed onto one of the first and second internal surfaces, or both, if needed or desired to incrementally and sequentially ablate or remove three-dimensional portions of the cornea. If a laser beam is used, then a flexible template can be inserted into the opening in the cornea for accurately controlling the pattern to be ablated within the cornea. Preferably, the live cornea is then left alone to collapse and obtain its new refractive power by waiting a set period of time. After waiting the set period of time, the cornea is then examined to determine the new refractive power of the cornea.

Abstract: Methods for modifying a live cornea to correct a patient's vision. In the case of hyperopia, at least one slit is first made in the cornea for inserting a knife, a fiber optic cable or micro-cutting tool therein to separate an internal area of the cornea into first and second opposed internal surfaces such that a substantially circular area centered about the main optical axis of the cornea remains attached between the first and second internal surfaces. The laser beam or micro-cutting tool can be directed onto one of the first and second internal surfaces, or both, if needed or desired to incrementally and sequentially remove three-dimensional portions of the cornea. If a laser beam is used, then a flexible template can be inserted between the internal surfaces of the cornea for accurately controlling the pattern to be ablated within the cornea.