Combined With Surgical Tool Patents (Class 623/6.12)
  • Patent number: 8021423
    Abstract: An insertion tool of an intraocular lens permits the lens to be deformed while rotation of the lens in an insertion tube is effectively prevented. Upper and lower flat planes are formed to spread flatly over a length of a through hole in the insertion tube and the upper and lower flat planes are connected smoothly with right and left wall faces over the length of the through hole. The right and left wall faces have longitudinal linear portions extending substantially in parallel in a vertical direction on a proximal end opening side. With its radius of curvature decreasing gradually in a covered shape which becomes inwardly concave as it approaches a distal end opening the upper flat plane gradually approaches the lower flat plane, and a tapered portion having a reduced cross-sectional area is formed, thus obtaining the distal end opening of substantially oval shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Kowa Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8002828
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Leonard Pinchuk
  • Patent number: 7988701
    Abstract: A preloaded intraocular lens injection device includes a retainer for releasably holding an IOL in an unstressed state. The retainer and IOL are removably attached to an injector body and are sealed in the same package for delivery to a surgeon. In an alternate embodiment, the retainer and IOL are coupled together and sealed in one package and the injector body is sealed in a separate package with the surgeon attaching the retainer to the injector body at the time of surgery. To deliver the IOL through the injector body, the retainer is removed from the injector body causing the IOL to release from the retainer and become located in an unstressed state in the injector body. A compressor is moved to the closed position to compress the IOL, the injector tip is inserted through a small incision in an eye and a plunger is advanced to push the IOL through and out the injector body tip and into an eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward Vaquero, Brian D. Rathert, Thomas M. Heyman, Aaron M. Torp, Martin P. Schooping, Philip L. Bryan
  • Patent number: 7981154
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: AMO Groningen B.V.
    Inventor: Thomas Terwee
  • Publication number: 20110172766
    Abstract: An IOL injector body including an injector body segment defining a portion of a lumen, and a first loading chamber component coupled to the injector body segments and a second loading chamber component hingedly coupled to the first loading chamber component. The second loading chamber component is capable of rotating about an axis that is parallel to the lumen. An IOL vial including a vial base and an injector guide rotatably mounted in said base, whereby an injector can be inserted along the injector guide and rotated such that a folded IOL can be obtained in the injector. A method of loading an IOL injector with an IOL the method that comprises inserting the IOL injector body into a vial and rotating the IOL injector body relative to the vial to obtain the IOL in the IOL injector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Joel Pynson
  • Patent number: 7954636
    Abstract: An assembly comprising a packaging device (20) and an intraocular lens injector (10) comprising a body (11) that contains an intraocular lens, said packaging device (20) being for receiving and storing said injector (10) prior to use, said packaging device (20) being made of a material that is waterproof, and being filled with a storage solution for maintaining at least the body (11) of said injector (10) and the intraocular lens in total immersion throughout the duration of storage, said packaging device (20) comprising a substantially rigid container (21, 22) and an opening (25) for enabling said injector (10) to be installed and removed, said container (21, 22) including at least one internal shoulder (26, 27) co-operating with a portion of the injector (10) to center and maintain its lens ejector end (14) away from the walls of said container (21, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Laboratoire de Contactologie Appliquee
    Inventor: Francoise Vincent-Aubry
  • Patent number: 7942889
    Abstract: An intraocular clip including first and second hook members extending generally coplanarly in opposite directions from a spine, the spine being formed with an attachment member attachable to ocular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hanita Lenses
    Inventor: Ehud Assia
  • Publication number: 20110098809
    Abstract: An ocular implant and delivery system having a channel tool adapted to extend through at least a portion of Schlemm's canal of a human eye and to determine whether the Schlemm's canal portion provides a suitable location for the delivery of an ocular implant; an ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye; and a cannula comprising a distal opening adapted to deliver the channel tool and the ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The invention also provides a method of treating glaucoma in a human eye including the steps of inserting a distal exit port of a cannula at least partially into Schlemm's canal of the eye; delivering a channel tool through the cannula into Schlemm's canal; delivering an ocular implant through the cannula into Schlemm's canal; and removing the channel tool and the cannula from the eye while leaving the ocular implant in place within Schlemm's canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: John Wardle, Andrew T. Schieber, Kenneth M. Galt
  • Publication number: 20110093068
    Abstract: A surgical tool for manipulating a haptic of an intraocular lens. The surgical tool includes an elongated center rail having a traveler slideably disposed within the center rail, the center rail being at least partially disposed in a first housing, an actuator operatively connected to the traveler and fixedly connected to the center rail, a conduit partially disposed within the first housing and slideably coupled to the traveler, and an engaging member selectively extendable out of the conduit, wherein actuation of the actuator manipulates the engaging member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: WERBLIN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
    Inventor: Theodore P. WERBLIN
  • Patent number: 7927344
    Abstract: Self-contained eye positioner having an annular vacuum ring composed of a channeled support ring and an overmolded flexible sealing ring having an attached rigid hollow tube secured to a syringe by use of an attachment fixture. The syringe, which also functions as a handle, provides a vacuum source, the vacuum of which is communicated to the annular vacuum ring to suctionally adhere the annular vacuum ring to the eyeball for maneuvering thereof. Accompanying closely associated auxiliary devices are provided for use with the eye positioner. No external vacuum source is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas A. Burba, David R. Hardten
  • Publication number: 20110082542
    Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of obtaining ophthalmic lens capable of reducing the aberrations of the eye comprising the steps of characterizing at least one corneal surface as a mathematical model, calculating the resulting aberrations of said corneal surface(s) by employing said mathematical model, selecting the optical power of the intraocular lens. From this information, an ophthalmic lens is modeled so a wavefront arriving from an optical system comprising said lens and corneal model obtains reduced aberrations in the eye. Also disclosed are ophthalmic lenses as obtained by the methods which are capable reducing aberrations of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: AMO Groningen BV
    Inventors: Sverker Norrby, Pablo Artal, Patricia Ann Piers, Marrie Van Der Mooren
  • Patent number: 7909780
    Abstract: For use with a surgical tool for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis, a system and method is disclosed for determining a position on the sclera for locating the scleral pocket. The system and method determines an optimum location for the scleral pocket. The system and method determines a location on the sclera that represents the intersection of the lens equatorial plane with the external surface of the sclera. The front of the scleral pocket is placed at a location that is four hundred fifty microns posterior to the intersection of the lens equatorial plane with the external surface of the sclera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Refocus Ocular, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Schachar, Donald P. Cudmore, William A. Munck
  • Patent number: 7892282
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye. The apparatus includes a cartridge for holding an IOL and a handpiece with a body member for receiving the cartridge, an injector rod that is receivable by the body member, and a drive mechanism that longitudinally oscillates the injector rod in the body member when a rotational force is applied about a longitudinal axis in a single direction. In other words, a constant rotation in a single direction of the drive mechanism causes the injector rod to move distally and proximally in discrete increments, with the distal increments being larger than the proximal increments. Accordingly, the injector rod urges an IOL out of the handpiece in a two-steps-forward, one-step-back manner, thereby minimizing or eliminating the chance of the injector rod engaging with the IOL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7892283
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye. The apparatus includes a cartridge for holding an IOL and a handpiece with a body member for receiving the cartridge, an injector rod that is receivable by the body member, and a drive mechanism that longitudinally oscillates the injector rod in the body member when a rotational force is applied about a longitudinal axis in a single direction. In other words, a constant rotation in a single direction of the drive mechanism causes the injector rod to move distally and proximally in discrete increments, with the distal increments being larger than the proximal increments. Accordingly, the injector rod urges an IOL out of the handpiece in a two-steps-forward, one-step-back manner, thereby minimizing or eliminating the chance of the injector rod engaging with the IOL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7883514
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ophtec B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Gerben Frans Worst, Harry Franciscus Simon
  • Patent number: 7879090
    Abstract: An IOL injector kit comprising a first body portion having a first lumen disposed therethrough, a proximal end, a distal end configured to deposit an IOL into an eye, a second body portion having a second lumen disposed therethrough, a proximal end and distal end, a container comprising a wall defining a container lumen, a first open end configured to receive the proximal end of the first body portion into the container lumen, and a second open end configured to receive the distal end of the second body portion into the container lumen, and an IOL disposed inside said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Joel Pynson
  • Patent number: 7867240
    Abstract: A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Rod T Peterson, Robert D Ott, Mark S Cole
  • Publication number: 20110004302
    Abstract: An apparatus for sizing an intraocular lens and/or an ocular region of the eye of a subject, such as the anterior chamber, contains a sizing device and a measurement device. In one embodiment, the sizing device comprises a first leg having a first contact portion for operably engaging the ocular portion and a second leg having a second contact portion for operably engaging the ocular portion. The sizing device has a test geometry when placed within the ocular portion. The measurement device is adapted for determining a dimension of the sizing device based at least in part on the test geometry. The sizing device may also have a reference geometry when the sizing device in a reference condition. In certain embodiments, the difference between the reference geometry and the test geometry may be used for sizing the intraocular lens and/or the ocular portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Brady, Tuyet H. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7794497
    Abstract: An apparatus for sizing an intraocular lens and/or an ocular region of the eye of a subject, such as the anterior chamber, contains a sizing device and a measurement device. In one embodiment, the sizing device comprises a first leg having a first contact portion for operably engaging the ocular portion and a second leg having a second contact portion for operably engaging the ocular portion. The sizing device has a test geometry when placed within the ocular portion. The measurement device is adapted for determining a dimension of the sizing device based at least in part on the test geometry. The sizing device may also have a reference geometry when the sizing device in a reference condition. In certain embodiments, the difference between the reference geometry and the test geometry may be used for sizing the intraocular lens and/or the ocular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Brady, Tuyet H. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7744646
    Abstract: A tool configured to prepare a dual-optic accommodating intraocular lens for implantation can comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can comprise a base and at least one elongate guide associated with the base. The first portion can be in contact with and not movable relative to a first optic of the lens during at least a portion of the preparation of the lens. The a second portion can comprise an actuator having an engagement surface in contact with a second optic of the lens and at least one protrusion extending away from the engagement surface. The protrusion can be configured to extend into engagement with the elongate guide. The first and second portions can be movable relative to each other as permitted by the guide(s) and protrusion(s) to move the optics so that the lens takes on a more compact condition for implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Visiogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Gholam-Reza Zadno-Azizi, Tuan Anh Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20100161049
    Abstract: Provided is an intraocular lens insertion device capable of omitting a repeated operation after the intraocular lens is inserted into the eye. The intraocular lens insertion device (1) comprises a lens setting part (11) for mounting an intraocular lens (5) having an optic (6) and one or two or more supporting portions (7a and 7b) disposed at the outer edge of the optic (6), a plunger (4) for pushing out the intraocular lens (5) mounted in the lens setting part (11), and a nozzle (13) for releasing the intraocular lens (5) pushed out by the plunger (4). This plunger (4) includes a lens contact portion (32) for abutting against the outer edge of the optic (6), and a pushing portion (33) for pushing out the supporting portion (7b) arranged in the backward direction of a lens advancing axis (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masanobu Inoue
  • Publication number: 20100152846
    Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention provides an IOL having an optic with a peripheral section including one or more visually observable markers formed on the optic peripheral section and located within the visually observable zone of a surgeon viewing the IOL in the implanted condition through the pupil. In a second aspect of the invention, the IOL peripheral section includes an edge provided with a plunger engagement segment configured to inhibit off-axis movement of a plunger tip when engaged therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Yann Vaillant, Benoit Bessiere
  • Publication number: 20100137982
    Abstract: A system and method for inserting an intraocular lens in a patient's eye includes a light source for generating a light beam, a scanner for deflecting the light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern that includes a registration feature, and a delivery system for delivering the enclosed treatment pattern to target tissue in the patient's eye to form an enclosed incision therein having the registration feature. An intraocular lens is placed within the enclosed incision, wherein the intraocular lens has a registration feature that engages with the registration feature of the enclosed incision. Alternately, the scanner can make a separate registration incision for a post that is connected to the intraocular lens via a strut member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: William Culbertson, Mark Blumenkranz, David Angeley, George Marcellino, Michael Wiltberger, Dan Andersen
  • Publication number: 20100094309
    Abstract: An intraocular lens injection device comprises a tubular housing with a plunger longitudinally disposed within the tubular housing. An electric drive system longitudinally translates the plunger so that its tip engages an insertion cartridge to fold and displace an intraocular lens disposed within and to inject the folded lens into the lens capsule of an eye. A control circuit is configured to start translation of the plunger, responsive to user input, to detect at least one fault condition based on a counter-electromotive force produced by the electric motor, and to stop translation of the plunger assembly responsive to the detected fault condition, which may comprise excessive resistance to forward or rearward translation of the plunger or insufficient resistance to forward translation of the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Mikhail Boukhny, Bill Chen, James Chon
  • Patent number: 7687097
    Abstract: Apparatus, and methods of making and using apparatus, for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an intraocular lens may be passed from the open space into an eye. A lubricity enhancing component is covalently bonded to the hollow tube at the interior wall in an amount effective to facilitate the passage of the intraocular lens through the hollow space. The lubricity enhancing component includes a substituent component effective to reduce hydrolysis of said lubricity enhancing component relative to an identical lubricity enhancing component without the substituent component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Harish Makker, Can B. Hu, Michael D. Lowery
  • Patent number: 7645300
    Abstract: Disclosed is an injector which comprises an injector housing having a longitudinal axis and an injection probe disposed along the longitudinal axis. The injector further comprises an intraocular lens disposed in the housing. The intraocular lens comprises first and second interconnected viewing elements, and the optical axes of the first and second viewing elements are substantially aligned. The optical axes are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The injector further comprises a lens carrier which engages one of the viewing elements. The viewing elements are moveable in response to longitudinal movement of the lens carrier relative to the injector housing. The longitudinal movement causes both (i) the optical axes to be displaced relative to each other and (ii) the viewing elements to be disposed substantially on the longitudinal axis of the injector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Visiogen, Inc.
    Inventor: George Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090319039
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: AMO GRONINGEN BV
    Inventor: Thomas Terwee
  • Patent number: 7615056
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for compacting an intraocular lens. The apparatus comprises a lens compactor having a first configuration for retaining the intraocular lens in an unstressed condition and a second configuration in which the compactor stresses the lens into an at least partially compacted condition without advancing the lens along an injection axis of the compactor. The compactor accomplishes this by applying a compacting force in a direction generally orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens. The compactor is responsive to a compactor actuator that is movable by a user to change the compactor from the first configuration to the second configuration. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Visiogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Ayton, Scott Evans, Tuan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7597678
    Abstract: A device to be inserted within a lens capsule during ocular surgery to contain fluids, including therapeutic and optical materials, used for irrigation within the capsule is provided. The device includes a deformable membrane within a ring. One or more ports are provided for irrigation within the capsule. Reduced pressure in an area around the periphery of the membrane may be used for forming a sealing area between the device and the posterior surface of the capsule. Method for inserting the device into the capsule and performing irrigation or aspiration for polishing and for deforming the lens capsule is provided. The device may be placed in an eye for permanent isolation of fluids within the lens capsule from tissue and fluids outside the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: David C. Brown
  • Patent number: 7569048
    Abstract: A device to be inserted within a lens capsule during ocular surgery to contain fluids, including therapeutic and optical materials, used for irrigation within the capsule is provided. The device includes a deformable membrane within a ring. The ring may include flanges that increase sealing area between the ring and the posterior surface of an anterior capsule. One or more ports are provided for irrigation within the capsule. Reduced pressure in an area around the periphery of the membrane may be used for forming a sealing area between the device and the posterior surface of the capsule. Method for inserting the device into the capsule and performing irrigation or aspiration for polishing and for deforming the lens capsule is provided. The device may be placed in an eye for permanent isolation of fluids-within the lens capsule from tissue and fluids outside the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: David C. Brown
  • Publication number: 20090132040
    Abstract: A method of inserting an ocular implant into a patient's eye, the ocular implant being mounted on a carrier, the method comprising: inserting a cannula into an anterior chamber of the eye; moving a distal exit port of the cannula into communication with Schlemm's canal; and advancing the ocular implant and carrier through an exit port of the cannula into Schlemm's canal. The invention also provides an ocular implant and delivery system comprising: a cannula comprising a distal exit port adapted to be inserted into a Schlemm's canal portion of an eye; an ocular implant; a carrier disposed within the implant and movable with the implant within the cannula; and a proximal control adapted to be operated from exterior to an eye to move at least one of the carrier and the implant when the distal exit port of the cannula is within the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Ivantis, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Frion, Rebecca McCarville, Andrew T. Schieber, Nathaniel Zenz-Olson, Diane Feehan, Edward Matthees, Charles L. Euteneuer
  • Publication number: 20090112313
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making an intraocular lens insertion device comprising a lubricious insertion tip assembly and to the device itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Khalid Mentak
  • Patent number: 7497866
    Abstract: These methods, devices, and structures are useful in the field of ophthalmology; the devices and methods relate variously to separating or lifting corneal epithelium from the eye preferably in a substantially continuous layer, placing a lens or other suitable ocular or medical device beneath the epithelial membrane, and to the resulting structures formed by those procedures. The de-epilthelialization devices generally utilize a non-cutting separator or dissector that is configured to separate the epithelium at a naturally occurring cleavage surface in the eye between the epithelium and the corneal stroma (Bowman's membrane), specifically separating in the region of the lamina lucida. The separator or dissector may have a structure that rolls or vibrates (or both) at that cleavage surface or interface during the dissection step. The separated epithelium may be lifted or peeled from the surface of the eye to form an epithelial flap or a pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tissue Engineering Refraction Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Perez
  • Patent number: 7494505
    Abstract: A method for charging a deformable intraocular lens into a receptacle through a slit or opening in the receptacle periphery, the lens in un-deformed state comprising a) a roughly disc shaped optic part configured to act as a lens when inserted into an eye and b) at least two elongated haptic legs, each leg having an inner end attached to the optic part, an outer end being free and intermediate points in between the inner end and the free end, each leg being curved in unstressed state and being flexible to at least a less curved configuration under stress. The method comprises the steps of i) stretching the legs to align the legs along a substantially straight line, ii) aligning or maintaining the substantially straight line over and substantially parallel with the slit or opening of the receptacle, and iii) transferring at least the two legs through the slit or opening into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Kappelhof, Jos van Loobergen, Jon Taylor, Kevin J. Ehrenreich, Robert M. Kershner
  • Publication number: 20090036982
    Abstract: An injectable intraocular implant including an optics portion and a resilient, flexible haptics portion mounted coaxially with the optics portion and a method for inserting the implant into the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: VISIONCARE OPTHALMIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Eli Aharoni, Yossi Gross, Gideon Dolan, Iden Eisenberg
  • Patent number: 7476230
    Abstract: In an intraocular-lens insertion device for deforming a deformable intraocular lens to a smaller size and inserting the intraocular lens into an eye via an insertion tube, the insertion tube has such an inner wall shape as to cause the deformable intraocular lens to move rotationally about an insertion tube axis by a predetermined angle in the course of axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: STAAR Japan Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ohno, Kenichi Shinzaki, Takashi Masuda
  • Patent number: 7458976
    Abstract: A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Rod T. Peterson, Robert D. Ott, Mark S. Cole
  • Patent number: 7452362
    Abstract: There are disclosed methods for preparing an intraocular lens for implantation in an eye. The methods can comprise (1) providing an intraocular lens having first and second viewing elements that overlap when viewed along an optical axis; and (2) preparing the lens for implantation by relatively moving the viewing elements such that the first viewing element moves at least substantially completely across said second viewing element to significantly reduce or eliminate the overlap. Additional methods and intraocular lens embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Visiogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Gholam-Reza Zadno-Azizi, Tuan Anh Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20080281413
    Abstract: A system and method for inserting an intraocular lens in a patient's eye includes a light source for generating a light beam, a scanner for deflecting the light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern that includes a registration feature, and a delivery system for delivering the enclosed treatment pattern to target tissue in the patient's eye to form an enclosed incision therein having the registration feature. An intraocular lens is placed within the enclosed incision, wherein the intraocular lens has a registration feature that engages with the registration feature of the enclosed incision. Alternately, the scanner can make a separate registration incision for a post that is connected to the intraocular lens via a strut member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: William Culbertson, Mark Blumenkranz, David Angeley, George Marcellino, Michael Wiltberger, Dan Andersen
  • Patent number: 7429263
    Abstract: A preloaded intraocular lens injection device includes a retainer for releasably holding an IOL in an unstressed state. The retainer and IOL are removably attached to an injector body and are sealed in the same package for delivery to a surgeon. In an alternate embodiment, the retainer and IOL are coupled together and sealed in one package and the injector body is sealed in a separate package with the surgeon attaching the retainer to the injector body at the time of surgery. To deliver the IOL through the injector body, the retainer is removed from the injector body causing the IOL to release from the retainer and become located in an unstressed state in the injector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward Vaquero, Brian D. Rathert, Thomas M. Heyman, Aaron M. Torp, Martin P. Schooping, Philip L. Bryan
  • Patent number: 7422604
    Abstract: A preloaded intraocular lens injection device includes a retainer for releasably holding an IOL in an unstressed state. The retainer and IOL are removably attached to an injector body and are sealed in the same package for delivery to a surgeon. In an alternate embodiment, the retainer and IOL are coupled together and sealed in one package and the injector body is sealed in a separate package with the surgeon attaching the retainer to the injector body at the time of surgery. To deliver the IOL through the injector body, the retainer is removed from the injector body causing the IOL to release from the retainer and become located in an unstressed state in the injector body. A compressor is moved to the closed position to compress the IOL, the injector tip is inserted through a small incision in an eye and a plunger is advanced to push the IOL through and out the injector body tip and into an eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward Vaquero, Brian D. Rathert, Thomas M. Heyman, Aaron M. Torp, Martin P. Schooping, Philip L. Bryan, William J. Seyboth, George Clark, Robert J. Egan, Jon P. Cullen
  • Patent number: 7416561
    Abstract: An intraocular lens includes an optical portion (7; 607; 907; 1107) of a transparent, deformable material, at least one haptic (5, 6; 205, 206; 405, 406, 706; 806; 905; 1005; 1105; 1205) radially projecting from the optical portion for supporting the optical portion in a position parallel to and against an anterior iris surface plane (936; 1136), and at least one aperture (13; 213; 713; 913; 1013; 1113) bounded by the haptic. At least a stiff portion of the haptic has a higher stiffness against bending about an axis in the radial direction than the optical portion. furthermore, the stiff portion has a width (a) measured parallel to the plane and perpendicular to the radial direction, which is smaller than the size (b) of the optical portion in the direction of the width. An instrument and methods for preparing and carrying out insertion of such a lens are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ophtec B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Gerben Frans Worst, Harry Franciscus Simon, Martinus Aponno
  • Publication number: 20080154361
    Abstract: An IOL injector subassembly, comprising a lens cartridge, an IOL, and a fastener connected to the lens cartridge arranged to hold the IOL in a position disposed over at least a portion of the first lumen segment and over at least the second lumen segment. A method for facilitating loading of an IOL injector, comprising removing the fastener, and rotating the first portion relative to the second portion to fold the IOL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Joel Pynson, Brian D. Rathert, David P. Pollock
  • Publication number: 20080147083
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a method includes using an implantable ocular clip to fix an intraocular lens to an iris, all without having to use a suture to permanently hold the lens in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Steven D. Vold, William Plauche
  • Publication number: 20080103592
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for improving vision using a pair of intraocular lenses. A standard or light adjustable intraocular lens is combined with a light adjustable “piggyback” lens such that the “piggyback” lens corrects any vision deficiencies not addressed by the first lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Calhoun Vision, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Maloney
  • Publication number: 20080097598
    Abstract: A method of folding a multiple element IOL comprising folding the first lens element and second lens element such that the second lens element at least partially surrounds the first lens element and such that, after folding, both the first lens element and the second lens element are substantially aligned along the optical axis. A hinged apparatus such as a cartridge may be used to cause the second lens element to be folded. A method of loading a multielement IOL comprising folding the haptics such that a portion of the haptics contacts an exterior side of one of the first lens element and the second lens element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Emin Engin, Gary A. Richardson, Chris E. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20080097460
    Abstract: An intraocular lens delivery system has an injector body, a plunger, a nozzle portion, and a heater. The plunger is slidably movable within the injector body. The nozzle portion is located on a distal end of the injector body and has a hollow interior adapted for receiving the intraocular lens. The heater is integrated with the intraocular lens delivery system and is adapted to heat the intraocular lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Mikhail Boukhny, James Chon, David Downer, Steve Van Noy
  • Publication number: 20080097461
    Abstract: A method of delivering an intraocular lens into an eye is disclosed. The intraocular lens is heated. The intraocular lens is maintained within a desired temperature range. The intraocular lens is injected into the eye when the intraocular lens is within the desired temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Mikhail Boukhny, James Chon, David Downer, Steve Van Noy
  • Publication number: 20080077237
    Abstract: A shipping system for a medical device, such as implantable lens for an eye, is provided that may be reconfigured from a shipping mode into an injection mode without manually handling the contained lens or other device. Upon manufacture, a lens may be placed within the system assembly in the shipping configuration. While in the shipping configuration, the lens is kept in its desired shape and within a selected environment. Upon arrival at the destination, the user may attach fittings for injection of the device into a body. The process of changing from the shipping to the injection mode deforms the device into a shape suitable for injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas L. Isaacs, Hayden Beatty, William B. Wright
  • Patent number: 7347466
    Abstract: The multipurpose contact lens accessory comprises a casing having a contact end and a viewing end, the viewing end having a lens therein, wherein the contact end engages a contact thereon for viewing and/or insertion of same and the viewing end allows for viewing of the contact engaged to the contact end for determining if any visible defects exist in the contact and/or whether the contact is inside out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Alan Feldman