Abstract: A lens delivery system having a two folding mechanisms. The first mechanism is structured to fold an intraocular lens stabilizing ring, and the second mechanism is designed to fold an intraocular lens.

Abstract: An insertion device for an intraocular lens is disclosed which can prevent leakage of a liquid in the device and can house and store a lens as well as the liquid. The insertion device includes a main body including a lens housing portion that houses the lens and an insertion cylindrical portion that feeds the lens into an eye, a pushing shaft that moves the lens from the lens housing portion in the front end direction to push out the lens into the eye through the insertion cylindrical portion, and a lens holding member that holds the lens, and is placed in the lens housing portion. The lens housing portion has a shape that receives insertion of the lens holding member from the rear.

Abstract: An injectable intraocular lens (10) made of flexible material, said lens (10) having an optical portion (11) that is preferably of approximately circular shape, said injectable intraocular lens being characterized in that it also has two side flats (15) provided on opposite edges of the optical portion (11), said flats (15) forming an angle relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding device for folding intraocular implants having flexible optical portions. Said device comprises two folding element facing each other and whose ends are connected together by deformable means. Each folding element comprises a body and a jaw projecting from said body, an elastically deformable support projecting from said body in the direction in which the two elements are brought together, a positioning stud projecting from said second end of the support perpendicularly to said support and facing upwards so as to co-operate, at rest, with the periphery of the optical portion of the implant, and an extension projecting from said body in the direction in which the two elements are brought together, and having a ramp suitable for co-operating with the support on the other folding element while the two folding elements are being brought together to cause said positioning stud to be lowered.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injector device for injecting an intraocular implant into the eye of a patient, which device comprises a folding chamber for folding the optical portion of the implant, a folding member, a hollow needle for injecting the folded implant into the eye, said hollow needle opening out at a first end of said chamber, a guide channel opening out at the second end of said chamber, and a moving piston mounted in said guide channel so as to push said folded implant into said hollow needle.

Abstract: A hand-operated injector for inserting a lens into an eye has a grip body (1) with a lens holder (13) for holding a lens, and a plunger (2) arranged displaceably in the grip body (1) for guided insertion of the lens into the eye. An actuating means (5, 6) for displacing the plunger (2) relative to the grip body (1) is arranged on the plunger (2), which actuating means (5, 6) is rotatable relative to the plunger (2). The injector can thus be rotated through any desired angle, without having to substantially change the position of the hand pressing on the plunger (2), in particular the position of the thumb.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an intraocular lens inside a capsular bag after the natural lens has been removed employs a sealing device comprising a plug part adapted to seal a rhexis in a capsular bag, thus preventing displacement through the rhexis of a lens-forming liquid material injected through the rhexis and adapted to replace the natural lens and form an intraocular lens implant. The plug part has a slightly larger area than the capsulorhexis and is made of a deformable polymer. The sealing device further comprises an adjusting means connected to the plug part and adapted to position the plug part to a desired location.

Abstract: Featured is an injectable intraocular lens system including an insertion and injection device and an injectable intraocular lens. In its broadest aspects, the injectable intraocular lens is a deflated flexible bag that is disposed within the insertion and injection device prior to insertion into the eye. In use a portion of the insertion and injection device is inserted into the eye and the flexible bag is deployed out from an aperture in the inserted portion into the eye. Following deployment, the insertion and injection device injects an optical medium, such as a liquid, into the interior of the flexible bag, thereby inflating the bag. In an illustrative embodiment, the amount of medium being injected is selected so that the inflated bag provides the desired corrective power to the intraocular lens so formed.

Abstract: An instrument for double-folding an elastically deformable IOL and for inserting the IOL into the anterior chamber of a patient's eye has a first elongate member and a second elongate member which are independently slidable within a handle. The distal ends of the first elongate member and the second elongate member protrude outwardly from the handle to provide a pair of forceps jaws suitable for gripping an IOL. The forceps jaws can be thrust through a double-folding member wherein the IOL is double-folded. After being double-folded, the IOL can be inserted into a patient's eye where it can be released by the forceps and allowed to unfold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a supplemental endo capsular lens (SECL) and the method of inserting and embedding the SECL within either a gel or polymer, inside the capsule of the crystalline lens, during phaco-ersatz or similar surgical procedures in order to supplement the refractive power of the eye with a view to (1) correcting ametropia while (2) maintaining a useable amplitude of accommodation.

Abstract: In an insertion device for deforming a deformable intraocular lens to a smaller size and inserting the intraocular lens into an eye via an insertion tube, a slit is formed in an insertion end portion of the insertion tube, and cut surfaces of the slit and at least the inner wall surface of the insertion end portion are connected by curved surfaces.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) insertion system for implanting IOLs into the eye. The insertion system includes an insertion cartridge that receives the IOL and cooperates with a handpiece. The cartridge includes a longitudinal lumen from a loading chamber to an open distal mouth that gradually narrows in dimension so as to fold the IOL into a tube for insertion through an incision in the eye. A distal tip member of a plunger rod in the handpiece enters the loading chamber of the cartridge and urges the IOL therethrough. The distal tip member has a portion that enters the folded IOL and is trapped therein for maximum control of IOL advancement. A soft tip, such as silicone, may cover a longitudinally extending portion of the distal tip to effect the IOL trapping. The distal tip member further has a portion that engages and pushes the IOL optic.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of preparing an accommodating intraocular lens having an optical axis for subsequent implantation. The method comprises providing an intraocular lens having first and second viewing elements interconnected by plural members. At least a portion of the members are disposed from the optical axis by a distance greater than a periphery of at least one of the viewing elements. The distance is measured orthogonal to the optical axis. The method further comprises drawing the members inwardly toward the optical axis by relatively rotating the first and second viewing elements. The method further comprises increasing the separation between the viewing elements along the optical axis while drawing the members inwardly.

Abstract: An insertion system for an intraocular lens having a deformable optical portion and loop-shaped support portions for supporting the optical portion within an eye includes a holding member for holding the intraocular lens at a standby position in a state in which no stress acts on the optical portion of the lens; a deforming member for deforming the lens to a reduced size; an insertion tube through which the deformed lens is inserted into the eye; a pusher mechanism having a push rod for pushing and inserting the lens into the eye; and a lens moving mechanism for moving the lens from the standby position to an insertion position at which the pusher mechanism can push and insert the lens into the eye. When the lens is moved to the insertion position, the optical portion and the support portions of the lens are placed in different spaces in order to fix the positional relationship between the optical portion and the support portions of the lens.

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.

Abstract: A method for prevention of capsular opacification is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a medical device, and more particularly to an ophthalmic surgical device for extracting an intra-ocular lens implant.

Abstract: An insertion instrument provides improved features for insertion of a lens into the eye through a small incision. A tubular member has a lumen and a split nozzle end portion for spreading after insertion. Ridges on the lumen wall prevent rotation of the lens, and stabilizer components extend from a plunger end portion to maintain the lens compressed and to prevent lens rotation in moving through the lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding device for folding intraocular implants having flexible optical portions. Said device comprises two folding element facing each other and whose ends are connected together by deformable means. Each folding element comprises a body and a jaw projecting from said body, an elastically deformable support projecting from said body in the direction in which the two elements are brought together, a positioning stud projecting from said second end of the support perpendicularly to said support and facing upwards so as to co-operate, at rest, with the periphery of the optical portion of the implant, and an extension projecting from said body in the direction in which the two elements are brought together, and having a ramp suitable for co-operating with the support on the other folding element while the two folding elements are being brought together to cause said positioning stud to be lowered.

Abstract: A device is part of an injection system for injecting a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) into a human eye. The device contains a folding area with two pivotably interconnected half-shells which can be pivoted from an open starting position to a closed finishing position. A sheet-like band loop is provided which is secured with a securing end on the first half-shell and is guided displaceably on the second half-shell. In the open starting position, a receiving space for the IOL is formed between the band loop and the two half-shells. By pulling on the displaceably guided band loop, the half-shells can be moved in the direction toward their finishing position. The band loop on the one hand permits reliable and gentle folding of the IOL. At the same time, the band loop permits storage of the IOL, in the unfolded state, in the folding area.

Abstract: A cartridge for an intraocular lens (L) for use in an injector (I) has an at least approximately plane resting surface (4) for supporting the lens (L) in a partially folded or non-folded state, an arched surface (11) which adjoins the resting surface (4), and a sliding element (3) with which the partially folded or non-folded lens (L) supported on the resting surface (4) can be slid along the arched surface (11) and folded, in particular rolled. By means of this cartridge, an intraocular artificial lens can be brought to the smallest possible format in a simple manner and without damage to the lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens and an assembly for implanting an IOL into an eye wherein the IOL is provided with first and second truncated edges which engage longitudinal channels formed along opposite sides of an inserter lumen. The truncated edges cause the IOL to maintain a preferred rotational orientation within the inserter lumen thereby minimizing the chance of IOL damage due to unintentional rotation of the IOL as it is being passed through the lumen.

Abstract: The invention describes a temporary intraocular lens for use in intraocular lens replacement therapy, and uses of the temporary lens for determining the refractive status of the eye in patients having lens replacement therapy. Also described are methods for manufacturing a temporary intraocular lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens includes an optic adapted to focus light toward a retina of an eye, and at least one fixation member configured to at least assist in supporting the optic in the eye. The fixation member includes a proximal portion coupled to the optic and a distal portion configured to be in contact with eye tissue when the intraocular lens is in use in the eye. The proximal portion of the fixation member includes at least one first area formed of a first, substantially rigid material, and at least one second area formed of a second material which is more flexible than the first material.

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.

Abstract: An injector for injecting an intraocular lens (1) made up of an optic (5), of at least one lower haptic (6), and of at least one upper haptic (7), said injector comprising a syringe body (10) having a preferably cylindrical main portion (11), a preferably cylindrical discharge portion (13) that is preferably of smaller cross-section than the cross-section of the main portion (11), and a conical portion (12) connecting said main portion (11) to said discharge portion (13), a plunger (20) being adapted to move inside said syringe body (10) so as move said lens (1) from the main portion (11) to the discharge portion (13), and then to discharge said lens (1) out of said discharge portion (13), said plunger (20) being provided with at least two strands (21, 22) that can move towards each other while the plunger (20) is sliding inside said conical portion (12), said injector being characterized in that, when said plunger (20) reaches the discharge portion (13) said plunger has a profile (25) at its end in contact w

Abstract: The invention relates to a ring (10) for a capsular bag, the ring being constituted by a curved elongate element presenting substantially constant thickness and having inner and outer edges. The elongate element comprises a first branch (30) extending between a first end (20) and a point B, and a second branch (32) extending between said point B and a second end (22), said outer edge of the elongate element when at rest and in its plane of symmetry being disposed substantially tangentially at a point A to a circle of center O and of radius R not less than the radius of the capsular bag, the outer edge of said first branch being defined by a portion of a circle of center O′ and of radius R′, where R<R′<1.10R, the outer edge of the second branch of said elongate element being defined by a portion of a hyperbolic spiral of center O and connected tangentially to said portion of a circle at said point B.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) insertion apparatus for implanting acrylic IOLs through smaller incisions. The insertion apparatus includes an insertion cartridge that receives the IOL and cooperates with a handpiece. The cartridge includes a longitudinal lumen from a loading chamber to an open distal mouth that gradually narrows in dimension so as to fold the acrylic IOL to a dimension of less than about 2.0 mm. The cartridge is made of a polymer, such as polypropylene, that includes a lubricity enhancing component concentrated at surfaces by a blooming process. A push rod in the handpiece enters the loading chamber of the cartridge and urges the IOL therethrough. A distal tip of the push rod has an irregular shape, such as a rounded trapezoidal, and has a maximum dimension slightly less than the inner diameter of the open distal mouth of the cartridge. The distal tip of the push rod may have a relief channel on one side that accommodates a trailing haptic of the IOL.

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.

Abstract: A deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus including a transverse hinged lens cartridge for allowing the lens cartridge to be opened and closed for loading the deformable intraocular lens into the lens cartridge. A preferred embodiment includes a lens cartridge including a lens holding portion connected to a nozzle portion. In this preferred embodiment, the lens holding portion includes a movable wall portion with a protrusion for folding the deformable intraocular lens into a lens delivery passageway of the lens cartridge when closing the movable wall portion.

Abstract: A system and method for removing cataract cells inside of a lens capsule of an eye and inserting into the lens capsule an intraocular lens having an adhesive applied to at least one of its surface. Preferably, the adhesive is applied to the surface of the intraocular lens that faces the cornea of the eye. The adhesive causes the lens to adhere to an interior portion of the lens capsule, such as the remaining epithelial layer. The lens capsule conforms or shrinks around the intraocular lens, removing substantially any space between the lens capsule and the intraocular lens. Since there is no room between the lens capsule and the intraocular lens, proliferation of the remaining cells will not occur and therefore capsular opacification is eliminated or substantially reduced. Additionally, since the lens capsule and the intraocular lens are coupled together, the intraocular lens can move when ciliary body muscles contract and therefore, the focal point of the eye can change as in a normal eye.

Abstract: This invention is a device for inserting a flexible intraocular lens (12) into an eye comprising a tubular member (16) and a plunger (18). The tubular member includes a staging area (45), a lumen, and an open distal end (95). The staging area supports unstressed state prior to engagement by the plunger. In the unstressed state, the optic (48) of the lens is suspended in a pocket to avoid any substantial contact with interior portions of the tubular member. The plunger includes a slot (132) in its distal tip fo receiving and gripping the lens. With this construction, the lens can be inserted into the eye in one continuous motion. Further, the plunger holds the lens when the lens is moved out of the tubular member.

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.

Abstract: An intraocular lens, including a lens portion and a means for positioning the lens portion in the eye relative to the cornea of the eye. An outer lens surface of the lens portion is adapted to be altered after the lens portion is positioned in the eye.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a supplemental endo capsular lens (SECL) and the method of inserting and embedding the SECL within either a gel or polymer, inside the capsule of the crystalline lens, during phaco-ersatz or similar surgical procedures in order to supplement the refractive power of the eye with a view to (1) correcting ametropia while (2) maintaining a useable amplitude of accommodation.

Abstract: A high refractive index, foldable polymer suitable for use in ophthalmic devices, such as intraocular lenses, is provided. The polymer may be produced from a polymerization reaction of first, second and third monomeric components and a crosslinking agent. The first monomeric component includes an aryl acrylate or an aryl methacrylate. The second monomeric component, which is not an acrylate, includes a monomer having an aromatic ring with a substituent having at least one site of ethylenic unsaturation. The third monomeric component includes a high water content hydrogel-forming monomer. The resulting high refractive index copolymer is durable enough to be cut and polished when dry, and becomes soft and foldable when hydrated.

Abstract: A high refractive index, foldable polymer suitable for use in ophthalmic devices, such as intraocular lenses, is provided. The polymer may be produced from a polymerization reaction of first, second and third monomeric components and a crosslinking agent. The first monomeric component includes an aryl acrylate or an aryl methacrylate. The second monomeric component, which is not an acrylate, includes a monomer having an aromatic ring with a substituent having at least one site of ethylenic unsaturation. The third monomeric component includes a high water content hydrogel-forming monomer. The resulting high refractive index copolymer is durable enough to be cut and polished when dry, and becomes soft and foldable when hydrated.

Abstract: A deformable intraocular lens implanting device for implanting a deformable intraocular lens into the eye. The device includes a deformable nozzle tip portion having a wall portion defining a nozzle tip lens delivery passageway portion, the wall portion having a deformable transverse cross-sectional profile which deforms as an intraocular lens is advanced through the nozzle tip lens delivery passageway portion.

Abstract: This invention discloses devices for use with an ophthalmologic insertor apparatus. In one embodiment, the device is a flexible, stretchable sleeve holder adapted to fit over a deformable sleeve that houses an implant. The sleeve holder facilitates loading of an implant into the sleeve by providing a suitable gripping surface. Application of a compressive force to the sleeve holder further allows the implant to be immobilized within the sleeve. After loading of the implant into the sleeve, the holder may be used as a collar or hub to secure the sleeve to an insertor hand-piece. Methods for loading implants into delivery sleeves, methods for attaching sleeves to inserters, and methods for delivering implants to an incision are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A device for deforming and ejecting a deformable intraocular lens for insertion into a small incision in an eye, the device comprising a) a housing, b) a lens transporting duct in a front part of the housing defining a duct axis, the duct having a front end with a cross-section adapted to the lens in deformed state with small maximum dimensions transversal to the duct axis, a rear lens-receiving end with a cross-section adapted for the lens in un-deformed state, or less deformed state, than at the front end, with larger maximum dimensions lateral to the duct axis than at the front end and an intermediate convergent duct part between the front and rear ends with a varying cross-section shape, having decreasing maximum dimensions lateral to the duct axis when moving from rear to front in the duct and c) a plunger operative to displace the lens in the duct at least in the forward direction.

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: Disclosed are improved methods of insertion of keratoprosthesis and, in particular, improved methods of surgical insertion and placement of a soft hydrogel prosthetic corneal device into the host cornea. The methods of the invention provide greatly improved rates of success for the implantation and retention of the device.

Abstract: A foldable intraocular lens is stored in its normal unfolded configuration within a lens storage chamber in a lens insertion instrument. The instrument includes a ram which is movable inwardly through the chamber to move the lens into and fold the lens to a compact folded configuration within a bore extending through a tubular portion of the instrument terminating in a slender tip for insertion into a patient's eye through a corneal incision in the eye and through which the folded lens is ejected into the eye by a plunger movable through the bore. An ophthalmic lens insertion kit and lens insertion package including the lens insertion instrument is disclosed.

Abstract: There is described an instrument for double folding an elastically deformable intraocular lens (IOL) into a general C-shape for insertion through a small incision into the anterior chamber of a patient's eye for controlled unfolding. The instrument comprises an elongate, slender IOL insertion tube having an IOL receiving station located in the tube adjacent a cutaway opening. A support element is provided for holding a central optic region of an IOL received in the IOL receiving station against an inner surface of the tube during the double folding of the IOL. An IOL double folding member installed on the tube has a converging recess facing the IOL receiving station, the recess being along the longitudinal tube axis and having an IOL discharge opening facing the insertion tube distal end.

Abstract: An insertion instrument provides improved features for insertion of a lens into the eye through a small incision. A tubular member has a lumen and a split nozzle end portion for spreading after insertion. Ridges on the lumen wall prevent rotation of the lens, and stabilizer components extend from a plunger end portion to maintain the lens compressed and to prevent lens rotation in moving through the lumen.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a flexible intraocular lens or other flexible membrane into an eye which includes a compressor for laterally compressing the lens into a small cross-sectional configuration to pass the lens through a narrow incision. The compressor includes retainers along the interior of the inserter to maintain the side edges of the lens in a substantially planar orientation during compression. The retainers preferably extend through the inserter to hold the lens during advancement toward the eye to prevent an uncontrolled rotation of the lens. A haptic guide may be placed through the distal end of the inserter to properly position the leading loop haptic of the lens.

Abstract: A deformable, artificial intraocular contact lens for implantation into the human eye to correct normal-vision problems. The lens may be positioned posteriorly from the iris, resting against the anterior surface of the posterior capsule's natural lens. Alternatively, the lens may be positioned in the anterior chamber of the eye. The implanted lens works in conjunction with the cornea and natural lens to provide proper vision, as a substitute for regular contact lens, spectacles, and radial keratotomy. The lens may be designed from a rigid or semi-rigid material. Due to the thinness of the structure, the lens may be rolled and inserted into the eye, minimizing both the length of the corneal incision and the stretching of the cornea.

Abstract: The device comprises a prosthesis designed as a hollow body compressed against the action of restoring spring forces to a cross section reduced relative to an expanded use position, and held in this position by a strippable sheath. After the sheath is stripped, the prosthesis automatically expands to a cross section corresponding to the use position. The sheath, which can be a meshwork in the approximate form of crocheted material, extends over the entire length of the prosthesis and consists of at least one continuous thread and at least one drawstring. The prosthesis, held in the radially compressed position by the sheath, can be mounted displacebly on a feed wire or non-axially-displacebly on the insertion end of a probe or a catheter.

Abstract: An instrument for the insertion of an intraocular lens into an eye comprises a body portion, e.g. a barrel, a nose portion having a lumen through which the lens passes, and a push rod connected to a plunger. Within the nose portion is an insert (30) which defines a passageway (40) therethrough. The passageway has a configuration which includes a smoothly continuous undulating surface (42, 44) upon which a lens rests. A cutout (52) accommodates the trailing haptic. For acrylic lenses, the undulating surface is preferably provided by a recess in the bottom of the passageway, the recess reducing in width and depth to define an upwardly sloping surface on which the lens is deposited.