Including Mechanically Or Electrically Activated Means On Lens To Alter Focal Power Of Lens (e.g., Electromagnet, Material Which Is Ablated By Laser, Etc.) Patents (Class 623/6.22)
  • Publication number: 20040148022
    Abstract: An adjustable ocular insert to be implanted during refractive cataract surgery and clear (human) crystalline lens refractive surgery and adjusted post-surgically. The implant comprises relatively soft but compressible and resilient base annulus designed to fit in the lens capsule and keep the lens capsule open. Alternatively the annulus may be placed in the anterior or posterior chamber. The annulus can include a pair of opposed haptics for secure positioning within the appropriate chamber. A rotatable annular lens member having external threads is threadedly engaged in the annulus. The lens member is rotated to move the lens forward or backward so to adjust and fine-tune the refractive power and focusing for hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism. The intraocular implant has a power range of approximately +3 {square root}0 &pgr; −3 diopters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Harry C. Eggleston
  • Publication number: 20040127984
    Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) includes an optic for focusing light and an accommodation assembly for axially moving and/or deforming the optic in response to naturally occurring actions of the eye, thus allowing a patient to more effectively focus on near objects. In addition, the optic may be multifocal or aspheric, wherein the maximum add power of the lens is combined with the increase in diopter power obtained through axial movement and/or deformation of the optic, resulting in enhanced accommodation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Marlene L. Paul, Daniel G. Brady, Michael Lowery
  • Patent number: 6749632
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of implementing an optical element having a refraction modulating composition. The methods include using a wavefront sensor to provide an optical measurement of the optical element. The present invention also relates to systems comprising an optical element having a refraction modulating composition and a wavefront sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, The Regents of the University of California, Calhoun Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian A. Sandstedt, Jagdish M. Jethmalani, Robert H. Grubbs, Julia A. Kornfield, Daniel M. Schwartz, Robert Maloney
  • Patent number: 6730123
    Abstract: The present invention provides an intra-ocular lens (IOL) whose focusing performance can be modified after its implantation in the eye without a need for any invasive procedure. An IOL of the invention has an optical chamber having at least a flexible region that is deformable under influence of a fluid. The IOL further include a reservoir for storing an optical fluid in fluid communication with the optical chamber, and a valve that regulates the fluid communication between the reservoir and the optical chamber. The lens can also include a pump that is actuated by an external energy source to transfer the optical fluid between the reservoir and the optical chamber to change the amount of fluid in the optical chamber, thereby modifying the focusing performance of the IOL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Proteus Vision, LLC
    Inventor: Peter J. Klopotek
  • Publication number: 20040073304
    Abstract: An adjustable lens system. In a first embodiment, the lens system of the present invention is a two optic system. The optics are connected by an expandable material that allows the distance between the optics to increased in-situ. In a second embodiment of the present invention is a single optic system having a section made from an expandable material at or near the junction between the optic and the centering haptics. Expansion of these section causes the haptics to move radially away from the optic. Such movement may allow for recentering of the lens or, if the haptics are slightly vaulted, radial movement of the haptics away from the optic will cause axial movement of the lens system along the visual axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph I. Weinschenk, Xiaoxiao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040054407
    Abstract: An artificial vision system for regenerating or restoring vision of an eye of a patient includes: a power acquiring unit which is disposed inside the eye, includes a magnetic core having an opening and a coil wound around the magnetic core, and is adapted to acquire power from outside a body using electromagnetic induction; and a plurality of electrodes which is provided at a retina and is adapted to electrically stimulate cells constituting the retina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tashiro, Yasuo Terasawa
  • Patent number: 6645245
    Abstract: Disclosed is an implant for implantation in the human eye, which enables natural adjustment of the eye to different distances (accommodation) after cataract surgery (lens opacity). Permanent magnets (inner magnets) rest on the periphery of the intraocular lens located inside the capsular sack. Two additional permanent magnets that are fixed to the sclera (outer magnets) are located opposite to said inner magnets and slightly staggered to the back. The inner and outer magnets are polarized and geometrically disposed in such a way that they repel one another. Said repulsion effects a forward movement of the capsular sack and the lens located therein when the ciliary muscle contracts. Before placing the outer magnets, a measurement can be conducted with the aid of electromagnets whose strength can be regulated, whereby accommodation is determined as a function of the strength of the outer magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Rolf Preussner
  • Patent number: 6645246
    Abstract: An intraocular lens for use in a mammalian eye includes an optic adapted to focus light toward a retina of the mammalian eye and, in cooperation with the mammalian eye, to provide accommodation, the optic including a first portion adapted to move in response to the action of the mammalian eye; and a second portion surrounded by the first portion, and having a higher index of refraction than the first portion and/or being less deformable than the first portion in response to forces exerted by the mammalian eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Weinschenk, III, Charles X. Liao, Massoud Ghazizadeh
  • Publication number: 20030208265
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Arthur Ho, Paul Erickson, Fabrice Manns, Jean-Marie Parel
  • Patent number: 6638304
    Abstract: A vision prosthesis includes a lens having an index of refraction that varies in response to a focusing stimulus. An actuator in communication with the lens provides the focusing stimulus on the basis of a range estimate from a rangefinder. A controller coupled to the rangefinder and to the actuator causes the actuator to generate a focusing stimulus on the basis of the range estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary
    Inventor: Dimitri Azar
  • Publication number: 20030199977
    Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens having anteriorly and posteriorly movable extended portions, such as T-shaped haptics, extending from a central optic to be implanted within a natural capsular bag of a human eye with the extended portions positioned between an anterior capsular rim and a posterior capsule of the bag, whereby during a post-operative healing period, fibrosis occurs about the extended portions to fixate the lens in the bag in a manner such that subsequent natural contraction and relaxation of the ciliary muscle moves the optic to provide vision accommodation of increased accommodation amplitude and diopters of accommodation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: J. Stuart Cumming
  • Publication number: 20030187503
    Abstract: An intraocular implant for implantation into the interior of an eye is disclosed. The intraocular implant includes a body member, (the body member has an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and has optical properties,) and, at least one mirror, wherein the at least one mirror is contained within the body member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: ISAAC LIPSHITZ
    Inventors: Isaac Lipshitz, Haya Ruchvarger
  • Publication number: 20030187504
    Abstract: An adjustable lens system. In a first embodiment, the lens system of the present invention is a two optic system. The optics are connected by an expandable material that allows the distance between the optics to increased in-situ. In a second embodiment of the present invention is a single optic system having a section made from an expandable material at or near the junction between the optic and the centering haptics. Expansion of these section causes the haptics to move radially away from the optic. Such movement may allow for recentering of the lens or, if the haptics are slightly vaulted, radial movement of the haptics away from the optic will cause axial movement of the lens system along the visual axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph I. Weinschenk, Xiaoxiao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20030135271
    Abstract: An IOL having at least one, but preferably a plurality of frangible structures formed between the haptics and optic of the IOL wherein one or more of the frangible structures may be selectively severed in-vivo to adjust the position of the IOL in the eye which, in turn, adjusts the focal power of the IOL in-vivo in a controlled and predictable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Mark H. Bandhauer
  • Patent number: 6592621
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Rudolph S. Domino
  • Publication number: 20030093150
    Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Jagdish M. Jethmalani, Daniel M. Schwartz, Julia A. Kornfield, Robert H. Grubbs, Christian A. Sandstedt
  • Publication number: 20030093149
    Abstract: This intraocular lens includes an optic body having anterior and posterior walls, a chamber, and optically transmissive primary and secondary fluids, and method for making and using the same. The secondary fluid is substantially immiscible with the primary fluid and has a different density and a different refractive index than the primary fluid. The primary fluid is present in a sufficient amount that orienting optical body optical axis horizontally for far vision positions the optical axis through the primary fluid, thereby immersing the anterior and posterior optical centers in the primary fluid. The secondary fluid is contained in the optic body in a sufficient amount that orienting the optical axis at a range of effective downward angles relative to the horizontal for near vision positions the optical axis to extend through the primary fluid and the secondary fluid, thus changing the focus of the intraocular lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Alan N. Glazier
  • Patent number: 6533813
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an intraocular lens that may accommodate automatically, including a central optic having an anterior optic connected with the stroke cylinder, a posterior optic connected with the outer core which is connected with the stroke cylinder, thereby enclosing the central optic in an inner periphery. Thus, by change of the inclined angle of the user, or by variation of the external magnetic field, the push force that is exerted on the central optic of the intraocular lens may be regulated, so as to actively control the position of the central optic of the intraocular lens, so that the user may actively control and regulate the refractive power of the eyeball that is implanted with the intraocular lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Chwen Yih Lin, Ray Jui-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20030018383
    Abstract: A vision prosthesis includes a lens having an index of refraction that varies in response to a focusing stimulus. An actuator in communication with the lens provides the focusing stimulus on the basis of a range estimate from a rangefinder. A controller coupled to the rangefinder and to the actuator causes the actuator to generate a focusing stimulus on the basis of the range estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Dimitri Azar
  • Publication number: 20020151973
    Abstract: There is disclosed an intraocular lens which can easily obtain fine images of all objects in a range from a least distance of distinct vision to an infinity distance. The intraocular lens has: a lens unit including a convex lens, a hard magnetic material provided at the periphery portion of the convex lens, and a guidance member provided at the periphery portion of the lens unit; a cylinder-shaped flame unit for storing the lens unit therein, including a helical guidance groove formed on the inner surface thereof for meshing with a top of the guidance member of the lens unit and for carrying the lens unit along with the optical axis of the lens unit while rotating; and a pair of loop units for fixing the a cylinder-shaped flame unit storing the intraocular lens. The lens unit rotates by an application of magnetic force from outside thereby to move to a portion where the fine image formation of the desired object can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Sakurai Seigi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Arita, Ichiro Sakurai, Noboru Komiya
  • Publication number: 20020133228
    Abstract: Improved adjustable intraocular lenses are disclosed, in which the shape of the surface(s) of the lens can be modified post-operatively using manual methods or controlled pulses of laser radiation to achieve improved optical correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Edwin J. Sarver
  • Publication number: 20020128710
    Abstract: An adjustable ocular insert to be implanted during refractive cataract surgery and clear (human) crystalline lens refractive surgery and adjusted post-surgically. The implant comprises relatively soft but compressible and resilient base annulus designed to fit in the lens capsule and keep the lens capsule open. Alternatively the annulus may be placed in the anterior or posterior chamber. The annulus can include a pair of opposed haptics for secure positioning within the appropriate chamber. A rotatable annular lens member having external threads is threadedly engaged in the annulus. The lens member is rotated to move the lens forward or backward so to adjust and fine-tune the refractive power and focusing for hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism. The intraocular implant has a power range of approximately +3{square root}0Π−3 diopters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Harry C. Eggleston
  • Patent number: 6443984
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable intraocular lens with a lens body 1, haptic arms 3 for fixing the lens body 1 in the eye, and an adjustment means for moving the lens body 1 relative to the haptic arm 3 in the direction of the optic axis 27 of the lens body 1 and for adjusting the extent of the movement. The haptic arms 3 are each directly connected to the lens body 1 via one of their ends. The haptic arms 3 preferably have a bifurcation 31, 33, and only one of the two fork ends 31 is connected to the lens body 1. The adjustment means, preferably with an adjusting screw 37, is screwed through one of the two fork ends 31, 33, and changes the distance between the two fork ends 31, 33. The intraocular lens according to the invention is easy and inexpensive to produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: Marianne Jahn, Claus-Ekkehard Jahn
  • Publication number: 20020026240
    Abstract: There is provided a compressible implant for the increase of ocular elasticity and the prevention of macular degeneration. This implantable intraocular device, which can be used for the prevention of ocular degeneration and especially of the macular degeneration through increase of total ocular elasticity. The device may be implanted either inside the ocular cavity or in contact with the eyeball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Ioannis Pallikaris, Miltiadis K. Tsllibaris, George A. Kounis, George D. Kymionis, Ginis S. Harilaos