Abstract: The novel design of the one piece self-locking scleral buckle eliminates the need for a separate tire, band and sleeve by incorporating the band with the tire and making the device self-locking so the sleeve is no longer necessary. As one piece of silicone replaces the need for three separate pieces of silicone scleral buckling surgery is simplified thus making the procedure faster, safer and more efficient. The novel design of the scleral buckle placement instrument allows the surgeon to more firmly grasp the silicone material making the procedure faster and more efficient.

Abstract: A suction gripper for transferring ophthalmic lenses from a storage cup into a centering cup has a suction head with several suction openings and several suction cups, wherein the suction cups are positioned on a convexly rounded surface. At least some of the suction openings are arranged in the suction cups and at least one suction opening is arranged remote from the suction cups on the suction head. The suction gripper is used in a manipulation system for ophthalmic lenses that encompasses ophthalmic lenses, a storage cup, a centering cup and the suction gripper.

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.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens comprises an anterior portion which in turn comprises an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens further comprises a posterior portion which in turn comprises a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) system includes an optic, a pair of haptics located on sides of the optic, and hinge portions at each of the optic haptic junctions. The hinge portions have stressed and non-stressed configurations. One or more restraining elements are provided to maintain the stressed state configuration of the hinge portion during implantation and during a post-operative period during which the capsular bag of the eye heals about the lens. The restraining elements are thereafter removable, preferably via a non-surgically invasive manner, e.g., via dissolution or laser light. Removal of the restraining elements allows anteriorization of the optic as the lens assumes a non-stressed configuration during accommodation. The ciliary body and lens may then interact in a manner substantially similar to the physiological interaction between the ciliary body and a healthy natural crystalline lens.

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.

Abstract: A method of restoring the vision of an eye having an impaired lens with an artificial lens implant includes replacing the lens by a polymerizable material injected into the emptied lens capsule and thereby providing a new lens implant with a predetermined refractive value, while admitting the possibility of controlling and adjusting the refractive value of the eye during the surgical process.

Abstract: A lens implant serves to replace the lens body of an eye and possesses substantially the same size and shape. It is elastic such that the eye gets back its capability for accommodation. The lens implant has two parts with differing refractive indices and/or differing shapes, which allows to adapt the focal length and shape to specific requirements in simple manner. A distal part is prefabricated as pre-made lens part, while a proximal part can preferably be brought into the lens capsule in a flowable state.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens comprises an anterior portion which in turn comprises an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens further comprises a posterior portion which in turn comprises a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.

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: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, contact lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more aromatic-based silyl monomers or the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-based silyl monomers with one or more aromatic or non-aromatic non-siloxy-based monomers, hydrophobic monomers or hydrophilic monomers.

Abstract: Relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as for example intraocular lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-substituted polysiloxane prepolymers with one or more aromatic monomers, alkylated monomers or hydrophilic monomers.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) system includes an optic, a pair of haptics located on sides of the optic, and hinge portions at each of the optic haptic junctions. The hinge portions have stressed and non-stressed configurations. One or more restraining elements are provided to maintain the stressed state configuration of the hinge portion during implantation and during a post-operative period during which the capsular bag of the eye heals about the lens. The restraining elements are thereafter removable, preferably via a non-surgically invasive manner, e.g., via dissolution or laser light. Removal of the restraining elements allows anteriorization of the optic as the lens assumes a non-stressed configuration during accommodation. The ciliary body and lens may then interact in a manner substantially similar to the physiological interaction between the ciliary body and a healthy natural crystalline lens.

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.

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: 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 and method is disclosed for treating macular degeneration, an affliction of the eye. An incision is made in the scleral region of the eye and an optical prosthesis for diverging incoming light is inserted and positioned within the vitreous humor proximate to the retina of the eye. The optical prosthesis may be a lens having one or more concave faces. Alternately, the optical prosthesis may be an assembly including a number of optical components. The optical prosthesis intercepts light directed at the macular region of the retina and spreads the light over a larger region of the retina. The optical prosthesis may be anchored or stabilized in a variety of ways prior to closing the incision.

Abstract: A method for implanting a new intraocular lens (IOL) in an eye without removing the existing IOL, comprising forming a mounting hole in an IOL already implanted in an eye, and mounting another IOL in the mounting hole. Apparatus is also disclosed including a first IOL formed with a mounting hole, and a second IOL mounted in the mounting hole.

Abstract: Ophthalmic devices suitable for implantation into the eye through small incisions are disclosed. These devices are made from a composition comprising crystalline or semi-crystalline polymeric materials which have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from about −100° C. to about 20° C., a melting point temperature (Tm) of from about 0° C. to about 37° C., and wherein Tg for the material is lower than Tm for the composition. Disclosed devices include intraocular lenses, corneal inlays, ocular drug delivery devices and implants for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; intraocular lenses are preferred.

Abstract: An intraocular lens structure for reducing complications is disclosed. The intraocular lens structure comprises an optic, a support and a closing fixture. The closing fixture is a groove or a valley formed on the side portion of the optic of the intraocular lens. The valley is formed by the optic and a protrusion projecting posteriorly from the optic. The groove or the valley in the optic is made engaged with the posterior capsular opening generally over the entire circumference of the groove or the valley to close the opening of the posterior capsule.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) system includes an optic, a pair of haptics located on sides of the optic, and hinge portions at each of the optic haptic junctions. The hinge portions have stressed and non-stressed configurations. One or more restraining elements are provided to maintain the stressed state configuration of the hinge portion during implantation and during a post-operative period during which the capsular bag of the eye heals about the lens. The restraining elements are thereafter removable, preferably via a non-surgically invasive manner, e.g., via dissolution or laser light. Removal of the restraining elements allows anteriorization of the optic as the lens assumes a non-stressed configuration during accommodation. The ciliary body and lens may then interact in a manner substantially similar to the physiological interaction between the ciliary body and a healthy natural crystalline lens.

Abstract: The vision of an eye having an impaired lens is stored with an artificial lens implant. The method involves replacing the lens by a polymerizable material injected into the emptied lens capsule and thereby providing a new lens implant with a predetermined refractive value, while admitting the possibility of controlling and adjusting the refractive value of the eye during the surgical process.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens comprises an anterior portion which in turn comprises an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens further comprises a posterior portion which in turn comprises a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intraocular lens having an optic and a plurality of fixation members coupled to the optic. The fixation members are adapted to be evenly circumferentially distributed about the anterior chamber to reduce the phenomenon of malshaping the iris, for example, pupil ovalling.

Abstract: This patent represents a deformable artificial intraocular lens for implantation into the human eye. The lens is used for implantation after cataract surgery. The lens optic consists of one smooth optical surface. The second optical surface is a series of annular concentric rings. The rings allow the lens to have extremely thin edges, which reduce glare, halos, and distortion. The extremely thin lens optic along with the thin haptic can be rolled, folded, or squeezed to pass through a small incision (<1.5 millimeters) in the cornea or sclera of the human eye. This lens represents a breakthrough in removal of mass from the lens. The ultra thin lens and haptic design allows the lens to move in the eye providing accommodation for the patient. The lens and haptic design reduces the radial forces on the eye to the point where the naturally occurring pressures in the eye move the lens thus providing accommodation.

Abstract: A method for selecting the size of a phakic intraocular lens positioned in the eye between the iris and the natural lens, is disclosed. In this method, the white-to-white distance of the patient's eye is measured and the length of the lens is based on that measurement. A photographic method of measurement is disclosed.

Abstract: A film frame for an IOL has been developed which has the advantages of being lightweight, non-irritating, easily surgically implanted, aesthetically pleasing, and containing plate haptics. This IOL works in the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye for phakic or aphakic lenses and especially in the anterior chamber for phakic refractive lenses where thinner is better and long-term stability is required. This deformable IOL frame is a haptic system based on a high modulus harder material shaped skeletal frame or plate haptic assembled with low modulus softer elastomeric hinged zones. The rigid frame or haptic in combination with the soft hinges will ensure that the lens is ideally situated in the anterior chamber angle of the eye. Additionally, the soft elastomer can be extended to provide for a softer atraumatic contact point or ‘toe’ in the eye tissue.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of restoring the vision of an eye having an impaired lens with an artificial lens implant. The method involves replacing the lens by a polymerizable material injected into the emptied lens capsule and thereby providing a new lens implant with a predetermined refractive value, while admitting the possibility of controlling and adjusting the refractive value of the eye during the surgical process.

Abstract: An intraocular lens assembly for use in the phakic or aphakic eye is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the intraocular lens assembly is suitable for the correction of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens to be implanted within the natural capsular bag of a human eye from which the natural lens matrix has been removed through an anterior capsule opening in the bag circumferentially surrounded by an anterior capsular remnant. During a postoperative healing period following surgery, the anterior capsular remnant fuses to the posterior capsule of the bag by fibrosis about haptics on the implanted lens while the ciliary muscle is maintained in its relaxed state by a cycloplegic to prevent dislocation of the lens, and the lens is deflected rearwardly by the fibrosing anterior capsular remnant to a distant vision position against the elastic posterior capsule of the bag in which the posterior capsule is stretched rearwardly.

Abstract: A lens injecting device comprising a slidable plunger and means for providing a force in a direction opposite to the direction of advancement of the slidable plunger to provide controlled release of the deformable intraocular lens from the lens injecting device. Further, a method of implantation of a deformable intraocular lens in the eye by forcing the deformable intraocular lens in a folded or condensed configuration through a passageway through an incision in the eye while applying an opposing force to control release of the deformable intraocular lens into the eye.