U.S. patent application number 11/782474 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for accommodating intraocular lens system and method.
Invention is credited to Barry Cheskin, Victor Esch, Bill Evans, Patrick Myall, John Scholl, Terry Smiley, David Smith, Henry Wu.
Application Number | 20080015689 11/782474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37605111 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080015689 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Esch; Victor ; et
al. |
January 17, 2008 |
Accommodating Intraocular Lens System and Method
Abstract
An accommodating intraocular lens is provided having optical
parameters that are altered in-situ, wherein an optic portion of
the lens includes an actuator that deflects a lens element to alter
the optical power of the lens, responsive to forces applied to a
haptic portion to the lens by contraction of the ciliary muscles.
Forces applied to the haptic portion may result in fluid
displacements from or to the haptic portion from the actuator.
Displacement of fluid to the actuator may either increase or reduce
the degree of deflection imposed on the lens element by the
actuator.
Inventors: |
Esch; Victor; (Albuquerque,
NM) ; Cheskin; Barry; (Mountain View, CA) ;
Scholl; John; (Danville, CA) ; Wu; Henry;
(Diamond Bar, CA) ; Smith; David; (Highland,
CA) ; Evans; Bill; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Myall; Patrick; (San Francisco, CA) ; Smiley;
Terry; (San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHAYGLENN LLP
2755 CAMPUS DRIVE
SUITE 210
SAN MATEO
CA
94403
US
|
Family ID: |
37605111 |
Appl. No.: |
11/782474 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11173961 |
Jul 1, 2005 |
7247168 |
|
|
11782474 |
Jul 24, 2007 |
|
|
|
10971598 |
Oct 22, 2004 |
7261737 |
|
|
11173961 |
Jul 1, 2005 |
|
|
|
10734514 |
Dec 12, 2003 |
7122053 |
|
|
10971598 |
Oct 22, 2004 |
|
|
|
60433046 |
Dec 12, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
623/6.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/1613 20130101;
A61F 2250/0053 20130101; A61F 2/1635 20130101; A61F 2002/1683
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/006.13 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/16 20060101
A61F002/16 |
Claims
1. An intraocular lens configured for implantation in a capsule
following extraction of a lens, the intraocular lens accommodating
responsive to contraction of a patient's ciliary muscles, the
intraocular lens comprising: a substrate having a portion defining
a fluid channel; a lens element; an actuator interposed between the
lens element and the substrate and in fluid communication with the
fluid channel, the actuator disposed in contact with the lens
element; a haptic having an interior volume coupled in fluid
communication with the fluid channel; and a fluid disposed in the
actuator, fluid channel and the interior volume of the haptic,
wherein movement of the patient's ciliary muscles displaces fluid
from the interior volume of the haptic and the actuator to change a
deflection of the lens element.
2. The intraocular lens of claim 1 wherein the actuator is disposed
along the optical axis of the intraocular lens.
3. The intraocular lens of claim 1 wherein the fluid has a
refractive index substantially the same as a refractive index of
the lens element, substrate and actuator.
4. The intraocular lens of claim 1 wherein, the haptic comprises a
support element that provides a predetermined arc to the
haptic.
5. The intraocular lens of claim 1 wherein, further comprising a
ring-shaped fulcrum disposed in contact with the lens element to
enhance deflection of the lens element caused by movement of the
actuator.
6. The intraocular lens of claim 1 further comprising an expansion
reservoir disposed at the periphery of the intraocular lens to
equalize pressure differentials within the intraocular lens arising
from movement of the actuator.
7. The intraocular lens of claim 6 further comprising a
fluid-filled space interposed between the lens element and the
substrate, wherein a volume of the space fluctuates during
transitioning of the intraocular lens between an accommodated state
and an unaccommodated state.
8. The intraocular lens of claim 1 wherein haptic has an undeformed
state and a deformed state and the interior volume of the haptic is
greater in the deformed state than in the undeformed state.
9. The intraocular lens of claim 8 wherein, during transitioning to
the deformed state, the haptic causes fluid to be displaced from
the actuator to reduce a deflection of the lens element.
10. The intraocular lens of claim 1 wherein haptic has an
undeformed state and a deformed state and the interior volume of
the haptic is smaller in the deformed state than in the undeformed
state.
11. The intraocular lens of claim 10 wherein, during transitioning
to the deformed state, the haptic causes fluid to be displaced to
the actuator to reduce a deflection of the lens element.
12. The intraocular lens of claim 11 wherein the actuator comprises
a primary actuator coupled to move in unison with a secondary
actuator, the secondary actuator disposed in fluid communication
with the fluid channel.
13. The intraocular lens of claim 12 wherein the haptic is coupled
in fluid communication to a first reservoir, the fluid channel is
coupled in fluid communication to a second reservoir, and fluid
displacements in the first reservoir induce corresponding fluid
displacements in the second reservoir.
14. The intraocular lens of claim 13 wherein the first and second
reservoirs are disposed in a haptic portion of the intraocular
lens.
15. The intraocular lens of claim 11 wherein the actuator shortens
when fluid is displaced from the interior volume of the haptic to
the actuator.
16. The intraocular lens of claim 1 further comprising a
fluid-filled space interposed between the lens element and the
substrate, wherein a volume of the space remains constant during
transitioning of the intraocular lens between an accommodated state
and an unaccommodated state.
17. The intraocular lens of claim 16 wherein a peripheral zone of
the lens element deflects inward during accommodation of the
intraocular lens.
18. The intraocular lens of claim 1 wherein the substrate further
comprises a convex anterior surface that supports the lens element
with a predetermined deflection in an unaccommodated state.
19. The intraocular lens of claim 1 further comprising a barrier
coating disposed within fluid channels within the intraocular lens
to reduce diffusion of the fluid into the lens element or
substrate.
20. The intraocular lens of claim 1 further comprising a barrier
coating disposed on the exterior of the intraocular lens to reduce
diffusion of body fluids into the intraocular lens.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/173,961, filed Jul. 1, 2005, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,247,168; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/971,598, filed Oct. 22, 2004; which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/734,514, filed Dec. 12, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,122,053; and
claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisional Application
No. 60/433,046, filed Dec. 12, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to intraocular lenses ("IOLs")
having optical parameters that are changeable in-situ. More
particularly, the invention has application in IOLs for in-capsule
implantation for cataract patients, wherein movement of the ciliary
muscles induces transfer of fluid media within the interior of the
IOL, thereby altering an optical power of the lens to provide
accommodation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cataracts are a major cause of blindness in the world and
the most prevalent ocular disease. Visual disability from cataracts
accounts for more than 8 million physician office visits per year.
When the disability from cataracts affects or alters an
individual's activities of daily living, surgical lens removal with
intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is the preferred method of
treating the functional limitations. In the United States, about
2.5 million cataract surgical procedures are performed annually,
making it the most common surgery for Americans over the age of 65.
About 97 percent of cataract surgery patients receive intraocular
lens implants, with the annual costs for cataract surgery and
associated care in the United States being upwards of $4
billion.
[0004] A cataract is any opacity of a patient's lens, whether it is
a localized opacity or a diffuse general loss of transparency. To
be clinically significant, however, the cataract must cause a
significant reduction in visual acuity or a functional impairment.
A cataract occurs as a result of aging or secondary to hereditary
factors, trauma, inflammation, metabolic or nutritional disorders,
or radiation. Age related cataract conditions are the most
common.
[0005] In treating a cataract, the surgeon removes the crystalline
lens matrix from the lens capsule and replaces it with an
intraocular lens ("IOL") implant. The typical IOL provides a
selected focal length that allows the patient to have fairly good
distance vision. Since the lens can no longer accommodate, however,
the patient typically needs glasses for reading.
[0006] More specifically, the imaging properties of the human eye
are facilitated by several optical interfaces. A healthy youthful
human eye has a total power of approximately 59 diopters, with the
anterior surface of the cornea (e.g. the exterior surface,
including the tear layer) providing about 48 diopters of power,
while the posterior surface provides about -4 diopters. The
crystalline lens, which is situated posterior of the pupil in a
transparent elastic capsule supported by the ciliary muscles,
provides about 15 diopters of power, and also performs the critical
function of focusing images upon the retina. This focusing ability,
referred to as "accommodation," enables imaging of objects at
various distances.
[0007] The power of the lens in a youthful eye can be adjusted from
15 diopters to about 29 diopters by adjusting the shape of the lens
from a moderately convex shape to a highly convex shape. The
mechanism generally accepted to cause this adjustment is that
ciliary muscles supporting the capsule (and the lens contained
therein), move between a relaxed state (corresponding to the
moderately convex shape) and a contracted state (corresponding to
the highly convex shape). Because the lens itself is composed of
viscous, gelatinous transparent fibers, arranged in an "onion-like"
layered structure, forces applied to the capsule by the ciliary
muscles cause the lens to change shape.
[0008] Isolated from the eye, the relaxed capsule and lens take on
a spherical shape. Within the eye, however, the capsule is
connected around its circumference by approximately 70 tiny
ligament fibers to the ciliary muscles, which in turn are attached
to an inner surface of the eyeball. The ciliary muscles that
support the lens and capsule therefore are believed to act in a
sphincter-muscular mode. Accordingly, when the ciliary muscles are
relaxed, the capsule and lens are pulled about the circumference to
a larger diameter, thereby flattening the lens, whereas when the
ciliary muscles are contracted the lens and capsule relax somewhat
and assume a smaller diameter that approaches a more spherical
shape.
[0009] As noted above, the youthful eye has approximately 14
diopters of accommodation. As a person ages, the lens hardens and
becomes less elastic, so that by about age 45-50, accommodation is
reduced to about 2 diopters. At a later age the lens may be
considered to be non-accommodating, a condition known as
"presbyopia". Because the imaging distance is fixed, presbyopia
typically entails the need for bi-focals to facilitate near and far
vision.
[0010] Apart from age-related loss of accommodation ability, such
loss is innate to the placement of IOLs for the treatment of
cataracts. IOLs are generally single element lenses made from a
suitable polymer material, such as acrylics or silicones. After
placement, accommodation is no longer possible, although this
ability is typically already lost for persons receiving an IOL.
There is significant need to provide for accommodation in IOL
products so that IOL recipients will have accommodating
ability.
[0011] Although previously known workers in the field of
accommodating IOLs have made some progress, the relative complexity
of the methods and apparatus developed to date have prevented
widespread commercialization of such devices. Previously known
these devices have proved too complex to be practical to construct
or have achieved only limited success, due to the inability to
provide accommodation of more than 1-2 diopters.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,506 to Garabet describes an
accommodating fluid-filled lens wherein electrical potentials
generated by contraction of the ciliary muscles cause changes in
the index of refraction of fluid carried within a central optic
portion. U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,031 to Pfoff discloses an IOL with a
hard PMMA lens separated by a single chamber from a flexible thin
lens layer that uses microfluid pumps to vary a volume of fluid
between the PMMA lens portion and the thin layer portion and
provide accommodation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,966 to Christie et al.
discloses an intraocular lens comprising a thin flexible layer
sealed along its periphery to a support layer, wherein forces
applied to fluid reservoirs in the haptics vary a volume of fluid
between the layers to provide accommodation.
[0013] Although fluid-actuated mechanisms such as described in the
aforementioned patents have been investigated, currently available
accommodating lenses, such as developed by Eyeonics, Inc. (formerly
C&C Vision, Inc.) of Aliso Viejo, Calif., employ a
substantially rigid frame configured to vault posteriorly
responsive to ciliary muscle contraction, thereby moving the optic
towards or away from the retina to adjust the focus of the
device.
[0014] In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide
apparatus and methods that restore appropriate optical focusing
power action to the human eye.
[0015] It further would be desirable to provide methods and
apparatus wherein a dynamic lens surface may be effectively
manipulated responsive to movements of the ciliary muscles.
[0016] It still further would be desirable to provide methods and
apparatus that utilize forces arising due to natural accommodating
muscular action to induce deflection of an optical surface of the
IOL. In particular, it would be desirable to provide an IOL in
which muscle movements result in the application of, or removal of,
forces to the IOL so as to operate one or more actuators to cause
deflection of the dynamic surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present
invention to provide apparatus and methods that restore appropriate
optical focusing power action to the human eye.
[0018] It is a further object of this invention to provide methods
and apparatus wherein a dynamic lens surface may be effectively
manipulated responsive to movement of the ciliary muscles.
[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide
methods and apparatus that utilize forces arising due to natural
accommodating muscular action to induce deflection of an optical
surface of the IOL.
[0020] It is a further object of this invention to provide methods
and apparatus for reversibly communicating forces arising due to
muscle movement to a dynamic surface via one or more actuators,
thereby altering the optical parameters of one of more surfaces of
the IOL.
[0021] These and other objects of the present invention are
accomplished by providing an intraocular lens responsive to forces
communicated from the ciliary muscles through the capsular bag to
operate one or more actuators disposed within the IOL. The actuator
is coupled to a dynamic surface of the IOL to deflect the dynamic
surface, e.g., from a moderately convex to a highly convex shape,
responsive to operation of the one or more actuators. In accordance
with the principles of the present invention, the IOL includes at
least one fluid-mediated actuator coupled to a fluid column
disposed in at least one haptic of the IOL. Forces applied to the
haptic by the capsular bag, responsive to movement of the ciliary
muscles, cause the transfer of fluid between the fluid column and
the actuator, which in turn deflects a dynamic surface of the
lens.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the intraocular lens comprises an
optic portion and a haptic (or non-optic) portion. The optic
portion comprises a light transmissive substrate defining one or
more fluid channels, at least one actuator coupled in fluid
communication with the fluid channels, and anterior and posterior
lens elements. One of the anterior and posterior lens elements
includes a dynamic surface that is operatively coupled to the
actuator to cause deflection of the dynamic surface. The other of
the anterior or posterior lens elements may be coupled to the
substrate or integrally formed therewith.
[0023] The haptic portion is disposed at the periphery of the optic
portion and comprises one or more haptics that extend outward from
the optic portion, each haptic including a fluid channel coupled in
fluid communication with a fluid channel in the optic portion. In
accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the haptics
have a cross-sectional configuration selected so that the internal
volume of the haptic is small in an unstressed state. The
unstressed state is selected to correspond to the accommodated
state of the eye, when the ciliary muscles are contracted and
lateral forces applied by the capsular bag to the haptics are
minimal. When the ciliary muscles relax, the zonules pull the
capsular bag taut and apply forces to the lateral faces of the
haptic. These forces cause the cross-sectional area of the haptic
to increase and increase the internal volume of the haptic. This
action in turn causes fluid to be withdrawn from the actuator
disposed in the optic portion, so that the dynamic surface of the
IOL transitions from an accommodated state to an unaccommodated
state.
[0024] For such an embodiment, the actuator used in the optic
portion of the IOL may comprise a bellows centrally located within
the optic portion that, when filled with fluid, biases the dynamic
surface of the IOL to the accommodated state. When the ciliary
muscles are contracted, the zonules and capsular bag remain loose,
and the haptics are unstressed. Relaxation of the ciliary muscle
causes the zonules to transition the capsule to an ellipsoidal
shape, which applies compressive forces to the haptic, thereby
withdrawing fluid from the actuator and causing the lens to
transition to the unaccommodated state. Alternatively, the actuator
may comprise bellows-shaped structures disposed at the periphery of
the optic portion, so as to minimize refractive effects and optical
aberrations in the optic portion.
[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the haptic portion comprises
one or more haptics having maximal internal volume in the
unstressed state, wherein the internal volume of the haptic
decreases when compressive forces are applied to the lateral faces
of the haptic. In this case, compression of the haptic causes fluid
to be transferred into the actuator when the ciliary muscles relax.
For such an embodiment, the actuator disposed in the optic portion
is reverse-acting, in the sense that operation of the actuator
causes the dynamic surface of the IOL to deflect to lower optical
power.
[0026] Reverse-acting actuators may comprise, for example, a
fluid-filled primary bellows that deflects the dynamic surface to
an accommodated state when the haptics are unstressed. A secondary
bellows may be coupled to the primary bellows and in fluid
communication with the haptic portion. Accordingly, when the
ciliary muscles relax, the capsule bag tautens and the lateral
faces of the haptics are compressed. This causes fluid to be
transferred from the haptics to the secondary bellows. As the
secondary bellows expands, it lowers the pressure in the primary
bellows, and reduces the deflection of the dynamic surface.
Alternatively, a reverse-acting actuator may comprise a hollow
cylindrical structure coupled to the dynamic surface, where the
cylindrical structure is configured to shorten when fluid is
introduced into its interior.
[0027] In addition, the optic portion may include any of a number
of additional features. Such features may include expandable
reservoirs to accommodate fluid volumes expelled during
disaccommodation of the lens or a constant volume configuration
that simply redistributes fluid volumes to change the optical power
of the lens. Alternatively, or in addition, the optic portion may
include a fulcrum arrangement configured to multiply the volumetric
changes induced by fluid transfers between the haptic portion and
optic portion. The IOL also may include a barrier coating on either
its internal fluid channels and/or the exterior of the lens to
reduce diffusion of fluid into the polymer matrix of the lens.
[0028] Methods of making and using the lens of the present
invention also are provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Further features of the invention, its nature and various
advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in
which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a human eye;
[0031] FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, sectional side views of
the lens and supporting structures of FIG. 1 illustrating relaxed
and contracted states of the ciliary muscles;
[0032] FIGS. 3A-3B are, respectively, a perspective, exploded
perspective and plan view of an exemplary intraocular lens of the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a haptic of the
intraocular lens of FIGS. 3;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled
intraocular lens of FIGS. 3;
[0035] FIGS. 6A-6B are, respectively, a perspective view of an
alternative embodiment of the lens of FIG. 3, partly in section,
and a perspective sectional view of the haptic of the intraocular
lens of FIG. 6A;
[0036] FIGS. 7A-7B are side sectional views of further alternative
embodiments of an optic portion of the present invention suitable
for use in the intraocular lens of FIGS. 3 and 6;
[0037] FIGS. 8A-8B are, respectively, perspective side sectional
views of an optic portion and intraocular lens of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIGS. 9A-9B are, respectively, a perspective partial view
and plan view of an another alternative embodiment of the
intraocular lens of the present invention;
[0039] FIGS. 10A-10B are, respectively, side sectional views of an
optic portion of a further embodiment of the intraocular lens of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] In accordance with the principles of the present invention,
an intraocular lens is provided having a haptic portion and a
light-transmissive optic portion. The optic portion contains one or
more fluid-mediated actuators arranged to apply a deflecting force
on a dynamic surface of the lens to provide accommodation. As used
herein, the lens is fully "accommodated" when it assumes its most
highly convex shape, and fully "unaccommodated" when it assumes its
most flattened, least convex state. The lens of the present
invention is capable of dynamically assuming any desired degree of
accommodation between the fully accommodated state and fully
unaccommodated state responsive movement of the ciliary
muscles.
[0041] Forces applied to a haptic portion of the intraocular lens
by movement of the ciliary muscles are communicated to at least one
actuator that control deflection of a dynamic surface, which may
comprise an anterior or posterior element of the lens. The lens
actuator and surrounding fluids all are index-matched to prevent
the occurrence of optical aberrations and reflections throughout
the range of motion of the actuator and dynamic surface.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the structure and operation of a
human eye are first described as context for the present invention.
Eye 10 includes cornea 11, iris 12, ciliary muscles 13, ligament
fibers or zonules 14, capsule 15, lens 16 and retina 17. Natural
lens 16 is composed of viscous, gelatinous transparent fibers,
arranged in an "onion-like" layered structure, and is disposed in
transparent elastic capsule 15. Capsule 15 is joined by zonules 14
around its circumference to ciliary muscles 13, which are in turn
attached to the inner surface of eye 10. Vitreous 18 is a thick,
transparent substance that fills the center of eye 10.
[0043] Isolated from the eye, the relaxed capsule and lens takes on
a spherical shape. However, when suspended within the eye by
zonules 14, capsule 15 moves between a moderately convex shape
(when the ciliary muscles are relaxed) and a highly convex shape
(when the ciliary muscles are contracted). As depicted in FIG. 2A,
when ciliary muscles 13 relax, capsule 15 and lens 16 are pulled
about the circumference, thereby flattening the lens. As depicted
in FIG. 2B, when ciliary muscles 13 contract, capsule 15 and lens
16 relax and become thicker. This allows the lens and capsule to
assume a more spherical shape, thus increasing the diopter power of
the lens.
[0044] Accommodating lenses that are currently commercially
available, such as the Crystalens device developed by Eyeonics,
Inc., Aliso Viejo, Calif., typically involve converting movements
of the ciliary muscle into anterior and posterior movement of an
optic portion of the IOL relative to the retina. Such devices do
not employ the natural accommodation mechanisms described above
with respect to FIGS. 1-2, but instead rely directly on radially
inward compressive forces applied by the ciliary muscle to the
haptics of the IOL.
[0045] By contrast, according to one aspect of the present
invention, an intraocular lens is designed to engage capsule 15 and
to transition between the accommodated and unaccommodated states
responsive to forces applied to capsule 15 by ciliary muscle 13 and
zonules 14, thereby more closely mimicking operation of the natural
eye.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, an exemplary embodiment of an
intraocular lens constructed in accordance with the principles of
the present invention is described. IOL 20 comprises optic portion
21 and haptic portion 22. Optic portion 21 is constructed of light
transmissive materials, while haptic portion 22 is disposed at the
periphery of the optic portion and does not participate in focusing
light on the retina of the eye.
[0047] Optic portion 21 comprises anterior lens element 23
including actuator 24 (see FIG. 5), intermediate layer 25,
substrate 26 and posterior lens element 27, all made of
light-transmissive materials, such as silicone or acrylic polymers
or other biocompatible materials as are known in the art of
intraocular lenses. Illustratively, actuator 24 comprises a bellows
structure that is integrally formed with anterior lens element 23,
although other arrangements are within the scope of the invention.
While optic portion 21 is illustratively described as comprising
three layers, it will be apparent that only two layers may be
employed, for example, with the intermediate layer, substrate and
posterior lens being integrally formed.
[0048] Haptic portion 22 illustratively comprises haptics 28 and 29
that extend from substrate 26, although other haptic configurations
may be employed. Each of haptics 28 and 29 includes an interior
volume 30 that communicates with channel 31 in substrate 26.
Actuator 24 is disposed in well 32 formed in intermediate layer 25
and substrate 26, so that a lower end of the actuator seats within
well 32. Haptics 28 and 29 may each include a resilient support
member 33 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) that urges the haptic radially
outward to ensure that the haptic seats against the capsular
equator.
[0049] Although channel 31 and well 32 are depicted in FIG. 5
having their side walls that disposed parallel to the optical axis
of the lens, it is expected that all such surfaces should be
arranged obliquely relative to the optical axis of the IOL. Such an
arrangement is expected to reduce the potential to create spurious
reflections in light passing along the optical axis of the IOL. It
should be understood that such arrangements may be beneficially
employed throughout the IOLs described in this specification.
[0050] As depicted in FIG. 4, each of haptics 28 and 29 has an
undeformed state and may be transitioned to a deformed state (shown
in dotted line in FIG. 4) by application of compressive forces to
the lateral surfaces of the haptic (shown by arrows A). In
accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the interior
volume of the haptic increases as the haptic deforms from the
undeformed, unstressed state to the deformed state. The undeformed,
unstressed state depicted by the solid lines in FIG. 4 corresponds
to a fully-contracted state of the ciliary muscles, as described
herein below.
[0051] Actuator 24 is disposed in well 31 of intermediate layer 25
and substrate 26, and preferably comprises a sturdy elastomeric
material. Intermediate layer 25 isolates fluid in channel 31, well
32 and the interior of actuator 24 from the fluid disposed in the
space 34 between anterior lens element 23 and intermediate layer
25. Fluids disposed within channels 31 and space 34, preferably
comprise silicone or acrylic oils or other suitable biocompatible
fluids, and are selected to have refractive indices that match the
materials of anterior lens element 23, actuator 24, intermediate
layer 25 and substrate 26.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, actuator 24 comprises a bellows
structure integrally formed with anterior lens element 23, and is
configured to deflect anterior lens element 23 responsive to fluid
pressure applied within the bellows by haptics 28 and 29.
Alternatively, actuator 24 may be fabricated as a separate
component and glued or otherwise bonded to anterior lens element 23
and intermediate layer 25.
[0053] Deflection of the anterior lens element resulting from
movement of actuator 24 cause the anterior lens element to
transition between an accommodated state, in which the lens surface
is more convex, to an unaccommodated state, in which the lens
surface is less convex. As will of course be understood, optic
portion could instead be arranged so that actuator 24 deflects
posterior lens element 27. Still further, the actuator may be
configured to induce a major deflection of one lens element and a
minor deflection of the other lens element; the arrangement
depicted in FIGS. 3 is intended to be illustrative only.
[0054] The inner surface and thickness of anterior element 23
(relative to the optical axis of the lens) are selected so that the
outer surface of anterior element 23 retains an optically
corrective shape, e.g., spherical, throughout the entire range of
motion of actuator 24, e.g., for accommodations 0-10 diopters. It
should of course be understood that the inner surface and thickness
of anterior element 23 may be selected to provide an aspherical
outer surface, as required for a desired degree of optical
correction.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, one preferred embodiment of IOL 20
includes a single actuator 24 located at the center of optic
portion 21. Alternative embodiments may include an array of
actuators spaced apart in a predetermined configuration on the
posterior surface of the anterior lens element, as may be required
to impose a desired pattern of localized deflection on the anterior
lens element. As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, an
annular structure may be substituted for the individual actuator
depicted in FIG. 5, and the side walls of the actuator may be of
any suitable shape other than a bellows structure. For example, the
actuator may comprise a polymer that had been treated, such as
bi-axial stress, to pre-orient the polymer to stretch only in a
desired direction.
[0056] In addition, IOL also may include coating 35 disposed on all
interior fluid-contacting surfaces within the IOL, such as fluid
channel 31 and well 32 and the surfaces defining space 34. Coating
35 is configured to reduce or prevent diffusion of the
index-matched fluid used to drive actuator 24, and within space 34,
from diffusing into the polymer matrix of the lens components. The
IOL of the present invention also may include coating 36, which may
comprise the same or a different material than coating 35, disposed
on the exterior surfaces of the lens. Coating 36 is intended to
serve as a barrier to prevent the diffusion of fluids from the eye
into the IOL, and may be disposed on the entire exterior surface of
the optic portion and haptic portion, including the anterior and
posterior lens elements and haptics.
[0057] Alternatively, both coatings 35 and 36 may be layered onto a
single surface to prevent or reduce both ingress of bodily fluids
into the IOL or fluid circuit, and loss of index-matched fluid from
the interior spaces of the IOL. Coatings 35 and 36 preferably
comprise a suitable biocompatible polymer, inorganic (e.g.,
silicone dioxide) or metallic layer (e.g., nickel-titanium) applied
by any of a variety of methods known in the art.
[0058] Operation of IOL 20 of FIGS. 3-5 is now described. IOL 20 is
implanted within a patient's capsule after extraction of the native
lens using any suitable technique. When implanted, haptics 28 and
29 support the IOL so that optic portion 21 is centered along the
central axis of eye. When the ciliary muscles are in a contracted
state, the zonules and capsule is loose, and the haptics 28 and 29
are in the undeformed state. In this condition, fluid pressure
applied by the fluid in the haptics, channel 31 and well 32
maintain actuator 24 fully extended, so that anterior lens element
23 is deflected to its accommodated state.
[0059] When the ciliary muscles relax, the zonules pull the capsule
taut, thereby applying compressive forces on the lateral surfaces
of the haptics. These forces cause the haptics to deform to the
deformed state depicted by the dotted lines in FIG. 4, thereby
increasing the interior volume of the haptics. Because there is
only a predetermined amount of fluid contained within the interior
of the haptics, channel 31, well 32 and actuator 24, the increased
volume arising in haptics 28 and 29 when deformed draws fluid from
within actuator 24. This in turn causes the actuator to shorten,
deflecting anterior lens element 23 to a flatter, unaccommodated
state. Subsequent contraction and relaxation of the ciliary muscles
causes the foregoing process to repeat, thereby providing a degree
of lens accommodation that mimics the accommodating action of the
natural lens.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an alternative embodiment
of an IOL constructed in accordance with the principles of the
present invention is described. Optic portion 41 of IOL 40 is
similar in construction to optic portion 21 of the embodiment of
FIGS. 3-5. Anterior lens element 43 includes actuator 44, which is
seated in a well formed in intermediate layer 45. Haptics 48 and 49
have interior volume 50 and are coupled in fluid communication with
channels 51 and well 52 formed in substrate 46.
[0061] As depicted in FIG. 6B, each haptic includes support rib 53
that houses a resilient tube 54 and flexible sidewall 55. Rib 53
serves to urge the haptic radially outward to ensure adequate
engagement with the capsular equator. In addition, rib 53 may limit
the degree of deformation of the lateral sidewalls of the haptic to
prevent overdeformation of the haptic that may drive the fluid in
the wrong direction. Like the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the interior
volume of haptics 48 and 49 increases when the capsule compresses
the haptics; operation of IOL 40 is similar to that described above
for IOL 20.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, alternative embodiments of
optic portions suitable for use with IOLs of the present invention
is described. Optic portion 61 includes anterior lens element 63,
actuator 64, intermediate layer 65 and substrate 66 with integrally
formed posterior lens portion 67. In this embodiment, actuator 64
is integrally formed with intermediate layer 65, or alternatively
may be separately fabricated and then bonded to intermediate layer
65. Substrate 66 includes channels 68 that are fluidly coupled to
haptics such as described above with respect to FIGS. 4 and 6B.
[0063] In the embodiment of FIG. 7A, anterior lens element 63
includes ring-shaped fulcrum 69 that depends from the posterior
surface of the anterior lens element. Fulcrum 69 includes a
plurality of windows 70 that permit fluid in space 71 to freely
move within the space, thus permitting the volume of fluid in space
71 to remain constant, but redistribute between the central portion
and peripheral portion of the IOL responsive to the degree of
accommodation. As in the preceding embodiments, the fluids in
channel 68, actuator 64 and space 71 are index-matched to the
surrounding structures to avoid the creation of optical
aberrations.
[0064] Still referring to FIG. 7A, anterior lens element 63
includes bellows-shaped hinge 72 along its periphery. Fulcrum 69
provides a mechanical advantage by multiplying the deflection
achieved for a given amount of fluid displacement. In particular,
when the center of anterior lens element 63 deflects inwards during
relaxation of the ciliary muscles, fulcrum 69 causes the radially
outer regions of the anterior lens element to rotate outwards,
thereby achieving a greater degree of flattening of the anterior
lens surface then may be achieved for the same amount of fluid
displacement in the IOLs of the preceding embodiments. Otherwise,
operation of an IOL including optic portion 61 is similar to that
described for IOLs 20 and 40 above.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 7B, an alternative embodiment of a
constant volume accommodating IOL of the present invention is
described. IOL 80 comprises optic portion 81 having two-piece
construction, suitable for use with the haptics of FIG. 6A. In
particular, optic portion 81 comprises anterior lens element 82,
actuator 83 coupled to fluid channel 84, and substrate 85.
Substrate 85 combines the functions of the intermediate, substrate
and posterior lens elements of the embodiment of FIG. 7A. Fluid
channel 84 extends to the periphery of the optic portion where it
is coupled in fluid communication to the fluid in the interior
volumes of the haptics.
[0066] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
substrate 85 includes convex anterior surface 86 having a curvature
that provides a predetermined degree of optical correction. Convex
surface 86 may be employed either to regularly support anterior
lens element 82 in the unaccommodated state, or alternatively only
in a fail-safe mode.
[0067] In the first case, where convex surface 86 supports anterior
lens element 82 in the unaccommodated state, anterior lens element
82 lies flat against convex surface 86 when actuator 83 is in a
contracted state, corresponding to the unaccommodated state of IOL
80. Convex surface 86 accordingly results in an unaccommodated
degree of optical correction corresponding to the sum of the
optical corrections provided by convex surface 86 and posterior
surface 87 of substrate 85. For example, posterior lens surface 87
may provide 17 diopters of correction in vivo, while convex surface
86 provides 3 diopters of correction, for a total unaccommodated
correction of 20 diopters in vivo.
[0068] Actuator 83 is configured to deflect anterior lens element
82 away from convex surface 86 of substrate 85, thereby increasing
the optical correction of the anterior lens element. As a central
portion of the anterior lens element assumes a more convex shape,
the outer periphery of the lens, indicated by zones 88, deflects
inward, as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 7B. Because space
89 between the anterior lens element and the substrate is filled
with an fluid that is index-matched to the materials of anterior
lens element 82 and substrate 85, deflection of the anterior lens
element resulting from movement of actuator 83 does not create an
additional diffractive surface. Accordingly, the total power of IOL
80 in the accommodated state is the sum of the powers of the
posterior lens surface (17 diopters) plus the optical power of the
anterior lens element, which is greater than three. Inward
deflection of zones 88 of IOL 80 advantageously permits the volume
of fluid in space 89 to remain constant during accommodation, with
the fluid becoming redistributed in space 89 responsive to the
degree of deflection imposed on anterior lens element 82 by
actuator 83.
[0069] In addition, convex surface 86 may include radially oriented
grooves (not shown) extending from the optical axis to space 89 at
the periphery of the optic portion. These grooves permit fluid to
flow freely between the posterior surface of anterior lens element
82 and convex surface 86. This arrangement ensures that no vacuum
develops between the anterior lens element and convex surface when
actuator 83 lifts the anterior lens element away from the convex
surface.
[0070] Alternatively, anterior lens element 82 may be configured to
rest against convex surface 86 only in a fail-safe mode. In this
case, anterior lens element 82 is lifted away from convex surface
86 by actuator 83 during normal operation of the IOL. It may be
noted that in the foregoing embodiments of the IOL of the present
invention, in the undeformed state the haptics maintain the lens in
the accommodated or high power state. Accordingly, any failure that
allows the actuator to assume the undeformed state without any
physiologic influence could result in a residual near-sighted
condition. In accordance with another aspect of the present
invention, a mechanism is provided to relieve a small amount of
quiescent pressure within the lens so that the actuator assumes the
unaccommodated, low power state.
[0071] In the embodiment of FIG. 7B, this may be accomplished by
providing a sacrificial plug on fluid channel 84, near the
periphery of the optic portion, that provides separation between
the fluid within actuator 83 and channel 84 from the fluid in space
89. The plug preferably comprises a colored material that readily
and preferentially absorbs laser light, for example, 1.06 micron
wavelength radiation from a Nd:YAG laser. When irradiated, the plug
experiences a phase change or otherwise deforms to permit fluid
communication between fluid channel 84 and space 89. This in turn
permits the fluid pressure within space 89 to equilibrate and
dampen movements of actuator 83 corresponding to movements of the
ciliary muscles. Advantageously, when the plug is deformed,
anterior lens element 82 rests on convex surface 86 of substrate 85
to provide a predetermined optical power, thus ensuring that IOL 80
provides adequate optical correction in the unaccommodated state,
but without the near-sightedness that might result from failure of
actuator 83 in an extended position.
[0072] Alternatively, the sacrificial plug may de disposed on a
channel that leads to an evacuated cavity. In this case remodeling
of the plug may permit a predetermined quantity of fluid to enter
the evacuated space from the fluid channel, again dampening the
response of the actuator to fluid transfers resulting from movement
of the haptics and ciliary muscles.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, another alternative
embodiment of an IOL constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention is described. IOL 90 comprises optic
portion 91 and haptic portion 92. Optic portion 91 comprises
anterior lens element 93, primary actuator 94, intermediate layer
95 and posterior lens element 96, all formed of light-transmissive
materials.
[0074] Primary actuator 94 is illustratively integrally formed with
anterior lens element 93. Intermediate layer 95 includes bellows
structures 97 that form secondary actuator 98. Secondary actuator
98 surrounds and is bonded to the lower portion of primary actuator
94, so that the primary and secondary actuators more in unison.
Channels 99 extend from the periphery of intermediate layer to the
interior of secondary actuator 98, thereby providing fluid
communication between the haptic portion and the secondary
actuator. As depicted in FIGS. 8, the fluids in the primary and
secondary actuators are not in communication.
[0075] Haptic portion 92 comprises haptics 100 and 101 that are
coupled in fluid communication to optic portion 91. As depicted in
FIG. 8B, each of haptics 100 and 101 has a circular cross section
in the undeformed state, corresponding to maximal interior volume.
Each haptic also includes a resilient support element 102, which
provides the haptic with a predetermined arc in the undeformed
state. Haptics 100 and 101, fluid channel 99, primary and secondary
actuators 94 and 98, space 103 between anterior lens element 93 and
intermediate layer 95, and space 104 between intermediate layer 95
and posterior lens element 96 all are filled with a fluid having an
index of refraction selected to match the corresponding contacting
structures of IOL 90.
[0076] Still referring to FIGS. 8, operation of IOL 90 is now
described. The undeformed state of haptics 100 and 101 corresponds
to accommodated state of the lens, when the ciliary muscles are
contracted and the capsule is loose. When the ciliary muscles
relax, the zonules pull the capsule taut, thereby applying
compressive forces to the anterior and posterior sidewalls of the
haptic. These compressive forces cause the haptics to deform to a
lower volume state and displacing fluid to channel 99 and the
interior of secondary actuator 98. As fluid flows into the
secondary actuator, it extends in the posterior direction,
simultaneously reducing the fluid pressure in primary actuator 94.
Reduction of fluid pressure in the primary actuator reduces the
deflection of anterior lens element 93, thereby transitioning the
lens to an unaccommodated condition.
[0077] As described immediately above, the primary and secondary
actuators of IOL 90 provide a "reverse" accommodating action
compared to the actuators of the preceding embodiments, in that the
lens transitions from the accommodated to the unaccommodated states
due to the displacement of fluid from the haptic portion to the
optic portion of the lens. Due to the relative complexity and
potential for optical aberrations arising from the presence of the
primary and secondary actuators within the optic portion, it may be
advantageous to relocate such mechanisms to the periphery of the
optic portion of the lens. The embodiment of FIGS. 9 depicts one
possible implementation of such a design.
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B, an intraocular lens is
described wherein a "reverse" accommodating action occurs
responsive to displacement of fluid from the haptic portion to the
optic portion of the lens. IOL 110 of FIG. 9A includes optic
portion 111 and haptic portion 112. Only substrate 113 of optic
portion 111 is shown, and it is to be understood the optic portion
further comprises an anterior lens element, actuator and
intermediate layer such as illustrated in FIG. 6A. Substrate 113
includes fluid channel 114 which is coupled at either end to
reservoirs 115, which are disposed in haptic portion 112.
[0079] Haptics 116 and 117 are similar to those described for the
embodiment of FIGS. 8, and have a circular or other suitable
cross-section that provides maximum interior volume in the
undeformed state. In this manner, haptics 116 and 117 displace
fluid towards the optic portion when subjected to compressive
forces by the capsule during relaxation of the ciliary muscles. The
end of each of haptics 116 and 117 is coupled to a bellows-like
reservoir 118, which is disposed in haptic portion 112. Each
reservoir 118 is separated by a wall from adjoining reservoir 115,
so that pressure changes in one reservoir are communicated to the
other, but there is no direct fluid communication between
reservoirs 115 and 118.
[0080] In operation, compression of haptics 116 and 117 displaces
fluid from the haptics flows into reservoirs 118, thereby causing
the bellows-like walls of the reservoir to expand. This in turn
increases the volume in the adjoining reservoir 115 and withdraws
fluid from channel 114, thereby reducing the extension of the
actuator and the displacement of the anterior lens element. In this
manner, positive fluid flows from the haptics result in the
reduction of the deflection of the anterior lens element,
transitioning IOL 110 from an accommodated state to an
unaccommodated state.
[0081] As also illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, substrate 113 may
include recesses 119 disposed at the periphery of the optic portion
that communicate with expandable reservoirs 120. Recesses 119 and
reservoirs 120 are configured to absorb fluid flows into and out of
the space between the intermediate layer and the anterior lens
element to equalize fluid pressures in that space responsive to
deflection of the anterior lens element. Such reservoirs
advantageously be employed in any of the preceding lens embodiments
to equalize pressure differentials in interior spaces of the lenses
responsive to accommodating movement of the dynamic surface of the
IOL.
[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a further embodiment of
a reverse-acting actuator of the present invention is described.
FIGS. 10 depict a portion of IOL 130 that includes anterior lens
element 131, actuator 132, intermediate layer 133 and substrate
134. IOL 130 includes an optic portion and haptic portion as
described above, wherein the haptic displaces fluid to the optic
portion of the lens during relaxation of the ciliary muscles.
Actuator 132 comprises an elastomeric material and may be
integrally formed with, or separately formed and bonded to,
intermediate layer 133. Actuator 132 is configured to deflect the
anterior lens element a distance D.sub.1 from the intermediate
layer, corresponding to the accommodated state of IOL 130.
[0083] When the ciliary muscles relax, compressive forces applied
by the capsule displace fluid from the haptic portion to the optic
portion of the lens. In particular, as fluid is displaced into
actuator 132, the cylindrical wall of the actuator expands to a
spherical configuration, as depicted in FIG. 10B. This expansion
causes actuator 132 to shorten, thereby reducing the deflection of
the anterior lens element a distance D.sub.2 from the intermediate
layer, corresponding to the unaccommodated state of IOL 130. In
this manner, IOL 130 is capable of transitioning between
accommodated and unaccommodated states responsive to fluid flows
between the haptic portion and optic portion of the lens.
[0084] While preferred illustrative embodiments of the invention
are described above, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art
that various changes and modifications may be made therein without
departing from the invention. The appended claims are intended to
cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *