U.S. patent application number 12/939860 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for mirror implant.
This patent application is currently assigned to VISIONCARE OPHTHALMIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.. Invention is credited to Eli Aharoni, Gideon Dotan, Yossi Gross.
Application Number | 20110054599 12/939860 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36587402 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110054599 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dotan; Gideon ; et
al. |
March 3, 2011 |
MIRROR IMPLANT
Abstract
An intraocular implant including a plurality of mirrors,
including mirrors having optical power, being operative, when the
implant is implanted, for receiving light from a scene and focusing
the light onto a retina, the mirrors containing bio-incompatible
materials and at least one hermetically sealed enclosure, enclosing
the plurality of mirrors, and being operative, when the implant is
implanted, to seal the bio-incompatible materials from the interior
of the eye, without interfering with the passage of light
therethrough from the scene to the plurality of mirrors and from
the plurality of mirrors to the retina.
Inventors: |
Dotan; Gideon; (Yehud,
IL) ; Gross; Yossi; (Moshav Mazor, IL) ;
Aharoni; Eli; (Tel Aviv, IL) |
Assignee: |
VISIONCARE OPHTHALMIC TECHNOLOGIES
INC.
Saratoga
CA
|
Family ID: |
36587402 |
Appl. No.: |
12/939860 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11031969 |
Jan 7, 2005 |
7842086 |
|
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12939860 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/6.17 ;
623/6.31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/1648 20130101;
A61F 9/0017 20130101; A61F 2/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/6.17 ;
623/6.31 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/16 20060101
A61F002/16 |
Claims
1. An intraocular implant comprising: a plurality of mirrors,
including mirrors having optical power, being operative, when said
implant is implanted, for receiving light from a scene and focusing
said light onto a retina, said mirrors containing bio-incompatible
materials; and at least one hermetically sealed enclosure,
enclosing said plurality of mirrors, and being operative, when said
implant is implanted, to seal said bio-incompatible materials from
the interior of the eye, without interfering with the passage of
light therethrough from said scene to said plurality of mirrors and
from said plurality of mirrors to said retina.
2. An intraocular implant according to claim 1 and wherein: said
implant is formed as a transparent body; said plurality of mirrors
is formed by coating surfaces of said transparent body; and said at
least one hermetically sealed enclosure is formed by a layer of
transparent material, which is non-permeable to said
bio-incompatible material, formed over said plurality of mirrors
and said transparent body.
3. An intraocular implant according to claim 21 and wherein said
layer of transparent material is selected to be one of glass and
transparent sprayable material.
4. An intraocular implant according to claim 1 and also comprising
at least one iris restrictor operative to restrict closing of the
iris, thereby to ensure that said light from a scene reaches said
plurality of mirrors.
5. An intraocular implant according to claim 4 and wherein said at
least one iris restrictor comprises a prism.
6. An intraocular implant according to claim 5 and wherein said
prism is operative to direct said light onto one of said plurality
of mirrors.
7. An intraocular implant according to claim 5 and wherein said
prism is operative to change the direction of said light and to
direct it onto at least one of said plurality of mirrors.
8. An intraocular implant according to claim 4 and also comprising
at least one light restrictor arranged so as to restrict light
passing through said implant such that generally only light which
impinges on said plurality of mirrors reaches the retina when said
implant is implanted.
9. An intraocular implant according to claim 1 and also comprising
at least one light restrictor arranged so as to restrict light
passing through said implant such that generally only light which
impinges on said plurality of mirrors reaches the retina when said
implant is implanted.
10-18. (canceled)
19. An intraocular implant comprising: a plurality of mirrors,
including mirrors having optical power, being operative, when said
implant is implanted, for receiving light from a scene and focusing
said light onto a retina; and at least one light restrictor
arranged so as to restrict light passing through said implant such
that generally only light which impinges on said plurality of
mirrors reaches the retina when said implant is implanted.
20. An intraocular implant according to claim 19 and wherein said
plurality of mirrors is formed of a bio-incompatible material.
21. An intraocular implant according to claim 20 and wherein said
plurality of mirrors is hermetically sealed to prevent
contamination of the interior of the eye by said bio-incompatible
material.
22. An intraocular implant according to claim 20 and wherein each
of said plurality of mirrors is hermetically sealed to prevent
contamination of the interior of the eye by said bio-incompatible
material.
23-27. (canceled)
Description
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] Applicants hereby make reference to the following co-pending
U.S. patent applications, the disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference:
[0002] U.S. Ser. No. 10/321,793, filed Dec. 17, 2002, entitled
"Intraocular Implants"; U.S. Ser. No. 10/342,160, filed Jan. 14,
2003, entitled "Intraocular Lens Implant" and U.S. Ser. No.
10/489,388, filed Mar. 11, 2004, entitled "Intraocular
Implants."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to ocular implants generally
and more particularly to intraocular implants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The following patent publications are believed to represent
the current state of the art:
[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,354,335; 5,814,103; 5,876,442; 5,928,283;
6,007,579; 6,066,171; 5,653,751; 6,596,026; 6,569,199; 6,464,725;
5,391,202; 5,384,606; 4,074,368; 4,994,082; 5,628,798; 5,222,981;
4,172,297; 5,769,890; 4,892,543; 4,373,218; 4,968,127; 4,759,761;
4,976,732 and 5,769,889;
[0006] Published U.S. Application 2001/018,612;
[0007] Published PCT Applications WO 94/07,435; WO 00/38593 and WO
83/01566;
[0008] Foreign Patent Publications DE 4,403,326; EP 1,092,402; EP
0,419,740; GB 2,181,355; EP 0,897,702; EP 0,212,616; DE 3,428,895
and DE 19,501,444.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention seeks to provide an improved
intraocular implant.
[0010] There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention an intraocular implant
including a plurality of mirrors, including mirrors having optical
power, being operative, when the implant is implanted, for
receiving light from a scene and focusing the light onto a retina,
the mirrors containing bio-incompatible materials and at least one
hermetically sealed enclosure, enclosing the plurality of mirrors,
and being operative, when the implant is implanted, to seal the
bio-incompatible materials from the interior of the eye, without
interfering with the passage of light therethrough from the scene
to the plurality of mirrors and from the plurality of mirrors to
the retina.
[0011] Preferably, the implant is formed as a transparent body, the
plurality of mirrors is formed by coating surfaces of the
transparent body and the at least one hermetically sealed enclosure
is formed by a layer of transparent material, which is
non-permeable to the bio-incompatible material, formed over the
plurality of mirrors and the transparent body. Additionally, the
layer of transparent material is selected to be one of glass and
transparent sprayable material.
[0012] Preferably, the intraocular implant also includes at least
one iris restrictor operative to restrict closing of the iris,
thereby to ensure that the light from a scene reaches the plurality
of mirrors. Additionally, the at least one iris restrictor includes
a prism. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the prism
is operative to direct the light onto one of the plurality of
mirrors. Alternatively, the prism is operative to change the
direction of the light and to direct it onto at least one of the
plurality of mirrors.
[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the intraocular implant also
includes at least one light restrictor arranged so as to restrict
light passing through the implant such that generally only light
which impinges on the plurality of mirrors reaches the retina when
the implant is implanted.
[0014] There is also provided in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention an intraocular implant
including a plurality of minors, including mirrors having optical
power, being operative, when the implant is implanted, for
receiving light from a scene and focusing the light onto a retina
and at least one iris restrictor operative to restrict closing of
the iris, thereby, to ensure that the light from a scene reaches
the plurality of mirrors.
[0015] Preferably, the at least one iris restrictor is joined to
the plurality of mirrors. Additionally or alternatively, the at
least one iris restrictor includes a prism for changing the
direction of light impinging thereonto from a scene and directing
it onto at least one of the plurality of mirrors.
[0016] Preferably, the at least one iris restrictor is mountable
onto an iris. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the
at least one iris restrictor includes at least one hook, joined to
the plurality of mirrors and engaging the iris at least one
location along an inner peripheral edge thereof.
[0017] Preferably, the plurality of mirrors is formed of a
bio-incompatible material. Additionally, the plurality of mirrors
is hermetically sealed to prevent contamination of the interior of
the eye by the bio-incompatible material. Alternatively, each of
the plurality of mirrors is hermetically sealed to prevent
contamination of the interior of the eye by the bio-incompatible
material.
[0018] In accordance with another preferred embodiment the
intraocular implant also includes at least one light restrictor
arranged so as to restrict light passing through the implant such
that generally only light which impinges on the plurality of
mirrors reaches the retina when the implant is implanted.
[0019] There is even further provided in accordance with still
another preferred embodiment of the present invention an
intraocular implant including a plurality of mirrors, including
mirrors having optical power, being operative, when the implant is
implanted, for receiving light from a scene and focusing the light
onto a retina and at least one light restrictor arranged so as to
restrict light passing through the implant such that generally only
light which impinges on the plurality of mirrors reaches the retina
when the implant is implanted.
[0020] There is further provided in accordance with yet another
preferred embodiment of the present invention an intraocular
implant including a plurality of mirrors, including mirrors having
optical power, being operative, when the implant is implanted, for
receiving light from a scene and focusing the light onto a retina,
the plurality of mirrors being configured so as to be adapted for
operation when implanted in an eye of a patient which has undergone
refractive surgery.
[0021] Preferably, the plurality of mirrors is formed of a
bio-incompatible material. Additionally, the plurality of mirrors
is hermetically sealed to prevent contamination of the interior of
the eye by the bio-incompatible material. Alternatively, each of
the plurality of mirrors is hermetically sealed to prevent
contamination of the interior of the eye by the bio-incompatible
material.
[0022] There is yet further provided in accordance with another
preferred embodiment of the present invention an intraocular
implant including a plurality of mirrors, including mirrors having
optical power, being operative, when the implant is implanted, for
receiving light from a scene and focusing the light onto a retina,
the mirrors containing bio-incompatible materials, at least one
hermetically sealed enclosure, enclosing the plurality of mirrors,
and being operative, when the implant is implanted, to seal the
bio-incompatible materials from the interior of the eye, without
interfering with the passage of light therethrough from the scene
to the plurality of mirrors and from the plurality of mirrors to
the retina, at least one iris restrictor operative to restrict
closing of the iris, thereby to ensure that the light from a scene
reaches the plurality of mirrors, the at least one iris restrictor
including a prism which directs the light to one of the plurality
of mirrors and at least one light restrictor arranged so as to
restrict light passing through the implant such that generally only
light which impinges on the plurality of mirrors reaches the retina
when the implant is implanted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a simplified sectional illustration of an
implanted intraocular implant constructed and operative in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a simplified sectional illustration of an
implanted intraocular implant constructed and operative in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a simplified sectional illustration of an
implanted intraocular implant constructed and operative in
accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a simplified sectional illustration of an
implanted intraocular implant constructed and operative in
accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E are simplified sectional
illustrations of five alternative embodiments of an implanted
intraocular implant including an iris restrictor;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a simplified sectional illustration of an
implanted intraocular implant including at least one light
restrictor, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a simplified sectional illustration of an
implanted intraocular implant including at least one encapsulated
lens and a plurality of mirrors, in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a simplified sectional illustration of an
implanted intraocular implant of the type shown in any of the
preceding figures implanted in an eye which has undergone
refraction surgery, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0032] FIG. 9 is a simplified sectional illustration of an
implanted intraocular implant including a prism and a plurality of
mirrors, a bio-compatible housing and light restrictors arranged in
a more preferred embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified
sectional illustration of an implanted intraocular implant
constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1, the implant preferably
comprises a generally light transparent implant enclosure 100,
preferably formed of plastic, glass or other suitable
bio-compatible transparent material and having a generally oval
cross section, as seen in FIG. 1, which is supported by haptics
102. The interior of implant enclosure 100 is hermetically sealed
from the outside thereof.
[0034] Located within implant enclosure 100 and mounted therein is
a transparent implant body 103, preferably formed of rigid plastic,
such as PMMA, on which is formed an outwardly facing generally
truncated, circumferentially symmetric concave mirror 104. Mirror
104 is operative to reflect and focus light impinging thereon from
the outside to an inwardly facing peripherally disposed,
circumferentially symmetric convex mirror 106, also formed on body
103, which mirror 106, in turn, directs the light to the retina. It
is appreciated that either or both of enclosure 100 and implant
body 103 may have optical power and may help direct the light from
a scene to the retina.
[0035] It is a particular feature of the present invention that
mirrors 104 and 106 are employed therein, inasmuch as mirrors 104
and 106 conventionally contain bio-incompatible materials. The
hermetic sealing of implant enclosure 100 enables their use in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and
prevents contamination of the interior of the eye by the
bio-incompatible materials.
[0036] It is appreciated that implant body 103 may include a solid
transparent interior or a frame including a hollow interior and may
be formed as a sealed transparent capsule or other construction
suitable for maintaining mirrors 104 and 106 in proper
alignment.
[0037] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplified
sectional illustration of an implanted intraocular implant
constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 2, the implant
preferably comprises a generally light transparent implant body
200, preferably formed of rigid plastic, such as PMMA, and having a
generally oval cross section, as seen in FIG. 2, which is supported
by haptics 202. Body 200 is generally solid and is formed with a
plurality of indents. Located at a first indent 203 is an outwardly
facing, generally truncated, circumferentially symmetric concave
mirror 204. Mirror 204 is operative to reflect and focus light
impinging thereon from the outside to an inwardly facing
peripherally disposed, circumferentially symmetric convex mirror
206, formed at a second indent 207, which mirror 206, in turn,
directs the light to the retina. It is appreciated that implant
body 200 may have optical power and may help direct the light from
a scene to the retina.
[0038] Mirrors 204 and 206 are preferably formed by coating
suitably curved surfaces of body 200 at respective indents 203 and
207 with reflective materials, such as metallic materials which
conventionally contain bio-incompatible materials. Indents 203 and
207 are hermetically sealed outwardly of respective mirrors 204 and
206, with suitable sealing layers 208 and 210 respectively, such as
plastic, glass or other suitable bio-compatible transparent
material, such as a sprayable transparent material. This hermetic
sealing enables mirrors 204 and 206 to be employed in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and prevents
contamination of the interior of the eye by the bio-incompatible
materials.
[0039] It is appreciated that implant body 200 may include a solid
transparent interior or a frame including a hollow interior and may
be formed as a sealed transparent capsule or other suitable
construction.
[0040] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified
sectional illustration of an implanted intraocular implant
constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 3, the implant
preferably comprises a generally light transparent implant body
300, preferably formed of rigid plastic, such as PMMA, and having a
generally oval cross section, as seen in FIG. 3, which is supported
by haptics 302. Body 300 is generally solid and is formed with a
plurality of indents. Located at a first indent 303 is an outwardly
facing generally truncated, circumferentially symmetric concave
mirror 304. Mirror 304 is operative to reflect and focus light
impinging thereon from the outside to an inwardly facing
peripherally disposed, circumferentially symmetric convex mirror
306, formed at a second indent 307, which mirror 306; in turn,
directs the light to the retina.
[0041] Mirrors 304 and 306 are preferably formed by coating
suitably curved surfaces of body 300 at respective indents 303 and
307 with reflective materials, such as metallic materials which
conventionally contain bio-incompatible materials. The entire body
300 is hermetically sealed outwardly of respective mirrors 304 and
306, with a suitable sealing layer 308, such as plastic, glass or
other suitable bio-compatible transparent material. This hermetic
sealing enables mirrors 304 and 306 to be employed in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and prevents
contamination of the interior of the eye by the bio-incompatible
materials.
[0042] It is appreciated that implant body 300 may include a solid
transparent interior or a frame including a hollow interior and may
be formed as a sealed transparent capsule or other suitable
construction.
[0043] It is also appreciated that either or both of implant body
300 and sealing layer 308 may have optical power and may help
direct the light from a scene to the retina.
[0044] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a simplified
sectional illustration of an implanted intraocular implant
constructed and operative in accordance with still another
preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 4,
the implant preferably comprises a generally light transparent
implant body 400, preferably formed of rigid plastic, such as PMMA,
and having a generally oval cross section, as seen in FIG. 4, which
is supported by haptics 402. Body 400 is generally solid and is
formed with a plurality of indents. Located at a first indent 403
is an outwardly facing, generally truncated, circumferentially
symmetric concave mirror 404. Mirror 404 is operative to reflect
and focus light impinging thereon from the outside to an inwardly
facing, peripherally disposed, circumferentially symmetric convex
mirror 406, formed at a second indent 407, which mirror 406, in
turn, directs the light to the retina. It is appreciated that
implant body 400 may have optical power and may help direct the
light from a scene to the retina.
[0045] Mirrors 404 and 406 are preferably formed separately from
body 400 and placed at respective indents 403 and 407. Mirrors 404
and 406 are preferably formed with reflective materials, such as
metallic materials, which conventionally contain bio-incompatible
materials. Mirrors 404 and 406 are hermetically sealed, with
suitable coatings 408 and 410 respectively, such as plastic, glass
or other suitable bio-compatible transparent material. This
hermetic sealing enables mirrors 404 and 406 to be employed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and
prevents contamination of the interior of the eye by the
bio-incompatible materials.
[0046] It is appreciated that implant body 400 may include a solid
transparent interior or a frame including a hollow interior and may
be formed as a sealed transparent capsule or other suitable
construction.
[0047] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E, which
are simplified sectional illustrations' of five alternative
embodiments of an implanted intraocular implant including an iris
restrictor. Turning to FIG. 5A, it is seen that an intraocular
implant 500 of the type described hereinabove in any of FIGS. 1-4
is combined with an iris restrictor 502 in the form of an optical
prism operative to deflect light entering implant 500, which also
keeps the patient's pupil opened all of the time and is optically
asymmetric. The iris restrictor 502 is located outside of the lens
capsule and is attached to intraocular implant 500.
[0048] FIG. 5B shows an intraocular implant 520 of the type
described hereinabove in any of FIGS. 1-4 combined with an iris
restrictor 522 in the form of a hollow enclosure, such as a ring or
other suitable shape, which keeps the patient's pupil opened all of
the time and is optically symmetric. The iris restrictor 522 is
located outside of the lens capsule and is attached to intraocular
implant 520.
[0049] FIG. 5C shows an intraocular implant 540 of the type
described hereinabove in any of FIGS. 1-4 combined with an iris
restrictor 542 in the form of a hollow enclosure, such as a ring or
other suitable shape, which keeps the patient's pupil opened all of
the time and is optically symmetric. The iris restrictor 542 is
located outside of the lens capsule and is sutured to or snapped
onto the patient's iris.
[0050] FIG. 5D shows an intraocular implant 560 of the type
described hereinabove in any of FIGS. 1-4 combined with an iris
restrictor 562 in the form of a hook, which keeps the patient's
pupil opened and off center, all of the time. The iris restrictor
562 is located outside of the lens capsule and is attached to
intraocular implant 560.
[0051] FIG. 5E shows an intraocular implant 580 of the type
described hereinabove in any of FIGS. 1-4 combined with an iris
restrictor 582 in the form of a peripheral retainer, which keeps
the patient's pupil opened all of the time. The iris restrictor 582
is located outside of the lens capsule and is mounted onto a ring
586 implanted into the patient's eye.
[0052] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified
sectional illustration of an implanted intraocular implant
including at least one light restrictor, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of
FIG. 6 preferably includes an intraocular implant 600 of the type
described hereinabove with reference to any of FIGS. 1-4 and may be
combined with an iris restrictor as shown for example in any of
FIGS. 5A-5E.
[0053] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, one or more light restrictors
602 are provided, typically by a light impermeable coating formed
on the outside surface of portions of the implant 600 or mirrors
604, so as to function as artificial irises preferably on both the
entrance pupil and the exit pupil of the implant 600, thereby
restricting light passing through the implant, such that generally
only light which impinges on the mirrors 604 of the implant reaches
the retina, when the implant is implanted in a patient.
Alternatively, light restrictors 602 may be formed by coating an
inside surface of implant 600.
[0054] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a simplified
sectional illustration of an implanted intraocular implant
including at least one encapsulated lens and a plurality of
mirrors, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The embodiment of FIG. 7 preferably includes an
intraocular implant 700 of the type described hereinabove with
reference to any of FIGS. 1-4 and may be combined with an iris
restrictor as shown for example in any of FIGS. 5A-5E and with a
light restrictor, as shown, for example in FIG. 6.
[0055] The implant of FIG. 7 also preferably includes external
lenses, such as a telescope 702, preferably of the type described
in any of applicants published patent documents including U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,391,202; 5,354,335; 5,814,103; 5,876,442; 5,928,283;
6,007,579; 6,066,171; 6,569,199 and 6,596,026, and U.S. published
applications U.S. Ser. No. 10/342,160 and 10/321,793, the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference, mounted
onto implant 700 and extending outwardly of the lens capsule.
[0056] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a simplified
sectional illustration of an implanted intraocular implant of the
type shown in any of the preceding figures implanted in an eye
which has undergone refraction surgery, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of
FIG. 8 preferably includes an intraocular implant 800 of the type
described hereinabove with reference to any of FIGS. 1-4 and may be
combined with an iris restrictor as shown for example in any of
FIGS. 5A-5E and with a light restrictor, as shown, for example in
FIG. 6. The optical characteristics of the implant 800 are adapted
to the condition and functionality of the patient's eye following
such refractive surgery and are specifically configured to work
with a reshaped cornea formed by the refractive surgery.
[0057] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is a simplified
sectional illustration of an implanted intraocular implant
including a prism and a plurality of mirrors, a bio-compatible
housing and light restrictors arranged in a more preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 9, the implant preferably comprises a
generally light transparent implant enclosure 900, preferably
formed of rigid plastic, such as PMMA, and having a generally oval
cross section, as seen in FIG. 9, which is supported by haptics
901. The interior of implant enclosure 900 is hermetically sealed
from the outside thereof.
[0059] Mounted onto enclosure 900 and facing the outside is a prism
902 which directs light received from a scene inwardly and sidewise
towards the interior of enclosure 900. Located within implant
enclosure 900 and mounted therein is a transparent implant body 903
on which is formed an outwardly and sideways facing convex mirror
904. Mirror 904 is operative to reflect light impinging thereon
from the outside via prism 902 onto an inwardly and sideways facing
concave mirror 906, also formed on body 903, which mirror 906, in
turn, directs the light to the retina. It is appreciated that
either or both of enclosure 900 and implant body 903 may have
optical power and may help direct the light from a scene to the
retina.
[0060] As in embodiments described hereinabove, it a particular
feature of the present invention that mirrors 904 and 906 are
employed therein, inasmuch as mirrors 904 and 906 conventionally
contain bio-incompatible materials. The hermetic sealing of implant
body 903 enables their use in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention and prevents contamination of
the interior of the eye by the bio-incompatible materials.
[0061] As seen further in FIG. 9, implant body 903 also preferably
includes one or more light restrictors 908, thereby restricting
light passing through the implant, such that generally only light
which impinges on the mirrors 904 and 906 of the implant reaches
the retina, when the implant is implanted in a patient.
[0062] Alternatively, implant enclosure 900 may be obviated and
prism 902 mounted directly onto implant body 903. In this
embodiment, mirrors 904 and 906 may be formed by coating suitable
portions of implant body 903 with reflective materials and
hermetically sealing mirrors 904 and 906, similar to mirrors 204
and 206 of FIG. 2. Alternatively, mirrors 904 and 906 may be formed
by coating suitable portions of implant body 903 with reflective
materials and hermetically sealing implant body 903, similar to
mirrors 304 and 306 of FIG. 3. As a further alternative, mirrors
904 and 906 may be formed separately from implant body 903 and
hermetically sealed prior to placement in implant body 903, similar
to mirrors 404 and 406 of FIG. 4.
[0063] It is appreciated that implant body 903 may include a solid
transparent interior or a frame including a hollow interior and may
be formed as a sealed transparent capsule or other construction
suitable for maintaining mirrors 904 and 906 in proper
alignment.
[0064] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present
invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of
features described hereinabove as well as variations and
modifications thereof which would occur to a person skilled in the
art upon reading the foregoing description, taken together with the
drawings, and which are not in the prior art.
* * * * *