U.S. patent application number 13/593359 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for ophthalmic devices having a degradation resistant polymer.
This patent application is currently assigned to ACUFOCUS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas A. Silvestrini. Invention is credited to Thomas A. Silvestrini.
Application Number | 20130053953 13/593359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36939253 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130053953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Silvestrini; Thomas A. |
February 28, 2013 |
OPHTHALMIC DEVICES HAVING A DEGRADATION RESISTANT POLYMER
Abstract
Disclosed are ophthalmic devices configured to be implanted in
an eye of a patient. In one embodiment, the ophthalmic device
includes a mask configured to increase the depth of focus of the
patient and comprising a highly fluorinated polymeric material in
which the number of carbon-fluorine bonds equals or exceeds the
number of carbon-hydrogen bonds in the highly fluorinated polymeric
material. The highly fluorinated polymeric material can be
resistant to degradation upon exposure to ultraviolet light. The
mask further includes an aperture configured to transmit light and
a portion configured to be substantially opaque to visible light
and to surround at least a portion of the aperture.
Inventors: |
Silvestrini; Thomas A.;
(Alamo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Silvestrini; Thomas A. |
Alamo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ACUFOCUS, INC.
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
36939253 |
Appl. No.: |
13/593359 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13152550 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
8287592 |
|
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13593359 |
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11106043 |
Apr 14, 2005 |
7976577 |
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13152550 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/5.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/145 20130101;
A61L 2430/16 20130101; A61F 2/15 20150401; A61L 27/16 20130101;
A61L 27/16 20130101; G02C 7/02 20130101; A61F 9/00834 20130101;
A61F 9/0008 20130101; G02C 7/165 20130101; G02C 7/04 20130101; A61F
2/14 20130101; C08L 27/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/5.13 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/14 20060101
A61F002/14 |
Claims
1. An ophthalmic device, comprising: a mask configured to increase
the depth of focus of the patient and comprising a highly
fluorinated polymeric material in which the number of
carbon-fluorine bonds equals or exceeds the number of
carbon-hydrogen bonds in the highly fluorinated polymeric material,
the mask further comprising an aperture configured to transmit
light and a portion configured to be substantially opaque to
visible light and to surround at least a portion of the aperture;
and a plurality of holes in the substantially opaque portion
configured to reduce the tendency of visible light that passes
through the holes to produce visible diffraction patterns.
2. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the mask comprises a coating comprising the highly fluorinated
polymeric material.
3. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the coating is at
least on an anterior surface of the mask.
4. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the highly fluorinated
polymeric material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
5. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the mask comprises a
second polymer different from the highly fluorinated polymeric
material.
6. The ophthalmic device of claim 5, wherein the second polymer
comprises one or more generally UV transparent or reflective
polymers.
7. The ophthalmic device of claim 5, wherein the mask comprises a
blend of the highly fluorinated polymeric material and the second
polymer.
8. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the substantially
opaque portion comprises an opacification agent selected from the
group consisting of organic dyes, organic pigments, inorganic dyes,
and inorganic pigments.
9. The ophthalmic device of claim 8, wherein the opacification
agent is applied to one or more surfaces of the mask.
10. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the substantially
opaque portion comprises carbon.
11. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein highly fluorinated
polymeric material comprises at least one of
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride,
poly-1,1,2-trifluoroethylene, perfluoroalkoxyethylene, fluorinated
polyimide, and fluorinated acrylate.
12. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein highly fluorinated
polymeric material comprises one or more of the following monomer
units: tetrafluoroethylene --(CF.sub.2--CF.sub.2)--, vinylidene
fluoride --(CF.sub.2--CH.sub.2)--, 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene
--(CF.sub.2--CHF)--, hexafluoropropene
--(CF(CF.sub.3)--CF.sub.2)--, and vinyl fluoride
--(CH.sub.2--CHF)--.
13. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the highly
fluorinated polymeric material comprises one or more monomers that
comprise at least one of oxygen and chlorine.
14. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the aperture has a
dimension generally transverse to the optical axis, the dimension
being about 2.2 millimeters or less.
15. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the mask has a
thickness between an anterior surface and a posterior surfaces of
about 20 microns or less.
16. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the mask comprises
about 80-100% of the highly fluorinated polymeric material.
17. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the mask comprises
about 40-60% of the highly fluorinated polymeric material.
18. A corneal inlay, comprising: an anterior surface configured to
reside adjacent a first corneal layer; a posterior surface
configured to reside adjacent a second corneal layer; an aperture
configured to transmit light therethrough and a non-transmissive
portion disposed about the aperture; and a plurality of holes
extending at least partially between the anterior surface and the
posterior surface, the plurality of holes being configured to
substantially eliminate diffraction patterns visible to the patient
due to the transmission of visible light through the at least some
of the holes; wherein the corneal inlay comprises a highly
fluorinated polymeric material in which the number of
carbon-fluorine bonds equals or exceeds the number of
carbon-hydrogen bonds.
19. An ophthalmic device, comprising: a mask configured to increase
the depth of focus of the patient and comprising a fluorinated
polymer having one or more carbon-fluorine bonds, the mask further
comprising an aperture configured to transmit light and a portion
configured to be substantially opaque to visible light and to
surround at least a portion of the aperture; and a plurality of
holes in the substantially opaque portion configured to reduce the
tendency of visible light that passes through the holes to produce
visible diffraction patterns.
20. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the mask is embedded
within a lens body.
21. The ophthalmic device of claim 20, wherein the lens body is an
intraocular lens.
22. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the mask is provided
on a surface of a lens body.
23. The ophthalmic device of claim 19, wherein the mask is embedded
within a lens body.
24. The ophthalmic device of claim 23, wherein the lens body is an
intraocular lens.
25. The ophthalmic device of claim 19, wherein the mask is provided
on a surface of a lens body.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/152,550, filed Jun. 3, 2011, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/106,043, filed
Apr. 14, 2005, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,976,577, all of which
applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This application is related to ophthalmic devices. More
particularly, this application is directed to ophthalmic devices
that are configured not to degrade over the useful life of the
ophthalmic device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A normally functioning human eye is capable of selectively
focusing on either near or far objects through a process known as
accommodation. Accommodation is achieved by inducing deformation in
a lens located inside the eye, which is normally referred to as the
"intraocular lens". Such deformation is induced by muscles called
ciliary muscles. As some individuals age, the ability to
accommodate diminishes and these individuals cannot see up close
without vision correction. If far vision also is deficient, such
individuals are prescribed bifocal lenses.
[0006] While this approach is sometimes satisfactory, some have
proposed implanting devices inside the eye to improve accommodation
for older patients. One such implant is a pin-hole imaging device
that can be implanted in the cornea of an eye. While this type of
device has been discussed in various contexts, and a need for the
device has been identified, no such device is currently on the
market.
[0007] Several factors make a successful device of this type
elusive. In particular, the device needs to improve the depth of
field of a patient's vision and, because it is surgically
implanted, the device has to have a very long life-span. No known
device has been proposed that has an adequate life-span.
[0008] Because corneal implants are exposed to a great deal of
sunlight during their lifetime, resistance to degradation of the
polymer due to UV exposure is important. In the contact lens and
IOL arts, commercially available stabilizers have been added to the
lenses to prevent degradation of the lenses due to this exposure
and also to exposure to UV light used as a means of sterilization.
Stabilizers dissipate the energy of ultraviolet rays to prevent
degradation of the lens material. The stabilizers may be physically
combined with the polymer or they may be part of a monomer which is
copolymerizable with the polymeric material which forms the lens.
Copolymerization reduces extractability, a problem with many
stabilizers that are merely physically combined with a polymer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Notwithstanding the foregoing, there remains a need for a
corneal inlay device that is sufficiently resistant to degradation
of the type described above and for this and other similar
applications.
[0010] In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a mask
optic configured to be implanted in a cornea of a patient. The mask
optic comprises a body formed from, including, or coated with a
material comprising a halogenated polymeric material, preferably a
fluorinated or highly fluorinated polymeric material, the body
having a light transmitting portion, a light blocking portion
disposed about the light transmitting portion, an outer periphery
surrounding the light blocking portion, an anterior surface, and a
posterior surface, the anterior surface configured to reside
adjacent a first intracorneal layer, the posterior surface
configured to reside adjacent a second intracorneal layer, wherein
the body has a substantially constant thickness between the
anterior and posterior surfaces, wherein the number of
carbon-fluorine bonds in the highly fluorinated polymeric material
equals or exceeds the number of carbon-hydrogen bonds.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the material forming the light
blocking portion of the body comprises an opacification agent.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a
mask optic comprising an aperture having a major axis of about 2.2
mm or less, and an annular body extending between the aperture and
an outer periphery of the mask, the annular body having an anterior
surface and a posterior surface, the annular body being formed of a
material comprising a highly fluorinated polymeric material and an
opacification agent, the opacification agent being present in
sufficient quantity to prevent at least a substantial portion of
light incident on the anterior surface from being transmitted from
the anterior surface to the posterior surface.
[0013] The opacification agent is preferably selected from the
group consisting of organic dyes and/or pigments, and inorganic
dyes and/or pigments. In certain preferred embodiments, the highly
fluorinated polymeric material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride
(PVDF) or is made from the polymerization of monomer substantially
comprising vinylidene fluoride and/or the opacification agent is
carbon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the human eye.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the human eye.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the human eye of a
presbyopic patient wherein the light rays converge at a point
behind the retina of the eye.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a presbyopic eye
implanted with one embodiment of a mask wherein the light rays
converge at a point on the retina.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the human eye with a mask applied
thereto.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
mask.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
with a hexagon-shaped pinhole like aperture.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
with an octagon-shaped pinhole like aperture.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
with an oval-shaped pinhole like aperture.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
with a pointed oval-shaped pinhole like aperture.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
with a star-shaped pinhole like aperture.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
with a teardrop-shaped pinhole like aperture spaced above the true
center of the mask.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
with a teardrop-shaped pinhole like aperture centered within the
mask.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
with a teardrop-shaped pinhole like aperture spaced below the true
center of the mask.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
with a square-shaped pinhole like aperture.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
with a kidney-shaped oval pinhole like aperture.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a side view of an embodiment of a mask having
varying thickness.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a side view of another embodiment of a mask
having varying thickness.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a side view of an embodiment of a mask with a gel
to provide opacity to the lens.
[0033] FIG. 20 is frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask with
a weave of polymeric fibers.
[0034] FIG. 21 is a side view of the mask of FIG. 20.
[0035] FIG. 22 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
having regions of varying opacity.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a side view of the mask of FIG. 22.
[0037] FIG. 24 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
that includes a centrally located pinhole like aperture and
radially extending slots emanating from the center to the periphery
of the mask.
[0038] FIG. 25 is a side view of the mask of FIG. 24.
[0039] FIG. 26 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
that includes a central pinhole like aperture, surrounded by a
plurality of holes radially spaced from the pinhole like aperture
and slots extending radially spaced from the holes and extending to
the periphery of the mask.
[0040] FIG. 27 is a side view of the mask of FIG. 26.
[0041] FIG. 28 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
that includes a central pinhole like aperture, a region that
includes a plurality of holes radially spaced from the aperture,
and a region that includes rectangular slots spaced radially from
the holes.
[0042] FIG. 29 is a side view of the mask of FIG. 28.
[0043] FIG. 30 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
that includes a non-circular pinhole like aperture, a first set of
slots radially spaced from the aperture, and a region that includes
a second set of slots extending to the periphery of the mask and
radially spaced from the first set of slots.
[0044] FIG. 31 is a side view of the mask of FIG. 30.
[0045] FIG. 32 is a frontal plan view of an embodiment of a mask
that includes a central pinhole like aperture and a plurality of
holes radially spaced from the aperture.
[0046] FIG. 33 is a side view of the mask of FIG. 32.
[0047] FIG. 34 is an embodiment of a mask that includes two
semi-circular mask portions.
[0048] FIG. 35 is an embodiment of a mask including two half-moon
shaped portions.
[0049] FIG. 36 is an embodiment of a mask that includes a half-moon
shaped region and a centrally-located pinhole like aperture.
[0050] FIG. 37 is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of an embodiment
of a mask that includes particulate structure adapted for
selectively controlling light transmission through the mask in a
low light environment.
[0051] FIG. 38 is a view of the mask of FIG. 37 in a bright light
environment.
[0052] FIG. 39 is an embodiment of a mask that includes a barcode
formed on the annular region of the mask.
[0053] FIG. 40 is another embodiment of a mask that includes
connectors for securing the mask within the eye.
[0054] FIG. 41 is a plan view of an embodiment of a mask made of a
spiraled fibrous strand.
[0055] FIG. 42 is a plan view of the mask of FIG. 41 being removed
from the eye.
[0056] FIG. 43 is a top view of another embodiment of a mask
configured to increase depth of focus.
[0057] FIG. 43A is an enlarged view of a portion of the view of
FIG. 43.
[0058] FIG. 44A is a cross-sectional view of the mask of FIG. 43A
taken along the section plane 44-44.
[0059] FIG. 44B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 44A of
another embodiment of a mask.
[0060] FIG. 44C is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 44A of
another embodiment of a mask.
[0061] FIG. 45A is a graphical representation of one arrangement of
holes of a plurality of holes that may be formed on the mask of
FIG. 43.
[0062] FIG. 45B is a graphical representation of another
arrangement of holes of a plurality of holes that may be formed on
the mask of FIG. 43.
[0063] FIG. 45C is a graphical representation of another
arrangement of holes of a plurality of holes that may be formed on
the mask of FIG. 43.
[0064] FIG. 46A is an enlarged view similar to that of FIG. 43A
showing a variation of a mask having non-uniform size.
[0065] FIG. 46B is an enlarged view similar to that of FIG. 43A
showing a variation of a mask having a non-uniform facet
orientation.
[0066] FIG. 47 is a top view of another embodiment of a mask having
a hole region and a peripheral region.
[0067] FIG. 48 is a flow chart illustrating one method of aligning
a mask with an axis of the eye based on observation of an
anatomical feature of the eye.
[0068] FIG. 49 is a flow chart illustrating one method of screening
a patient for the use of a mask.
[0069] FIGS. 50A-50C show a mask, similar to those described
herein, inserted beneath an epithelium sheet of a cornea.
[0070] FIGS. 51A-51C show a mask, similar to those described
herein, inserted beneath a Bowman's membrane of a cornea.
[0071] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of an eye illustrating a
treatment of a patient wherein a flap is opened to place an implant
and a location is marked for placement of the implant.
[0072] FIG. 52A is a partial plan view of the eye of FIG. 52
wherein an implant has been applied to a corneal flap and
positioned with respect to a ring.
[0073] FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of an eye illustrating a
treatment of a patient wherein a pocket is created to place an
implant and a location is marked for placement of the implant.
[0074] FIG. 53A is a partial plan view of the eye of FIG. 53
wherein an implant has been positioned in a pocket and positioned
with respect to a ring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0075] This application is directed to masks for improving the
depth of focus of an eye of a patient and methods and apparatuses
for making such masks. The masks generally employ pin-hole vision
correction and have nutrient transport structures in some
embodiments. The masks may be applied to the eye in any manner and
in any location, e.g., as an implant in the cornea (sometimes
referred to as a "corneal inlay"). The masks can also be embodied
in or combined with lenses and applied in other regions of the eye,
e.g., as or in combination with contact lenses or intraocular
lenses. In some applications, discussed further below, the masks
are formed of a stable material, e.g., one that can be implanted
permanently.
I. Overview of Pin-Hole Vision Correction
[0076] As discussed above, mask that has a pinhole aperture may be
used to improve the depth of focus of a human eye. As discussed
above, presbyopia is a problem of the human eye that commonly
occurs in older human adults wherein the ability to focus becomes
limited to inadequate range. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate how presbyopia
interferes with the normal function of the eye and how a mask with
a pinhole aperture mitigates the problem.
[0077] FIG. 1 shows the human eye, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the
eye 10. The eye 10 includes a cornea 12 and an intraocular lens 14
posterior to the cornea 12. The cornea 12 is a first focusing
element of the eye 10. The intraocular lens 14 is a second focusing
element of the eye 10. The eye 10 also includes a retina 16, which
lines the interior of the rear surface of the eye 10. The retina 16
includes the receptor cells which are primarily responsible for the
sense of vision. The retina 16 includes a highly sensitive region,
known as the macula, where signals are received and transmitted to
the visual centers of the brain via the optic nerve 18. The retina
16 also includes a point with particularly high sensitivity 20,
known as the fovea. As discussed in more detail in connection with
FIG. 8, the fovea 20 is slightly offset from the axis of symmetry
of the eye 10.
[0078] The eye 10 also includes a ring of pigmented tissue known as
the iris 22. The iris 22 includes smooth muscle for controlling and
regulating the size of an opening 24 in the iris 22, which is known
as the pupil. An entrance pupil 26 is seen as the image of the iris
22 viewed through the cornea 12 (See FIG. 4).
[0079] The eye 10 resides in an eye-socket in the skull and is able
to rotate therein about a center of rotation 30.
[0080] FIG. 3 shows the transmission of light through the eye 10 of
a presbyotic patient. Due to either an aberration in the cornea 12
or the intraocular lens 14, or loss of muscle control, light rays
32 entering the eye 10 and passing through the cornea 12 and the
intraocular lens 14 are refracted in such a way that the light rays
32 do not converge at a single focal point on the retina 16. FIG. 3
illustrates that in a presbyotic patient, the light rays 32 often
converge at a point behind the retina 16. As a result, the patient
experiences blurred vision.
[0081] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown the light transmission
through the eye 10 to which a mask 34 has been applied. The mask 34
is shown implanted in the cornea 12 in FIG. 4. However, as
discussed below, it will be understood that the mask 34 can be, in
various modes of application, implanted in the cornea 12 (as
shown), used as a contact lens placed over the cornea 12,
incorporated in the intraocular lens 14 (including the patient's
original lens or an implanted lens), or otherwise positioned on or
in the eye 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the light rays 32
that pass through the mask 34, the cornea 12, and the lens 14
converge at a single focal point on the retina 16. The light rays
32 that would not converge at the single point on retina 16 are
blocked by the mask 34. As discussed below, it is desirable to
position the mask 34 on the eye 10 so that the light rays 32 that
pass through the mask 34 converge at the fovea 20.
[0082] Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown one embodiment of the
mask 34. A variety of variations of the mask 34 are discussed
hereinbelow. Section III discusses some materials that can be used
to make the mask 34 and any of the variation thereof discussed
hereinbelow. As seen, the mask 34 preferably includes an annular
region 36 surrounding a pinhole opening or aperture 38
substantially centrally located on the mask 34. The pinhole
aperture 38 is generally located around a central axis 39, referred
to herein as the optical axis of the mask 34. The pinhole aperture
38 preferably is in the shape of a circle. It has been reported
that a circular aperture, such as the aperture 38 may, in some
patients, produce a so-called "halo effect" where the patient
perceives a shimmering image around the object being viewed.
Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide an aperture 38 in a
shape that diminishes, reduces, or completely eliminates the
so-called "halo effect."
II. Masks Employing Pin-Hole Correction
[0083] FIGS. 7-42 illustrate a variety of embodiments of masks that
can improve the vision of a patient with presbyopia. The masks
described in connection with FIG. 7-42 are similar to the mask 34,
except as described differently below. Any of the masks discussed
below, e.g., those shown in FIGS. 7-42, can be made of the
materials discussed below in Section III. The mask 34 and any of
the masks discussed below can include a locator structure, such as
is discussed in an application filed Apr. 14, 2005 with the title
"OCULAR INLAY WITH LOCATOR" (Attorney's Docket No. ACUFO.024A),
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The
masks described in connection with FIGS. 7-42 can be used and
applied to the eye 10 of a patient in a similar fashion to the mask
34. For example, FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a mask 34a that
includes an aperture 38a formed in the shape of a hexagon. FIG. 8
shows another embodiment of a mask 34b that includes an aperture
38b formed in the shape of an octagon. FIG. 9 shows another
embodiment of a mask 34c that includes an aperture 38c formed in
the shape of an oval, while FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a
mask 34d that includes an aperture 38d formed in the shape of a
pointed oval. FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a mask 34e
wherein the aperture 38e is formed in the shape of a star or
starburst.
[0084] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate further embodiments that have
tear-drop shaped apertures. FIG. 12 shows a mask 34f that has a
tear-drop shaped aperture 38f that is located above the true center
of the mask 34f FIG. 13 shows a mask 34g that has a tear-drop
shaped aperture 38g that is substantially centered in the mask 34g.
FIG. 14 shows a mask 34h that has a tear-drop shaped aperture 38h
that is below the true center of the mask 34h. FIG. 12-14
illustrate that the position of aperture can be tailored, e.g.,
centered or off-center, to provide different effects. For example,
an aperture that is located below the true center of a mask
generally will allow more light to enter the eye because the upper
portion of the aperture 34 will not be covered by the eyelid of the
patient. Conversely, where the aperture is located above the true
center of the mask, the aperture may be partially covered by the
eyelid. Thus, the above-center aperture may permit less light to
enter the eye.
[0085] FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a mask 34i that includes an
aperture 38i formed in the shape of a square. FIG. 16 shows an
embodiment of a mask 34j that has a kidney-shaped aperture 38j. It
will be appreciated that the apertures shown in FIGS. 7-16 are
merely exemplary of non-circular apertures. Other shapes and
arrangements may also be provided and are within the scope of the
present invention.
[0086] The mask 34 preferably has a constant thickness, as
discussed below. However, in some embodiments, the thickness of the
mask may vary between the inner periphery (near the aperture 38)
and the outer periphery. FIG. 17 shows a mask 34k that has a convex
profile, i.e., that has a gradually decreasing thickness from the
inner periphery to the outer periphery. FIG. 18 shows a mask 34l
that has a concave profile, i.e., that has a gradually increasing
thickness from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. Other
cross-sectional profiles are also possible.
[0087] The annular region 36 is at least partially and preferably
completely opaque. The opacity of the annular region 36 prevents
light from being transmitted through the mask 34 (as generally
shown in FIG. 5). Opacity of the annular region 36 may be achieved
in any of several different ways.
[0088] For example, in one embodiment, the material used to make
mask 34 may be naturally opaque. Alternatively, the material used
to make the mask 34 may be substantially clear, but treated with a
dye or other pigmentation agent to render region 36 substantially
or completely opaque. In still another example, the surface of the
mask 34 may be treated physically or chemically (such as by
etching) to alter the refractive and transmissive properties of the
mask 34 and make it less transmissive to light.
[0089] In still another alternative, the surface of the mask 34 may
be treated with a particulate deposited thereon. For example, the
surface of the mask 34 may be deposited with particulate of
titanium, gold or carbon to provide opacity to the surface of the
mask 34. In another alternative, the particulate may be
encapsulated within the interior of the mask 34, as generally shown
in FIG. 19. Finally, the mask 34 may be patterned to provide areas
of varying light transmissivity, as generally shown in FIGS. 24-33,
which are discussed in detail below.
[0090] Turning to FIG. 20, there is shown a mask 34m formed or made
of a woven fabric, such as a mesh of polyester fibers. The mesh may
be a cross-hatched mesh of fibers. The mask 34m includes an annular
region 36m surrounding an aperture 38m. The annular region 36m
comprises a plurality of generally regularly positioned apertures
36m in the woven fabric allow some light to pass through the mask
34m. The amount of light transmitted can be varied and controlled
by, for example, moving the fibers closer together or farther
apart, as desired. Fibers more densely distributed allow less light
to pass through the annular region 36m. Alternatively, the
thickness of fibers can be varied to allow more or less light
through the openings of the mesh. Making the fiber strands larger
results in the openings being smaller.
[0091] FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a mask 34n that includes an
annular region 36n that has sub-regions with different opacities.
The opacity of the annular region 36n may gradually and
progressively increase or decrease, as desired. FIG. 22 shows one
embodiment where a first area 42 closest to an aperture 38n has an
opacity of approximately 43%. In this embodiment, a second area 44,
which is outlying with respect to the first area 42, has a greater
opacity, such as 70%. In this embodiment, a third area 46, which is
outlying with respect to the second area 42, has an opacity of
between 85 to 100%. The graduated opacity of the type described
above and shown in FIG. 22 is achieved in one embodiment by, for
example, providing different degrees of pigmentation to the areas
42, 44 and 46 of the mask 34n. In another embodiment, light
blocking materials of the type described above in variable degrees
may be selectively deposited on the surface of a mask to achieve a
graduated opacity.
[0092] In another embodiment, the mask may be formed from
co-extruded rods made of material having different light
transmissive properties. The co-extruded rod may then be sliced to
provide disks for a plurality of masks, such as those described
herein.
[0093] FIGS. 24-33 shows examples of masks that have been modified
to provide regions of differing opacity. For example, FIG. 24 shows
a mask 34o that includes an aperture 38o and a plurality of cutouts
48 in the pattern of radial spokes extending from near the aperture
38o to an outer periphery 50 of the mask 34o. FIG. 24 shows that
the cutouts 48 are much more densely distributed about a
circumference of the mask near aperture 38o than are the cutouts 48
about a circumference of the mask near the outer periphery 50.
Accordingly, more light passes through the mask 34o nearer aperture
38o than near the periphery 50. The change in light transmission
through the mask 34o is gradual.
[0094] FIGS. 26-27 show another embodiment of a mask 34p. The mask
34p includes an aperture 38p and a plurality of circular cutouts
49p, and a plurality of cutouts 51p. The circular cutouts 49p are
located proximate the aperture 38p. The cutouts 51p are located
between the circular cutouts 49p and the periphery 50p. The density
of the circular cutouts 49p generally decreases from the near the
aperture 38p toward the periphery 50p. The periphery 50p of the
mask 34p is scalloped by the presence of the cutouts 54p, which
extend inward from the periphery 50p, to allow some light to pass
through the mask at the periphery 50p.
[0095] FIGS. 28-29 shows another embodiment similar to that of
FIGS. 26-27 wherein a mask 34q includes a plurality of circular
cutouts 49q and a plurality of cutouts 51q. The cutouts 51q are
disposed along the outside periphery 50q of the mask 34q, but not
so as to provide a scalloped periphery.
[0096] FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate an embodiment of a mask 34r that
includes an annular region 36r that is patterned and an aperture
38r that is non-circular. As shown in FIG. 30, the aperture 38r is
in the shape of a starburst. Surrounding the aperture 38r is a
series of cutouts 51r that are more densely spaced toward the
aperture 38r. The mask 34r includes an outer periphery 50r that is
scalloped to provide additional light transmission at the outer
periphery 50r.
[0097] FIGS. 32 and 33 show another embodiment of a mask 34s that
includes an annular region 36s and an aperture 38s. The annular
region 36s is located between an outer periphery 50s of the mask
34s and the aperture 38s. The annular region 36s is patterned. In
particular, a plurality of circular openings 56s is distributed
over the annular region 36s of the mask 34s. It will be appreciated
that the density of the openings 56s is greater near the aperture
38s than near the periphery 50s of the mask 34s. As with the
examples described above, this results in a gradual increase in the
opacity of the mask 34s from aperture 38s to periphery 50s.
[0098] FIGS. 34-36 show further embodiments. In particular, FIG. 34
shows a mask 34t that includes a first mask portion 58t and a
second mask portion 43t. The mask portions 58t, 43t are generally
"C-shaped." As shown in FIG. 34, the mask portions 58t, 43t are
implanted or inserted such that the mask portions 58t, 43t define a
pinhole or aperture 38t.
[0099] FIG. 35 shows another embodiment wherein a mask 34u includes
two mask portions 58u, 43u. Each mask portion 58u, 43u is in the
shape of a half-moon and is configured to be implanted or inserted
in such a way that the two halves define a central gap or opening
45u, which permits light to pass therethrough. Although opening 45u
is not a circular pinhole, the mask portions 58u, 43u in
combination with the eyelid (shown as dashed line 64) of the
patient provide a comparable pinhole effect.
[0100] FIG. 36 shows another embodiment of a mask 34v that includes
an aperture 38v and that is in the shape of a half-moon. As
discussed in more detail below, the mask 34v may be implanted or
inserted into a lower portion of the cornea 12 where, as described
above, the combination of the mask 34v and the eyelid 64 provides
the pinhole effect.
[0101] Other embodiments employ different ways of controlling the
light transmissivity through a mask. For example, the mask may be a
gel-filled disk, as shown in FIG. 19. The gel may be a hydrogel or
collagen, or other suitable material that is biocompatible with the
mask material and can be introduced into the interior of the mask.
The gel within the mask may include particulate 53 suspended within
the gel. Examples of suitable particulate are gold, titanium, and
carbon particulate, which, as discussed above, may alternatively be
deposited on the surface of the mask.
[0102] The material of the mask 34 may be any biocompatible
polymeric material. Where a gel is used, the material is suitable
for holding a gel. Examples of suitable materials for the mask 34
include the preferred polymethylmethacrylate or other suitable
polymers, such as polycarbonates and the like. Of course, as
indicated above, for non-gel-filled materials, a preferred material
may be a fibrous material, such as a Dacron mesh.
[0103] The mask 34 may also be made to include a medicinal fluid,
such as an antibiotic that can be selectively released after
application, insertion, or implantation of the mask 34 into the eye
of the patient. Release of an antibiotic after application,
insertion, or implantation provides faster healing of the incision.
The mask 34 may also be coated with other desired drugs or
antibiotics. For example, it is known that cholesterol deposits can
build up on the eye. Accordingly, the mask 34 may be provided with
a releasable cholesterol deterring drug. The drug may be coated on
the surface of the mask 34 or, in an alternative embodiment,
incorporated into the polymeric material (such as PMMA) from which
the mask 34 is formed.
[0104] FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate one embodiment where a mask 34w
comprises a plurality of nanites 68. "Nanites" are small
particulate structures that have been adapted to selectively
transmit or block light entering the eye of the patient. The
particles may be of a very small size typical of the particles used
in nanotechnology applications. The nanites 68 are suspended in the
gel or otherwise inserted into the interior of the mask 34w, as
generally shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. The nanites 68 can be
preprogrammed to respond to different light environments.
[0105] Thus, as shown in FIG. 38, in a high light environment, the
nanites 68 turn and position themselves to substantially and
selectively block some of the light from entering the eye. However,
in a low light environment where it is desirable for more light to
enter the eye, nanites may respond by turning or be otherwise
positioned to allow more light to enter the eye, as shown in FIG.
37.
[0106] Nano-devices or nanites are crystalline structures grown in
laboratories. The nanites may be treated such that they are
receptive to different stimuli such as light. In accordance with
one aspect of the present invention, the nanites can be imparted
with energy where, in response to a low light and high light
environments, they rotate in the manner described above and
generally shown in FIG. 38.
[0107] Nanoscale devices and systems and their fabrication are
described in Smith et al., "Nanofabrication," Physics Today,
February 1990, pp. 24-30 and in Craighead, "Nanoelectromechanical
Systems," Science, Nov. 24, 2000, Vol. 290, pp. 1502-1505, both of
which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Tailoring the properties of small-sized particles for optical
applications is disclosed in Chen et al. "Diffractive Phase
Elements Based on Two-Dimensional Artificial Dielectrics," Optics
Letters, Jan. 15, 1995, Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 121-123, also
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0108] Masks 34 made in accordance with the present invention may
be further modified to include other properties. FIG. 39 shows one
embodiment of a mask 34x that includes a bar code 70 or other
printed indicia.
[0109] The masks described herein may be incorporated into the eye
of a patient in different ways. For example, as discussed in more
detail below in connection with FIG. 49, the mask 34 may be
provided as a contact lens placed on the surface of the eyeball 10.
Alternatively, the mask 34 may be incorporated in an artificial
intraocular lens designed to replace the original lens 14 of the
patient. Preferably, however, the mask 34 is provided as a corneal
implant or inlay, where it is physically inserted between the
layers of the cornea 12.
[0110] When used as a corneal implant, layers of the cornea 12 are
peeled away to allow insertion of the mask 34. Typically, the
optical surgeon (using a laser) cuts away and peels away a flap of
the overlying corneal epithelium. The mask 34 is then inserted and
the flap is placed back in its original position where, over time,
it grows back and seals the eyeball. In some embodiments, the mask
34 is attached or fixed to the eye 10 by support strands 60 and 62
shown in FIG. 40 and generally described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,976,732, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0111] In certain circumstances, to accommodate the mask 34, the
surgeon may be required to remove additional corneal tissue. Thus,
in one embodiment, the surgeon may use a laser to peel away
additional layers of the cornea 12 to provide a pocket that will
accommodate the mask 34. Application of the mask 34 to the cornea
12 of the eye 10 of a patient is described in greater detail in
connection with FIGS. 50A-51C.
[0112] Removal of the mask 34 may be achieved by simply making an
additional incision in the cornea 12, lifting the flap and removing
the mask 34. Alternatively, ablation techniques may be used to
completely remove the mask 34.
[0113] FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate another embodiment, of a mask 34y
that includes a coiled strand 80 of a fibrous or other material.
Strand 80 is coiled over itself to form the mask 34y, which may
therefore be described as a spiral-like mask. This arrangement
provides a pinhole or aperture 38y substantially in the center of
the mask 34y. The mask 34y can be removed by a technician or
surgeon who grasps the strand 80 with tweezers 82 through an
opening made in a flap of the corneal 12. FIG. 42 shows this
removal technique.
[0114] Further mask details are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,976,732, issued Dec. 11, 1990 and in U.S. Provisional Application
Serial No. 43/473,824, filed May 28, 2003, both of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
III. Preferred UV-Resistant Polymeric Mask Materials
[0115] Because the mask has a very high surface to volume ratio and
is exposed to a great deal of sunlight following implantation, the
mask preferably comprises a material which has good resistance to
degradation, including from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) or other
wavelengths of light. Polymers including a UV absorbing component,
including those comprising UV absorbing additives or made with UV
absorbing monomers (including co-monomers), may be used in forming
masks as disclosed herein which are resistant to degradation by UV
radiation. Examples of such polymers include, but are not limited
to, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,985,559 and 4,528,311, the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties. In a preferred embodiment, the mask comprises a
material which itself is resistant to degradation by UV radiation.
In one embodiment, the mask comprises a polymeric material which is
substantially reflective of or transparent to UV radiation.
[0116] Alternatively, the mask may include a component which
imparts a degradation resistive effect, or may be provided with a
coating, preferably at least on the anterior surface, which imparts
degradation resistance. Such components may be included, for
example, by blending one or more degradation resistant polymers
with one or more other polymers. Such blends may also comprise
additives which provide desirable properties, such as UV absorbing
materials. In one embodiment, blends preferably comprise a total of
about 1-20 wt. %, including about 1-10 wt. %, 5-15 wt. %, and 10-20
wt. % of one or more degradation resistant polymers. In another
embodiment, blends preferably comprise a total of about 80-100 wt.
%, including about 80-90 wt. %, 85-95 wt. %, and 90-100 wt. % of
one or more degradation resistant polymers. In another embodiment,
the blend has more equivalent proportions of materials, comprising
a total of about 40-60 wt. %, including about 50-60 wt. %, and
40-50 wt. % of one or more degradation resistant polymers. Masks
may also include blends of different types of degradation resistant
polymers, including those blends comprising one or more generally
UV transparent or reflective polymers with one or more polymers
incorporating UV absorption additives or monomers. These blends
include those having a total of about 1-20 wt. %, including about
1-10 wt. %, 5-15 wt. %, and 10-20 wt. % of one or more generally UV
transparent polymers, a total of about 80-100 wt. %, including
about 80-90 wt. %, 85-95 wt. %, and 90-100 wt. % of one or more
generally UV transparent polymers, and a total of about 40-60 wt.
%, including about 50-60 wt. %, and 40-50 wt. % of one or more
generally UV transparent polymers.
[0117] Preferred degradation resistant polymers include halogenated
polymers. Preferred halogenated polymers include fluorinated
polymers, that is, polymers having at least one carbon-fluorine
bond, including highly fluorinated polymers. The term "highly
fluorinated" as it is used herein, is a broad term used in its
ordinary sense, and includes polymers having at least one
carbon-fluorine bond (C--F bond) where the number of C--F bonds
equals or exceeds the number of carbon-hydrogen bonds (C--H bonds).
Highly fluorinated materials also include perfluorinated or fully
fluorinated materials, materials which include other halogen
substituents such as chlorine, and materials which include oxygen-
or nitrogen-containing functional groups. For polymeric materials,
the number of bonds may be counted by referring to the monomer(s)
or repeating units which form the polymer, and in the case of a
copolymer, by the relative amounts of each monomer (on a molar
basis).
[0118] Preferred highly fluorinated polymers include, but are not
limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE or Teflon),
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF or Kynar.RTM.),
poly-1,1,2-trifluoroethylene, and perfluoroalkoxyethylene (PFA).
Other highly fluorinated polymers include, but are not limited to,
homopolymers and copolymers including one or more of the following
monomer units: tetrafluoroethylene --(CF.sub.2--CF.sub.2)--;
vinylidene fluoride --(CF.sub.2--CH.sub.2)--;
1,1,2-trifluoroethylene --(CF.sub.2--CHF)--; hexafluoropropene
--(CF(CF.sub.3)--CF.sub.2)--; vinyl fluoride --(CH.sub.2--CHF)--
(homopolymer is not "highly fluorinated"); oxygen-containing
monomers such as --(O--CF.sub.2)--, --(O--CF.sub.2--CF.sub.2)--,
--(O--CF(CF.sub.3)--CF.sub.2)--; chlorine-containing monomers such
as --(CF.sub.2--CFCl)--. Other fluorinated polymers, such as
fluorinated polyimide and fluorinated acrylates, having sufficient
degrees of fluorination are also contemplated as highly fluorinated
polymers for use in masks according to preferred embodiments. The
homopolymers and copolymers described herein are available
commercially and/or methods for their preparation from commercially
available materials are widely published and known to those in the
polymer arts.
[0119] Although highly fluorinated polymers are preferred, polymers
having one or more carbon-fluorine bonds but not falling within the
definition of "highly fluorinated" polymers as discussed above, may
also be used. Such polymers include co-polymers formed from one or
more of the monomers in the preceding paragraph with ethylene,
vinyl fluoride or other monomer to form a polymeric material having
a greater number of C--H bonds than C--F bonds. Other fluorinated
polymers, such as fluorinated polyimide, may also be used. Other
materials that could be used in some applications, alone or in
combination with a fluorinated or a highly fluorinated polymer, are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,559 and in U.S. Pat. No.
4,538,311, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety.
[0120] The preceding definition of highly fluorinated is best
illustrated by means of a few examples. One preferred UV-resistant
polymeric material is polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), having a
structure represented by the formula:
--(CF.sub.2--CH.sub.2).sub.n--. Each repeating unit has two C--H
bonds, and two C--F bonds. Because the number of C--F bonds equals
or exceeds the number of C--H bonds, PVDF homopolymer is a "highly
fluorinated" polymer. Another material is a
tetrafluoroethylene/vinyl fluoride copolymer formed from these two
monomers in a 2:1 molar ratio. Regardless of whether the copolymer
formed is block, random or any other arrangement, from the 2:1
tetrafluoroethylene:vinyl fluoride composition one can presume a
"repeating unit" comprising two tetrafluoroethylene units, each
having four C--F bonds, and one vinyl fluoride unit having three
C--H bonds and one C--F bond. The total bonds for two
tetrafluoroethylenes and one vinyl fluoride are nine C--F bonds,
and three C--H bonds. Because the number of C--F bonds equals or
exceeds the number of C--H bonds, this copolymer is considered
highly fluorinated.
[0121] Certain highly fluorinated polymers, such as PVDF, have one
or more desirable characteristics, such as being relatively
chemically inert and having a relatively high UV transparency as
compared to their non-fluorinated or less highly fluorinated
counterpart polymers. Although the applicant does not intend to be
bound by theory, it is postulated that the electronegativity of
fluorine may be responsible for many of the desirable properties of
the materials having relatively large numbers of C--F bonds.
[0122] In preferred embodiments, at least a portion of the highly
fluorinated polymer material forming the mask comprises an
opacification agent which imparts a desired degree of opacity. In
one embodiment, the opacification agent provides sufficient opacity
to produce the depth of field improvements described herein, e.g.,
in combination with a transmissive aperture. In one embodiment, the
opacification agent renders the material opaque. In another
embodiment, the opacification agent prevents transmission of about
90 percent or more of incident light. In another embodiment, the
opacification agent renders the material opaque. In another
embodiment, the opacification agent prevents transmission of about
80 percent or more of incident light. Preferred opacification
agents include, but are not limited to organic dyes and/or
pigments, preferably black ones, such as azo dyes, hematoxylin
black, and Sudan black; inorganic dyes and/or pigments, including
metal oxides such as iron oxide black and ilminite, silicon carbide
and carbon (e.g. carbon black, submicron powdered carbon). The
foregoing materials may be used alone or in combination with one or
more other materials. The opacification agent may be applied to one
or more surfaces of the mask on all or some of the surface, or it
may be mixed or combined with the polymeric material (e.g. blended
during the polymer melt phase). Although any of the foregoing
materials may be used, carbon has been found to be especially
useful in that it does not fade over time as do many organic dyes,
and that it also aids the UV stability of the material by absorbing
UV radiation.
[0123] Some opacification agents, such pigments, which are added to
blacken, darken or opacify portions of the mask may cause the mask
to absorb incident radiation to a greater degree than mask material
not including such agents. Because the matrix polymer that carries
or includes the pigments may be subject to degradation from the
absorbed radiation, it is preferred that the mask, which is thin
and has a high surface area making it vulnerable to environmental
degradation, be made of a material which is itself resistant to
degradation such as from UV radiation, or that it be generally
transparent to or non-absorbing of UV radiation. Use of a highly UV
resistant and degradation resistant material, such as PVDF, which
is highly transparent to UV radiation, allows for greater
flexibility in choice of opacification agent because possible
damage to the polymer caused by selection of a particular
opacification agent is greatly reduced.
[0124] A number of variations of the foregoing embodiments of
degradation resistant constructions are contemplated. In one
variation, a mask is made almost exclusively of a material that is
not subject to UV degradation. For example, the mask can be made of
a metal, a highly fluorinated polymer, or another similar material.
Construction of the mask with metal is discussed in more detail in
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/000,562 filed Dec. 1, 2004 and
entitled "Method of Making an Ocular Implant" and also in an
application with the title "Method of Making an Ocular Implant"
filed Apr. 14, 2005 (Attorney's docket ACUFO.030CP1), both of which
are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. As used in
this context, "exclusively" is a broad term that allows for the
presence of some non-functional materials (e.g., impurities) and
for an opacification agent, as discussed above. In other
embodiments, the mask can include a combination of materials. For
example, in one variation, the mask is formed primarily of any
implantable material and is coated with a UV resistant material. In
another variation, the mask includes one or more UV degradation
inhibitors and/or one or more UV degradation resistant polymers in
sufficient concentration such that the mask under normal use
conditions will maintain sufficient functionality in terms of
degradation to remain medically effective for at least about 5
years, preferably at least about 10 years, and in certain
implementations at least about 20 years.
IV. Masks Configured to Reduce Visible Diffraction Patterns
[0125] Many of the foregoing masks can be used to improve the depth
of focus of a patient. Various additional mask embodiments are
discussed below. Some of the embodiments described below include
nutrient transport structures that are configured to enhance or
maintain nutrient flow between adjacent tissues by facilitating
transport of nutrients across the mask. The nutrient transport
structures of some of the embodiments described below are
configured to at least substantially prevent nutrient depletion in
adjacent tissues. The nutrient transport structures can decrease
negative effects due to the presence of the mask in adjacent
corneal layers when the mask is implanted in the cornea, increasing
the longevity of the masks. The inventors have discovered that
certain arrangements of nutrient transport structures generate
diffraction patterns that interfere with the vision improving
effect of the masks described herein. Accordingly, certain masks
are described herein that include nutrient transport structures
that do not generate diffraction patterns or otherwise interfere
with the vision enhancing effects of the mask embodiments.
[0126] FIGS. 43-44 show one embodiment of a mask 100 configured to
increase depth of focus of an eye of a patient suffering from
presbyopia. The mask 100 is similar to the masks hereinbefore
described, except as described differently below. The mask 100 can
be made of the materials discussed herein, including those
discussed in Section III. Also, the mask 100 can be formed by any
suitable process, such as those discussed below in connection with
FIGS. 48a-48d with variations of such processes. The mask 100 is
configured to be applied to an eye of a patient, e.g., by being
implanted in the cornea of the patient. The mask 100 may be
implanted within the cornea in any suitable manner, such as those
discussed above in connection with FIGS. 50A-51C.
[0127] In one embodiment, the mask 100 includes a body 104 that has
an anterior surface 108 and a posterior surface 112. In one
embodiment, the body 104 is capable of substantially maintaining
natural nutrient flow between the first corneal layer and the
second corneal layer. In one embodiment, the material is selected
to maintain at least about ninety-six percent of the natural flow
of at least one nutrient (e.g., glucose) between a first corneal
layer (e.g., the layer 1210) and a second corneal layer (e.g., the
layer 1220). The body 104 may be formed of any suitable material,
including at least one of an open cell foam material, an expanded
solid material, and a substantially opaque material. In one
embodiment, the material used to form the body 104 has relatively
high water content.
[0128] In one embodiment, the mask 100 includes and a nutrient
transport structure 116. The nutrient transport structure 116 may
comprise a plurality of holes 120. The holes 120 are shown on only
a portion of the mask 100, but the holes 120 preferably are located
throughout the body 104 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the
holes 120 are arranged in a hex pattern, which is illustrated by a
plurality of locations 120' in FIG. 45A. As discussed below, a
plurality of locations may be defined and later used in the later
formation of a plurality of holes 120 on the mask 100. The mask 100
has an outer periphery 124 that defines an outer edge of the body
104. In some embodiments, the mask 100 includes an aperture 128 at
least partially surrounded by the outer periphery 124 and a
non-transmissive portion 132 located between the outer periphery
124 and the aperture 128.
[0129] Preferably the mask 100 is symmetrical, e.g., symmetrical
about a mask axis 136. In one embodiment, the outer periphery 124
of the mask 100 is circular. The masks in general have has a
diameter within the range of from about 3 mm to about 8 mm, often
within the range of from about 3.5 mm to about 6 mm, and less than
about 6 mm in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the mask is
circular and has a diameter in the range of 4 to 6 mm. In another
embodiment, the mask 100 is circular and has a diameter of less
than 4 mm. The outer periphery 124 has a diameter of about 3.8 mm
in another embodiment. In some embodiments, masks that are
asymmetrical or that are not symmetrical about a mask axis provide
benefits, such as enabling a mask to be located or maintained in a
selected position with respect to the anatomy of the eye.
[0130] The body 104 of the mask 100 may be configured to coupled
with a particular anatomical region of the eye. The body 104 of the
mask 100 may be configured to conform to the native anatomy of the
region of the eye in which it is to be applied. For example, where
the mask 100 is to be coupled with an ocular structure that has
curvature, the body 104 may be provided with an amount of curvature
along the mask axis 136 that corresponds to the anatomical
curvature. For example, one environment in which the mask 100 may
be deployed is within the cornea of the eye of a patient. The
cornea has an amount of curvature that varies from person to person
about a substantially constant mean value within an identifiable
group, e.g., adults. When applying the mask 100 within the cornea,
at least one of the anterior and posterior surfaces 108, 112 of the
mask 100 may be provided with an amount of curvature corresponding
to that of the layers of the cornea between which the mask 100 is
applied.
[0131] In some embodiments, the mask 100 has a desired amount of
optical power. Optical power may be provided by configuring the at
least one of the anterior and posterior surfaces 108, 112 with
curvature. In one embodiment, the anterior and posterior surfaces
108, 112 are provided with different amounts of curvature. In this
embodiment, the mask 100 has varying thickness from the outer
periphery 124 to the aperture 128.
[0132] In one embodiment, one of the anterior surface 108 and the
posterior surface 112 of the body 104 is substantially planar. In
one planar embodiment, very little or no uniform curvature can be
measured across the planar surface. In another embodiment, both of
the anterior and posterior surfaces 108, 112 are substantially
planar. In general, the thickness of the inlay may be within the
range of from about 1 micron to about 40 micron, and often in the
range of from about 5 micron to about 20 micron. In one embodiment,
the body 104 of the mask 100 has a thickness 138 of between about 5
micron and about 10 micron. In one embodiment, the thickness 138 of
the mask 100 is about 5 micron. In another embodiment, the
thickness 138 of the mask 100 is about 8 micron. In another
embodiment, the thickness 138 of the mask 100 is about 10
micron.
[0133] Thinner masks generally are more suitable for applications
wherein the mask 100 is implanted at a relatively shallow location
in (e.g., close to the anterior surface of) the cornea. In thinner
masks, the body 104 may be sufficiently flexible such that it can
take on the curvature of the structures with which it is coupled
without negatively affecting the optical performance of the mask
100. In one application, the mask 100 is configured to be implanted
about 5 um beneath the anterior surface of the cornea. In another
application, the mask 100 is configured to be implanted about 52 um
beneath the anterior surface of the cornea. In another application,
the mask 100 is configured to be implanted about 125 um beneath the
anterior surface of the cornea. Further details regarding
implanting the mask 100 in the cornea are discussed above in
connection with FIGS. 50A-51C.
[0134] A substantially planar mask has several advantages over a
non-planar mask. For example, a substantially planar mask can be
fabricated more easily than one that has to be formed to a
particular curvature. In particular, the process steps involved in
inducing curvature in the mask 100 can be eliminated. Also, a
substantially planar mask may be more amenable to use on a wider
distribution of the patient population (or among different
sub-groups of a broader patient population) because the
substantially planar mask uses the curvature of each patient's
cornea to induce the appropriate amount of curvature in the body
104.
[0135] In some embodiments, the mask 100 is configured specifically
for the manner and location of coupling with the eye. In
particular, the mask 100 may be larger if applied over the eye as a
contact lens or may be smaller if applied within the eye posterior
of the cornea, e.g., proximate a surface of the lens of the eye. As
discussed above, the thickness 138 of the body 104 of the mask 100
may be varied based on where the mask 100 is implanted. For
implantation at deeper levels within the cornea, a thicker mask may
be advantageous. Thicker masks are advantageous in some
applications. For example, they are generally easier to handle, and
therefore are easier to fabricate and to implant. Thicker masks may
benefit more from having a preformed curvature than thinner masks.
A thicker mask could be configured to have little or no curvature
prior to implantation if it is configured to conform to the
curvature of the native anatomy when applied.
[0136] The aperture 128 is configured to transmit substantially all
incident light along the mask axis 136. The non-transmissive
portion 132 surrounds at least a portion of the aperture 128 and
substantially prevents transmission of incident light thereon. As
discussed in connection with the above masks, the aperture 128 may
be a through-hole in the body 104 or a substantially light
transmissive (e.g., transparent) portion thereof. The aperture 128
of the mask 100 generally is defined within the outer periphery 124
of the mask 100. The aperture 128 may take any of suitable
configurations, such as those described above in connection with
FIGS. 6-42.
[0137] In one embodiment, the aperture 128 is substantially
circular and is substantially centered in the mask 100. The size of
the aperture 128 may be any size that is effective to increase the
depth of focus of an eye of a patient suffering from presbyopia.
For example, the aperture 128 can be circular, having a diameter of
less than about 2.2 mm in one embodiment. In another embodiment,
the diameter of the aperture is between about 1.8 mm and about 2.2
mm. In another embodiment, the aperture 128 is circular and has a
diameter of about 1.8 mm or less. Most apertures will have a
diameter within the range of from about 1.0 mm to about 2.5 mm, and
often within the range of from about 1.3 mm to about 1.9 mm.
[0138] The non-transmissive portion 132 is configured to prevent
transmission of radiant energy through the mask 100. For example,
in one embodiment, the non-transmissive portion 132 prevents
transmission of substantially all of at least a portion of the
spectrum of the incident radiant energy. In one embodiment, the
non-transmissive portion 132 is configured to prevent transmission
of substantially all visible light, e.g., radiant energy in the
electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. The
non-transmissive portion 132 may substantially prevent transmission
of radiant energy outside the range visible to humans in some
embodiments.
[0139] As discussed above in connection with FIG. 3, preventing
transmission of light through the non-transmissive portion 132
decreases the amount of light that reaches the retina and the fovea
that would not converge at the retina and fovea to form a sharp
image. As discussed above in connection with FIG. 4, the size of
the aperture 128 is such that the light transmitted therethrough
generally converges at the retina or fovea. Accordingly, a much
sharper image is presented to the eye than would otherwise be the
case without the mask 100.
[0140] In one embodiment, the non-transmissive portion 132 prevents
transmission of about 90 percent of incident light. In another
embodiment, the non-transmissive portion 132 prevents transmission
of about 92 percent of all incident light. The non-transmissive
portion 132 of the mask 100 may be configured to be opaque to
prevent the transmission of light. As used herein the term "opaque"
is intended to be a broad term meaning capable of preventing the
transmission of radiant energy, e.g., light energy, and also covers
structures and arrangements that absorb or otherwise block all or
less than all or at least a substantial portion of the light. In
one embodiment, at least a portion of the body 104 is configured to
be opaque to more than 99 percent of the light incident
thereon.
[0141] As discussed above, the non-transmissive portion 132 may be
configured to prevent transmission of light without absorbing the
incident light. For example, the mask 100 could be made reflective
or could be made to interact with the light in a more complex
manner, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,424, issued Apr. 29,
2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0142] As discussed above, the mask 100 also has a nutrient
transport structure that in some embodiments comprises the
plurality of holes 120. The presence of the plurality of holes 120
(or other transport structure) may affect the transmission of light
through the non-transmissive portion 132 by potentially allowing
more light to pass through the mask 100. In one embodiment, the
non-transmissive portion 132 is configured to absorb about 99
percent or more of the incident light from passing through the mask
100 without holes 120 being present. The presence of the plurality
of holes 120 allows more light to pass through the non-transmissive
portion 132 such that only about 92 percent of the light incident
on the non-transmissive portion 132 is prevented from passing
through the non-transmissive portion 132. The holes 120 may reduce
the benefit of the aperture 128 on the depth of focus of the eye by
allowing more light to pass through the non-transmissive portion to
the retina.
[0143] Reduction in the depth of focus benefit of the aperture 128
due to the holes 120 is balanced by the nutrient transmission
benefits of the holes 120. In one embodiment, the transport
structure 116 (e.g., the holes 120) is capable of substantially
maintaining natural nutrient flow from a first corneal layer (i.e.,
one that is adjacent to the anterior surface 108 of the mask 100)
to the second corneal layer (i.e., one that is adjacent to the
posterior surface 112 of the mask 100). The plurality of holes 120
are configured to enable nutrients to pass through the mask 100
between the anterior surface 108 and the posterior surface 112. As
discussed above, the holes 120 of the mask 100 shown in FIG. 43 may
be located anywhere on the mask 100. Other mask embodiments
described herein below locate substantially all of the nutrient
transport structure in one or more regions of a mask.
[0144] The holes 120 of FIG. 43 extends at least partially between
the anterior surface 108 and the posterior surface 112 of the mask
100. In one embodiment, each of the holes 120 includes a hole
entrance 140 and a hole exit 164. The hole entrance 140 is located
adjacent to the anterior surface 108 of the mask 100. The hole exit
164 is located adjacent to the posterior surface 112 of the mask
100. In one embodiment, each of the holes 120 extends the entire
distance between the anterior surface 108 and the posterior surface
112 of the mask 100.
[0145] The transport structure 116 is configured to maintain the
transport of one or more nutrients across the mask 100. The
transport structure 116 of the mask 100 provides sufficient flow of
one or more nutrients across the mask 100 to prevent depletion of
nutrients at least at one of the first and second corneal layers
(e.g., the layers 1210 and 1220). One nutrient of particular
importance to the viability of the adjacent corneal layers is
glucose. The transport structure 116 of the mask 100 provides
sufficient flow of glucose across the mask 100 between the first
and second corneal layers to prevent glucose depletion that would
harm the adjacent corneal tissue. Thus, the mask 100 is capable of
substantially maintaining nutrient flow (e.g., glucose flow)
between adjacent corneal layers. In one embodiment, the nutrient
transport structure 116 is configured to prevent depletion of more
than about 4 percent of glucose (or other biological substance) in
adjacent tissue of at least one of the first corneal layer and the
second corneal layer.
[0146] The holes 120 may be configured to maintain the transport of
nutrients across the mask 100. In one embodiment, the holes 120 are
formed with a diameter of about 0.015 mm or more. In another
embodiment, the holes have a diameter of about 0.020 mm. In another
embodiment, the holes have a diameter of about 0.025 mm. In another
embodiment, the holes 120 have a diameter in the range of about
0.020 mm to about 0.029 mm. The number of holes in the plurality of
holes 120 is selected such that the sum of the surface areas of the
hole entrances 140 of all the holes 100 comprises about 5 percent
or more of surface area of the anterior surface 108 of the mask
100. In another embodiment, the number of holes 120 is selected
such that the sum of the surface areas of the hole exits 164 of all
the holes 120 comprises about 5 percent or more of surface area of
the posterior surface 112 of the mask 100. In another embodiment,
the number of holes 120 is selected such that the sum of the
surface areas of the hole exits 164 of all the holes 120 comprises
about 5 percent or more of surface area of the posterior surface
112 of the mask 112 and the sum of the surface areas of the hole
entrances 140 of all the holes 120 comprises about 5 percent or
more of surface area of the anterior surface 108 of the mask
100.
[0147] Each of the holes 120 may have a relatively constant
cross-sectional area. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape
of each of the holes 120 is substantially circular. Each of the
holes 120 may comprise a cylinder extending between the anterior
surface 108 and the posterior surface 112.
[0148] The relative position of the holes 120 is of interest in
some embodiments. As discussed above, the holes 120 of the mask 100
are hex-packed, e.g., arranged in a hex pattern. In particular, in
this embodiment, each of the holes 120 is separated from the
adjacent holes 120 by a substantially constant distance, sometimes
referred to herein as a hole pitch. In one embodiment, the hole
pitch is about 0.045 mm.
[0149] In a hex pattern, the angles between lines of symmetry are
approximately 43 degrees. The spacing of holes along any line of
holes is generally within the range of from about 30 microns to
about 100 microns, and, in one embodiment, is approximately 43
microns. The hole diameter is generally within the range of from
about 10 microns to about 100 microns, and in one embodiment, is
approximately 20 microns. The hole spacing and diameter are related
if you want to control the amount of light coming through. The
light transmission is a function of the sum of hole areas as will
be understood by those of skill in the art in view of the
disclosure herein.
[0150] The embodiment of FIG. 43 advantageously enables nutrients
to flow from the first corneal layer to the second corneal layer.
The inventors have discovered that negative visual effects can
arise due to the presence of the transport structure 116. For
example, in some cases, a hex packed arrangement of the holes 120
can generate diffraction patterns visible to the patient. For
example, patients might observe a plurality of spots, e.g., six
spots, surrounding a central light with holes 120 having a hex
patterned.
[0151] The inventors have discovered a variety of techniques that
produce advantageous arrangements of a transport structure such
that diffraction patterns and other deleterious visual effects do
not substantially inhibit other visual benefits of a mask. In one
embodiment, where diffraction effects would be observable, the
nutrient transport structure is arranged to spread the diffracted
light out uniformly across the image to eliminate observable spots.
In another embodiment, the nutrient transport structure employs a
pattern that substantially eliminates diffraction patterns or
pushes the patterns to the periphery of the image.
[0152] FIG. 45B-45C show two embodiments of patterns of holes 220
that may be applied to a mask that is otherwise substantially
similar to the mask 100. The holes 220 of the hole patterns of
FIGS. 45A-45B are spaced from each other by a random hole spacing
or hole pitch. In other embodiments discussed below, holes are
spaced from each other by a non-uniform amount, e.g., not a random
amount. In one embodiment, the holes 220 have a substantially
uniform shape (cylindrical shafts having a substantially constant
cross-sectional area). FIG. 45C illustrates a plurality of holes
220 separated by a random spacing, wherein the density of the holes
is greater than that of FIG. 45B. Generally, the higher the
percentage of the mask body that has holes the more the mask will
transport nutrients in a manner similar to the native tissue. One
way to provide a higher percentage of hole area is to increase the
density of the holes. Increased hole density can also permit
smaller holes to achieve the same nutrient transport as is achieved
by less dense, larger holes.
[0153] FIG. 46A shows a portion of another mask 200a that is
substantially similar to the mask 100, except described differently
below. The mask 200a can be made of the materials discussed herein,
including those discussed in Section III. The mask 200a can be
formed by any suitable process, such as those discussed below in
connection with FIGS. 48a-48d and with variations of such
processes. The mask 200a has a nutrient transport structure 216a
that includes a plurality of holes 220a. A substantial number of
the holes 220a have a non-uniform size. The holes 220a may be
uniform in cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the
holes 220a is substantially circular in one embodiment. The holes
220a may be circular in shape and have the same diameter from a
hole entrance to a hole exit, but are otherwise non-uniform in at
least one aspect, e.g., in size. It may be preferable to vary the
size of a substantial number of the holes by a random amount. In
another embodiment, the holes 220a are non-uniform (e.g., random)
in size and are separated by a non-uniform (e.g., a random)
spacing.
[0154] FIG. 46B illustrates another embodiment of a mask 200b that
is substantially similar to the mask 100, except as described
differently below. The mask 200b can be made of the materials
discussed herein, including those discussed in Section III. Also,
the mask 200b can be formed by any suitable process, such as those
discussed below in connection with FIGS. 48a-48d and with
variations of such processes. The mask 200b includes a body 204b.
The mask 200b has a transport structure 216b that includes a
plurality of holes 220b with a non-uniform facet orientation. In
particular, each of the holes 220b has a hole entrance that may be
located at an anterior surface of the mask 200b. A facet of the
hole entrance is defined by a portion of the body 204b of the mask
200b surrounding the hole entrance. The facet is the shape of the
hole entrance at the anterior surface. In one embodiment, most or
all the facets have an elongate shape, e.g., an oblong shape, with
a long axis and a short axis that is perpendicular to the long
axis. The facets may be substantially uniform in shape. In one
embodiment, the orientation of facets is not uniform. For example,
a substantial number of the facets may have a non-uniform
orientation. In one arrangement, a substantial number of the facets
have a random orientation. In some embodiments, the facets are
non-uniform (e.g., random) in shape and are non-uniform (e.g.,
random) in orientation.
[0155] Other embodiments may be provided that vary at least one
aspect, including one or more of the foregoing aspects, of a
plurality of holes to reduce the tendency of the holes to produce
visible diffraction patterns or patterns that otherwise reduce the
vision improvement that may be provided by a mask with an aperture,
such as any of those described above. For example, in one
embodiment, the hole size, shape, and orientation of at least a
substantial number of the holes may be varied randomly or may be
otherwise non-uniform.
[0156] FIG. 47 shows another embodiment of a mask 300 that is
substantially similar to any of the masks hereinbefore described,
except as described differently below. The mask 300 can be made of
the materials discussed herein, including those discussed in
Section III. Also, the mask 300 can be formed by any suitable
process, such as those discussed below in connection with FIGS.
48a-48d and with variations of such processes. The mask 300
includes a body 304. The body 304 has an outer peripheral region
305, an inner peripheral region 306, and a hole region 307. The
hole region 307 is located between the outer peripheral region 305
and the inner peripheral region 306. The body 304 may also include
an aperture region, where the aperture (discussed below) is not a
through hole. The mask 300 also includes a nutrient transport
structure 316. In one embodiment, the nutrient transport structure
includes a plurality of holes. At least a substantial portion of
the holes (e.g., all of the holes) are located in the hole region
307. As above, only a portion of the nutrient structure 316 is
shown for simplicity. But it should be understood that the holes
may be located through the hole region 307.
[0157] The outer peripheral region 305 may extend from an outer
periphery 324 of the mask 300 to a selected outer circumference 326
of the mask 300. The selected outer circumference 325 of the mask
300 is located a selected radial distance from the outer periphery
324 of the mask 300. In one embodiment, the selected outer
circumference 325 of the mask 300 is located about 0.05 mm from the
outer periphery 324 of the mask 300.
[0158] The inner peripheral region 306 may extend from an inner
location, e.g., an inner periphery 326 adjacent an aperture 328 of
the mask 300 to a selected inner circumference 327 of the mask 300.
The selected inner circumference 327 of the mask 300 is located a
selected radial distance from the inner periphery 326 of the mask
300. In one embodiment, the selected inner circumference 327 of the
mask 300 is located about 0.05 mm from the inner periphery 326.
[0159] The mask 300 may be the product of a process that involves
random selection of a plurality of locations and formation of holes
on the mask 300 corresponding to the locations. As discussed
further below, the method can also involve determining whether the
selected locations satisfy one or more criteria. For example, one
criterion prohibits all, at least a majority, or at least a
substantial portion of the holes from being formed at locations
that correspond to the inner or outer peripheral regions 305, 306.
Another criterion prohibits all, at least a majority, or at least a
substantial portion of the holes from being formed too close to
each other. For example, such a criterion could be used to assure
that a wall thickness, e.g., the shortest distance between adjacent
holes, is not less than a predetermined amount. In one embodiment,
the wall thickness is prevented from being less than about 20
microns.
[0160] In a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 47, the outer
peripheral region 305 is eliminated and the hole region 307 extends
from the inner peripheral region 306 to an outer periphery 324. In
another variation of the embodiment of FIG. 47, the inner
peripheral region 306 is eliminated and the hole region 307 extends
from the outer peripheral region 305 to an inner periphery 326.
[0161] FIG. 44B shows a mask 400 that is similar to the mask 100
except as described differently below. The mask 400 can be made of
the materials discussed herein, including those discussed in
Section III. The mask 400 can be formed by any suitable process,
such as those discussed below in connection with FIGS. 48a-48d and
with variations of such processes. The mask 400 includes a body 404
that has an anterior surface 408 and a posterior surface 412. The
mask 400 also includes a nutrient transport structure 4316 that, in
one embodiment, includes a plurality of holes 420. The holes 420
are formed in the body 404 so that nutrient transport is provided
but transmission of radiant energy (e.g., light) to the retinal
locations adjacent the fovea through the holes 404 is substantially
prevented. In particular, the holes 404 are formed such that when
the eye with which the mask 1000 is coupled is directed at an
object to be viewed, light conveying the image of that object that
enters the holes 420 cannot exit the holes along a path ending near
the fovea.
[0162] In one embodiment, each of the holes 420 has a hole entrance
460 and a hole exit 464. Each of the holes 420 extends along a
transport axis 466. The transport axis 466 is formed to
substantially prevent propagation of light from the anterior
surface 408 to the posterior surface 412 through the holes 420. In
one embodiment, at least a substantial number of the holes 420 have
a size to the transport axis 466 that is less than a thickness of
the mask 400. In another embodiment, at least a substantial number
of the holes 420 have a longest dimension of a perimeter at least
at one of the anterior or posterior surfaces 408, 412 (e.g., a
facet) that is less than a thickness of the mask 400. In some
embodiments, the transport axis 466 is formed at an angle with
respect to a mask axis 436 that substantially prevents propagation
of light from the anterior surface 408 to the posterior surface 412
through the hole 420. In another embodiment, the transport axis 466
of one or more holes 420 is formed at an angle with respect to the
mask axis 436 that is large enough to prevent the projection of
most of the hole entrance 460 from overlapping the hole exit
464.
[0163] In one embodiment, the hole 420 is circular in cross-section
and has a diameter between about 0.5 micron and about 8 micron and
the transport axis 466 is between 5 and 85 degrees. The length of
each of the holes 420 (e.g., the distance between the anterior
surface 408 and the posterior surface 412) is between about 8 and
about 92 micron. In another embodiment, the diameter of the holes
420 is about 5 micron and the transport angle is about 40 degrees
or more. As the length of the holes 420 increases it may be
desirable to include additional holes 420. In some cases,
additional holes 420 counteract the tendency of longer holes to
reduce the amount of nutrient flow through the mask 400.
[0164] FIG. 44C shows another embodiment of a mask 500 similar to
the mask 100, except as described differently below. The mask 500
can be made of the materials discussed herein, including those
discussed in Section III. The mask 500 can be formed by any
suitable process, such as those discussed below in connection with
FIGS. 48a-48d and with variations of such processes. The mask 500
includes a body 504 that has an anterior surface 508, a first mask
layer 510 adjacent the anterior surface 508, a posterior surface
512, a second mask layer 514 adjacent the posterior surface 512,
and a third mask layer 515 located between the first mask layer 510
and the second mask layer 514. The mask 500 also includes a
nutrient transport structure 516 that, in one embodiment, includes
a plurality of holes 520. The holes 520 are formed in the body 504
so that nutrient are transported across the mask, as discussed
above, but transmission of radiant energy (e.g., light) to retinal
locations adjacent the fovea through the holes 520 is substantially
prevented. In particular, the holes 520 are formed such that when
the eye with which the mask 500 is coupled is directed at an object
to be viewed, light conveying the image of that object that enters
the holes 520 cannot exit the holes along a path ending near the
fovea.
[0165] In one embodiment, at least one of the holes 520 extends
along a non-linear path that substantially prevents propagation of
light from the anterior surface to the posterior surface through
the at least one hole. In one embodiment, the mask 500 includes a
first hole portion 520a that extends along a first transport axis
566a, the second mask layer 514 includes a second hole portion 520b
extending along a second transport axis 566b, and the third mask
layer 515 includes a third hole portion 520c extending along a
third transport axis 566c. The first, second, and third transport
axes 566a, 566b, 566c preferably are not collinear. In one
embodiment, the first and second transport axes 566a, 566b are
parallel but are off-set by a first selected amount. In one
embodiment, the second and third transport axes 566b, 566c are
parallel but are off-set by a second selected amount. In the
illustrated embodiment, each of the transport axes 566a, 566b, 566c
are off-set by one-half of the width of the hole portions 520a,
520b, 520c. Thus, the inner-most edge of the hole portion 520a is
spaced from the axis 536 by a distance that is equal to or greater
than the distance of the outer-most edge of the hole portion 520b
from the axis 536. This spacing substantially prevents light from
passing through the holes 520 from the anterior surface 508 to the
posterior surface 512.
[0166] In one embodiment, the first and second amounts are selected
to substantially prevent the transmission of light therethrough.
The first and second amounts of off-set may be achieved in any
suitable fashion. One technique for forming the hole portions 520a,
520b, 520c with the desired off-set is to provide a layered
structure. As discussed above, the mask 500 may include the first
layer 510, the second layer 514, and the third layer 515. FIG. 44C
shows that the mask 500 can be formed with three layers. In another
embodiment, the mask 500 is formed of more than three layers.
Providing more layers may advantageously further decrease the
tendency of light to be transmitted through the holes 490 onto the
retina. This has the benefit of reducing the likelihood that a
patient will observe or otherwise perceive a pattern that will
detract from the vision benefits of the mask 500. A further benefit
is that less light will pass through the mask 500, thereby
enhancing the depth of focus increase due to the pin-hole sized
aperture formed therein.
[0167] In any of the foregoing mask embodiments, the body of the
mask may be formed of a material selected to provide adequate
nutrient transport and to substantially prevent negative optic
effects, such as diffraction, as discussed above. In various
embodiments, the masks are formed of an open cell foam material. In
another embodiment, the masks are formed of an expanded solid
material.
[0168] As discussed above in connection with FIGS. 45B and 45C,
various random patterns of holes may advantageously be provided for
nutrient transport. In some embodiment, it may be sufficient to
provide regular patterns that are non-uniform in some aspect.
Non-uniform aspects to the holes may be provided by any suitable
technique.
[0169] In a first step of one technique, a plurality of locations
220' is generated. The locations 220' are a series of coordinates
that may comprise a non-uniform pattern or a regular pattern. The
locations 220' may be randomly generated or may be related by a
mathematical relationship (e.g., separated by a fixed spacing or by
an amount that can be mathematically defined). In one embodiment,
the locations are selected to be separated by a constant pitch or
spacing and may be hex packed.
[0170] In a second step, a subset of the locations among the
plurality of locations 220' is modified to maintain a performance
characteristic of the mask. The performance characteristic may be
any performance characteristic of the mask. For example, the
performance characteristic may relate to the structural integrity
of the mask. Where the plurality of locations 220' is selected at
random, the process of modifying the subset of locations may make
the resulting pattern of holes in the mask a "pseudo-random"
pattern.
[0171] Where a hex packed pattern of locations (such as the
locations 120' of FIG. 45A) is selected in the first step, the
subset of locations may be moved with respect to their initial
positions as selected in the first step. In one embodiment, each of
the locations in the subset of locations is moved by an amount
equal to a fraction of the hole spacing. For example, each of the
locations in the subset of locations may be moved by an amount
equal to one-quarter of the hole spacing. Where the subset of
locations is moved by a constant amount, the locations that are
moved preferably are randomly or pseudo-randomly selected. In
another embodiment, the subset of location is moved by a random or
a pseudo-random amount.
[0172] In one technique, an outer peripheral region is defined that
extends between the outer periphery of the mask and a selected
radial distance of about 0.05 mm from the outer periphery. In
another embodiment, an inner peripheral region is defined that
extends between an aperture of the mask and a selected radial
distance of about 0.05 mm from the aperture. In another embodiment,
an outer peripheral region is defined that extends between the
outer periphery of the mask and a selected radial distance and an
inner peripheral region is defined that extends between the
aperture of the mask and a selected radial distance from the
aperture. In one technique, the subset of location is modified by
excluding those locations that would correspond to holes formed in
the inner peripheral region or the outer peripheral region. By
excluding locations in at least one of the outer peripheral region
and the inner peripheral region, the strength of the mask in these
regions is increased. Several benefits are provided by stronger
inner and outer peripheral regions. For example, the mask may be
easier to handle during manufacturing or when being applied to a
patient without causing damage to the mask.
[0173] In another embodiment, the subset of locations is modified
by comparing the separation of the holes with minimum and/or
maximum limits. For example, it may be desirable to assure that no
two locations are closer than a minimum value. In some embodiments
this is important to assure that the wall thickness, which
corresponds to the separation between adjacent holes, is no less
than a minimum amount. As discussed above, the minimum value of
separation is about 20 microns in one embodiment, thereby providing
a wall thickness of no less than about 20 microns.
[0174] In another embodiment, the subset of locations is modified
and/or the pattern of location is augmented to maintain an optical
characteristic of the mask. For example, the optical characteristic
may be opacity and the subset of locations may be modified to
maintain the opacity of a non-transmissive portion of a mask. In
another embodiment, the subset of locations may be modified by
equalizing the density of holes in a first region of the body
compared with the density of holes in a second region of the body.
For example, the locations corresponding to the first and second
regions of the non-transmissive portion of the mask may be
identified. In one embodiment, the first region and the second
region are arcuate regions (e.g., wedges) of substantially equal
area. A first areal density of locations (e.g., locations per
square inch) is calculated for the locations corresponding to the
first region and a second areal density of locations is calculated
for the locations corresponding to the second region. In one
embodiment, at least one location is added to either the first or
the second region based on the comparison of the first and second
areal densities. In another embodiment, at least one location is
removed based on the comparison of the first and second areal
densities.
[0175] The subset of locations may be modified to maintain nutrient
transport of the mask. In one embodiment, the subset of location is
modified to maintain glucose transport.
[0176] In a third step, a hole is formed in a body of a mask at
locations corresponding to the pattern of locations as modified,
augmented, or modified and augmented. The holes are configured to
substantially maintain natural nutrient flow from the first layer
to the second layer without producing visible diffraction
patterns.
V. Methods of Applying Pinhole Aperture Devices
[0177] The various masks discussed herein can be used to improve
the vision of a presbyopic patient as well as patient's with other
vision problems. The masks discussed herein can be deployed in
combination with a LASIK procedure, to eliminate the effects of
abrasions, aberrations, and divots in the cornea. It is also
believed that the masks disclosed herein can be used to treat
patients suffering from macular degeneration, e.g., by directing
light rays to unaffected portions of retina, thereby improving the
vision of the patient. Whatever treatment is contemplated, more
precise alignment of the central region of a mask that has a
pin-hole aperture with the line of sight or visual axis of the
patient is believed to provide greater clinical benefit to the
patient. Other ocular devices that do not require a pin-hole
aperture can also benefit from the alignment techniques discussed
below. Also, various structures and techniques that can be used to
remove an ocular devices are discussed below.
A. Alignment of the Pinhole Aperture with the Patient's Visual
Axis
[0178] Alignment of the central region of the pinhole aperture 38,
in particular, the optical axis 39 of the mask 34 with the visual
axis of the eye 10 may be achieved in a variety of ways. In one
technique, an optical device employs input from the patient to
locate the visual axis in connection with a procedure to implant
the mask 34. This technique is described in more detail in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/000,562, filed Dec. 1, 2004, the
entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
[0179] In other embodiments, systems and methods identify one or
more visible ocular features that correlate to the line of sight.
The one or more visible ocular feature(s) is observed while the
mask is being applied to the eye. Alignment using a visible ocular
feature enables the mask to perform adequately to increase depth of
focus. In some applications, a treatment method enhances the
correlation of the visible ocular feature and the line of sight to
maintain or improve alignment of the mask axis and the line of
sight.
[0180] Accurate alignment of the mask is believed to improve the
clinical benefit of the mask. However, neither the optical axis of
the mask nor the line of sight of the patient is generally visible
during the surgical procedures contemplated for implanting masks.
However, substantial alignment of the optical axis of the mask and
the line of sight may be achieved by aligning a visible feature of
the mask with a visible feature of the eye, e.g., a visible ocular
feature. As used herein, the term "visible ocular feature" is a
broad term that includes features viewable with a viewing aid, such
as a surgical microscope or loupes, as well as those visible to the
unaided eye. Various methods are discussed below that enhance the
accuracy of the placement of the mask using a visible ocular
feature. These methods generally involve treating the eye to
increase the correlation between the location of the visible ocular
feature and the line of sight or to increase the visibility of the
ocular feature.
[0181] FIG. 48 is a flow chart illustrating one method of aligning
a mask with an axis of the eye using a visible ocular feature. The
method may include a step of identifying a visible ocular feature,
a combination of visible ocular features, or a combination of a
visible ocular feature and an optical effect that sufficiently
correlate with the location of the line of sight of the eye. In one
technique the entrance pupil or other visible ocular feature could
be used alone to estimate the location of the line of sight. In
another technique, the location of the line of sight can be
estimated to be located between, e.g., half-way between, the center
of the entrance pupil and the first Purkinje image. Other estimates
can be based on a combination of two or more of the first Purkinje
image, the second Purkinje image, the third Purkinje image, and the
fourth Purkinje image. Other estimates can be based on one or more
Purkinje image and one or more other anatomical features. In
another technique, the location of the line of sight can be
estimated as being located at the center of the pupil if the first
Purkinje image is located close to the center of the entrance
pupil. A single Purkinje image may provide an adequate estimate of
the location of the line of sight if the Purkinje image is
generated by a beam having a fixed or a know angle of incidence
relative to a surface of the eye. The method may also include a
step of identifying a visible feature of the mask to be aligned
with a visible ocular feature, as discussed further below.
[0182] In a step 1000, an eye is treated to affect or alter,
preferably temporarily, a visible ocular feature. In some
embodiments, the feature of the eye is altered to increase the
correlation of the location of the ocular feature to the line of
sight of the eye. In some cases, the treatment of step 1000
enhances the visibility of the ocular feature to the surgeon. The
ocular feature may be any suitable feature, such as the pupil or
any other feature that correlates or can be altered by a treatment
to correlate with the line of sight of the patient. Some techniques
involve the alignment of a feature of a mask with the pupil or a
portion of the pupil. One technique for enhancing the visibility of
the pupil or the correlation of the location of the pupil with the
line of sight involves manipulating the size of the pupil, e.g.,
increasing or decreasing the pupil size.
[0183] In connection with the method of FIG. 48, any suitable
criteria can be used to confirm alignment of an eye and a mask with
a pin-hole aperture. For example, the mask can be considered
aligned with the eye when any feature of the mask is aligned with
any anatomical landmark on the eye so that an axis passing through
the center of the pin-hole aperture is co-linear with or
substantially co-linear with an optical axis of the eye, such as
the line of sight and an axis passing through the center of the
entrance pupil and the center of the eyeball. As used herein,
"anatomical landmark" is a broad term that includes an visible
ocular feature, such as the center of the entrance pupil, the
intersection of the line of sight with a selected corneal layer,
the inner periphery of the iris, the outer periphery of the iris,
the inner periphery of the sclera, the boundary between the iris
and the pupil, the boundary between the iris and the sclera, the
location of the first Purkinje image, the location of the second
Purkinje image, the location of the third Purkinje image, the
location of the fourth Purkinje image, the relative position of any
combination of Purkinje images, the combination of the location of
a Purkinje image and any other anatomical landmark, and any
combination of the foregoing or other anatomical feature.
[0184] The pupil size may be decreased by any suitable technique,
including pharmacologic manipulation and light manipulation. One
agent used in pharmacologic manipulation of pupil size is
pilocarpine. Pilocarpine reduces the size of the pupil when applied
to the eye. One technique for applying pilocarpine is to inject an
effective amount into the eye. Other agents for reducing pupil size
include: carbachol, demecarium, isoflurophate, physostigmine,
aceclidine, and echothiophate.
[0185] Pilocarpine is known to shift the location of the pupil
nasally in some cases. This can be problematic for some ocular
procedures, e.g., those procedures directed at improving distance
vision. The applicant has discovered, however, that such a shift
does not significantly reduce the efficacy of the masks described
herein.
[0186] While the alignment of the masks described herein with the
line of sight is not significantly degraded by the use of
pilocarpine, an optional step of correcting for the nasal shift of
the pupil may be performed.
[0187] In one variation, the treatment of the step 1000 involves
increasing pupil size. This technique may be more suitable where it
is desired to align a visible mask feature near an outer periphery
of the mask with the pupil. These techniques are discussed further
below.
[0188] As discussed above, the treatment of the step 1000 can
involve non-pharmacologic techniques for manipulating a visible
ocular feature. One non-pharmacologic technique involves the use of
light to cause the pupil size to change. For example, a bright
light can be directed into the eye to cause the pupil to constrict.
This approach may substantially avoid displacement of the pupil
that has been observed in connection with some pharmacologic
techniques. Light can also be used to increase pupil size. For
example, the ambient light can be reduced to cause the pupil to
dilate. A dilated pupil may provide some advantages in connection
with aligning to a visible mask feature adjacent to an outer
periphery of a mask, as discussed below.
[0189] In a step 1004, a visible feature of a mask is aligned with
the ocular feature identified in connection with step 1000. As
discussed above, the mask may have an inner periphery, an outer
periphery, and a pin-hole aperture located within the inner
periphery. The pin-hole aperture may be centered on a mask axis.
Other advantageous mask features discussed above may be included in
masks applied by the methods illustrated by FIG. 48. For example,
such features may include nutrient transport structures configured
to substantially eliminate diffraction patterns, structures
configured to substantially prevent nutrient depletion in adjacent
corneal tissue, and any other mask feature discussed above in
connection with other masks.
[0190] One technique involves aligning at least a portion of the
inner periphery of a mask with an anatomical landmark. For example,
the inner periphery of the mask could be aligned with the inner
periphery of the iris. This may be accomplished using unaided
vision or a viewing aid, such as loupes or a surgical microscope.
The mask could be aligned so that substantially the same spacing is
provided between the inner periphery of the mask and the inner
periphery of the iris. This technique could be facilitated by
making the iris constrict, as discussed above. A viewing aid may be
deployed to further assist in aligning the mask to the anatomical
landmark. For example, a viewing aid could include a plurality of
concentric markings that the surgeon can use to position the mask.
Where the inner periphery of the iris is smaller than the inner
periphery of the mask, a first concentric marking can be aligned
with the inner periphery of the iris and the mask could be
positioned so that a second concentric marking is aligned with the
inner periphery of the mask. The second concentric marking would be
farther from the common center than the first concentric marking in
this example.
[0191] In another technique, the outer periphery of the mask could
be aligned with an anatomical landmark, such as the inner periphery
of the iris. This technique could be facilitated by dilating the
pupil. This technique may be enhanced by the use of a viewing aid,
which could include a plurality of concentric markings, as
discussed above. In another technique, the outer periphery of the
mask could be aligned with an anatomical landmark, such as the
boundary between the iris and the sclera. This technique may be
facilitated by the use of a viewing aid, such as a plurality of
concentric markings.
[0192] In another technique, the mask can be aligned so that
substantially the same spacing is provided between the inner
periphery of the mask and the inner periphery of the iris. In this
technique, the pupil preferably is constricted so that the diameter
of the pupil is less than the diameter of the pin-hole
aperture.
[0193] Alternatively, an artifact can be formed in the mask that
gives a visual cue of proper alignment. For example, there could be
one or more window portions formed in the mask through which the
edge of the pupil could be observed. The window portions could be
clear graduations or they could be at least partially opaque
regions through which the pupil could be observed. In one
technique, the surgeon moves the mask until the pupil can be seen
in corresponding window portions on either side of the pin-hole
aperture. The window portions enable a surgeon to align a visible
ocular feature located beneath a non-transparent section of the
mask with a feature of the mask. This arrangement enables alignment
without a great amount of pupil constriction, e.g., where the pupil
is not fully constricted to a size smaller than the diameter of the
inner periphery.
[0194] Preferably the alignment of the ocular feature with one or
more visible mask features causes the mask axis to be substantially
aligned with the line of sight of the eye. "Substantial alignment"
of the mask axis with the eye, e.g., with the line of sight of the
eye (and similar terms, such as "substantially collinear") can be
said to have been achieved when a patient's vision is improved by
the implantation of the mask. In some cases, substantial alignment
can be said to have been achieved when the mask axis is within a
circle centered on the line of sight and having a radius no more
than 5 percent of the radius of the inner periphery of the mask. In
some cases, substantial alignment can be said to have been achieved
when the mask axis is within a circle centered on the line of sight
and having a radius no more than 10 percent of the radius of the
inner periphery of the mask. In some cases, substantial alignment
can be said to have been achieved when the mask axis is within a
circle centered on the line of sight and having a radius no more
than 15 percent of the radius of the inner periphery of the mask.
In some cases, substantial alignment can be said to have been
achieved when the mask axis is within a circle centered on the line
of sight and having a radius no more than 20 percent of the radius
of the inner periphery of the mask. In some cases, substantial
alignment can be said to have been achieved when the mask axis is
within a circle centered on the line of sight and having a radius
no more than 25 percent of the radius of the inner periphery of the
mask. In some cases, substantial alignment can be said to have been
achieved when the mask axis is within a circle centered on the line
of sight and having a radius no more than 30 percent of the radius
of the inner periphery of the mask. As discussed above, the
alignment of the mask axis and the line of sight of the patient is
believed to enhance the clinical benefit of the mask.
[0195] In a step 1008, the mask is applied to the eye of the
patient. Preferably the alignment of the optical axis of the mask
and the line of sight of the patient is maintained while the mask
is applied to the eye of the patient. In some cases, this alignment
is maintained by maintaining the alignment of a mask feature, e.g.,
a visible mask feature, and a pupil feature, e.g., a visible pupil
feature. For example, one technique maintains the alignment of at
least one of the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the
mask and the pupil while the mask is being applied to the eye of
the patient.
[0196] As discussed above, a variety of techniques are available
for applying a mask to the eye of a patient. Any suitable technique
of applying a mask may be employed in connection with the method
illustrated in FIG. 48. For example, as set forth above in
connection with FIGS. 50A-51C, various techniques may be employed
to position the mask at different depths or between different
layers within the cornea. In particular, in one technique, a
corneal flap of suitable depth is hinged open. The depth of the
flap is about the outermost 20% of the thickness of the cornea in
one technique. In another technique, the depth of the flap is about
the outermost 10% of the thickness of the cornea. In another
technique, the depth of the flap is about the outermost 5% of the
thickness of the cornea. In another technique, the depth of the
flap is in the range of about the outermost 5% to about the
outermost 10% of the thickness of the cornea. In another technique,
the depth of the flap is in the range of about the outermost 5% to
about the outermost 20% of the thickness of the cornea. Other
depths and ranges are possible for other techniques.
[0197] Thereafter, in one technique, the mask is placed on a layer
of the cornea such that at least one of the inner periphery and the
outer periphery of the mask is at a selected position relative to
the pupil. In variations on this technique, other features of the
mask may be aligned with other ocular features. Thereafter, the
hinged corneal flap is placed over the mask.
[0198] Additional techniques for applying a mask are discussed
above in connection with FIGS. 52A-53. These methods may be
modified for use in connection with alignment using visible
features. These techniques enable the mask to be initially placed
on the corneal layer that is lifted from the eye. The initial
placement of the mask on the lifted corneal layer may be before or
after alignment of a visible ocular feature with a visible mask
feature. In some techniques, primary and secondary alignment steps
are performed before and after the initial placement of the mask on
the lifted corneal layer.
[0199] Many additional variations of the foregoing methods are also
possible. The alignment methods involving alignment of visible
features may be combined with any of the techniques discussed above
in connection with optically locating the patient's line of sight.
One technique involves removing an epithelial sheet and creating a
depression in the Bowman's membrane or in the stroma. Also, the
mask can be placed in a channel formed in the cornea, e.g., in or
near the top layers of the stroma. Another useful technique for
preparing the cornea involves the formation of a pocket within the
cornea. These methods related to preparation of the cornea are
described in greater detail above.
[0200] Some techniques may benefit from the placement of a
temporary post-operative covering, such as a contact lens or other
covering, over the flap until the flap has healed. In one
technique, a covering is placed over the flap until an epithelial
sheet adheres to the mask or grows over an exposed layer, such as
the Bowman's membrane.
B. Methods of Applying a Mask
[0201] Having described method for locating the visual axis of the
eye 10 or a visible ocular feature that indicates the location
thereof, and for visually marking the visual axis, various methods
for applying a mask to the eye will be discussed.
[0202] FIG. 49 shows one technique for screening a patient
interested in increasing his or her depth of focus. The process
begins at step 1100, in which the patient is fitted with soft
contact lenses, i.e., a soft contact lens is placed in each of the
patient's eyes. If needed, the soft contact lenses may include
vision correction. Next, at step 1110, the visual axis of each of
the patient's eyes is located as described above. At a step 1120, a
mask, such as any of those described above, is placed on the soft
contact lenses such that the optical axis of the aperture of the
mask is aligned with the visual axis of the eye. In this position,
the mask will be located generally concentric with the patient's
pupil. In addition, the curvature of the mask should parallel the
curvature of the patient's cornea. The process continues at a step
1130, in which the patient is fitted with a second set of soft
contact lenses, i.e., a second soft contact lens is placed over the
mask in each of the patient's eyes. The second contact lens holds
the mask in a substantially constant position. Last, at step 1140,
the patient's vision is tested. During testing, it is advisable to
check the positioning of the mask to ensure that the optical axis
of the aperture of the mask is substantially collinear with the
visual axis of the eye. Further details of testing are set forth in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,424, issued Apr. 29, 2003, incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
[0203] In accordance with a still further embodiment of the
invention, a mask is surgically implanted into the eye of a patient
interested in increasing his or her depth of focus. For example, a
patient may suffer from presbyopia, as discussed above. The mask
may be a mask as described herein, similar to those described in
the prior art, or a mask combining one or more of these properties.
Further, the mask may be configured to correct visual aberrations.
To aid the surgeon surgically implanting a mask into a patient's
eye, the mask may be pre-rolled or folded for ease of
implantation.
[0204] The mask may be implanted in several locations. For example,
the mask may be implanted underneath the cornea's epithelium sheet,
beneath the cornea's Bowman membrane, in the top layer of the
cornea's stroma, or in the cornea's stroma. When the mask is placed
underneath the cornea's epithelium sheet, removal of the mask
requires little more than removal of the cornea's epithelium
sheet.
[0205] FIGS. 50a through 50c show a mask 1200 inserted underneath
an epithelium sheet 1210. In this embodiment, the surgeon first
removes the epithelium sheet 1210. For example, as shown in FIG.
50a, the epithelium sheet 1210 may be rolled back. Then, as shown
in FIG. 50b, the surgeon creates a depression 1215 in a Bowman's
membrane 420 corresponding to the visual axis of the eye. The
visual axis of the eye may be located as described above and may be
marked by use of the alignment apparatus 1200 or other similar
apparatus. The depression 1215 should be of sufficient depth and
width to both expose the top layer 1230 of the stroma 1240 and to
accommodate the mask 1200. The mask 1200 is then placed in the
depression 1215. Because the depression 1215 is located in a
position to correspond to the visual axis of the patient's eye, the
central axis of the pinhole aperture of the mask 1200 will be
substantially collinear with the visual axis of the eye. This will
provide the greatest improvement in vision possible with the mask
1200. Last, the epithelium sheet 1210 is placed over the mask 1200.
Over time, as shown in FIG. 50c, the epithelium sheet 1210 will
grow and adhere to the top layer 1230 of the stroma 1240, as well
as the mask 1200 depending, of course, on the composition of the
mask 1200. As needed, a contact lens may be placed over the incised
cornea to protect the mask.
[0206] FIGS. 51a through 51c show a mask 1300 inserted beneath a
Bowman's membrane 1320 of an eye. In this embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 51a, the surgeon first hinges open the Bowman's membrane 1320.
Then, as shown in FIG. 51b, the surgeon creates a depression 1315
in a top layer 1300 of a stroma 1340 corresponding to the visual
axis of the eye. The visual axis of the eye may be located as
described above and may be marked by any suitable technique, for
example using a visible ocular feature or a technique employing
patient input. The depression 1315 should be of sufficient depth
and width to accommodate the mask 1300. Then, the mask 1300 is
placed in the depression 1315. Because the depression 1315 is
located in a position to correspond to the visual axis of the
patient's eye, the central axis of the pinhole aperture of the mask
1300 will be substantially collinear with the visual axis of the
eye. This will provide the greatest improvement in vision possible
with the mask 1300. Last, the Bowman's membrane 1320 is placed over
the mask 1300. Over time, as shown in FIG. 51c, the epithelium
sheet 1310 will grow over the incised area of the Bowman's membrane
1320. As needed, a contact lens may be placed over the incised
cornea to protect the mask.
[0207] In another embodiment, a mask of sufficient thinness, i.e.,
less than substantially 20 microns, may be placed underneath
epithelium sheet 1210. In another embodiment, an optic mark having
a thickness less than about 20 microns may be placed beneath
Bowman's membrane 1320 without creating a depression in the top
layer of the stroma.
[0208] In an alternate method for surgically implanting a mask in
the eye of a patient, the mask may be threaded into a channel
created in the top layer of the stroma. In this method, a curved
channeling tool creates a channel in the top layer of the stroma,
the channel being in a plane parallel to the surface of the cornea.
The channel is formed in a position corresponding to the visual
axis of the eye. The channeling tool either pierces the surface of
the cornea or, in the alternative, is inserted via a small
superficial radial incision. In the alternative, a laser focusing
an ablative beam may create the channel in the top layer of the
stroma. In this embodiment, the mask may be a single segment with a
break, or it may be two or more segments. In any event, the mask in
this embodiment is positioned in the channel and is thereby located
so that the central axis of the pinhole aperture formed by the mask
is substantially collinear with the patient's visual axis to
provide the greatest improvement in the patient's depth of
focus.
[0209] In another alternate method for surgically implanting a mask
in the eye of a patient, the mask may be injected into the top
layer of the stroma. In this embodiment, an injection tool with a
stop penetrates the surface of the cornea to the specified depth.
For example, the injection tool may be a ring of needles capable of
producing a mask with a single injection. In the alternative, a
channel may first be created in the top layer of the stroma in a
position corresponding to the visual axis of the patient. Then, the
injector tool may inject the mask into the channel. In this
embodiment, the mask may be a pigment, or it may be pieces of
pigmented material suspended in a bio-compatible medium. The
pigment material may be made of a polymer or, in the alternative,
made of a suture material. In any event, the mask injected into the
channel is thereby positioned so that the central axis of the
pinhole aperture formed by the pigment material is substantially
collinear with the visual axis of the patient.
[0210] In another method for surgically implanting a mask in the
eye of a patient, the mask may be placed beneath the corneal flap
created during keratectomy, when the outermost 20% of the cornea is
hinged open. As with the implantation methods discussed above, a
mask placed beneath the corneal flap created during keratectomy
should be substantially aligned with the patient's visual axis, as
discussed above, for greatest effect.
[0211] In another method for surgically implanting a mask in the
eye of a patient, the mask may be aligned with the patient's visual
axis and placed in a pocket created in the cornea's stroma.
[0212] Further details concerning alignment apparatuses are
disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 43/479,129,
filed Jun. 17, 2003, incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
VI. Further Methods of Treating a Patient
[0213] As discussed above in, various techniques are particularly
suited for treating a patient by applying masks such as those
disclosed herein to an eye. For example, in some techniques, a
visual cue in the form of a projected image for a surgeon is
provided during a procedure for applying a mask. In addition, some
techniques for treating a patient involve positioning an implant
with the aid of a marked reference point. These methods are
illustrated by FIGS. 52-53B.
[0214] In one method, a patient is treated by placing an implant
1400 in a cornea 1404. A corneal flap 1408 is lifted to expose a
surface in the cornea 1404 (e.g., an intracorneal surface). Any
suitable tool or technique may be used to lift the corneal flap
1408 to expose a surface in the cornea 1404. For example, a blade
(e.g., a microkeratome), a laser or an electrosurgical tool could
be used to form a corneal flap. A reference point 1412 on the
cornea 1404 is identified. The reference point 1412 thereafter is
marked in one technique, as discussed further below. The implant
1400 is positioned on the intracorneal surface. In one embodiment,
the flap 1408 is then closed to cover at least a portion of the
implant 1400.
[0215] The surface of the cornea that is exposed is a stromal
surface in one technique. The stromal surface may be on the corneal
flap 1408 or on an exposed surface from which the corneal flap 1408
is removed.
[0216] The reference point 1412 may be identified in any suitable
manner. For example, the alignment devices and methods described
above may be used to identify the reference point 1412. In one
technique, identifying the reference point 1412 involves
illuminating a light spot (e.g., a spot of light formed by all or a
discrete portion of radiant energy corresponding to visible light,
e.g., red light). As discussed above, the identifying of a
reference point may further include placing liquid (e.g., a
fluorescein dye or other dye) on the intracorneal surface.
Preferably, identifying the reference point 1412 involves alignment
using any of the techniques described herein.
[0217] As discussed above, various techniques may be used to mark
an identified reference point. In one technique the reference point
is marked by applying a dye to the cornea or otherwise spreading a
material with known reflective properties onto the cornea. As
discussed above, the dye may be a substance that interacts with
radiant energy to increase the visibility of a marking target or
other visual cue. The reference point may be marked by a dye with
any suitable tool. The tool is configured so that it bites into a
corneal layer, e.g., an anterior layer of the epithelium, and
delivers a thin ink line into the corneal layer in one embodiment.
The tool may be made sharp to bite into the epithelium. In one
application, the tool is configured to deliver the dye as discussed
above upon being lightly pressed against the eye. This arrangement
is advantageous in that it does not form a larger impression in the
eye. In another technique, the reference point may be marked by
making an impression (e.g., a physical depression) on a surface of
the cornea with or without additional delivery of a dye. In another
technique, the reference point may be marked by illuminating a
light or other source of radiant energy, e.g., a marking target
illuminator and projecting that light onto the cornea (e.g., by
projecting a marking target).
[0218] Any of the foregoing techniques for marking a reference
point may be combined with techniques that make a mark that
indicates the location of an axis of the eye, e.g., the visual axis
or line-of-sight of the eye. In one technique, a mark indicates the
approximate intersection of the visual axis and a surface of the
cornea. In another technique, a mark is made approximately radially
symmetrically disposed about the intersection of the visual axis
and a surface of the cornea.
[0219] As discussed above, some techniques involve making a mark on
an intracorneal surface. The mark may be made by any suitable
technique. In one technique a mark is made by pressing an implement
against the intracorneal surface. The implement may form a
depression that has a size and shape that facilitate placement of a
mask. For example, in one form the implement is configured to form
a circular ring (e.g., a thin line of dye, or a physical
depression, or both) with a diameter that is slightly larger than
the outer diameter of a mask to be implanted. The circular ring can
be formed to have a diameter between about 4 mm and about 5 mm. The
intracorneal surface is on the corneal flap 1408 in one technique.
In another technique, the intracorneal surface is on an exposed
surface of the cornea from which the flap was removed. This exposed
surface is sometimes referred to as a tissue bed.
[0220] In another technique, the corneal flap 1408 is lifted and
thereafter is laid on an adjacent surface 1416 of the cornea 1404.
In another technique, the corneal flap 1408 is laid on a removable
support 1420, such as a sponge. In one technique, the removable
support has a surface 1424 that is configured to maintain the
native curvature of the corneal flap 1408.
[0221] FIG. 52 shows that the marked reference point 1412 is
helpful in positioning an implant on an intracorneal surface. In
particular, the marked reference point 1412 enables the implant to
be positioned with respect to the visual axis of the eye. In the
illustrated embodiment, the implant 1400 is positioned so that a
centerline of the implant, indicated as M.sub.CL, extends through
the marked reference point 1412.
[0222] FIG. 52A illustrates another technique wherein a reference
1412' is a ring or other two dimensional mark. In such a case, the
implant 1400 may be placed so that an outer edge of the implant and
the ring correspond, e.g., such that the ring and the implant 1400
share the same or substantially the same center. Preferably, the
ring and the implant 1400 are aligned so that the centerline of the
implant M.sub.CL is on the line of sight of the eye, as discussed
above. The ring is shown in dashed lines because in the illustrated
technique, it is formed on the anterior surface of the corneal flap
1408.
[0223] In one technique, the corneal flap 1408 is closed by
returning the corneal flap 1408 to the cornea 1404 with the implant
1400 on the corneal flap 1408. In another technique, the corneal
flap 1408 is closed by returning the corneal flap 1408 to the
cornea 1404 over the implant 1400, which previously was placed on
the tissue bed (the exposed intracorneal surface).
[0224] When the intracorneal surface is a stromal surface, the
implant 1400 is placed on the stromal surface. At least a portion
of the implant 1400 is covered. In some techniques, the implant
1400 is covered by returning a flap with the implant 1400 thereon
to the cornea 1404 to cover the stromal surface. In one technique,
the stromal surface is exposed by lifting an epithelial layer to
expose stroma. In another technique, the stromal surface is exposed
by removing an epithelial layer to expose stroma. In some
techniques, an additional step of replacing the epithelial layer to
at least partially cover the implant 1400 is performed.
[0225] After the flap 1408 is closed to cover at least a portion of
the implant 1400, the implant 1400 may be repositioned to some
extent in some applications. In one technique, pressure is applied
to the implant 1400 to move the implant into alignment with the
reference point 1412. The pressure may be applied to the anterior
surface of the cornea 1404 proximate an edge of the implant 1400
(e.g., directly above, above and outside a projection of the outer
periphery of the implant 1400, or above and inside a projection of
the outer periphery of the implant 1400). This may cause the
implant to move slightly away from the edge proximate which
pressure is applied. In another technique, pressure is applied
directly to the implant. The implant 1400 may be repositioned in
this manner if the reference point 1412 was marked on the flap 1408
or if the reference point 1412 was marked on the tissue bed.
Preferably, pushing is accomplished by inserting a thin tool under
the flap or into the pocket and directly moving the inlay.
[0226] FIG. 53 shows that a patient may also be treated by a method
that positions an implant 1500 in a cornea 1504, e.g., in a corneal
pocket 1508. Any suitable tool or technique may be used to create
or form the corneal pocket 1508. For example, a blade (e.g., a
microkeratome), a laser, or an electrosurgical tool could be used
to create or form a pocket in the cornea 1504. A reference point
1512 is identified on the cornea 1504. The reference point may be
identified by any suitable technique, such as those discussed
herein. The reference point 1512 is marked by any suitable
technique, such as those discussed herein. The corneal pocket 1508
is created to expose an intracorneal surface 1516. The corneal
pocket 1508 may be created at any suitable depth, for example at a
depth within a range of from about 50 microns to about 300 microns
from the anterior surface of the cornea 1504. The implant 1500 is
positioned on the intracorneal surface 1516. The marked reference
point 1512 is helpful in positioning the implant 1500 on the
intracorneal surface 1516. The marked reference point 1512 enables
the implant 1500 to be positioned with respect to the visual axis
of the eye, as discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, the
implant 1500 is positioned so that a centerline M.sub.CL of the
implant 1500 extends through or adjacent to the marked reference
point 1512.
[0227] FIG. 53A illustrates another technique wherein a reference
1512' is a ring or other two dimensional mark. In such case, the
implant 1500 may be placed so that an outer edge of the implant and
the ring correspond, e.g., such that the ring and the implant 1500
share the same or substantially the same center. Preferably, the
ring and the implant 1500 are aligned so that the centerline of the
implant M.sub.CL is on the line of sight of the eye, as discussed
above. The ring is shown in solid lines because in the illustrated
embodiment, it is formed on the anterior surface of the cornea 1504
above the pocket 1508.
[0228] After the implant 1500 is positioned in the pocket 1508, the
implant 1500 may be repositioned to some extent in some
applications. In one technique, pressure is applied to the implant
1500 to move the implant into alignment with the reference point
1512. The pressure may be applied to the anterior surface of the
cornea 1504 proximate an edge of the implant 1500 (e.g., directly
above, above and outside a projection of the outer periphery of the
implant 1500, or above and inside a projection of the outer
periphery of the implant 1500). This may cause the implant 1500 to
move slightly away from the edge at which pressure is applied. In
another technique, pressure is applied directly to the implant
1500.
[0229] The various methods and techniques described above provide a
number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be
understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages
described may be achieved in accordance with any particular
embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in
the art will recognize that the devices may be made that achieve or
optimize one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein
without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as may
be taught or suggested herein.
[0230] Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the
interchangeability of various features from different embodiments.
Similarly, the various features and steps discussed above, as well
as other known equivalents for each such feature or step, can be
mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform
methods in accordance with principles described herein.
[0231] Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the
specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments
and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.
Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the
specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein, but instead
by reference to claims attached hereto.
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