U.S. patent application number 14/712100 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-19 for flexible contact lens.
This patent application is currently assigned to OCULAR INSTRUMENTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Ocular Instruments, Inc.. Invention is credited to Raymond D. Graham, Andrew Schieber.
Application Number | 20150327764 14/712100 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53175364 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150327764 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graham; Raymond D. ; et
al. |
November 19, 2015 |
FLEXIBLE CONTACT LENS
Abstract
A self-adhering, flexible, contact lens for adhering to cornea
and sclera regions of an eye, the cornea and sclera each having a
radius of curvature with the radius of curvature of the sclera
being greater than the radius of curvature of the cornea, includes
a central lens having a body including a contact surface and a
viewing surface, the contact surface having a radius of curvature
R1 that approximates the radius of curvature of the cornea, and an
eye fixation system attached to the perimeter of the contact
surface of the central lens.
Inventors: |
Graham; Raymond D.; (Renton,
WA) ; Schieber; Andrew; (Aliso Viejo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ocular Instruments, Inc. |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
OCULAR INSTRUMENTS, INC.
Bellevue
WA
|
Family ID: |
53175364 |
Appl. No.: |
14/712100 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61996827 |
May 14, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
351/219 ;
351/246 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02C 7/047 20130101;
G02C 7/048 20130101; G02C 7/049 20130101; A61B 3/117 20130101; A61B
3/125 20130101; A61B 3/0091 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 3/125 20060101
A61B003/125; G02C 7/04 20060101 G02C007/04 |
Claims
1. A self-adhering, flexible, contact lens for adhering to cornea
and sclera regions of an eye, the cornea and sclera each having a
radius of curvature with the radius of curvature of the sclera
being greater than the radius of curvature of the cornea, the
contact lens comprising: (a) a central lens having a body including
a contact surface and a viewing surface, the contact surface having
a radius of curvature R1 that approximates the radius of curvature
of the cornea; and (b) an eye fixation system attached to the
perimeter of the contact surface of the central lens, at least a
portion of the fixation system having a radius of curvature R2 that
is less than R1 or equal to R1 and less than the radius of
curvature of the sclera.
2. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the contact lens is molded
as a single piece.
3. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the contact lens is made
from silicone.
4. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the eye fixation system is
continuous as it extends around the perimeter of the contact
surface of the central lens.
5. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the eye fixation system is
non-continuous as it extends around the perimeter of the contact
surface of the central lens.
6. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the eye fixation system
includes a flange portion.
7. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the contact lens has a
cut-out portion.
8. The contact lens of claim 7, wherein the cut-out portion is
shaped such that at least one surgical tool can access to the
cornea without moving the contact lens.
9. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the viewing surface is
flat.
10. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the viewing surface is
prismatic.
11. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the viewing surface is
rounded.
12. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the central lens includes
at least one hole extending from the viewing surface into the body
of the central lens, the at least one hole adapted to accept a
surgical tool for manipulation of the contact lens.
13. The contact lens of claim 12, wherein the at least one hole is
a blind hole.
14. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the contact lens is
configured for movement on the eye of the patient.
15. A method of performing a surgical procedure on an eye having a
cornea and a sclera, the method comprising: (a) placing a lens on
the eye, the lens having a central lens including a contact surface
and a viewing surface, the contact surface having a radius of
curvature R1 that approximates the radius of curvature of the
cornea, and an eye fixation system attached to the central lens
having a radius of curvature R2 that is less than R1 and less than
the radius of curvature of the sclera; and (b) moving the lens to a
first position to view a first area of the anterior chamber of the
eye through the viewing surface.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the lens to a
second position on the eye to view a second area of the anterior
chamber of the eye through the viewing surface.
17. A method of performing a surgical procedure on an eye having a
cornea and a sclera, the method comprising: (a) placing a lens on
the eye, the lens having a central lens including a contact surface
and a viewing surface, the contact surface having a radius of
curvature R1 that approximates the radius of curvature of the
cornea, and an eye fixation system attached to the central lens;
(b) moving the lens to a first position to view a first area of the
anterior chamber of the eye through the viewing surface; and (c)
moving the lens to a second position on the eye to view a second
area of the anterior chamber of the eye through the viewing
surface.
18-35. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/996827, filed May 14, 2014, the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
SUMMARY
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to instruments of
the type broadly applicable to ophthalmology procedures. As will be
described in more detail below, the one or more examples of
instruments include a contact lens configured for direct contact
and adherence to parts of an eye.
[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0004] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure,
a self-adhering, flexible, contact lens for adhering to cornea and
sclera regions of an eye is provided. The cornea and sclera each
have a radius of curvature with the radius of curvature of the
sclera being greater than the radius of curvature of the cornea.
The contact lens includes (a) a central lens having a body
including a contact surface and a viewing surface, the contact
surface having a radius of curvature R1 that approximates the
radius of curvature of the cornea; and (b) an eye fixation system
attached to the perimeter of the contact surface of the central
lens, at least a portion of the fixation system having a radius of
curvature R2 that is less than R1 or equal to R1 and less than the
radius of curvature of the sclera.
[0005] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method of performing a surgical procedure on an eye
having a cornea and a sclera, is provided. The method includes
placing a lens on the eye, the lens having a central lens including
a contact surface and a viewing surface, the contact surface having
a radius of curvature R1 that approximates the radius of curvature
of the cornea, and an eye fixation system attached to the central
lens having a radius of curvature R2 that is less than R1 and less
than the radius of curvature of the sclera; and moving the lens to
a first position to view a first area of the anterior chamber of
the eye through the viewing surface.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method of performing a surgical procedure on an eye
having a cornea and a sclera is provided. The method includes
placing a lens on the eye, the lens having a central lens including
a contact surface and a viewing surface, the contact surface having
a radius of curvature R1 that approximates the radius of curvature
of the cornea, and an eye fixation system attached to the central
lens; moving the lens to a first position to view a first area of
the anterior chamber of the eye through the viewing surface; and
moving the lens to a second position on the eye to view a second
area of the anterior chamber of the eye through the viewing
surface.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a self-adhering, flexible contact lens for adhering to
cornea and sclera regions of an eye is provided. The cornea and
sclera each have a radius of curvature with the radius of curvature
of the sclera being greater than the radius of curvature of the
cornea. The contact lens includes: (a) a central lens having a body
including a contact surface and a viewing surface, the contact
surface having a radius of curvature that approximates the radius
of curvature of the cornea; and (b) an eye fixation system attached
to the central lens, the eye fixation system including a plurality
of protrusions extending from or near at least a portion of the
perimeter of the central lens, each protrusion configured to
interface with the sclera, and each protrusion having a first end
and a second end, the first end being attached to the central
lens.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a self-adhering, flexible contact lens for adhering to
cornea and sclera regions of an eye is provided. The cornea and
sclera each having a radius of curvature with the radius of
curvature of the sclera being greater than the radius of curvature
of the cornea. The contact lens includes: (a) a central lens having
a body including a contact surface and a viewing surface, the
contact surface having a radius of curvature R1 that approximates
the radius of curvature of the cornea; (b) an eye fixation system
attached to the central lens; and (c) a cut-out portion of the
contact lens.
[0009] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
contact lens may be molded as a single piece.
[0010] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
contact lens may be made from silicone.
[0011] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
eye fixation system may be continuous as it extends around the
perimeter of the contact surface of the central lens.
[0012] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
eye fixation system may be non-continuous as it extends around the
perimeter of the contact surface of the central lens.
[0013] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
eye fixation system may include a flange portion.
[0014] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
contact lens may have a cut-out portion.
[0015] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
cut-out portion may be shaped such that at least one surgical tool
can access to the cornea without moving the contact lens.
[0016] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
viewing surface may be flat.
[0017] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
viewing surface may be prismatic.
[0018] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
viewing surface may be rounded.
[0019] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
central lens may include at least one hole extending from the
viewing surface into the body of the central lens, the at least one
hole adapted to accept a surgical tool for manipulation of the
contact lens.
[0020] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
at least one hole may be a blind hole.
[0021] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
contact lens may be configured for movement on the eye of the
patient.
[0022] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, a
method of use further includes moving the lens to a second position
on the eye to view a second area of the anterior chamber of the eye
through the viewing surface.
[0023] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
protrusions may extend around the entire perimeter of the contact
surface of the central lens.
[0024] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
protrusions may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter
of the contact surface of the central lens.
[0025] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
eye fixation system may include a flange, wherein the protrusions
are attached to the flange.
[0026] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
second end of each of the plurality of protrusions may be flat.
[0027] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
second end of each of the plurality of protrusions may be
rounded.
[0028] In any of the embodiments or methods described herein, the
eye fixation system may include a flange, at least a portion of the
flange having a radius of curvature R2 less than the radius of
curvature of the sclera and greater than R1, less than R1 or equal
to R1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this disclosed subject matter will become more readily
appreciated by reference to the following detailed description,
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a contact lens in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view of the contact lens of
FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a front view of the contact lens of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the contact lens of
FIG. 1 taken along the lines 4-4 in FIG. 3;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the contact lens of
FIG. 1 when adhered to an eye;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a portion of the side
cross-sectional view of FIG. 5;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a top isometric view of a contact lens in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the contact lens of
FIG. 7;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the contact lens of
FIG. 7 in contact with an eye;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a close-up view of a portion of the side
cross-sectional view of FIG. 9;
[0040] FIGS. 11-15 are views of a contact lens in accordance with
another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0041] FIGS. 16 and 17 are views of a contact lens in accordance
with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0042] FIGS. 18 and 19 are views of a contact lens in accordance
with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0043] FIGS. 20 and 21 are views of a contact lens in accordance
with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings in which like numerals reference like
elements is intended as a description of various embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only
embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is
provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The
illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise
forms disclosed.
[0045] The following discussion relates generally to instruments
suitable for use in various medical procedures of the eye. In
particular, the following discussion provides examples of lenses
that can be used during treatment of, for example, glaucoma.
[0046] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or
more embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to
one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the
present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the
specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have
not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure
various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be
appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ
any combination of features described herein.
[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to
contact lenses for use in ophthalmology procedures. Referring to
FIGS. 1-6, a contact lens 20 in accordance with one embodiment of
the present disclosure is a flexible lens designed for direct
contact and adherence to the cornea and sclera regions of an eye.
Embodiments of the contact lens 20 described herein are suitable
for use with a human eye, wherein the radius of curvature of the
sclera is greater than the radius of curvature of the cornea. As
can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, lens 20 is shown in contact with the
cornea and sclera regions of an eye E. The lens 20 is a prism lens
designed to view the periphery of the anterior chamber A of the eye
E.
[0048] A common lens for use in gonioscopy (i.e., viewing of the
anterior chamber of the eye) is known as the Swan-Jacob Gonioprism
(the "Swan") lens. The Swan lens includes a contact lens having a
contact surface that conforms to the surface of an eye. The contact
surface is curved and has an optical axis that may be aligned with
the optical axis of the eye. The contact lens also has a viewing
surface for a user that is offset from the contact surface and has
an optical axis that intersects the optical axis of the contact
surface. When the contact lens is positioned on the eye, the user
may view the anterior chamber of the eye by looking into the
viewing surface of the lens. The contact surface may be designed so
that the lens can be moved around on the cornea to view various
parts of the anterior chamber.
[0049] Although the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 is shown and described
as a "Swan"-type lens, it should be appreciated that embodiments of
the present disclosure may be directed to other types of lenses,
for example, vitrectomy lenses (see alternate embodiment in FIGS.
7-10).
[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to
flexible lenses. Such flexible lenses may be manufactured from
optically clear silicone or other flexible materials suitable as
ocular contact lenses. The advantage of a one-piece molded silicone
contact lens is that it can be molded in one piece, the silicone is
clear and provides optometric lens properties, can be sterilized,
and can be disposable. However, it should be appreciated that this
design may be used in a two-piece type lens. One example of a
two-piece type lens may include a configuration with one piece that
is flexible and contacts the eye, and one piece that is not
flexible and provides a frame for a doctor to suture or otherwise
secure the frame to the patient's face.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, lens 20 includes a central lens
portion 22 and an annular eye fixation portion 24 extending
radially outwardly from the outer periphery of the posterior end
(or contact end) of the central lens portion 22. The central lens
portion 22 may be sized to cover the entire cornea C of the eye E,
with the eye fixation portion 24 providing additional surface area
to aid in contact of the lens 20 to the sclera S of the eye E.
[0052] The diameter of an average cornea is about 12 mm. In one
embodiment of the present disclosure, the central lens portion 22
may be sized to be smaller than the size of the average cornea. In
one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens 20 may be sized
to have a diameter of the posterior surface 30 of the central lens
portion 22 to be in the range of 10 to about 12 mm. In one
embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens 20 may be sized to
have a diameter of the posterior surface 30 of the central lens
portion 22 to be in the range of about 11.0 mm to about 11.4 mm. In
one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens 20 may be sized
to have a diameter of the posterior surface 30 of the central lens
portion 22 to be about 11.2 mm.
[0053] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens 20 may
be sized to have an outer diameter on the eye fixation portion 24
to be in the range of 14 to about 16 mm. In one embodiment of the
present disclosure, the lens 20 may be sized to have an outer
diameter on the eye fixation portion 24 to be in the range of about
14.8 mm to about 15.2 mm. In one embodiment of the present
disclosure, the lens 20 may be sized to have an outer diameter on
the eye fixation portion 24 to be about 15 mm.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the posterior surface 30 of
the central lens portion 22 is concave in shape and conforms to and
is compatible with the convex anterior surface of an eye E (see
FIGS. 5 and 6). In that regard, the posterior surface 30 is
designed and configured for contacting the eye E. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the posterior surface has an
optical axis 32 (see FIG. 4).
[0055] The central lens portion 22 also includes an anterior
surface 40 that is positioned anterior to the contact lens surface
30 and is a viewing surface. The anterior surface 40 may be curved
and has an optical axis 42. To view the periphery of the anterior
chamber A of the eye E using the contact lens 20, the viewer views
in a general direction along the optical axis 42 of the anterior
surface 40 of the contact lens 20.
[0056] The eye fixation portion 24 extends from the outer perimeter
of the central lens portion 22 and, for example, provides
additional surface area for adherence of the contact lens 20 to the
eye E. The eye fixation portion 24 is flexible in nature, and
because of its thickness may flex when pressed against an eye E. In
one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the eye
fixation portion may be in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 0.50
mm. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of
the eye fixation portion may be about 0.40 mm.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the posterior
surface of the eye fixation portion 24 conforms and has a similar
radius of curvature as the posterior surface 30 of the central lens
portion 22. However, the outer annular end of the eye fixation
portion 24 has annular posterior surface 50 having a different
radius of curvature than the posterior surface 30 of the central
lens portion 22.
[0058] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure,
the posterior surface 50 of the eye fixation portion 24 has a
different radius of curvature than the posterior surface 30 of
central lens portion 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the
posterior surface 30 of the central lens portion 22 has a radius of
curvature R1 that approximates the radius of curvature of the
cornea C. The posterior surface 30 of the eye fixation portion 24
attached to the central lens portion has a radius of curvature R2
that is less than R1 and is less than the radius of curvature of
the sclera. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio
between R2 and R1 may be in the range of about 1 to 1.05 to 1 to
1.15. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio
between R2 and R1 is 1 to 1.10.
[0059] A previously designed lens uses another physical principle
for adhering to an eye. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,120,147 and
6,412,946 are directed to silicone ophthalmic contact lenses
primarily designed for use during vitrectomy surgery. The outer
flange includes an annular interior concave surface joined to the
interior concave surface of the central lens portion. The interior
concave surface has a radius of curvature R2 that is larger than
the radius of curvature of the cornea and radius R1, but smaller
than the radius of curvature of the average sclera. By providing
the interior concave surface with a radius of curvature R2 that is
smaller than the radius of curvature of the average sclera, the
previously designed lens deforms to match the shape of the sclera
and provide capillary traction for adherence of the lens to the
eye.
[0060] In contrast to these previous designs, embodiments of the
present disclosure have an eye fixation portion 24 (or outer
flange) having a radius of curvature R2 that is smaller than the
radius of curvature of the cornea and radius R1. The radius of
curvature R2 is also smaller than the radius of curvature of the
average sclera. In addition, the axis from which R2 is measured is
offset from center to provide improved contact with the sclera.
[0061] In that regard, the inventors have found that an offset
radius of curvature provides a posterior surface 50 of the eye
fixation portion 24 having improved contact with the sclera.
[0062] Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed
by the inventors that the effect of the R2-R1 relationship is that,
rather than the flange contacting the sclera using capillary
traction as in the previously designed lens, a pocket 54 is formed
between the eye fixation portion 24 and the sclera S forming a
vacuum for a suction effect (see FIG. 6). The pocket 54 may be
filled with topical fluids from the eye or other added fluids used
during the procedure. These fluids may aid in creating a vacuum and
also may provide lubrication to aid in the user moving the contact
lens on the patient's eye as needed. Such movement may be useful in
a glaucoma surgical procedure, but is not necessary in a vitrectomy
procedure. Therefore, the pocket 54 allows the lens 20 to move,
while the capillary fraction effects of the previously designed
lens prevent such ease of motion.
[0063] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the lens 20
optionally includes a cut-out portion 52 only in the outer
perimeter of the eye fixation portion 24 which may be used for
surgical access. The cut-out portion 52 is configured such that the
eye fixation portion 24 only covers a portion of the annular
perimeter of the contact lens 20 and not the entire perimeter. The
cut-out portion 52 may also extend into the central lens portion 22
and is designed and configured to receive surgical instruments to
allow access to the cornea for surgical procedures, for example,
during glaucoma surgery procedures. The cut-out portion 52 allows
for use of a surgical instrument to make a surgical incision and/or
insert a stent in the cornea and sclera regions of the eye.
[0064] One advantage of using a flexible lens in surgical
procedures is that doctors are able to use instruments on the eye
in conjunction with the lens. If the lens is not flexible and
rather is rigid, the lens may tend to "decouple" or separate from
the cornea as the cornea changes shape when a surgical instruments
is inserted. It is difficult to see into the eye if the lens
decouples from the cornea. In that regard, any slight decoupling or
separation of the lens from the cornea creates a reflective area
that make the view of the anterior chamber angle difficult for the
user. The inventors have found that flexible lenses in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure do not tend to decouple
from the cornea as the cornea changes shape, and rather, continue
to remain attached to the cornea.
[0065] It should be appreciated that lenses with continuous outer
flanges and without cut-out portions are also within the scope of
the present disclosure. See, for example, an alternative embodiment
shown in FIGS. 7-10.
[0066] Returning to the illustrated embodiment, the cut-out portion
52 has a contoured shape along the outer perimeter of the central
lens portion 22. The cut-out portion may extend around between 20%
and 40% of the outer circumference of the eye fixation portion 24.
The lens 20 is designed and configured to be able to suitably
adhere to the eye E, even though it includes a cut-out portion 52.
In that regard, the shape of the cut-out portion 52 provides vacuum
force along the remaining eye fixation portion 24 and at the ends
56 and 58 where the eye fixation portion 24 is truncated (see FIGS.
1 and 2). Therefore, the contoured design of the cut-out portion 52
helps to maintain the vacuum force in the pocket 54 by allowing the
truncated ends 56 and 58 of the eye fixation portion 24 to form a
seal with the eye.
[0067] In use, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the lens 20 is placed
upon the eye E of a patient and pressed against the eye in the
direction of arrow A. Because R2 is less than R1, it is believed by
the inventors that the eye fixation portion 24 forms a "cup"
against the eye E in order to form a pocket. In other embodiments
of the present disclosure, R2 may be equal to R1 or R2 may be
greater than R1.
[0068] The illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 may be useful in
glaucoma examination and/or surgical procedures, such as for
example, open or wide-angle glaucoma procedures as will be
described in greater detail below. Generally described, aqueous
humor, a fluid produced within the eye, drains via the trabecular
meshwork into the canal of Schlemm, then into the sclera plexuses.
The major risk factor for most glaucomas, and the focus of
treatment, is relieving increased intraocular pressure, which is a
function of the production of liquid aqueous humor without adequate
drainage. In open/wide-angle glaucoma, flow is reduced through the
trabecular meshwork as a result of degeneration and/or obstruction
of the trabecular meshwork. To relieve the increased intraocular
pressure, one or more stents may be inserted into the trabecular
meshwork.
[0069] To insert such stents during an open-angle glaucoma surgical
procedure, the user may move the lens 20 to a first position on the
eye E to perform a procedure, for example, to insert or implant a
first stent into the anterior chamber A of the eye E through the
cut-out portion 52 of the lens 20, then to a second position on the
eye E to perform a procedure, for example, to insert or implant a
second stent into another place in the anterior chamber A of the
eye E through the cut-out portion 52 of the lens 20. The rotation
of the lens 20 for stent implantation is about the axis of the
patient's eye.
[0070] Likewise, during an examination procedure, the user may move
the lens 20 from a first position on the eye E to examine a first
portion of the anterior chamber A, then to a second position on the
eye E to examine a second portion of the anterior chamber A. It
should further be appreciated that embodiments of the present
disclosure may also be used in closed-angle glaucoma surgical
procedures.
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, another embodiment of the
present disclosure will be described. The lens 120 of FIGS. 7-10 is
substantially similar to the lens 20 of FIG. 1-6, except for
differences regarding the central lens portions 122 and the eye
fixation portion 124. Like elements in the lens 120 of FIGS. 7-10
use like numerals as in the lens 20 in FIGS. 1-6, except enumerated
in the 100 series.
[0072] The contact lens 120 shown in the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 7-10 may be useful in vitrectomy examination and/or surgical
procedures. In a vitrectomy procedure, surgical tools are inserted
into the eye E away from the cornea into the vitreous body of the
eye E, behind the lens of the eye E. Because the surgical incision
is away from the contact lens 120, a cut-out portion is not needed
in the contact lens 120. Therefore, the eye fixation portion 124 of
the contact lens 120 is a continuous annular portion without a
cut-out portion.
[0073] The contact lens 120 of the illustrated embodiment further
includes an anterior surface 140 that is a direct viewing lens for
the user to view into the patient's eye along the optical viewing
axis 132. However, it should be appreciated that angled viewing
portions (for example, like anterior surface 40 in the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1-6) are also within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0074] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 7-10, the radius of
curvature R2 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the cornea
and radius R1. The radius of curvature R2 is also smaller than the
radius of curvature of the average sclera. In addition, the axis
from which R2 is measured is offset from center to provide improved
contact with the sclera. In another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the radius of curvature R2 is equal to the radius of
curvature of the cornea and radius R1.
[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 11-26, other embodiments of the
present disclosure will be described. The respective lenses 220,
320, 420, 520, and 620 of FIGS. 11-26 are substantially similar to
the lenses 20 and 120 of FIG. 1-10, except for differences
regarding the central lens portions and the eye fixation flange.
Like elements in the lenses of FIGS. 11-26 use like numerals as the
lens 20 in FIGS. 1-6, except enumerated in the 200, 300, 400, 500,
and 600 series.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 11-15, a lens 220 in accordance with
another embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The lens
220 includes a central lens 222 having a contact (posterior)
surface 230 and a viewing (anterior) surface 240. The contact
surface 230 has a radius of curvature that approximates the radius
of curvature of the cornea. An eye fixation system 224 is attached
to the central lens 222. The eye fixation system 224 includes a
plurality of protrusions 228 extending from or near at least a
portion of the perimeter of the central lens 222. Each protrusion
228 is configured to interface with the sclera, and each protrusion
has a first end 234 and a second end 236, the first end 234 being
attached to the central lens 222 and the second end 236 extending
away from the central lens 222 (see FIG. 14).
[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 228 extend
around at a portion of the perimeter of the contact surface 230 of
the central lens. However, in other embodiments, the protrusions
may extend around the entire perimeter of the contact surface of
the central lens. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 236
of each of the plurality of protrusions 228 is flat. However, the
second end may also be rounded (see, for example, the embodiment of
FIGS. 18 and 19). In addition, the lens 220 may include any number
of protrusions to achieve adequate contact with the patient's eye
(compare FIGS. 18 and 19).
[0078] The lens 220 includes two cut-out portions 262 and 264
designed and configured to receive surgical instruments to allow
access to the cornea for surgical procedures, for example, during
glaucoma surgery procedures. Although showing two cut-out portions
262 and 264 in the illustrated embodiment to enable both
left-handed and right-handed approaches, a lens having one cut-out
portion is also within the scope of the present disclosure (see,
for example, FIGS. 16 and 17).
[0079] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 11-15, the viewing
surface 240 includes an extended section 266 to enhance the
visualization into the lens 220 for the doctor.
[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the lens 220 further includes
a hole 268 extending from the viewing surface 240 into the body of
the central lens 222. The hole 260 is adapted to accept a tool or
handle for manipulation of the contact lens 220 on the patient's
eye. In the illustrated embodiment, the hole is a blind hole to
prevent the tool from mistakenly engaging the patient's eye.
[0081] Now referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a lens 320 in accordance
with another embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The
lens 320 includes a central lens 322 having a contact (posterior)
surface 330 and a viewing (anterior) surface 340. Like the lens 220
of FIGS. 11-15, the lens 320 of FIGS. 16 and 17 includes an eye
fixation system 324 attached to the central lens 322. The eye
fixation system 324 includes a plurality of protrusions 328
extending from or near at least a portion of the perimeter of the
central lens 322. Like the lens 220 of FIGS. 11-15, the lens 320 of
FIGS. 16 and 17 includes one cut-out portion 352 and does not
include an extended section of the viewing surface 340.
[0082] Now referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a lens 420 in accordance
with another embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The
lens 420 includes a central lens 422 having a contact (posterior)
surface 430 and a viewing (anterior) surface 440 and is similar to
the lens 220 of FIGS. 11-15. The lens 420 of FIGS. 18 and 19
includes an eye fixation system 424 including a plurality of
protrusions 428 extending from the central lens 422 for contact
with the patient's eye, wherein second end 436 of each of the
plurality of protrusions 428 is rounded.
[0083] Now referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a lens 520 in accordance
with another embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The
lens 520 includes a central lens 522 having a contact (posterior)
surface 530 and a viewing (anterior) surface 540 and is similar to
the lens 220 of FIGS. 11-15. The lens 520 of FIGS. 18 and 19
includes an eye fixation system 524 including a continuous flange
portion 562 extending from the central lens 422 for contact with
the patient's eye. Like the other embodiments described above, the
eye fixation system may have an R1/R2 relationship with R2 less
than R1, R2 equal to R1, or R2 greater than R1.
[0084] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure.
* * * * *