U.S. patent application number 15/478132 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-20 for apparatus, system, and method for providing an optical filter for an implantable lens.
The applicant listed for this patent is ABBOTT MEDICAL OPTICS INC.. Invention is credited to Kaccie Y. Li, Terrence B. Mazer, Marrie H. Van Der Mooren, Hendrik A. Weeber, Huawei Zhao.
Application Number | 20170202663 15/478132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51789870 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170202663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weeber; Hendrik A. ; et
al. |
July 20, 2017 |
APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN OPTICAL FILTER FOR
AN IMPLANTABLE LENS
Abstract
An apparatus, system and method for providing an optical filter
for an intraocular lens. The apparatus, system and method may
include at least one optical filtering layer applied to at least
one surface of the optic, wherein the optical filtering layer may
at least partially filter light through the intraocular lens. The
at least one optical filtering layer may include different types of
optical filters including a neutral density filter, a chromatic
filter, a photochromatic filter, and a polarizing filter. These
filters may be used to reduce the transmission of light through the
intraocular lens.
Inventors: |
Weeber; Hendrik A.;
(Groningen, NL) ; Mazer; Terrence B.; (Albany,
OH) ; Van Der Mooren; Marrie H.; (Engelbert, NL)
; Li; Kaccie Y.; (Groningen, NL) ; Zhao;
Huawei; (Irvine, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ABBOTT MEDICAL OPTICS INC. |
Santa Ana |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51789870 |
Appl. No.: |
15/478132 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14195568 |
Mar 3, 2014 |
9622854 |
|
|
15478132 |
|
|
|
|
61775145 |
Mar 8, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/1659 20130101;
A61F 2240/002 20130101; A61F 2/1613 20130101; A61F 2240/001
20130101; A61F 2002/1696 20150401; G02C 7/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/16 20060101
A61F002/16 |
Claims
1-8. (canceled)
9. A method for providing an optical filter for an intraocular lens
to reduce the transmission of light through the intraocular lens,
said method comprising: applying an optical filtering layer to an
optic of the intraocular lens, for the purpose of at least
partially reducing light transmission through the intraocular
lens.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying at least one
additional optical filtering layer applied to a second surface of
the optic.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the optical filtering layer
comprises at least one neutral density filter.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the optical filtering layer
comprises a chromatic filter.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the optical filtering layer
comprises a photochromatic filter.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the optical filtering layer
comprises a polarizing filter.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the polarizing filter is a
vertical polarizing filter.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the polarizing filter is a
circularly polarizing filter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application No. 61/775,145 filed on Mar. 8, 2013, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The instant disclosure relates to implantable lenses, and,
more particularly, to an apparatus, system and method for providing
an optical filter for an implantable lens.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Surgery on the human eye has become commonplace in recent
years. Many patients pursue eye surgery as an elective procedure,
such as to avoid the use of contacts or glasses, and other patients
may find it necessary to pursue surgery to correct an adverse
condition in the eye. Such adverse conditions may include, for
example, cataracts or presbyopia, as well as other conditions known
to those skilled in the art that may negatively affect elements of
the eye. For example, a cataract may increase the opacity of the
lens of the eye, causing impaired vision or blindness. Correction
of such adverse conditions may be achieved by surgically removing a
diseased lens in the patient's eye and replacing it with an
artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL).
[0004] The anatomy and physiology of the human eye is well
understood. Generally speaking, the structure of the human eye
includes an outer layer formed of two parts, namely the cornea and
the sclera. The middle layer of the eye includes the iris, the
choroid, and the ciliary body. The inner layer of the eye includes
the retina. The eye also includes, physically associated with the
middle layer, a crystalline lens that is contained within an
elastic capsule, referred to herein as the lens capsule, or
capsular bag.
[0005] Image formation in the eye occurs by entry of image-forming
light to the eye through the cornea, and refraction by the cornea
and the crystalline lens to focus the image-forming light on the
retina. The retina provides the light sensitive tissue of the
eye.
[0006] Functionally, the cornea has a greater, and generally
constant, optical power in comparison to the crystalline lens. The
power of the crystalline lens, while smaller than that of the
cornea, may be changed when the eye needs to focus at different
distances.
[0007] The iris operates to change the aperture size of the eye.
More specifically, the diameter of the incoming light beam is
controlled by the iris, which forms the aperture stop of the eye,
and the ciliary muscles may contract, as referenced above, to
provide accommodation in conjunction with any needed change in the
size of the aperture provided by the iris. The opening, or
aperture, in the iris is called the pupil.
[0008] Correction of defects or degradation in the aspects of the
eye may occur surgically, as mentioned above, or non-surgically. In
a simple example, it is common to wear glasses or contact lenses to
improve vision by correcting myopic (near-sighted), hyperopic
(far-sighted) and astigmatic eyesight. Rather than relying on
glasses or contacts, elective laser refractive surgery, or other
eye surgery, may serve to improve the refractive state of the eye,
and may thereby decrease or eliminate dependence on glasses or
contact lenses. Additional surgeries may include various methods of
surgical remodeling of the cornea, or cataract surgery, for
example. Surgery may also serve to implant an IOL, either in
addition to the crystalline lens, which addition is referred to as
a phakic IOL, or upon removal of the crystalline lens, which
replacement is referred to as a pseudophakic IOL.
[0009] An IOL may be implanted in the eye, for example, as a
replacement for the natural crystalline lens after cataract
surgery, or to alter the optical properties of an eye in which the
natural lens remains. As such, IOLs may be suitable for correcting
vision disorders.
[0010] Owing to its thinner shape and the material from which it is
made, the absorption of light in an IOL in much of the visible
spectrum is negligible. Consequently, the IOL transmits a higher
percentage of light than is transmitted by the natural crystalline
lens. Thus, the perceived light intensity and/or the contrasting
light intensity of objects viewed by an IOL patient may appear
unusually bright. This extreme brightness may manifest itself to
IOL patients in the form of an increased sensitivity to light. This
increased sensitivity may simply annoy the IOL patient, or, of
greater concern, may provide a deleterious effect to the IOL
patient's ability to perform routine activities requiring acute
vision.
[0011] A need therefore exists to reduce the light intensity
induced by implanted IOLs in IOL patients.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An apparatus, system and method for providing an optical
filter for an intraocular lens is disclosed. The apparatus, system
and method may include at least one optical filtering layer applied
to at least one surface of an optic, wherein the optical filtering
layer may at least partially filter light through the intraocular
lens. The at least one optical filtering layer may include one or
more of various different types of optical filters, including a
neutral density filter, a chromatic filter, a photochromatic
filter, and a polarizing filter, by way of non-limiting example.
These filters may be used to selectively or constantly reduce the
transmission of light through the intraocular lens.
[0013] Thus, the present invention may limit or reduce the
increased light intensity experienced by IOL implantation patients,
and/or may negate the adverse side effects of implantation of a
lens, such as an intraocular lens.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0014] Understanding of the present invention will be facilitated
by consideration of the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to
like parts:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an eye;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an eye with an implanted
IOL;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a plot of transmittance versus wavelength
of a typical natural crystalline lens and a typical implanted
IOL;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary lens for use in the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a plot of light absorption profiles for
various types of neutral density filters for use in the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates shown a schematic top view of the
function of an implanted IOL containing a vertically polarizing
filter for use in the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates an IOL containing optical filters in
different zones for use in the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a pupil containing a central obstruction
according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a method of providing an optical filter
on a lens according to an aspect of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of the elements of
computing system for selecting an intraocular lens.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of
the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements
that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present
invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many
other elements found in typical lenses, lens systems and methods,
and in optical filters and techniques. Those of ordinary skill in
the art may recognize that other elements and/or steps are
desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention.
However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art,
and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the
present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not
provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such
variations and modifications to the disclosed elements and methods
known to those skilled in the art.
[0026] The present invention may reduce the intensity of light
experienced by an implanted intraocular lens patient. In
particular, optical filters may be used in the present invention to
selectively or constantly attenuate areas of the visible spectrum,
so as to reduce the brightness of light experienced by the
implanted intraocular lens patient.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an eye. Eye 10 includes retina 12 for
receiving an image produced by cornea 14 and natural lens 16 from
light incident upon eye 10. Natural lens 16 is disposed within
capsular bag 20, which separates anterior and posterior chambers of
eye 10. Capsular bag 20 is a resilient material that changes the
shape and/or location of natural lens 16 in response to ocular
forces produced when ciliary muscles 22 contract and stretch
natural lens 16 via zonules 24 disposed about an equatorial region
of capsular bag 20.
[0028] Eye 10 also includes iris 26. Iris 26 may operate to change
the aperture size of eye 10. More specifically, the diameter of the
incoming light beam is controlled by iris 26, which forms the
aperture stop of eye 10.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an eye 10 having
lens (natural lens 16 of FIG. 1) replaced with an IOL 100. Natural
lens 16 may require removal due to a refractive lens exchange, or
due to a disease such as cataracts, for example. Once removed,
natural lens 16 may then be replaced by IOL 100 to provide improved
vision in eye 10. Eye 10 may include IOL 100 with optic 102, cornea
14, retina 12, haptics or support structure 104 for centering optic
102.
[0030] The properties of the optic 102 materials typically permit
more light to pass than the natural lens that is replaced. More
particularly, in operation, when light passes through the lens of
the eye (for example, natural lens 16 as shown in FIG. 1, or IOL
100 as shown in FIG. 2), some light is reflected at the surface of
the lens, some is absorbed by the lens material, and some light is
scattered. The percentage of the light passing completely through
the lens for a given wavelength is the lens transmittance for that
wavelength.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a plot of transmittance versus wavelength of a
typical natural crystalline lens (such as the lens 16 shown in FIG.
1), shown as the solid curve, and a typical IOL (such as the IOL
100 shown in FIG. 2), represented as the dashed curve. As evidenced
from the curves, the typical IOL transmits a considerably higher
percentage of light at nearly all wavelengths. This increased
transmission of light can be very annoying to the patient, and may
adversely affect the patient's ability to perform routine
activities requiring acute vision.
[0032] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide an
implantable intraocular lens containing optical filters that
attenuate areas of the visible spectrum so as to reduce the
intensity of light transmitted by the intraocular lens. This
attenuation may be selective or constant, based on the filter
design.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a filter 202 formed
on a lens of the type discussed herein, such as in the exemplary
embodiments of FIG. 2, according to an aspect of the present
invention. As illustrated, optical assembly 400 may include optic
102, such as the optics described hereinabove, and light
attenuating filter 202. Filter 202, as shown in the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 4, may include at least one filter or filter
layer. For example, a first filter layer 204 and second filter
layer 206 may be provided on the anterior surface of optic 102. It
should be noted that filter 202, and/or one of the one or more
layers thereof, may also be applied to the posterior and/or to the
posterior, and anterior, of the optic 102.
[0034] In an embodiment, optic 102 of IOL 100 contains filter 202
on the anterior surface thereof. Filter 202 may take the form of a
neutral density filter, a chromatic filter, a photochromatic
filter, a polarized filter, or the like.
[0035] Filter 202 may comprise gelatin, polymeric, or glass
substrates, and may include impregnated or dissolved materials to
reduce transparency. For example, organic dyes may be mixed with
gelatin (in its liquid form) to achieve a desired optical density
(OD). Filter 202 may include any number of stacked filters or
filter layers, such as one, two, three, five, or more filters or
filter layers to achieve desired performance characteristics and
OD. Neutral density filters may be stacked together to achieve a
desired density value, as the stacking of neutral density filters
is an additive effect.
[0036] As is known to those skilled in the art, a neutral density
filter is a light filter that decreases the intensity of light of
all wavelengths or colors equally. Neutral density filters are
characterized by the percent of incident light transmitted or by
its OD.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates the additive effect of neutral density
filters. There are shown light absorption profiles for a series of
neutral density filters, ND-80, ND-50, and ND-40, having optical
densities of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.4, respectively, and light
transmission percentages of 80%, 50%, and 40%, respectively. As
illustrated, applying a stack of a single ND-80 filter
(density=0.1, transmission=80%) and a single ND-50 filter
(density=0.3, transmission=50%) on an optic 102 is the equivalent
of applying a single ND-40 filter, which has a density=0.4 and a
transmission=40%.
[0038] In an alternative and additional embodiment to the use of a
neutral density filter which filter 202 may relegate the light
transmissivity characteristics to a designated portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., visual range, blue light region of
visual range, etc.). A chromatic filter 202 may include one or more
chromophores, otherwise known as photochromatic material. This
photochromic material typically has spectral transmission
characteristics. The photochromic material may cover the entire
surface of the IOL 100, or may cover a particular portion, or
region, of the surface. For example, a given region may block
substantially all light of a first wavelength, and substantially no
light at another wavelength. Photochromic compositions for use with
embodiments of the present invention will at least partially
reflect, or absorb, light in a portion of the visible spectrum. By
way of non-limiting example, as certain wavelengths are known to be
more disturbing to IOL patients (for example, those in the range of
570-650 nanometers), the chromatic filter employing particular
photochromatic material(s) may be designed to absorb more light at
these particular wavelengths.
[0039] According to further embodiments of the present invention,
optic 102 of IOL 100 may comprise a polarizing filter 202.
Polarizing filter 202 may take the form of a polarizing filter that
blocks horizontally polarized light. The polarizing filter may
comprise a polarized film material that is sandwiched between
layers of a glass or plastic. More particularly, the polarized film
material may comprise a thin sheet of polymer that has its
molecules suitably aligned or oriented, such as by stretching in
one direction. Subsequent treatment, such as with dyes and
lamination, may form a single axis polarizer sheet that can then be
applied as a filter layer to the IOL 100, as discussed above.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a schematic top view
of the function of a human eye implanted with an IOL 100, wherein
the illustrated IOL includes a vertically polarized filter 202
associated with the optic 102 thereof. In the illustration, the
filter 202 reflects a substantial portion of the horizontal
polarized light (i.e., the light parallel to IOL 100), and
transmits the bulk of the orthogonal vertical polarized light.
[0041] As an alternative to employing a vertically polarized
filter, IOL 100 may include a circularly polarized filter, or may
include a filter in which the upper and lower part of the lens
block horizontal polarization, but the left and right sides block
vertical polarization (or vice versa), by way of non-limiting
example. Moreover, the IOL 100 may be divided into any number of
zones of filters 202, wherein each zone may transmit a different
polarization angle, as shown in FIG. 7. An eye 10 containing an IOL
100 having multiple zones having filters 202 transmitting different
polarization angles will, of note always allow some transmission of
light to reach the retina, even when light of a single polarization
enters the eye (e.g. from a liquid crystal display screen), in
accordance with the disclosed embodiments.
[0042] Embodiments of the present invention may include an
intraocular lens having an optical filter 202 that changes
filtering properties (for example, its absorption characteristics)
depending upon levels of exposure to light. Those of skill in the
art should appreciate that such filtering properties may be found
in the aforediscussed photochromic material. For example, light
sensitive photochromic molecules may be impregnated into an optical
filter 202. When exposed to ultra-violet sunlight, a chemical
reaction may quickly transform these molecules into colored light
absorbers. Accordingly, for example, in the outdoors, ultra-violet
rays may cause a chemical reaction, which may darken the IOL.
Indoors, for example, in the absence of ultra-violet rays, the
molecules return to their original form, and the intraocular lens
may accordingly fade back to a clear state. The degree of darkening
of the light sensitive molecules is directly proportional to the
intensity of the light.
[0043] It should be noted that the optical properties of the
optical filter 202 may change in other ways, in addition to the
foregoing example, such as dependent upon the light level. For
example, optical filter 202 may contain a material that changes
polarization based on the light level. It should also be noted that
the optical properties of the optical filter 202 may also change
based on the spectral content of the incident light. For example,
the intraocular lens may contain a material that changes
polarization based on the wavelength of the incident light.
[0044] Embodiments of the present invention may include the use of
multiple filters or multiple filter types, such as the use of two
different types of polarizing filters to increase the dynamic range
of light levels encountered by the eye without increasing the
intensity of light incident on the retina.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 8, pupil 801 is shown with an
obstruction in the center 803. This obstruction may be created by
at least partially overlapping a horizontally polarized filter and
a vertical filter. The polarizing filter of FIG. 8 comprises a
polarized film material that is sandwiched between layers of a
glass or plastic has its molecules aligned for the desired
polarization, and includes with dyes or lamination.
[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate, in light of the
disclosure, that various other elements may be employed with optic
102 and filter 202. For example, filter 202 may be provided in
association with diffractive, refractive, extended depth of focus,
pharmaceutical, or other elements to obtain desired optical or
treatment characteristics.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for reducing the
transmission of light through an intraocular lens. Method 900 may
include providing/applying a lens having an optical filter at step
901. This optical filter may include any optical filter as
discussed hereinthroughout. Included within this optical filter
layer, such as underlying or overlaying same, may be an
impregnating substance, as discussed hereinthroughout, and included
may be other optical or chemical elements in conjunction with the
optical filter layer. Method 900 may further include providing the
lens in a manner suitable for insertion of the lens into an eye at
step 902. This insertion may include folding/unfolding, injecting,
and the like, as described herein.
[0048] According to other embodiments of the present invention,
optic 102 of IOL 100 may comprise an optical filter 202 that takes
the form of a light diffusing filter that scatters light in a
uniform manner. More specifically, this light diffusing filter may
induce an extremely uniform scatter within the eye. This uniform
scatter may be produced by particles slightly smaller than the
wavelength of light, and may thereby create a uniform background
comprising soft light. For example, these particles may be of a
wavelength slightly less than 380 nm. Due to this uniformity, the
eye will discard the background so that any contrast sensitivity
will not be affected. The light diffusing filter may take the form
of a film which includes a flexible polymer substrate (e.g.,
polycarbonate, etc.) coupled to an optical diffuser material (e.g.,
UV-curable epoxy) with a plurality of features (e.g., embossed
using a pressed or rolled master pattern via lathe cutting) for
diffusing light.
[0049] Embodiments of the present invention may also include an
optical filter 202 that may take the form of a minus filter. A
minus filter may include multilayer film structures comprising
alternate layers of a high refractive index and a low refractive
index. In particular, such a minus filter may be realized by
forming the at least one high refractive index layer having a
greater thickness than the at least one low refractive index
layer.
[0050] As used herein, "high refractive index" refers to a
refractive index of about 2.00 to 2.50, and "low refractive index"
refers to a refractive index of about 1.37 to 1.52. As an example,
the composite layer may be comprised of a stack of alternative
layers composed of titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) and silicon dioxide
(SiO.sub.2). The thickness of the individual layers may generally
be about 5 nm to about 30 nm, and the individual layers of the
composite layer may be deposited by a PEG machine, for example.
[0051] The different layers may be further selected such that
reflection of visible light at an interface of the filter with air
is sufficiently low so as to minimize glare. Glare at a concave
(rear) IOL surface may result from reflection of incident light at
the concave surface. For a lens with no IOL and/or filter included,
a portion of incident light at the eye surface would be reflected
from the concave surface of the lens towards the eye, and
additionally, a portion of the non-reflected light passing through
the substrate would be reflected from the convex surface of the
lens substrate towards the eye.
[0052] According to embodiments of the present invention,
reflectance at the concave IOL surface may be reduced because the
filter 202 thereon may be designed to provide antireflection.
Additionally, one of the layers (e.g., an absorbing layer) may
serve to further reduce reflected light. Any non-reflected light at
this surface must pass through the absorbing layer twice, once upon
entering the filter, and again after passing through the substrate
and being reflected from the convex surface. Therefore, those of
skill in the art will appreciate that each pass through the
absorbing layer reduces the transmittance of light
therethrough.
[0053] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the implementation
of the present invention in a clinical system 300 comprised of one
or more apparatuses that are capable of assessing the eye's
biometry and of performing the calculations and comparisons set
forth in method 900. The system 300 may include a biometric reader
and/or biometric simulation input 301, a processor 302, and a
computer readable memory 304 coupled to the processor 302. The
computer readable memory 304 includes therein an array of ordered
values 308 and sequences of instructions 310 which, when executed
by the processor 302, cause the processor 302 to select an
implantable IOL configured for implantation into the eye of the
subject presenting the biometric readings to biometric reader 301.
The array of ordered values 308 may comprise data used or obtained
from method 900 or other methods consistent with embodiments of the
invention. For example, the array of ordered values 308 may
comprise one or more desired light transmission and/or refractive
outcomes, parameters of an eye model based on one or more
characteristics of at least one eye, and data related to
characteristics of an IOL or set of IOLs, such as a transmissivity,
an optical power, an aspheric profile, and/or a lens plane.
[0054] The sequence of instructions 310 may include one or more
steps of method 900 or other methods consistent with embodiments of
the invention. In some embodiments, the sequence of instructions
310 includes designing a filter having desired light transmittance
characteristics.
[0055] The processor 302 may be embodied in a general purpose
desktop or laptop computer, and/or may comprise hardware associated
with biometric reader 301 specifically for selecting an IOL for
placement into the eye of the subject. In certain embodiments, the
system 300 may be configured to be electronically coupled to
another device, such as one or more instruments for obtaining
measurements of an eye or a plurality of eyes in conjunction with,
or in addition to, biometric reader 301. Alternatively, the system
300 may be embodied in a handheld device that may be adapted to be
electronically and/or wirelessly coupled to one or more other
devices.
[0056] Although the invention has been described and pictured in an
exemplary form with a certain degree of particularity, it is
understood that the present disclosure of the exemplary form has
been made by way of example, and that numerous changes in the
details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts
and steps may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention as set forth in the claims hereinafter.
* * * * *