Mask configured to maintain nutrient transport without producing visible diffraction patterns

• US 20060271180A1
• Filed: 05/03/2006
• Published: 11/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Bruce A. Christie, Kevin F. Hahnen, Thomas A. Silvestrini
• Original Assignee: Bruce A. Christie, Kevin F. Hahnen, Thomas A. Silvestrini
• Inventors: Christie, Bruce A., Silvestrini, Thomas A., Hahnen, Kevin F.
• Application Number:
  US11/417,890
• Publication Number:
  US 20060271180A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/5.110
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/152 for aligning
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/14 Eye parts, e.g. lenses, corneal implants; Implanting instruments specially adapted therefor; Artificial eyes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/145 Corneal inlays, onlays, or lenses for refractive correction
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/147 Implants to be inserted in the stroma for refractive correction, e.g. ring-like implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/15 Implant having one or more holes, e.g. for nutrient transport, for facilitating handling
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/1601 Lens body having features to facilitate aqueous fluid flow across the intraocular lens, e.g. for pressure equalization or nutrient delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/1689 having plate-haptics
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/1696 Having structure for blocking or reducing amount of light transmitted, e.g. glare reduction
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/1699 Additional features not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0023 differing in porosity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0067 Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0098 radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/007 Methods or devices for eye surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 27/02 Ophthalmic agents
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 2202/04 Lenses comprising decentered structures
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/04 Contact lenses for the eyes disinfection or sterilisation of contact lenses A61L12/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/046 Contact lenses having an iris pattern
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/165 with stenopaeic apertures

Abstract

A mask configured to be implanted in a cornea of a patient to increase the depth of focus of the patient includes an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a plurality of holes. The anterior surface is configured to reside adjacent a first corneal layer. The posterior surface is configured to reside adjacent a second corneal layer. The plurality of holes extends at least partially between the anterior surface and the posterior surface. The holes of the plurality of holes are configured to substantially eliminate visible diffraction patterns.

Claims

1. A method for improving the vision of a human eye, the method comprising:

providing mask comprising an anterior surface configured to reside adjacent a first corneal layer, a posterior surface configured to reside adjacent a second corneal layer, a substantially opaque portion comprising an inner periphery, a plurality of irregularly located nutrient flow paths in the opaque portion, the nutrient flow paths configured to permit nutrient flow between the first layer and the second layer.

the mask additionally comprising an optical power for vision correction; and

inserting the mask into the cornea.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mask further comprises a lens body that corrects for near vision within the inner periphery.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the mask further comprises a lens body that corrects for distance vision within the inner periphery.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the mask further comprises a lens body that corrects for intermediate vision within the inner periphery.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the mask further comprises an area disposed about the inner periphery with an optical power for vision correction.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein inserting the mask comprises forming a corneal flap, placing the mask on the cornea, and placing the corneal flap over the mask.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the corneal flap is formed beneath the epithelium.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the mask is configured to be positioned between a corneal flap and an exposed corneal layer wherein the posterior surface of the corneal flap and the exposed corneal layer are naturally adjacent corneal layers.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising fitting the mask.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the opaque portion comprises a weave.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner periphery has a diameter in the range of about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the opaque portion of the mask has an outer diameter in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 8.0 mm.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner periphery is located substantially in the center of the opaque portion.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the ophthalmic device comprises a medical polymer.