Radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal design for ocular implant

• US 20100161048A1
• Filed: 11/09/2009
• Published: 06/24/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alcon Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Novartis Ag
• Inventors: Schaper, Dale T. JR.
• Granted Patent: US 8,216,307 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/6.300
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/1618 Multifocal lenses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/1654 Diffractive lenses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/1699 Additional features not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL for ocular implant is provided. The ocular implant can comprise a radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal intraocular lens optic and a number of haptics. The radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL may pass optical energy in both photopic and mesopic conditions. The radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL includes a number of radially segmented apodization zones, each radially segmented apodization zones having a unique focal length. The haptics mechanically couple to the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL optic in order to position and secure the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL within the eye. The radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL may include both a diffractive region and a refractive region.

Claims

1. An ocular implant, comprising:

an optic, having a plurality of radially segmented apodization zones, each radially segmented apodization zone having a unique focal length;

a plurality of haptics coupled to the optic and operable to position the ocular implant within an eye.

2. The ocular implant of claim 1, wherein the optic comprises:

a central diffractive region; and

an outer refractive region.

3. The ocular implant of claim 2, wherein:

the central diffractive region is operable to pass optical energy simultaneously to both near and distant focal points in bright optical conditions; and

the outer refractive region is operable to pass optical energy to distance vision in dim optical conditions.

4. The ocular implant of claim 1, wherein each radially segmented apodization zone has a smoothly reduced step height profile operable to shift an energy balance from a near image to a distant image.

5. The ocular implant of claim 4, wherein the focal length differences can be adjusted to provide a plurality of distinct focal lengths.

6. The ocular implant of claim 1, wherein the central diffractive region comprises:

a plurality of concentric steps of varying step heights that allocate energy based on lighting conditions and activity to produce a full range (near to distant) of quality vision.

7. The ocular implant of claim 1, wherein the optic comprises a biconvex optic.

8. An ocular implant, comprising:

an optic, the optic comprising a plurality of radially segmented apodization zones, each radially segmented apodization zone having a unique focal length, the optic operable to pass optical energy in both photopic and mesopic conditions and having a thin edge operable to support a smaller incision;

a plurality of haptics coupled to the optic and operable to position the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL within an eye.

9. The ocular implant of claim 8, wherein the optic comprises:

a central diffractive region; and

an outer refractive region.

10. The ocular implant of claim 9, wherein:

the central diffractive region is operable to pass optical energy simultaneously to both near and distant focal points in bright optical conditions; and

the outer refractive region is operable to pass optical energy to distance vision in dim optical conditions.

11. The ocular implant of claim 8, wherein each radially segmented apodization zones has smoothly reduced step height operable to shift an energy balance from a near image to a distant image.

12. The ocular implant of claim 11, wherein the focal length differences can be adjusted to provide a plurality of distinct focal lengths.

13. The ocular implant of claim 8, wherein the central diffractive region comprises:

a plurality of concentric steps of varying step heights that allocate energy based on lighting conditions and activity to produce a full range (near to distant) of quality vision.

14. The ocular implant of claim 8, wherein the optic comprises a biconvex optic.

15. A method to correct visual impairment of aphakia comprising:

removing a natural lens from an eye;

inserting a radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) within the eye, the radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL operable to pass optical energy in both photopic and mesopic conditions, the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL comprises;

a central diffractive region; and

an outer refractive region;

positioning and securing the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL within the eye with a plurality of haptics coupled to the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL comprises:

a plurality of radially segmented apodization zones, each radially segmented apodization zones has a unique focal length.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein each radially segmented apodization zones has smoothly reduced step height operable to shift an energy balance from a near image to a distant image.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein:

the central diffractive region is operable to pass optical energy simultaneously to both near and distant focal points in bright optical conditions; and

the outer refractive region is operable to pass optical energy to distance vision in dim optical conditions.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL comprises a biconvex optic.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the central diffractive region comprises:

a plurality of concentric steps of varying step heights that allocate energy based on lighting conditions and activity to produce a full range (near to distant) of quality vision.

21. A method to correct visual impairment comprising:

passing optical energy to a retina with a radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL), the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL operable to pass optical energy in both photopic and mesopic conditions, the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL comprises;

a central diffractive region; and

an outer refractive region.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL comprises:

a plurality of radially segmented apodization zones, each radially segmented apodization zones has a unique focal length.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein:

the central diffractive region is operable to pass optical energy simultaneously to both near and distant focal points in bright optical conditions; and

the outer refractive region is operable to pass optical energy to distance vision in dim optical conditions.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the central diffractive region comprises:

a plurality of concentric steps of varying step heights that allocate energy based on lighting conditions and activity to produce a full range (near to distant) of quality vision.