Segmented pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert
First Claim
1. An intracorneal insert for introduction into the cornea of a human eye, said insert comprising an arcuate, physiologically compatible synthetic, polymeric segment having a predetermined shape prior to implantation in the cornea, said segment subtending an arc substantially less than 360°
- and being adapted for implantation within a human cornea and configured for altering the shape of the cornea by substantially a predetermined amount, said segment being constructed to substantially retain said predetermined shape over time after implantation in the cornea.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention is a pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert. It is made of a physiologically compatible polymer and may be used to adjust corneal curvature and thereby correct vision abnormalities. The insert or segment may also be used to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents to the interior of the cornea or of the eye. The insert subtends only a portion of a ring, or "arc", encircling the anterior cornea outside of the cornea'"'"'s field of view. The invention also includes a procedure for inserting the device into the cornea.
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Citations
54 Claims
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1. An intracorneal insert for introduction into the cornea of a human eye, said insert comprising an arcuate, physiologically compatible synthetic, polymeric segment having a predetermined shape prior to implantation in the cornea, said segment subtending an arc substantially less than 360°
- and being adapted for implantation within a human cornea and configured for altering the shape of the cornea by substantially a predetermined amount, said segment being constructed to substantially retain said predetermined shape over time after implantation in the cornea.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. An intracorneal insert for introduction into the cornea of a human eye, said insert comprising an arcuate, physiologically compatible synthetic, polymeric segment having a predetermined shape prior to implantation in the cornea, said segment subtending an arc substantially less than 360°
- and being adapted for implantation within a human cornea and configured to alter the topography of the cornea in a manner that effects correction of a predetermined refractive disorder of the eye, said segment being constructed to substantially retain said shape over time after implantation within the cornea.
- View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
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50. An assemblage for introduction into the cornea of a human eye, said assemblage comprising multiple physiologically compatible, arcuate segments, each having a predetermined shape, each subtending an arc less than 360°
- and being adapted for implantation within a human cornea and configured for altering the shape of the cornea by substantially a predetermined amount, each segment being constructed to substantially retain said predetermined shape over time after implantation in the cornea and each segment being coupled to another one of said segments.
- View Dependent Claims (51, 52, 53, 54)
Specification