Intra-ocular lens system including microelectric components

• US 6,120,538 A
• Filed: 05/07/1998
• Issued: 09/19/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Original Assignee: Massachusetts Eye And Ear Infirmary (Foundation of The Massachusetts Eye and EAR Infirmary Incorporated)
• Inventors: Wyatt, John L. Jr., Rizzo, Joseph III
• Primary Examiner(s): Willse, David H.
• Application Number:
  US09/074,196
• Time in Patent Office: 866 Days
• Field of Search: 623/6, 623/6.63, 623/6.22, 623/6.37, 623/6.11, 607/54
• US Class Current: 623/6.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/1613 having special lens configurations, e.g. multipart lenses; having particular optical properties, e.g. pseudo-accommodative lenses, lenses having aberration corrections, diffractive lenses, lenses for variably absorbing electromagnetic radiation, lenses having variable focus
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/1635 for changing shape
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/08 Devices or methods enabling eye-patients to replace direct visual perception by another kind of perception
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36046 of the eye
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 3/14 of variable focal length

Abstract

Dynamically functional intra-ocular prosthesis. The prosthesis includes an implantable intra-ocular lens and microelectronic components mounted on the lens. One embodiment is a variable focal length implantable intra-ocular lens system for adjusting the focal length of the implantable lens. In one embodiment, a micromotor changes the tension in a band encircling the peripheral portion of the deformable lens changing its shape to vary its focal length. Another embodiment is an artificial intra-ocular lens which serves as a holding substrate for microelectronic components that form part of a prosthesis to stimulate the neural elements of the eye to restore vision to patients who are blind from retinal disease.

Claims

1. Eye prosthesis comprising:

an implantable intra-ocular lens; and

microelectronic components mounted on the lens, the microelectronic components including apparatus to deliver energy to neural tissue to stimulate neural tissue of the eye to provide visual perception.

2. The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the microelectronic components include microchips which respond to electromagnetic radiation entering the eye to generate a pattern of electrical stimulation on the retina.

3. The prosthesis of claim 2 further including a collection of electrodes adapted to be positioned close to or on the surface of the retina for generation of the pattern of electrical stimulation on the retina.

4. The prosthesis of claim 2 wherein the electromagnetic radiation is visible light.

5. The prosthesis of claim 2 wherein the electromagnetic radiation is infrared light.

6. The prosthesis of claim 2 wherein the electromagnetic radiation is ultraviolet light.

7. The prosthesis of claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein the microelectronic components include a source of electrical energy.

8. The prosthesis of claim 7 wherein the source of electrical energy is a photodiode array.

9. The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the microelectronic components stimulate cellular or axonal elements of the retina by projecting energy across space of the posterior chamber of the eye.

10. The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the microelectronic components produce visual perception by altering neural tissue cellular membrane potential to initiate neural impulses.

11. The prosthesis of claim 10 wherein the microelectronic components alter cellular membrane potential by direct application of electrical current to the retina.

12. The prosthesis of claim 10 wherein the microelectronic components alter cellular membrane potential by release of neuroactive chemicals.

13. The prosthesis of claim 10 further including photosensitive components adapted to be positioned on the retina, the photosensitive components adapted to generate localized electrical current in response to being illuminated.