Method and device for causing the eye to focus on a near object

• US 6,282,449 B1
• Filed: 03/04/1999
• Issued: 08/28/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Joseph M. Kamerling, William Kamerling
• Original Assignee: Joseph M. Kamerling, William Kamerling
• Inventors: Kamerling, Joseph M., Kamerling, William
• Primary Examiner(s): Schaetzle, Kennedy
• Application Number:
  US09/262,562
• Time in Patent Office: 908 Days
• Field of Search: 607/2, 607/33, 607/53, 607/61, 607/62, 600/546
• US Class Current: 607/53
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36046 of the eye

Abstract

An improved method and subconjunctival device for causing the eye to focus on a near object. The device automatically changes the focal length of the eye in response to a changing of the length of the medial rectus muscle or the inferior rectus muscle so that the eye can focus on a near object. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery and includes an electrode for stimulating the ciliary muscle as the length of the medial rectus muscle or the inferior rectus muscle changes.

Claims

1. A method of causing the eye to focus on a near object:

comprising the step of applying an electrical stimulation to the ciliary muscle in response to a change in the length of the inferior rectus eye muscle.

2. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein stimulation of the ciliary muscle causes the lens to thicken.

3. A method as defined in claim 2 including the steps of providing:

an implantable sensor for the inferior rectus eye muscle, said sensor being operative to generate a signal in response to a change in the length of said eye muscle,

implanting a means for stimulating the ciliary muscle, and said last named means being operative to stimulate the ciliary muscle in response to said signal from said sensor.

4. A method as defined in claim 3 including the steps of:

implanting a rechargeable battery, said battery being operative to provide power for said sensor and for said means for stimulating the ciliary muscles.

5. A method as defined in claim 4 wherein said battery is recharged by electromagnetic energy.

6. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said stimulation causes the ciliary muscle to contract in proportion to the shortening of the inferior rectus eye muscle.

7. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said stimulation prevents or treats presbyopia.

8. A method as defined in claim 4 including the step of

providing means for generating a signal to stimulate said ciliary muscle in response to said signal generated by a change in the length of said inferior rectus muscle, and

implanting said means for stimulating said ciliary muscle, said means for generating a signal, said battery, and said sensor being under the conjunctiva of the eye which is being focused.

9. A device for enabling the eye to focus on an object, said device comprising:

a first subconjunctivally implantable means for electrically stimulating the ciliary muscle to change the focus of the eye said first implantable means controlled by a generated electrical,

a second subconjunctivally implantable means for generating said electrical signal in response to the movement of the inferior rectus eye muscle,

means for providing a source of electrical energy for said device, said last named means comprising a subconjunctivally implantable battery, and

said means for generating a signal, said means for providing a source of electrical energy and said means for stimulating said ciliary muscles are adapted to be disposed under the conjunctiva of the eye which is being focused.

10. A device as defined in claim 9 wherein said battery is a rechargeable battery, and

means for trans-conjunctivally recharging said rechargeable battery.