In situ adjustable optical mask
First Claim
1. A method of providing a patient with a variable opacity ophthalmic mask, the method comprising:
- providing a photochromic polymer mask, the photochromic polymer mask comprising a transition portion configured to switch between a first degree of opacity and a second degree of opacity in response to application of an external stimulus, the transition portion configured to remain locked into the second degree of opacity after removal of the external stimulus until another application of the external stimulus, the transition portion then returning to the first degree of opacity; and
implanting the mask into an eye.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Implantable corneal and intraocular implants such as a mask are provided. The mask can improve the vision of a patient, such as by being configured to increase the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. The mask can include an aperture configured to transmit along an optical axis substantially all visible incident light. The mask can further include a transition portion that surrounds at least a portion of the aperture. This portion can be configured to switch from one level of opacity to another level of opacity through the use of a controllably variable absorbance feature such as a switchable photochromic chromophore within a polymer matrix.
736 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of providing a patient with a variable opacity ophthalmic mask, the method comprising:
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providing a photochromic polymer mask, the photochromic polymer mask comprising a transition portion configured to switch between a first degree of opacity and a second degree of opacity in response to application of an external stimulus, the transition portion configured to remain locked into the second degree of opacity after removal of the external stimulus until another application of the external stimulus, the transition portion then returning to the first degree of opacity; and implanting the mask into an eye. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of switching the opacity of an ophthalmic device comprising a mask, the method comprising:
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identifying a patient having an implant comprising a photochromic polymer mask, the photochromic polymer mask comprising a transition portion configured to switch between a first degree of opacity and a second degree of opacity in response to application of an external stimulus, the transition portion configured to remain locked into the second degree of opacity after removal of the external stimulus until another application of the external stimulus, the transition portion then returning to the first degree of opacity; and applying an external stimulus sufficient to switch the transition portion between the first degree of opacity and the second degree of opacity. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of making an ophthalmic device comprising a mask, the method comprising:
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forming an intraocular mask, the intraocular mask comprising a photochromic chromophore within a polymer matrix, the photochromic chromophore configured to rotate between a first state wherein the intraocular mask comprises a first degree of opacity and a second state wherein the intraocular mask comprises a second degree of opacity, the photochromic chromophore configured to rotate only when the polymer matrix has passed through a glass transition from a brittle state into a molten state in response to application of an external stimulus, the polymer matrix configured to return to the brittle state upon removal of the external stimulus and remain locked in the brittle state until another application of the external stimulus; and forming an aperture in the intraocular mask, the aperture configured to transmit substantially all visible light along an optical axis of an eye. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification