USRE35974E - Method for corneal curvature variations - Google Patents
Method for corneal curvature variations Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- USRE35974E USRE35974E US08/632,053 US63205396A USRE35974E US RE35974 E USRE35974 E US RE35974E US 63205396 A US63205396 A US 63205396A US RE35974 E USRE35974 E US RE35974E
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- icr
- refractive correction
- eye
- diopters
- circular channel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
- A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
- A61F9/013—Instruments for compensation of ocular refraction ; Instruments for use in cornea removal, for reshaping or performing incisions in the cornea
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/14—Eye parts, e.g. lenses, corneal implants; Implanting instruments specially adapted therefor; Artificial eyes
- A61F2/147—Implants to be inserted in the stroma for refractive correction, e.g. ring-like implants
Definitions
- This invention is in the general field of medical technology and relates specifically to a method for varying corneal curvature in order to correct vision problems.
- Anomalies in the shape of the eye can cause visual disorders. Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short. In such a case, parallel rays from greater than 20 feet focus behind the retina. Myopia, on the other hand occurs when the eyeball is too long. The focus of parallel rays in this case is in front of the retina. Astigmatism is a condition in which the parallel rays of light do not come to a single point, but rather have a variable focus due to the fact that the cornea as aspherical and refracts light in a different meridian at different distances. Some degree of astigmatism is normal, but where it is too high, it must often be corrected.
- Hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism are usually corrected by glasses or contact lenses.
- Surgical methods for the correction of such disorders have been cited in the literature and include radial keratotomy (see e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,815,463 and 4,688,570) and laser corneal oblation (see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,093).
- the general method of implanting rings in the corneal stroma to change the curvature of the cornea is known.
- Previous work involving the implantation of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) rings, allograft corneal tissue and hydrogels is well documented.
- PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
- One of the ring devices involves a ring design that allows a split ring to be inserted into a channel dissected in the stromal layer of the cornea using a minimally invasive incision through which the channel for the implant is created and through which the implant is inserted and adjusted. Adjustment of the device normally involves in adjustment of ring size or diameter.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,235 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes a method and apparatus for corneal curvature adjustment.
- the method involves inserting one end of a split end adjusting ring into the cornea of the eye and moving the ring in a circular path until its ends meet.
- the ends are thereafter adjusted relative to each other until the shape of the eye has assumed a desired curvature whereupon the ends are fixedly attached to maintain the desired curvature of the cornea.
- the present invention describes a method that allows for the refractive correction of the eye wherein the curvature of the cornea is changed by inserting rings of varying thickness into the corneal stroma.
- One aspect of the invention is a method for refractive correction of an eye for the purpose of improving the vision of the eye without adversely affecting its natural asphericity.
- the amount of correction necessary for improving the vision of the eye is determined.
- an intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) of a thickness that will provide the determined amount of refractive correction is selected from a plurality of rings of varying thickness.
- the ring is inserted into the corneal stroma of the eye.
- a second aspect of the invention is a method for correcting myopia in the human eye.
- the amount of refractive correction necessary for correcting the myopia is determined.
- an ICR of a thickness that will provide the determined amount of refractive correction is selected from a plurality of rings of varying thickness.
- the ring is inserted into the corneal stroma of the eye.
- a further aspect of the invention is a method for alleviating excessive astigmatism in the human eye.
- the amount of refractive correction necessary for alleviating the excessive astigmatism is determined.
- an ICR of a thickness that will provide the determined amount of refractive correction is selected from a plurality of rings of varying thickness.
- the ring is inserted into the corneal stroma of the eye.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a horizontal section of the eye.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the anterior portion of the eye showing the various layers of the cornea.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a normal eye.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a myopic eye.
- FIG. 5A is a plan view of an ICR of the invention.
- FIG. 5B is an cross sectional view of an ICR of the invention.
- FIG. 6 shows the effect of ICR thickness on refraction.
- FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D show the change in asphericity when an ICR is implanted into a cadaver eye.
- FIG. 1 shows a horizontal section of the eye with the globe 11 of the eye resembling a sphere with an anterior bulged spherical portion representing the cornea 12.
- the globe 11 of the eye consists of three concentric coverings enclosing the various transparent media through which the light must pass before reaching the sensitive retina 18.
- the outermost covering is a fibrous protective portion the posterior five-sixths of which is white and opaque and called the sclera 13, and sometimes referred to as the white of the eye where visible to the front.
- the anterior one-sixth of this outer layer is the transparent cornea 12.
- a middle covering is mainly vascular and nutritive in function and is comprised of the choroid 14, ciliary body 16 and iris 17.
- the choroid 14 generally functions to maintain the retina 18.
- the ciliary body 16 is involved in suspending the lens 21 and accommodation of the lens.
- the iris 17 is the most anterior portion of the middle covering of the eye and is arranged in a frontal plane. It is a thin circular disc corresponding to the diaphragm of a camera, and is perforated near its center by a circular aperture called the pupil 19.
- the size of the pupil varies to regulate the amount of light which reaches the retina 1. It contracts also to accommodation, which serves to sharpen the focus by diminishing spherical aberration.
- the iris 17 divides the space between the cornea 12 and the lens 21 into an anterior chamber 22 and posterior chamber 18.
- the innermost portion of covering is the retina 18, consisting of nerve elements which form the true receptive portion for visual impressions.
- the retina 18 is a part of the brain arising as an outgrowth from the fore-brain, with the optic nerve 24 serving as a fiber tract connecting the retina part of the brain with the fore-brain.
- a layer of rods and cones, lying just beneath a pigmented epithelium on the anterior wall of the retina serve as visual cells or photoreceptors which transform physical energy (light) into nerve impulses.
- the vitreous body 26 is a transparent gelatinous mass which fills the posterior four-fifths of the globe 11. At its sides it supports the ciliary body 16 and the retina 18. A frontal saucer-shaped depression houses the lens.
- the lens 21 of the eye is a transparent bi-convex body of crystalline appearance placed between the iris 17 and vitreous body 26. Its axial diameter varies markedly with accommodation.
- a ciliary zonule 27, consisting of transparent fibers passing between the ciliary body 16 and lens 21 serves to hold the lens 21 in position and enables the ciliary muscle to act on it.
- this outermost fibrous transparent coating resembles at watch glass. Its curvature is somewhat greater than the rest of the globe and is ideally spherical in nature. However, often it is more curved in one meridian than another giving rise to astigmatism. A central third of the cornea is called the optical zone with a slight flattening taking place outwardly thereof as the cornea thickens towards its periphery. Most of the refraction of the eye takes place through the corners.
- a more detailed drawing of the anterior portion of the globe shows the various layers of the cornea 12 comprising an epithelium 31.
- Epithelial cells on the surface thereof function to maintain transparency of the cornea 12.
- These epithdial cells are rich in glycogen, enzymes and acetylcholine and their activity regulates the corneal corpuscles and controls the transport of water and electrolytes through the lamellae of the stroma 32 of the cornea 12.
- An anterior limiting lamina 33 referred to as Bowman's membrane or layer, is positioned between the epithelium 31 and the stroma 32 of the cornea.
- the stroma 32 is comprised of lamella having bands of fibrils parallel to each other and crossing the whole of the cornea. While most of the fibrous bands are parallel to the surface, some are oblique especially anteriorly.
- a posterior limiting lamina 34 is referred to as Descemet's membrane. It is a strong membrane sharply defined from the stroma 32 and resistant to pathological processes of the cornea.
- the endothelium 36 is the most posterior layer of the cornea and consists of a single layer of cells.
- the limbus 37 is the transition zone between the conjunctiva 38 and sclera 13 on the one hand and the cornea 12 on the other.
- FIG. 3 shows the globe of the eye having a cornea 12 with a normal curvature 41. If parallel rays of light pass through the corneal surface of FIG. 3, they are refracted by the corneal surfaces to converge eventually near the retina of the eye.
- the diagram of FIG. 3 discounts, for the purposes of this discussion, the refractive effect of the lens or other portions of the eye.
- the eye depicted in FIG. 4 is myopic.
- the corneal curvature 43 causes the light rays to refract into focus at a point in the vitreous body which is short of the retinal surface. If an ICR is implanted into the chord of the cornea such that the radius of curvature of the cornea is uniformly increased, the central curvature of the cornea is flattened. Light rays refracted by the now flattened corneal surface will be refracted at a smaller angle and thus converge at a more distant point such as directly on the retina.
- the method of the present invention is concerned with a system for adjusting an annular chord of the cornea to increase the radius of curvature of the cornea without adversely affecting its natural asphericity. Where there is serious astigmatism, the natural asphericity will not be altered such that the astigmatism will be significantly increased. However, where there is significant astigmatism that results in impaired vision, the method of the invention may actually improve the asphericity to reduce such astigmatism and improved vision.
- ICR intrastromal corneal ring
- the thickness of the ring may be between 0.05 mm and 0.60 mm. Such a ring placed approximately at the 8 mm chord of the cornea provides a means for making such a corrective adjustment.
- FIG. 5A shows a preferred ICR of the invention.
- the ICR is comprised of a generally circular member having split end portions.
- the ring is comprised of a material which has sufficient stiffness to maintain its generally circular shape. The material should have properties that render it physiologically compatible with the tissue of the corneal.
- An illustrative mail is a plastic type material sold under the trade name of PLEXIGLASSTM, however many other biocompatible polymers are useful in the invention.
- the cross sectional shape of the rings is that of FIG. 5B and is generally dimensioned to be about 1 mm from point to point (dimension x) and from about 0.05 mm to 0.60 mm in thickness (dimension y).
- the method of the present invention may be useful to alleviate excessive astigmatism.
- the physician will determine the amount of corrective refraction necessary to improve a patient's vision. From the determination of necessary corrective refraction, the physician will choose an ICR from a panel of ICRs of varying thickness.
- a typical panel of ICRs will consist of 5 ICRs with the following thicknesses: 0.05 mm, 0.30 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.40 mm and 0.45 mm.
- the corrective refraction for those ICRs are as follows: between 1.0 and 2.0 diopters for the 0.25 mm ICR, between 2.0 and 4.0 diopters for the 0.30 mm ICR between 4.0 and 8.0 diopters for the 0.35 mm ICR, between 6.0 and 10.0 diopters for the 0.40 mm ICR, and between 8.0 and 15.0 diopters for the 0.45 mm ICR. It should be noted that these values are for ICRs of cross sectional shape shown in FIG. 5B. The amount of corrective refraction for the various thicknesses of ICRs of different cross setional shaped rings may differ from those values.
- the physician After the physician has selected the appropriate ICR, he/she will proceed to insert the ICR into the corneal stroma of the eye.
- the ICR is inserted through a 2.5 mm oblique keratotomy incision placed peripherally into the corneal stroma.
- a channeling blade Prior to ring insertion, a channeling blade is inserted at the depth of the incision and a circular channel is cut into the corneal stroma. Proper centering of the cut is accomplished by use of a centering device that aligns the channeling blade.
- the ring is then inserted and the ends are secured by fastening one end to the other.
- ICR's of 0.26, 0.31, 0.36, 0.41 and 0.46 mm thickness were implanted into deturgesced cadaver eyes.
- the average spherical radii of curvature were measured using a Kerametrics Class II Corneal Surface Analyzer which uses laser holographic interferometry to measure corneal topography.
- the results of this study are shown in FIG. 6.
- the corneal flattening relationship is approximately linear. That is, there is approximately 1 diopter of flattening for each 0.02 mm increase in ICR thickness for the given range of ICR sizes.
- the corneal topography of an eye was measured before and after ICR implantation using the Kerametrics Class II Corneal Surface Analyzer.
- the Analyzer uses laser holographic interferometry to measure corneal topography.
- the results of these measurements are presented in units of waves of deviation from spherical in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D for an ICR of 0.30 mm thickness.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B show the cornea of a cadaver prior to ICR implantation.
- FIGS. 7C and 7D show the same cornea after implantation of an ICR of 0.30 mm thickness.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Cardiology (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Transplantation (AREA)
- Prostheses (AREA)
- Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
- Eye Examination Apparatus (AREA)
- Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
Abstract
A method for refractive correction of the eye in order to improve the vision of the eye while not adversely affecting its natural asphericity is described. The method involves determining the amount of correction necessary, selecting an intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) of appropriate thickness to obtain the necessary correction from a selection of ICRs of varying thickness, and inserting the ICR into the corneal stroma. The method may be useful for the correction of mypoia and excessive astigmatism.
Description
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/820,422, filed Jan. 14, 1992 now abandoned.
This invention is in the general field of medical technology and relates specifically to a method for varying corneal curvature in order to correct vision problems.
Anomalies in the shape of the eye can cause visual disorders. Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short. In such a case, parallel rays from greater than 20 feet focus behind the retina. Myopia, on the other hand occurs when the eyeball is too long. The focus of parallel rays in this case is in front of the retina. Astigmatism is a condition in which the parallel rays of light do not come to a single point, but rather have a variable focus due to the fact that the cornea as aspherical and refracts light in a different meridian at different distances. Some degree of astigmatism is normal, but where it is too high, it must often be corrected.
Hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism are usually corrected by glasses or contact lenses. Surgical methods for the correction of such disorders have been cited in the literature and include radial keratotomy (see e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,815,463 and 4,688,570) and laser corneal oblation (see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,093). Further, the general method of implanting rings in the corneal stroma to change the curvature of the cornea is known. Previous work involving the implantation of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) rings, allograft corneal tissue and hydrogels is well documented. One of the ring devices involves a ring design that allows a split ring to be inserted into a channel dissected in the stromal layer of the cornea using a minimally invasive incision through which the channel for the implant is created and through which the implant is inserted and adjusted. Adjustment of the device normally involves in adjustment of ring size or diameter.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,235, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes a method and apparatus for corneal curvature adjustment. The method involves inserting one end of a split end adjusting ring into the cornea of the eye and moving the ring in a circular path until its ends meet. The ends are thereafter adjusted relative to each other until the shape of the eye has assumed a desired curvature whereupon the ends are fixedly attached to maintain the desired curvature of the cornea.
The present invention describes a method that allows for the refractive correction of the eye wherein the curvature of the cornea is changed by inserting rings of varying thickness into the corneal stroma.
One aspect of the invention is a method for refractive correction of an eye for the purpose of improving the vision of the eye without adversely affecting its natural asphericity. The amount of correction necessary for improving the vision of the eye is determined. Next, an intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) of a thickness that will provide the determined amount of refractive correction is selected from a plurality of rings of varying thickness. Finally, the ring is inserted into the corneal stroma of the eye.
A second aspect of the invention is a method for correcting myopia in the human eye. The amount of refractive correction necessary for correcting the myopia is determined. Next, an ICR of a thickness that will provide the determined amount of refractive correction is selected from a plurality of rings of varying thickness. Finally, the ring is inserted into the corneal stroma of the eye.
A further aspect of the invention is a method for alleviating excessive astigmatism in the human eye. The amount of refractive correction necessary for alleviating the excessive astigmatism is determined. Next, an ICR of a thickness that will provide the determined amount of refractive correction is selected from a plurality of rings of varying thickness. Finally, the ring is inserted into the corneal stroma of the eye.
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a horizontal section of the eye.
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the anterior portion of the eye showing the various layers of the cornea.
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a normal eye.
FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a myopic eye.
FIG. 5A is a plan view of an ICR of the invention.
FIG. 5B is an cross sectional view of an ICR of the invention.
FIG. 6 shows the effect of ICR thickness on refraction.
FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D show the change in asphericity when an ICR is implanted into a cadaver eye.
Like elements in the drawings bear the same reference numerals.
FIG. 1 shows a horizontal section of the eye with the globe 11 of the eye resembling a sphere with an anterior bulged spherical portion representing the cornea 12.
The globe 11 of the eye consists of three concentric coverings enclosing the various transparent media through which the light must pass before reaching the sensitive retina 18. The outermost covering is a fibrous protective portion the posterior five-sixths of which is white and opaque and called the sclera 13, and sometimes referred to as the white of the eye where visible to the front. The anterior one-sixth of this outer layer is the transparent cornea 12.
A middle covering is mainly vascular and nutritive in function and is comprised of the choroid 14, ciliary body 16 and iris 17. The choroid 14 generally functions to maintain the retina 18. The ciliary body 16 is involved in suspending the lens 21 and accommodation of the lens. The iris 17 is the most anterior portion of the middle covering of the eye and is arranged in a frontal plane. It is a thin circular disc corresponding to the diaphragm of a camera, and is perforated near its center by a circular aperture called the pupil 19. The size of the pupil varies to regulate the amount of light which reaches the retina 1. It contracts also to accommodation, which serves to sharpen the focus by diminishing spherical aberration. The iris 17 divides the space between the cornea 12 and the lens 21 into an anterior chamber 22 and posterior chamber 18. The innermost portion of covering is the retina 18, consisting of nerve elements which form the true receptive portion for visual impressions.
The retina 18 is a part of the brain arising as an outgrowth from the fore-brain, with the optic nerve 24 serving as a fiber tract connecting the retina part of the brain with the fore-brain. A layer of rods and cones, lying just beneath a pigmented epithelium on the anterior wall of the retina serve as visual cells or photoreceptors which transform physical energy (light) into nerve impulses.
The vitreous body 26 is a transparent gelatinous mass which fills the posterior four-fifths of the globe 11. At its sides it supports the ciliary body 16 and the retina 18. A frontal saucer-shaped depression houses the lens.
The lens 21 of the eye is a transparent bi-convex body of crystalline appearance placed between the iris 17 and vitreous body 26. Its axial diameter varies markedly with accommodation. A ciliary zonule 27, consisting of transparent fibers passing between the ciliary body 16 and lens 21 serves to hold the lens 21 in position and enables the ciliary muscle to act on it.
Referring again to the cornea 12, this outermost fibrous transparent coating resembles at watch glass. Its curvature is somewhat greater than the rest of the globe and is ideally spherical in nature. However, often it is more curved in one meridian than another giving rise to astigmatism. A central third of the cornea is called the optical zone with a slight flattening taking place outwardly thereof as the cornea thickens towards its periphery. Most of the refraction of the eye takes place through the corners.
Referring to FIG. 2, a more detailed drawing of the anterior portion of the globe shows the various layers of the cornea 12 comprising an epithelium 31. Epithelial cells on the surface thereof function to maintain transparency of the cornea 12. These epithdial cells are rich in glycogen, enzymes and acetylcholine and their activity regulates the corneal corpuscles and controls the transport of water and electrolytes through the lamellae of the stroma 32 of the cornea 12.
An anterior limiting lamina 33, referred to as Bowman's membrane or layer, is positioned between the epithelium 31 and the stroma 32 of the cornea. The stroma 32 is comprised of lamella having bands of fibrils parallel to each other and crossing the whole of the cornea. While most of the fibrous bands are parallel to the surface, some are oblique especially anteriorly. A posterior limiting lamina 34 is referred to as Descemet's membrane. It is a strong membrane sharply defined from the stroma 32 and resistant to pathological processes of the cornea.
The endothelium 36 is the most posterior layer of the cornea and consists of a single layer of cells. The limbus 37 is the transition zone between the conjunctiva 38 and sclera 13 on the one hand and the cornea 12 on the other.
FIG. 3 shows the globe of the eye having a cornea 12 with a normal curvature 41. If parallel rays of light pass through the corneal surface of FIG. 3, they are refracted by the corneal surfaces to converge eventually near the retina of the eye. The diagram of FIG. 3 discounts, for the purposes of this discussion, the refractive effect of the lens or other portions of the eye. The eye depicted in FIG. 4 is myopic. The corneal curvature 43 causes the light rays to refract into focus at a point in the vitreous body which is short of the retinal surface. If an ICR is implanted into the chord of the cornea such that the radius of curvature of the cornea is uniformly increased, the central curvature of the cornea is flattened. Light rays refracted by the now flattened corneal surface will be refracted at a smaller angle and thus converge at a more distant point such as directly on the retina.
The method of the present invention is concerned with a system for adjusting an annular chord of the cornea to increase the radius of curvature of the cornea without adversely affecting its natural asphericity. Where there is serious astigmatism, the natural asphericity will not be altered such that the astigmatism will be significantly increased. However, where there is significant astigmatism that results in impaired vision, the method of the invention may actually improve the asphericity to reduce such astigmatism and improved vision. Referring to FIG. 2, an intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) 47, having a cross sectional shape as shown in FIG. 5B is shown implanted in the stromal layer of the cornea. By selecting the thickness of the ring according to the amount of correction necessary, the rays refracted by the cornea and other eye components can be brought to focus directly on the retina 18. The thickness of the ring may be between 0.05 mm and 0.60 mm. Such a ring placed approximately at the 8 mm chord of the cornea provides a means for making such a corrective adjustment.
FIG. 5A shows a preferred ICR of the invention. The ICR is comprised of a generally circular member having split end portions. The ring is comprised of a material which has sufficient stiffness to maintain its generally circular shape. The material should have properties that render it physiologically compatible with the tissue of the corneal. An illustrative mail is a plastic type material sold under the trade name of PLEXIGLASS™, however many other biocompatible polymers are useful in the invention. The cross sectional shape of the rings is that of FIG. 5B and is generally dimensioned to be about 1 mm from point to point (dimension x) and from about 0.05 mm to 0.60 mm in thickness (dimension y).
Even where the eye is not myopic, the method of the present invention may be useful to alleviate excessive astigmatism.
In the method of the invention, the physician will determine the amount of corrective refraction necessary to improve a patient's vision. From the determination of necessary corrective refraction, the physician will choose an ICR from a panel of ICRs of varying thickness. A typical panel of ICRs will consist of 5 ICRs with the following thicknesses: 0.05 mm, 0.30 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.40 mm and 0.45 mm. The corrective refraction for those ICRs are as follows: between 1.0 and 2.0 diopters for the 0.25 mm ICR, between 2.0 and 4.0 diopters for the 0.30 mm ICR between 4.0 and 8.0 diopters for the 0.35 mm ICR, between 6.0 and 10.0 diopters for the 0.40 mm ICR, and between 8.0 and 15.0 diopters for the 0.45 mm ICR. It should be noted that these values are for ICRs of cross sectional shape shown in FIG. 5B. The amount of corrective refraction for the various thicknesses of ICRs of different cross setional shaped rings may differ from those values.
After the physician has selected the appropriate ICR, he/she will proceed to insert the ICR into the corneal stroma of the eye. The ICR is inserted through a 2.5 mm oblique keratotomy incision placed peripherally into the corneal stroma. Prior to ring insertion, a channeling blade is inserted at the depth of the incision and a circular channel is cut into the corneal stroma. Proper centering of the cut is accomplished by use of a centering device that aligns the channeling blade. The ring is then inserted and the ends are secured by fastening one end to the other.
The following examples are intended to further illustrate but not to limit the invention in any manner.
In order to define the corneal topography that results from the ICR thickness effect, ICR's of 0.26, 0.31, 0.36, 0.41 and 0.46 mm thickness were implanted into deturgesced cadaver eyes. The average spherical radii of curvature were measured using a Kerametrics Class II Corneal Surface Analyzer which uses laser holographic interferometry to measure corneal topography. The results of this study are shown in FIG. 6. Excluding the data from the 0.41 ICR wherein an air bubble artifact was discovered, the corneal flattening relationship is approximately linear. That is, there is approximately 1 diopter of flattening for each 0.02 mm increase in ICR thickness for the given range of ICR sizes.
In order to determine the effect of ICR's on the natural asphericity of the cornea, the corneal topography of an eye was measured before and after ICR implantation using the Kerametrics Class II Corneal Surface Analyzer. The Analyzer uses laser holographic interferometry to measure corneal topography. The results of these measurements are presented in units of waves of deviation from spherical in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D for an ICR of 0.30 mm thickness. These curves exaggerate the topographical deviations from a spherical surface yet measure the entire corneal surface to a high degree of accuracy. The measurement of the cornea before and after implantation of the ICR indicates that the natural asphericity of the cornea is not eliminated and that the central portion of the cornea becomes more symmetrical as indicated by the profiles measured at 0 degrees (the top of the cornea) and a point 90 degrees removed. FIGS. 7A and 7B show the cornea of a cadaver prior to ICR implantation. FIGS. 7C and 7D show the same cornea after implantation of an ICR of 0.30 mm thickness.
Four human patients were implanted with 0.30 mm intrastromal corneal rings. The visions of the patients prior to surgery were measured to be: 20/400, 20/400 , 20/200 , and 20/400. Twelve hours following surgery the visions had improved to 20/15, 20/30, 20/40, and 20/30.There was no serious trauma to the eyes of any of the four patients.
Modifications of the above described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to persons of skill in the fields of medicine, ophthalmology, optometry and/or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method for refractive correction of a human eye for the purpose of improving the vision of said eye without adversely affecting its natural asphericity, said method comprising:
(a) determining an amount of refractive correction necessary for improved vision in said eye;
(b) providing a plurality of intrastromal corneal rings (ICRs) of varying thickness;
(c) selecting from said plurality of ICRs an ICR of a thickness that provides said amount of refractive correction; and
(d) inserting the selected ICR into the corneal stroma of said eye.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the thickness of the ICR is between 0.05 and 0.60 mm.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the refractive correction is between 1.0 and 18.0 diopters.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the refractive correction is between 1.0 and 2.0 diopters and the ICR is 0.25 mm thick.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the refractive correction is between 2.0 and 4.0 diopters and the ICR is 0.30 mm thick.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the refractive correction is between 4.0 and 8.0 diopters and the ICR is 0.35 mm thick.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the refractive correction is between 6.0 and 10.0 diopters and the ICR is 0.40 mm thick.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the refractive correction is between 8.0 and 15.0 diopters and the ICR is 0.45 mm thick.
9. A method for correcting myopia in a human eye, said method comprising:
(a) determining an amount of refractive correction necessary to correct said myopia;
(b) providing a plurality of intrastromal corneal rings (ICRs) of varying thickness;
(c) selecting from said plurality of ICRs an ICR of a thickness that provides said amount of refractive correction; and
(d) inserting the selected ICR into the corneal stroma of the eye.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the thickness of the ICR is between 0.05 and 0.60 mm.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the refractive correction is between 1.0 and 18.0 diopters.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein the refractive correction is between 1.0 and 2.0 diopters and the ICR is 0.5 mm thick.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein the refractive correction is between 2.0 and 4.0 diopters and the ICR is 0.30 mm thick.
14. The method of claim 9 wherein the refractive correction is between 4.0 and 8.0 diopters and the ICR is 0.35 mm thick.
15. The method of claim 9 wherein the refractive correction is between 6.0 and 10.0 diopters and the ICR is 0.40 mm thick.
16. The method of claim 9 wherein the refractive correction is between 8.0 and 15.0 diopters and the ICR is 0.45 mm thick.
17. A method for alleviating excessive astigmatism in a human eye said method comprising:
(a) determining an amount of refractive correction necessary for alleviating the excessive astigmatism in said eye;
(b) providing a plurality of intrastromal corneal rings (ICRs) of varying thickness;
(c) selecting from said plurality of ICRs an ICR of a thickness that provides said amount of refractive correction; and
(d) inserting the selected ICR into the corneal stroma of the eye.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the intrastromal corneal ring has a thickness of between about 0.05 and 0.60 mm. .Iadd.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein the inserting the selected ICR into the corneal stroma of the eye includes the steps of
(d1) placing a keratotomy incision peripherally into the corneal stroma;
(d2) inserting a channelling blade into the incision and cutting a circular channel into the corneal stroma;
(d3) removing the channelling blade from the circular channel; and
(d4) inserting the selected ICR into the channel, the selected ICR being in the form of a generally circular member having split end portions, said inserting the selected ICR into the circular channel being effected by inserting one of the split end portions into the circular channel and threading the remainder of the ICR into the circular channel following the split end portion. .Iaddend..Iadd.20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of
(d5) securing the split ends to one another. .Iaddend..Iadd.21. The method of claim 9 wherein the inserting the selected ICR into the corneal stroma of the eye includes the steps of
(d1) placing a keratotomy incision peripherally into the corneal stroma;
(d2) inserting a channelling blade into the incision and cutting a circular channel into the corneal stroma;
(d3) removing the channelling blade from the circular channel; and
(d4) inserting the selected ICR into the channel, the selected ICR being in the form of a generally circular member having split end portions, said inserting the selected ICR into the circular channel being effected by inserting one of the split end portions into the circular channel and threading the remainder of the ICR into the circular channel following the split end portion. .Iaddend..Iadd.22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of
(d5) securing the split ends to one another. .Iaddend..Iadd.23. The method of claim 17 wherein the inserting the selected ICR into the corneal stroma of the eye includes the steps of
(d1) placing a keratotomy incision peripherally into the corneal stroma;
(d2) inserting a channelling blade into the incision and cutting a circular channel into the corneal stroma;
(d3) removing the channelling blade from the circular channel; and
(d4) inserting the selected ICR into the channel, the selected ICR being in the form of a generally circular member having split end portions, said inserting the selected ICR into the circular channel being effected by inserting one of the split end portions into the circular channel and threading the remainder of the ICR into the circular channel following the split end portion. .Iaddend..Iadd.24. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of
(d5) securing the split ends to one another. .Iaddend.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/632,053 USRE35974E (en) | 1992-01-14 | 1996-04-10 | Method for corneal curvature variations |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US82042292A | 1992-01-14 | 1992-01-14 | |
US08/059,509 US5318047A (en) | 1992-01-14 | 1993-05-10 | Method for corneal curvature variation |
US08/632,053 USRE35974E (en) | 1992-01-14 | 1996-04-10 | Method for corneal curvature variations |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US82042292A Continuation | 1992-01-14 | 1992-01-14 | |
US08/059,509 Reissue US5318047A (en) | 1992-01-14 | 1993-05-10 | Method for corneal curvature variation |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
USRE35974E true USRE35974E (en) | 1998-12-01 |
Family
ID=25230709
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/059,509 Ceased US5318047A (en) | 1992-01-14 | 1993-05-10 | Method for corneal curvature variation |
US08/632,053 Expired - Lifetime USRE35974E (en) | 1992-01-14 | 1996-04-10 | Method for corneal curvature variations |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/059,509 Ceased US5318047A (en) | 1992-01-14 | 1993-05-10 | Method for corneal curvature variation |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US5318047A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0621763B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3341058B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1082390A (en) |
AT (1) | ATE199821T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU3433693A (en) |
BR (1) | BR9305734A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69330049T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2155448T3 (en) |
SG (2) | SG85138A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1993013724A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6197056B1 (en) * | 1992-07-15 | 2001-03-06 | Ras Holding Corp. | Segmented scleral band for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
WO2001035847A1 (en) * | 1999-11-15 | 2001-05-25 | Visx, Inc. | Uniform large area ablation system and method |
US6508837B1 (en) | 1993-08-02 | 2003-01-21 | Addition Technology, Inc. | Segmented pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert |
US6991650B2 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 2006-01-31 | Refocus Ocular, Inc. | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
US20060036318A1 (en) * | 2004-08-13 | 2006-02-16 | Richard Foulkes | Method and insert for modifying eye color |
US7004953B2 (en) | 2001-07-23 | 2006-02-28 | Fos Holding S.A. | Device for separating the epithelium layer from the surface of the cornea of an eye |
US7008396B1 (en) | 1999-09-03 | 2006-03-07 | Restorvision, Inc. | Ophthalmic device and method of manufacture and use |
US20060241750A1 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2006-10-26 | Ras Holding Corp | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
US20090099654A1 (en) * | 2007-08-02 | 2009-04-16 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis having crossbars for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US8337550B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2012-12-25 | Refocus Ocular, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US8911496B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2014-12-16 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
Families Citing this family (95)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6051023A (en) * | 1987-06-15 | 2000-04-18 | Keravision, Inc. | Corneal curvature adjustment ring and apparatus for making a cornea |
US6966927B1 (en) | 1992-08-07 | 2005-11-22 | Addition Technology, Inc. | Hybrid intrastromal corneal ring |
DE69326024T2 (en) * | 1992-09-03 | 2000-02-24 | Keravision Inc | INTRASTROMAL, CORNAL RING FOR ASTIGMATISM CORRECTION |
US5944752A (en) * | 1992-09-03 | 1999-08-31 | Kera Vision, Inc. | Astigmatic correcting intrastromal corneal insert |
BR9407170A (en) * | 1993-08-02 | 1996-09-17 | Keravision Inc | Segmented foldable intrastromal corneal insertion |
IL110735A (en) * | 1993-08-26 | 1998-04-05 | Keravision | Device for altering corneal refractive properties |
US5803923A (en) * | 1994-09-15 | 1998-09-08 | Jugvir I. Singh-Derewa | Presbyopia correction using a protected space pattern, methods and apparatus |
US6454761B1 (en) * | 1995-01-30 | 2002-09-24 | Philip D. Freedman | Laser surgery device and method |
IL117335A (en) * | 1995-03-02 | 2001-08-08 | Keravision Inc | Corneal implant for changing refractive properties |
US6175754B1 (en) | 1995-06-07 | 2001-01-16 | Keravision, Inc. | Method and apparatus for measuring corneal incisions |
US6125294A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 2000-09-26 | Kera Vision Inc. | Method and apparatus for measuring corneal incisions |
US5785651A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-07-28 | Keravision, Inc. | Distance measuring confocal microscope |
US6280470B1 (en) | 1995-10-20 | 2001-08-28 | Gholam A. Peyman | Intrastromal corneal modification |
US6221067B1 (en) | 1995-10-20 | 2001-04-24 | Gholam A. Peyman | Corneal modification via implantation |
US6551307B2 (en) | 2001-03-23 | 2003-04-22 | Gholam A. Peyman | Vision correction using intrastromal pocket and flap |
US20050143717A1 (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2005-06-30 | Peyman Gholam A. | Method of treatment of refractive errors using subepithelial or intrastromal corneal inlay with bonding coating |
US5964748A (en) | 1995-10-20 | 1999-10-12 | Peyman; Gholam A. | Intrastromal corneal modification |
US5722971A (en) * | 1995-10-20 | 1998-03-03 | Peyman; Gholam A. | Intrastromal corneal modification |
US6989008B2 (en) | 2001-03-23 | 2006-01-24 | Minu Llc | Adjustable ablatable inlay |
US6203538B1 (en) | 1995-11-03 | 2001-03-20 | Gholam A. Peyman | Intrastromal corneal modification |
US7655002B2 (en) | 1996-03-21 | 2010-02-02 | Second Sight Laser Technologies, Inc. | Lenticular refractive surgery of presbyopia, other refractive errors, and cataract retardation |
US5876439A (en) * | 1996-12-09 | 1999-03-02 | Micooptix, Llc | Method and appartus for adjusting corneal curvature using a fluid-filled corneal ring |
US5733334A (en) * | 1996-12-09 | 1998-03-31 | Microoptix | Method and apparatus for adjusting corneal curvature |
US5855604A (en) * | 1996-12-09 | 1999-01-05 | Microoptix, Llc | Method and apparatus for adjusting corneal curvature using a solid filled corneal ring |
US6228114B1 (en) | 1997-04-01 | 2001-05-08 | Joseph Y. Lee | Adjustable corneal ring |
EP0975281A2 (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 2000-02-02 | Keravision, Inc. | Radial pocket forming and insert positioning instruments, corneal marker, and method for using same |
US6063073A (en) * | 1997-04-25 | 2000-05-16 | Peyman; Gholam A. | Universal implant blank for modifying corneal curvature and methods of modifying corneal curvature therewith |
US6231583B1 (en) | 1997-07-09 | 2001-05-15 | Joseph Y. Lee | Corneal circular channel dissecting device |
JP2001513360A (en) | 1997-08-07 | 2001-09-04 | アルコン ラボラトリーズ,インコーポレイティド | Intracorneal diffractive lens |
US20010018612A1 (en) | 1997-08-07 | 2001-08-30 | Carson Daniel R. | Intracorneal lens |
US6050999A (en) * | 1997-12-18 | 2000-04-18 | Keravision, Inc. | Corneal implant introducer and method of use |
US6206919B1 (en) | 1998-01-14 | 2001-03-27 | Joseph Y. Lee | Method and apparatus to correct refractive errors using adjustable corneal arcuate segments |
US6149643A (en) * | 1998-09-04 | 2000-11-21 | Sunrise Technologies International, Inc. | Method and apparatus for exposing a human eye to a controlled pattern of radiation |
WO2000052516A2 (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2000-09-08 | Boston Innovative Optics, Inc. | System and method for increasing the depth of focus of the human eye |
AU5889800A (en) | 1999-06-21 | 2001-01-09 | Keravision, Inc. | Corneal depth measuring system and method |
US6290705B1 (en) | 1999-12-20 | 2001-09-18 | Alcon Universal Ltd. | Irrigating forceps |
US6358262B1 (en) | 1999-11-05 | 2002-03-19 | Alcon Universal Ltd. | Lamellar dissecting instrument |
US6358261B1 (en) | 1999-11-05 | 2002-03-19 | Alcon Universal Ltd. | Lamellar dissecting instrument |
AU2001289038B2 (en) | 2000-09-12 | 2006-05-18 | Revision Optics, Inc. | System for packaging and handling an implant and method of use |
US8668735B2 (en) | 2000-09-12 | 2014-03-11 | Revision Optics, Inc. | Corneal implant storage and delivery devices |
JP3628250B2 (en) * | 2000-11-17 | 2005-03-09 | 株式会社東芝 | Registration / authentication method used in a wireless communication system |
US20050182488A1 (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2005-08-18 | Peyman Gholam A. | Implant and method for altering the refractive properties of the eye |
US20050182489A1 (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2005-08-18 | Peyman Gholam A. | Intraocular lens adapted for adjustment via laser after implantation |
US20050222679A1 (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2005-10-06 | Peyman Gholam A | Bifocal implant and method for altering the refractive properties of the eye |
US20070265650A1 (en) * | 2001-07-23 | 2007-11-15 | Ioannis Pallikaris | Device for separating the epithelial layer from the surface of the cornea of an eye |
WO2003009789A1 (en) * | 2001-07-23 | 2003-02-06 | Fos Holding S.A. | Device for separating the epithelium layer from the surface of the cornea of an eye |
US6623522B2 (en) * | 2001-11-07 | 2003-09-23 | Alok Nigam | Myopic corneal ring with central accommodating portion |
US6786926B2 (en) | 2001-11-09 | 2004-09-07 | Minu, L.L.C. | Method and apparatus for alignment of intracorneal inlay |
US20030199978A1 (en) * | 2002-04-17 | 2003-10-23 | Lindsey Raymie H. | Stable anterior chamber phakic lens |
EP1569586A1 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2005-09-07 | Sightrate B.V. | Disposable separator for separating the epithelium layer from the cornea of an eye |
US20040260321A1 (en) * | 2002-12-19 | 2004-12-23 | Ming-Kok Tai | Apparatus and method for separating the epithelium layer from the cornea of an eye without corneal pre-applanation |
US7628810B2 (en) | 2003-05-28 | 2009-12-08 | Acufocus, Inc. | Mask configured to maintain nutrient transport without producing visible diffraction patterns |
US20050046794A1 (en) | 2003-06-17 | 2005-03-03 | Silvestrini Thomas A. | Method and apparatus for aligning a mask with the visual axis of an eye |
EP1689335A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2006-08-16 | Sightrate B.V. | Device for separation of corneal epithelium |
US20050106270A1 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2005-05-19 | Devore Dale P. | Chemical treatment of in vivo tissue to alter charge and net charge density characteristics |
US7776086B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2010-08-17 | Revision Optics, Inc. | Aspherical corneal implant |
US8057541B2 (en) | 2006-02-24 | 2011-11-15 | Revision Optics, Inc. | Method of using small diameter intracorneal inlays to treat visual impairment |
US10835371B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2020-11-17 | Rvo 2.0, Inc. | Small diameter corneal inlay methods |
US7976577B2 (en) | 2005-04-14 | 2011-07-12 | Acufocus, Inc. | Corneal optic formed of degradation resistant polymer |
US8262646B2 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2012-09-11 | Lensar, Inc. | System and method for providing the shaped structural weakening of the human lens with a laser |
US9375349B2 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2016-06-28 | Lensar, Llc | System and method for providing laser shot patterns to the lens of an eye |
US9889043B2 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2018-02-13 | Lensar, Inc. | System and apparatus for delivering a laser beam to the lens of an eye |
US10842675B2 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2020-11-24 | Lensar, Inc. | System and method for treating the structure of the human lens with a laser |
US9545338B2 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2017-01-17 | Lensar, Llc. | System and method for improving the accommodative amplitude and increasing the refractive power of the human lens with a laser |
US10555805B2 (en) | 2006-02-24 | 2020-02-11 | Rvo 2.0, Inc. | Anterior corneal shapes and methods of providing the shapes |
US8394140B2 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2013-03-12 | Addition Technology, Inc. | Pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert for corneal abnormalities or dystrophies |
US9549848B2 (en) | 2007-03-28 | 2017-01-24 | Revision Optics, Inc. | Corneal implant inserters and methods of use |
US8162953B2 (en) | 2007-03-28 | 2012-04-24 | Revision Optics, Inc. | Insertion system for corneal implants |
US9271828B2 (en) | 2007-03-28 | 2016-03-01 | Revision Optics, Inc. | Corneal implant retaining devices and methods of use |
US9539143B2 (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2017-01-10 | Revision Optics, Inc. | Methods of correcting vision |
JP2011516180A (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2011-05-26 | レヴィジオン・オプティックス・インコーポレーテッド | Corneal inlay design and method for correcting vision |
US20090306773A1 (en) * | 2008-06-04 | 2009-12-10 | Acufocus, Inc. | Opaque corneal insert for refractive correction |
US8500723B2 (en) | 2008-07-25 | 2013-08-06 | Lensar, Inc. | Liquid filled index matching device for ophthalmic laser procedures |
US8480659B2 (en) | 2008-07-25 | 2013-07-09 | Lensar, Inc. | Method and system for removal and replacement of lens material from the lens of an eye |
US8758332B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2014-06-24 | Lensar, Inc. | Laser system and method for performing and sealing corneal incisions in the eye |
US8382745B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2013-02-26 | Lensar, Inc. | Laser system and method for astigmatic corrections in association with cataract treatment |
US8617146B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2013-12-31 | Lensar, Inc. | Laser system and method for correction of induced astigmatism |
US8465478B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2013-06-18 | Lensar, Inc. | System and method for performing LADAR assisted procedures on the lens of an eye |
US9492272B2 (en) | 2009-08-13 | 2016-11-15 | Acufocus, Inc. | Masked intraocular implants and lenses |
USD656526S1 (en) | 2009-11-10 | 2012-03-27 | Acufocus, Inc. | Ocular mask |
US8556425B2 (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2013-10-15 | Lensar, Inc. | Purkinjie image-based alignment of suction ring in ophthalmic applications |
US8469948B2 (en) | 2010-08-23 | 2013-06-25 | Revision Optics, Inc. | Methods and devices for forming corneal channels |
ES2937241T3 (en) | 2010-10-15 | 2023-03-27 | Lensar Inc | System and method of illumination controlled by scanning structures within an eye |
USD695408S1 (en) | 2010-10-15 | 2013-12-10 | Lensar, Inc. | Laser system for treatment of the eye |
USD694890S1 (en) | 2010-10-15 | 2013-12-03 | Lensar, Inc. | Laser system for treatment of the eye |
US10463541B2 (en) | 2011-03-25 | 2019-11-05 | Lensar, Inc. | System and method for correcting astigmatism using multiple paired arcuate laser generated corneal incisions |
US9345569B2 (en) | 2011-10-21 | 2016-05-24 | Revision Optics, Inc. | Corneal implant storage and delivery devices |
US9393154B2 (en) | 2011-10-28 | 2016-07-19 | Raymond I Myers | Laser methods for creating an antioxidant sink in the crystalline lens for the maintenance of eye health and physiology and slowing presbyopia development |
US9545303B2 (en) | 2011-12-02 | 2017-01-17 | Acufocus, Inc. | Ocular mask having selective spectral transmission |
US10265161B2 (en) | 2012-08-07 | 2019-04-23 | Regeneye L. L. C. | Ocular collar stent for treating narrowing of the irideocorneal angle |
US9308082B2 (en) | 2012-08-07 | 2016-04-12 | RegenEye, L.L.C. | Ocular collar stent for treating narrowing of the irideocorneal angle |
US9974645B2 (en) | 2012-08-07 | 2018-05-22 | RegenEye, L.L.C. | Method of reducing the occurrence of macular and neuroretinal degenerations by alleviating age related retinal stresses as a contributing factor in a mammalian eye |
US9204962B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2015-12-08 | Acufocus, Inc. | In situ adjustable optical mask |
US9427922B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-08-30 | Acufocus, Inc. | Process for manufacturing an intraocular lens with an embedded mask |
WO2016144404A1 (en) | 2015-03-12 | 2016-09-15 | Revision Optics, Inc. | Methods of correcting vision |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4298004A (en) * | 1979-02-27 | 1981-11-03 | Schachar Ronald A | Surgical method for altering the curvature of the cornea of rabbits |
US4452235A (en) * | 1982-01-04 | 1984-06-05 | Reynolds Alvin E | Method for corneal curvature adjustment |
US4549529A (en) * | 1985-10-11 | 1985-10-29 | White Thomas C | Myopia alleviation prosthesis |
US4565198A (en) * | 1983-12-27 | 1986-01-21 | Barnes-Hind, Inc. | Method for altering the curvature of the cornea |
US4607617A (en) * | 1980-08-05 | 1986-08-26 | Choyce David P | Apparatus and method for improving eyesight |
US4646720A (en) * | 1985-03-12 | 1987-03-03 | Peyman Gholam A | Optical assembly permanently attached to the cornea |
US4688570A (en) * | 1981-03-09 | 1987-08-25 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Ophthalmologic surgical instrument |
US4815463A (en) * | 1983-12-21 | 1989-03-28 | Laboratoire Hydron | Surgical apparatus for radial keratotomy |
US4907587A (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1990-03-13 | Fedorov Svjatoslav N | Method for surgical correction of mixed and hypermetropic astigmatism and a device for carrying same into effect |
US4941093A (en) * | 1985-09-12 | 1990-07-10 | Summit Technology, Inc. | Surface erosion using lasers |
SU1597188A1 (en) * | 1988-07-11 | 1990-10-07 | Оренбургский Государственный Медицинский Институт | Device for fixing eyeball in blochexcision of tumor in postequator part of eye |
US5090955A (en) * | 1990-07-12 | 1992-02-25 | University Of Miami | Gel injection adjustable keratoplasty |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SU388746A1 (en) * | 1971-08-02 | 1973-07-05 | INTRAGROGICAL IMPLANT | |
NL8104900A (en) * | 1981-03-24 | 1982-10-18 | Tennant Jerald Lee | CIRCULAR KERATOTOMY WITH MYOPIA CORRECTION INSERT. |
US4961744A (en) * | 1982-01-04 | 1990-10-09 | Keravision, Inc. | Holder for inserting corneal curvature adjustable ring |
US4671276A (en) * | 1982-01-04 | 1987-06-09 | Kera Associates | Apparatus for corneal curvature adjustment |
JP2766654B2 (en) * | 1987-06-15 | 1998-06-18 | ケラヴィジョン・インコーポレーテッド | Holder for inserting corneal curvature adjustment ring |
US4976719A (en) * | 1988-11-21 | 1990-12-11 | Siepser Steven B | Device used to change corneal curvature |
-
1993
- 1993-01-07 SG SG9905135A patent/SG85138A1/en unknown
- 1993-01-07 WO PCT/US1993/000059 patent/WO1993013724A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1993-01-07 JP JP51253093A patent/JP3341058B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-01-07 BR BR9305734A patent/BR9305734A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-01-07 AU AU34336/93A patent/AU3433693A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-01-07 DE DE69330049T patent/DE69330049T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-01-07 SG SG1996007072A patent/SG49160A1/en unknown
- 1993-01-07 EP EP93902942A patent/EP0621763B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-01-07 AT AT93902942T patent/ATE199821T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-01-07 ES ES93902942T patent/ES2155448T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-01-13 CN CN93101724A patent/CN1082390A/en active Pending
- 1993-05-10 US US08/059,509 patent/US5318047A/en not_active Ceased
-
1996
- 1996-04-10 US US08/632,053 patent/USRE35974E/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4298004A (en) * | 1979-02-27 | 1981-11-03 | Schachar Ronald A | Surgical method for altering the curvature of the cornea of rabbits |
US4607617A (en) * | 1980-08-05 | 1986-08-26 | Choyce David P | Apparatus and method for improving eyesight |
US4688570A (en) * | 1981-03-09 | 1987-08-25 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Ophthalmologic surgical instrument |
US4452235A (en) * | 1982-01-04 | 1984-06-05 | Reynolds Alvin E | Method for corneal curvature adjustment |
US4815463A (en) * | 1983-12-21 | 1989-03-28 | Laboratoire Hydron | Surgical apparatus for radial keratotomy |
US4565198A (en) * | 1983-12-27 | 1986-01-21 | Barnes-Hind, Inc. | Method for altering the curvature of the cornea |
US4646720A (en) * | 1985-03-12 | 1987-03-03 | Peyman Gholam A | Optical assembly permanently attached to the cornea |
US4941093A (en) * | 1985-09-12 | 1990-07-10 | Summit Technology, Inc. | Surface erosion using lasers |
US4549529A (en) * | 1985-10-11 | 1985-10-29 | White Thomas C | Myopia alleviation prosthesis |
SU1597188A1 (en) * | 1988-07-11 | 1990-10-07 | Оренбургский Государственный Медицинский Институт | Device for fixing eyeball in blochexcision of tumor in postequator part of eye |
US4907587A (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1990-03-13 | Fedorov Svjatoslav N | Method for surgical correction of mixed and hypermetropic astigmatism and a device for carrying same into effect |
US5090955A (en) * | 1990-07-12 | 1992-02-25 | University Of Miami | Gel injection adjustable keratoplasty |
Non-Patent Citations (10)
Title |
---|
Blavatskaia, D.E.D., "The use of intralamellar homoplasty in order to reduce refraction of the eye" Uberstzt. Aus. Oftalmol. Zh. (1966) 7:530-537 which was apparently translated to Arch. Soc. Ophthmol. Optom. (1988) 6:31-325. |
Blavatskaia, D.E.D., The use of intralamellar homoplasty in order to reduce refraction of the eye U berstzt. Aus. Oftalmol. Zh . (1966) 7:530 537 which was apparently translated to Arch. Soc. Ophthmol. Optom. (1988) 6:31 325. * |
Hartmann Chr., et al., "Intrastromale Implantation Eines Justierbaren Kunstsoffringes Zur Hornhautrefraktionsanderung", KongreB der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Intraokularlinsen Implantation, delivered by H. Freyler et al., Springer-Verlag, Wien, pp. 465-475. The corresponding English language translation of the article namely, Hartmann, Chr., et al., Intrastromal implantation of an adjustable plastic ring to alter the corneal refraction Congress for German Society for Intraocular Lens Implantation, delivered by H. Freyler et al., (7 pages total). |
Hartmann Chr., et al., Intrastromale Implantation Eines Justierbaren Kunstsoffringes Zur Hornhautrefraktions a nderung , KongreB der Deutschen Gesellschaft f u r Intraokularlinsen Implantation , delivered by H. Freyler et al., Springer Verlag, Wien, pp. 465 475. The corresponding English language translation of the article namely, Hartmann, Chr., et al., Intrastromal implantation of an adjustable plastic ring to alter the corneal refraction Congress for German Society for Intraocular Lens Implantation, delivered by H. Freyler et al., (7 pages total). * |
Sim o n, G., et al., Long term in vivo topographic studies of gel injection adjustable keratoplasty (GIAK) Abstracts : The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology , Annual Meeting Abstract Issue, Sarasota, Florida, USA, May 2 May 7, 1993, p. 1248, (abstract 2679 52). * |
Sim o n, G., et al., Refractive remodeling of the cornea by intrastromal rings Abstracts : Eighth International Congress of Eye Research , Proceedings of the International Society for Eye Research, San Francisco, California, USA, Sep. 4 8, 1988, vol. V, (abstract No. 47). * |
Sim o n, G., et al., Refractive remodeling of the cornea by intrastromal rings The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology , Annual Spring Meeting, Sarasota, Florida, USA, Apr. 30 May 5, 1989, p. 187, (abstract 43). * |
Simon, G., et al., "Long term in vivo topographic studies of gel injection adjustable keratoplasty (GIAK)" Abstracts: The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Annual Meeting Abstract Issue, Sarasota, Florida, USA, May 2-May 7, 1993, p. 1248, (abstract 2679-52). |
Simon, G., et al., "Refractive remodeling of the cornea by intrastromal rings" Abstracts: Eighth International Congress of Eye Research, Proceedings of the International Society for Eye Research, San Francisco, California, USA, Sep. 4-8, 1988, vol. V, (abstract No. 47). |
Simon, G., et al., "Refractive remodeling of the cornea by intrastromal rings" The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Annual Spring Meeting, Sarasota, Florida, USA, Apr. 30-May 5, 1989, p. 187, (abstract 43). |
Cited By (32)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060106457A1 (en) * | 1992-07-15 | 2006-05-18 | Schachar Ronald A | Segmented scleral band for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US8663205B2 (en) | 1992-07-15 | 2014-03-04 | Refocus Ocular, Inc. | Laser procedure for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US8663206B2 (en) | 1992-07-15 | 2014-03-04 | Refocus Ocular, Inc. | Laser procedure for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US6197056B1 (en) * | 1992-07-15 | 2001-03-06 | Ras Holding Corp. | Segmented scleral band for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US20060111775A1 (en) * | 1992-07-15 | 2006-05-25 | Schachar Ronald A | Segmented scleral band for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US6508837B1 (en) | 1993-08-02 | 2003-01-21 | Addition Technology, Inc. | Segmented pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert |
US6991650B2 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 2006-01-31 | Refocus Ocular, Inc. | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
US7008396B1 (en) | 1999-09-03 | 2006-03-07 | Restorvision, Inc. | Ophthalmic device and method of manufacture and use |
US6530916B1 (en) | 1999-11-15 | 2003-03-11 | Visx, Incorporated | Uniform large area ablation system and method |
WO2001035847A1 (en) * | 1999-11-15 | 2001-05-25 | Visx, Inc. | Uniform large area ablation system and method |
US20060241750A1 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2006-10-26 | Ras Holding Corp | Scleral expansion device having duck bill |
US7004953B2 (en) | 2001-07-23 | 2006-02-28 | Fos Holding S.A. | Device for separating the epithelium layer from the surface of the cornea of an eye |
US7708750B2 (en) | 2001-07-23 | 2010-05-04 | Fos Holdings S.A. | Device for separating the epithelium layer from the surface of the cornea of an eye |
US20060036318A1 (en) * | 2004-08-13 | 2006-02-16 | Richard Foulkes | Method and insert for modifying eye color |
US7722669B2 (en) | 2004-08-13 | 2010-05-25 | Richard Foulkes | Method and insert for modifying eye color |
US20100204786A1 (en) * | 2004-08-13 | 2010-08-12 | Richard Foulkes | Method and insert for modifying eye color |
US8337550B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2012-12-25 | Refocus Ocular, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US9498324B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2016-11-22 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US11273028B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2022-03-15 | Refocus Group Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US10485653B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2019-11-26 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US8911496B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2014-12-16 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US9452044B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2016-09-27 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US9486310B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2016-11-08 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US8409277B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2013-04-02 | Refocus Ocular, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US9504559B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2016-11-29 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US9687339B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2017-06-27 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US9700406B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2017-07-11 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US9717588B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2017-08-01 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US9730785B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2017-08-15 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US10285804B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2019-05-14 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods |
US20090099654A1 (en) * | 2007-08-02 | 2009-04-16 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis having crossbars for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US7927372B2 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2011-04-19 | Refocus Group, Inc. | Scleral prosthesis having crossbars for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR9305734A (en) | 1997-01-28 |
CN1082390A (en) | 1994-02-23 |
EP0621763A4 (en) | 1995-01-18 |
ES2155448T3 (en) | 2001-05-16 |
US5318047A (en) | 1994-06-07 |
SG49160A1 (en) | 1998-05-18 |
AU3433693A (en) | 1993-08-03 |
SG85138A1 (en) | 2001-12-19 |
EP0621763B1 (en) | 2001-03-21 |
DE69330049T2 (en) | 2001-08-02 |
WO1993013724A1 (en) | 1993-07-22 |
JP3341058B2 (en) | 2002-11-05 |
DE69330049D1 (en) | 2001-04-26 |
EP0621763A1 (en) | 1994-11-02 |
JPH07506014A (en) | 1995-07-06 |
ATE199821T1 (en) | 2001-04-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
USRE35974E (en) | Method for corneal curvature variations | |
US6623522B2 (en) | Myopic corneal ring with central accommodating portion | |
US5645582A (en) | Overlapping ring device for corneal curvature adjustment | |
AU2004201751B2 (en) | Corneal implant and method of manufacture | |
US5300118A (en) | Adjustable devices for corneal curvature adjustment | |
JP3415838B2 (en) | Vacuum centering guide and dissection device for cornea | |
US6626941B2 (en) | Corneal implant and method of manufacture | |
EP1060715A1 (en) | Corneal implant for changing refractive properties | |
EP0619724A1 (en) | Corneal ring inlay and methods of use | |
JPH08501009A (en) | Intrastromal corneal ring for astigmatism correction | |
EP0746272B1 (en) | Method of choosing a device for altering corneal refractive properties | |
IL268124B2 (en) | Ophthalmic device having opaque and decentered light-transmissive portions for alleviating symptoms relating to ocular diseases | |
CA2595034C (en) | Corneal implant | |
CA2508483C (en) | Corneal implant and method of manufacture | |
AU2002340418A1 (en) | Myopic corneal ring with central accommodating portion | |
AU2522600A (en) | Corneal implant for changing refractive properties |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ADDITION TECHNOLOGY, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KERAVISION, INC.;REEL/FRAME:011911/0395 Effective date: 20010604 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
SULP | Surcharge for late payment |
Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
SULP | Surcharge for late payment |
Year of fee payment: 11 |