Lens for increased depth of focus

Abstract

An intraocular lens provides substantially increased depth of focus for accurate near and far vision with an optic much thinner than a natural lens, and the lens being rigid vaulted posteriorly and adapted for posterior positioning in the capsular bag. The optic is positioned substantially farther from the cornea than a natural lens, so that a cone of light exiting the optic to impinge upon the retina is much smaller than a cone of light from a natural lens. Typically, the optic may be about 1.0 mm thick and its distance from the cornea 7.0-8.0 mm.

The inventor claims:  
     
         1 . An intraocular lens for increased depth of focus, comprising: 
 an optic having a thickness substantially less than a natural human lens, and    at least two haptics connected with the optic,    said lens being adapted to be posteriorly positioned in the capsular bag of the eye,    whereby light refracted by the cornea travels substantially farther to the optic than with a natural optic and a substantially smaller cone of light passes from the optic to the retina to provide substantially increased depth of focus.    
     
     
         2 . A lens according to  claim 1 , wherein the optic is about 1.0 mm in thickness.  
     
     
         3 . A lens according to  claim 1 , wherein the optic has a thickness between 0.05 mm and 1.5 mm.  
     
     
         4 . A lens according to  claim 1 , wherein the lens is rigid and the haptics are rigidly connected with the optic and extend therefrom.  
     
     
         5 . A lens according to  claim 1 , wherein the lens is configurated to vault posteriorly in the capsular bag of the eye.  
     
     
         6 . A lens according to  claim 4 , wherein the lens is configurated to vault posteriorly in the capsular bag.  
     
     
         7 . A lens according to  claim 4 , wherein the optic has a thickness between 0.50 mm and 1.5 mm.  
     
     
         8 . A lens according to  claim 5 , wherein the optic has a thickness between 0.60 mm and 1.5 mm.  
     
     
         9 . A lens according to  claim 4 , wherein: 
 the rigid lens is moved anteriorly for near vision and posteriorly for far vision by changes in ciliary muscle configuration during contraction.    
     
     
         10 . A lens according to  claim 9 , wherein: 
 a peripheral equator of the capsular bag and the rigid lens therein are moved about 1.0 mm between their far and near vision positions, whereby the optic is positioned about 1.0 mm further anteriorly than posteriorly to provide improved near vision.    
     
     
         11 . A lens according to  claim 9 , wherein: 
 redistribution of ciliary muscle mass upon constriction of the muscle for near vision causes encroachment thereof on the vitreous cavity and an increase of pressure therein to aid in urging the rigid lens anteriorly to enhance near vision.    
     
     
         12 . An intraocular lens for increased depth of focus, comprising: 
 an optic having a thickness substantially less than the thickness of a natural human lens, and    two haptics rigidly connected to the optic and extending therefrom,    said lens being configurated to vault posteriorly in the capsular bag to position the optic farther from the cornea of the eye,    whereby light refracted by the cornea travels substantially farther to the optic than with a natural optic and a substantially smaller cone of light passes from the optic to the retina to provide substantially increased depth of focus.    
     
     
         13 . A lens according to  claim 12 , wherein the optic has a thickness between 0.05 mm and 1.5 mm.  
     
     
         14 . A lens according to  claim 12 , wherein: 
 the rigid lens is moved anteriorly for near vision and posteriorly for far vision by changes in ciliary muscle configuration during contraction.    
     
     
         15 . A lens according to  claim 13 , wherein: 
 the rigid lens is moved anteriorly for near vision and posteriorly for far vision by changes in ciliary muscle configuration during contraction.    
     
     
         16 . A lens according to  claim 14 , wherein: 
 redistribution of ciliary muscle mass upon constriction of the muscle for near vision causes encroachment thereof on the vitreous cavity and an increase of pressure therein to aid in urging the rigid lens anteriorly to enhance near vision.    
     
     
         17 . A lens according to  claim 14 , wherein: 
 a peripheral equator of the capsular bag and the rigid lens therein are moved about 1.0 mm between their far and near vision positions, whereby the optic is positioned about 1.0 mm further anteriorly than posteriorly to provide improved near vision.    
     
     
         18 . A lens according to  claim 12 , wherein: 
 a peripheral equator of the capsular bag and the rigid lens therein are moved about 1.0 mm between their far and near vision positions, whereby the optic is positioned about 1.0 mm further anteriorly than posteriorly to provide improved near vision.    
     
     
         19 . A lens according to  claim 4 , and further comprising at least one rigid bar secured to and extending longitudinally of the lens to provide rigidity.  
     
     
         20 . A lens according to  claim 19 , wherein said lens is longitudinally flexible for bending for insertion into an eye.  
     
     
         21 . A lens according to  claim 12 , and further comprising at least one rigid bar secured to and extending longitudinally of the lens to provide rigidity.  
     
     
         22 . A lens according to  claim 21 , wherein said lens is longitudinally flexible for bending for insertion into an eye.  
     
     
         23 . A lens according to  claim 21 , wherein two rigid bars are disposed in spaced relation and extend longitudinally of the lens.