Capsular intraocular lens implant having a refractive liquid therein

Abstract

An intraocular lens having a light-transmitting optic ( 32, 94 a, 94 b, 142, 216 ) comprised of a synthetic light-refractive material ( 40, 102 ) operably coupled with a flexible optic positioning member ( 34, 62, 74, 84, 100, 210 ) to refract light onto the retina in order to correct refractive errors in the eye ( 10 ). The refractive material has an index of refraction of from about 1.36 to 1.5 or higher. The optic positioning member ( 34, 62, 74, 84, 100, 210 ) is constructed of a flexible synthetic resin material such as polymethylmethacrylate and permits focusing upon objects located near to and far from the viewer. The optic ( 32, 94 a, 94 b, 142, 216 ) of the present invention possess greater refractive capability than optics conventionally used in IOL construction, and permits retinal receipt of the image being viewed in order to correct refractive errors.

1 . An implantable intraocular lens, comprising: 
 an optic formed from a resilient, shape-retaining synthetic material and responsive to ciliary body movement in order to change the shape of the optic,    a positioning member operably coupled with the optic comprising anterior and posterior segments.    a rigid optic opposed to the resilient optic.    
     
     
         2 . The lens of  claim 1 , the rigid optic formed of synthetic resin material selected from the group consisting of the silicones, acrylates, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The lens of  claim 1 , the optics being substantially between and captively retained by the segments.  
     
     
         4 . The lens of  claim 3 , the lens including an optic defining protrusion extending beyond adjacent outer edges of the margins of the anterior segment.  
     
     
         5 . The lens of  claim 4 , the rigid optic being supported by the posterior segment.  
     
     
         6 . The lens of  claim 1 , the material being formed of a compound comprising silicone.  
     
     
         7 . The lens of  claim 1 , the material being a liquid or a gel.  
     
     
         8 . An implantable intraocular lens, comprising: 
 an optic formed from a resilient, shape-retaining synthetic material and responsive to ciliary body movement in order to change the shape of the optic;    a positioning member operably coupled with the optic comprising opposing anterior and posterior arcuate wall segments; and    a flexible bag comprising a cavity filled with a resilient refractive material;    the opposing arcuate wall segments defining opposing anterior and posterior optic surfaces of the optic.    
     
     
         9 . The lens of  claim 8 , the material having an index of refraction of at least about 1.36.  
     
     
         10 . The lens of  claim 8 , the material being formed of a biologically inert material.  
     
     
         11 . The lens of  claim 8 , the material being formed of a compound comprising silicone.  
     
     
         12 . The lens of  claim 8 , the material being a liquid or a gel.  
     
     
         13 . The lens of  claim 8 , the material having an elastic memory.  
     
     
         14 . The lens of  claim 8 , the bag further comprising a fill aperture with a plug therein closing the aperture.  
     
     
         15 . An implantable intraocular lens, comprising: 
 a resilient light-transmitting optic formed of a synthetic light-refractive material and configured to change shape in response to ciliary body movement;    a flexible positioning member coupled with the optic and configured for changing the shape of said lens in response to ciliary body movement; and    a capsule with a liquid or a gel material therein, the capsule comprising an anterior section and a posterior section.    
     
     
         16 . The lens of  claim 15 , the material being formed of a compound comprising hydrocarbons.  
     
     
         17 . The lens of  claim 15 , the material being formed of a compound comprised of silicone.  
     
     
         18 . The lens of  claim 15 , the lens further comprising a fixed optic formed of synthetic resin material.  
     
     
         19 . The lens of  claim 15 , each of the sections individually having a wall thickness of from about 0.0005 to 0.025 mm.