Method and insert for modifying eye color

Abstract

A method and intrastroma insert are adapted to modify eye color. The insertion of opaque material into the stromal space is a means of changing the color and/or design of the stroma and, apparently, the iris. Biocompatible inserts include a slurry of biocompatible material, a fabric including opacified material, and a thin, permeable film material incorporating some opaque materials that may also alter the shape of the cornea to improve aberrational shape.

1 . A method of modifying eye color comprising the steps of:
 forming an annular channel within a plane around and encircling the pupil of an eye, wherein the channel is located in the stroma portion of the eye and has annular borders proximate the limbus and the daylight margin of the pupil;   slitting the cornea of the eye to gain access to the channel;   inserting into the channel a biocompatible material, wherein the biocompatible material is comprised of a polymer fabric having a thickness of approximately 1-5 microns, and being at least partially opacified in a color appropriate to accomplish a desired color change;   wherein the net gain to the total thickness of the cornea is approximately zero, and the inserted material does not materially affect the refractive performance of the cornea while providing said color change and said material permits fluid and nutrients to pass through the stromal tissue.   
   
   
       2 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 1 , wherein the fabric is comprised of a polymer selected from the group consisting of natural polymers, synthetic polymers, polymethylmethacrylate, hydrogel, polytetrafluoroethylene, hydrophilic polymers and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       3 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 1 , wherein the channel is formed by using a laser technique. 
   
   
       4 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 3 , wherein the laser technique includes the use of a femtosecond laser. 
   
   
       5 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 1 , wherein the channel is formed by using a surgical blade. 
   
   
       6 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 5 , wherein the surgical blade is a microkeratome. 
   
   
       7 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 1 , wherein the inserted material comprises a photochromic material. 
   
   
       8 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 1 , wherein the fabric includes patterns that include a gradient of opacity from least opaque in the center to more opaque when moving outwardly. 
   
   
       9 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 1 , wherein the fabric is woven, spun, nonwoven or electrospun. 
   
   
       10 . A method of modifying eye color comprising the steps of:
 forming an annular channel within a plane around and encircling the pupil of an eye, wherein the channel is located in the stroma portion of the eye and has annular borders proximate the limbus and the daylight margin of the pupil;   slitting the cornea of the eye to gain access to the channel;   inserting into the channel a biocompatible material, wherein the biocompatible material is comprised of a polymer film having a thickness of approximately 1-5 microns, and being at least partially opacified in a color appropriate to accomplish a desired color change;   wherein the net gain to the total thickness of the cornea is approximately zero, and the inserted material does not materially affect the refractive performance of the cornea while providing said color change and said material permits fluid and nutrients to pass through the stromal tissue.   
   
   
       11 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 10 , wherein the film is comprised of a polymer selected from the group consisting of natural polymers, synthetic polymers, polymethylmethacrylate, hydrogel, polytetrafluoroethylene, hydrophilic polymers and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       12 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 10 , wherein the channel is fog Hied by using a laser technique. 
   
   
       13 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 12 , wherein the laser technique includes the use of a femtosecond laser. 
   
   
       14 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 10 , wherein the channel is fog Hied by using a surgical blade. 
   
   
       15 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 14 , wherein the surgical blade is a microkeratome. 
   
   
       16 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 10 , wherein the inserted material comprises a photochromic material. 
   
   
       17 . A method of modifying eye color as described in  claim 10 , wherein the film includes patterns that include a gradient of opacity from least opaque in the center to more opaque when moving outwardly.