Exocapsular device and method for lens stabilization

Abstract

A device for implantation into an eye for supporting an intraocular lens during and following surgery. The device may include a ring and at least one support. The ring may have an open portion defined between a first eyelet on a first end and a second eyelet on a second end, the ring being radially compressible. The at least one support may be defined internally of the ring and have a position on which a lens is nestably engaged with the at least one support above a tear in the capsular bag of the eye.

1 . A device for implantation into an eye, comprising:
 a ring having an open portion defined between a first end and a second end, the ring being radially compressible;   at least one support defined internally of the ring and having a position for nestably engaging a lens, the at least one support being positioned above a tear in the capsular bag of the eye.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is made of biocompatible material. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the biocompatible material is polymetheylmethacrylate. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one support is a first spoke defining a first edge engaged with the ring and extending centrally within the ring to a second edge; and   the ring further includes a first eyelet on the first end and a second eyelet on the second end.   
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the first spoke is positioned substantially parallel to a plane formed by the circumference of the ring. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the first spoke is positioned at an angle relative to a plane formed by the circumference of the ring. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 4 , further comprising at least a second spoke positioned along the circumference of the ring and extending centrally. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the second edge of the first spoke is engaged with a central point of a segment positioned perpendicular to the first spoke. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one support is a chord engaged with, and extending between, a third end and a fourth end of the ring; and   the ring further includes a first eyelet on the first end and a second eyelet on the second end.   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the chord is substantially straight and wherein the engagement of the chord and the ring at the third end and fourth end is curved, thereby minimizing risk of further damage to the eye. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the chord is arced, curved or undulating. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the chord is positioned substantially parallel to a plane formed by the circumference of the ring. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein at least a portion of the chord is positioned outside of a plane formed by the circumference of the ring. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the ring further includes a first eyelet on the first end;   the at least one support defines a first edge engaged with the second end of the ring and extending centrally within the ring to a second edge including a second eyelet.   
     
     
         15 . A method of implanting a device into an eye, comprising:
 providing a device including:
 a ring having an open portion defined between a first end and a second end, the ring being radially compressible; 
 a first eyelet and a second eyelet; and 
 at least one support defined internally of the ring; 
   implanting the device into the ciliary sulcus between the iris and the capsular bag of the eye, the device positioned anterior to a tear in the capsular bag of the eye;   positioning the at least one support proximal to the tear, thereby providing stabilization and centralization to a lens implanted into the eye thereafter.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the ring of the device is engaged with an interior peripheral surface of the ciliary sulcus. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the step of implanting is performed by inserting the device through an incision created by phacoemulsification cataract surgery. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising placing a lens in the ciliary sulcus anterior to, and engaged with, the at least one support. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the lens is an intraocular lens including at least two haptics engaged with an interior peripheral surface of the ciliary sulcus. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising positioning the device within the eye using the eyelets.