Intraocular lens with plate haptic

Abstract

A plate haptic is used with an intraocular lens optic. The plate haptic comprises: a distal portion having a plurality of opposing projections extending substantially laterally therefrom; and a proximal portion comprising a connecting portion connecting the lens optic to the haptic. The intersection of the proximal portion with each lateral portion forms a plurality of appendages, or paddles, to substantially surround the optic.

1 . An intraocular lens comprising:
 a lens optic; and   at least one longitudinal, substantially rigid plate haptic of a fixed length coupled to the lens optic, the plate haptic having a plurality of substantially rigid appendages which at least substantially surround said optic.   
     
     
         2 . The lens of  claim 1 , wherein the plate haptic further comprises:
 a plurality of opposing lateral portions;   a distal portion;   a proximal portion; and   wherein each of the plurality of appendages comprises the intersection of the proximal portion and a lateral portion.   
     
     
         3 . The lens of  claim 1 , wherein the opposing lateral portions are substantially non-convergent. 
     
     
         4 . The lens of  claim 3 , wherein the opposing lateral portions are substantially divergent. 
     
     
         5 . The lens of  claim 3 , wherein the lateral portions are substantially parallel. 
     
     
         6 . The lens of  claim 1 , wherein the appendages extend laterally substantially beyond a transverse diameter of the lens optic. 
     
     
         7 . The lens of  claim 1 , wherein the appendages extend laterally and are substantially coextensive with a transverse diameter of the lens optic. 
     
     
         8 . The lens of  claim 1 , wherein the appendages are paddle-shaped. 
     
     
         9 . The plate haptic of  claim 1 , wherein the haptic is made from an acrylic material. 
     
     
         10 . The lens of  claim 1 , wherein the appendage is approximately between 2.0 to 7.0 mm in width. 
     
     
         11 . The lens of  claim 1 , wherein the plate haptic is approximately between 0.2 and 0.75 mm thick. 
     
     
         12 . The lens of  claim 1 , wherein the plate haptic and the appendages are substantially rigid. 
     
     
         13 . The lens of  claim 1 , wherein the plate haptic further comprises a chassis, the chassis operable to substantially permit flexion in a longitudinal direction and to substantially prohibit flexion in a transverse direction. 
     
     
         14 . The lens of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion comprises a connecting portion connecting the lens optic to the haptic. 
     
     
         15 . The lens of  claim 14 , wherein the connecting portion comprises a single flexible hinged strap. 
     
     
         16 . The lens of  claim 14 , wherein the connecting portion comprises a plurality of spaced apart, flexible, hinged straps. 
     
     
         17 . The lens of  claim 14 , wherein the appendages are positioned more laterally than the junction. 
     
     
         18 . The lens of  claim 13 , wherein the chassis comprises a plurality of opposing projections extending substantially laterally the distal end thereof, the projections operable to contact the capsular bag of an eye. 
     
     
         19 . The lens of  claim 13 , wherein the chassis of each haptic and its appendages are longitudinally substantially rigid. 
     
     
         20 . A plate haptic for use with an intraocular lens optic, the plate haptic comprising:
 a plurality of opposing lateral portions;   a distal portion having a plurality of opposing projections extending substantially laterally therefrom; and   a proximal portion comprising a flexible connecting portion connecting the lens optic to the haptic;   wherein the intersection of the proximal portion with each lateral portion forms a plurality of opposing appendages.