Masked intraocular implants and lenses

Abstract

Intraocular implants and methods of making intraocular implants are provided. The intraocular implants can improve the vision of a patient, such as by increasing the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. In particular, the intraocular implants can include a mask having an annular portion with a relatively low visible light transmission surrounding a relatively high transmission central portion such as a clear lens or aperture. This construct is adapted to provide an annular mask with a small aperture for light to pass through to the retina to increase depth of focus. The intraocular implant may have an optical power for refractive correction. The intraocular implant may be implanted in any location along the optical pathway in the eye, e.g., as an implant in the anterior or posterior chamber.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 856,492, filed Aug. 13, 2010, entitled “MASKED INTRAOCULAR IMPLANTS AND LENSES,” now pending, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61 / 233,794, filed Aug. 13, 2009, and 61 / 233,804, filed Aug. 13, 2009, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]This application relates generally to the field of intraocular devices. More particularly, this application is directed to intraocular implants and lenses (IOLs), with an aperture to increase depth of focus (e.g. “masked” intraocular lenses) and methods of making.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]The human eye functions to provide vision by transmitting and focusing light through a clear outer portion called the cornea, and further refining the focus of the image by way of a crystalline lens onto a retina. The quality of the focused image ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The mask design enhances depth of focus and reduces the need for additional correction by allowing more focused light to reach the retina, while the thinner optic design facilitates less invasive surgery with quicker recovery and reduced post-operative astigmatism.

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional IOLs cannot accommodate to focus at different distances, so the patient typically needs additional correction (e.g., reading glasses) to see near objects clearly.

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