Corneal implants and methods and systems for placement

Abstract

Systems and methods for implanting scaffolds in a corneal pocket of a cornea are provided. In some embodiments, a reversibly deformable scaffold may have a relaxed state and a deformed state. The scaffold may include a first ring and a second ring, a first connector extending from the first ring to the second ring, and a second connector extending from the first ring to the second ring. In some embodiments, a curvature of the first connector and a curvature of the second connector may extend at least partially radially outwardly relative to a central axis of the first ring and the second ring.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 189,337 filed Jul. 22, 2011, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 405,900 filed Mar. 17, 2009 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,999,497, which is a continuation-in-part of PCT / US08 / 61656, filed on Apr. 25, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11 / 741,496 filed on Apr. 27, 2007 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,029,515, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11 / 341,320, filed on Jan. 26, 2006, which claimed the benefit of provisional application No. 60 / 648,949, filed on Jan. 31, 2005, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0002]There are many different types of corneal implants that have been developed for the treatment of refractive error and disease. Because of limitations in the methods of creating corneal pockets, these implants ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides better methods for putting corneal implants into the eye. These methods allow for a smaller incision to be made in the cornea, through which the implant can be placed. The incision is typically only half the width of the implant. Using these methods reduces the need for suturing and decreases the chance of unwanted eye damage.

Problems solved by technology

Lack of normal nutrient and gas transport could result in undesirable consequences such as melting or necrosis of the corneal tissue.

In alternative preferred aspects, the system may be assembled through the use of breakable tabs or snaps, which allows the secure assembly of the disposable component, but which are easily destroyed if there is an attempt to disassemble the system for reuse.

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