Contact lens for ophthalmoscope

Abstract

Certain embodiments disclose a contact lens holder comprising: a rim forming a lens receiving seat for receiving a lens; and a flange integrally formed with and extending from the rim, the flange including at least one tab, where at least one of a rear surface of the flange and a rear surface of the at least one tab includes a microstructure.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to self-retaining ophthalmoscopic contact lens holders and contact lens assemblies for viewing and / or performing surgical treatment on the vitreous body or retina.

[0002] Anatomically, the eye is divided into two distinct sections: the anterior segment and the posterior segment. The anterior segment includes the lens and extends from the outermost layer of the cornea (the corneal epithelium) to the posterior limit of the lens capsule. The posterior segment (which is much larger than the anterior segment) includes the portion of the eye behind the lens capsule. The posterior segment extends from the front of the vitreous body to the retina (the back of the vitreous body is in direct contact with the retina), and further to the choroid and posterior sclera.

[0003] The posterior segment consists of the vitreous humor, which is a clear, colorless, gel-like substance. The vitreous humor maintains the eye's spherical shape and occupies approximately two-thirds of the eye's total volume. The vitreous humor is composed of 99% water and 1% collagen and sodium hyaluronate. The anterior boundary of the vitreous humor is the anterior vitreous face, which contacts the posterior capsule of the lens. The posterior boundary of the vitreous humor is the posterior vitreous face, which contacts the retina. Unlike the aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, the vitreous humor is not free-flowing and has normal anatomical attachment sites. These sites include the lens nerve head, macula, vascular arcades, and the vitreous base, which is a 3 mm to 4 mm (millimeter) wide band-like structure that covers the ora serrata. The main functions of the vitreous humor are to hold the retina in place, maintain the integrity and shape of the eyeball, absorb shock caused by movement, and provide support for the posterior portion of the lens.

[0004] In contrast to the aqueous humor, the vitreous humor does not undergo continuous renewal and becomes more fluid with age through a process known as condensation. Condensation causes the vitreous humor to shrink, which can exert pressure or traction on its normal attachment sites. If sufficient traction is exerted, the vitreous humor may pull itself away from its retinal attachment and create a retinal tear or hole, which may require surgical repair.

[0005] Vitreoretinal surgery is used to treat many serious conditions of the posterior segment, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and many other ophthalmological conditions. When the posterior segment of eyes is operated on, as in vitreoretinal surgery, typically it is necessary to view the anatomical structure of eyes with an operating microscope and an ophthalmoscope lens (which is designed to provide a clear image of the posterior segment). Usually, a standard operating microscope can view the structure of the anterior segment of eyes and the anterior portion of the posterior segment of eyes, but cannot fully view the whole posterior segment of eyes, because the natural optical structure of eyes (that is, cornea and lens) can hinder the operating microscope from focusing on some structures (for example, retina) in the posterior segment of eyes. Therefore, in order to focus the operating microscope on structures such as retina, an ophthalmoscope lens with suitable optical properties can be positioned between eyes and the microscope to compensate for the natural optical structure of eyes.

[0006] Direct ophthalmoscope lenses (which create a virtual image inside the eye) and indirect ophthalmoscope lenses (which create a real image outside the eye) are two types of lenses that have been used to visualize the posterior segment and assist in surgical procedures of the eye. Known lenses used in vitreoretinal surgery may have less than desirable image quality due to loss of contrast and clarity secondary to various optical phenomena such as, by way of non-limiting example, defocus, spherical aberration, coma, distortion, and chromatic aberration.

[0007] One challenge associated with using a surgical contact lens placed on a patient's eye during ophthalmic surgery is maintaining the position of the surgical contact lens during surgery. One solution is to have an assistant manually maintain the position of the surgical contact lens during surgery. This solution requires the assistant to be highly trained. Furthermore, any repositioning of the surgical contact lens by the assistant slows down the ongoing surgery. Another solution is to suture a portion of the surgical contact lens to the patient's eye. While the latter solution can successfully maintain the position of the surgical contact lens on the patient's eye, even a small suture is traumatic to the patient's eye, and a less invasive procedure for maintaining the position of the surgical contact lens on the patient's eye would be beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure generally relates to and encompasses contact lens holders, devices, and systems for use during ophthalmoscopic surgery or procedures involving visualization of the posterior segment of the eye. The holders, devices, and systems disclosed herein provide increased stability and access for insertion of surgical instruments compared to conventional contact lenses. It will further be apparent that features of the present invention relate to lens holders with or without a lens mounted therein.

[0009] Certain embodiments disclose a contact lens holder comprising: a rim forming a lens receiving seat for receiving a lens; and a flange integrally formed with and extending from the rim; the flange comprising at least one tab, wherein a rear surface of the flange and at least one of a rear surface of the at least one tab comprise microstructures.

[0010] Certain embodiments disclose a contact lens assembly comprising a lens and a contact lens holder. The contact lens holder comprises a rim forming a lens receiving seat for receiving the lens, and a flange integrally formed with and extending from the rim, the flange comprising at least one tab, wherein at least one of a rear surface of the flange and a rear surface of the at least one tab comprises microstructures.

[0011] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature, and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope. In this regard, additional aspects, features and advantages will be clear to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The drawings illustrate embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 A perspective view of a contact lens holder according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 A perspective view of a contact lens assembly including a contact lens holder and a contact lens is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional side view of a contact lens assembly.

[0016] Figure 4 Shown is a top plan view of a contact lens holder according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figures 5A to 5B Various views of contact lens holders with example surface microstructures are shown according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 6A to 6C Various magnified views of another example surface microstructure according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0019] Figure 7A A partial cross-sectional side view of a contact lens holder having example surface macrostructures according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 7B Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 7A A magnified view of the surface macrostructure.

[0021] Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional side view of a contact lens holder having another example surface microstructure is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 9 Shown are top plan views of contact lens holders having alternative tab configurations according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 10A A partial cross-sectional side view of a contact lens holder having another example surface microstructure is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 10B Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 10A A magnified view of the surface microstructure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] For the purpose of promoting understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and specific language will be used to describe these embodiments. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art in the technical field involved in the present disclosure are generally fully able to envision any changes and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further applications to the principles of the present disclosure. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components and / or steps described with respect to certain embodiments can be combined with the features, components and / or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. For simplicity, in some cases, the same reference numerals are used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0026] The present disclosure generally relates to contact lens holders for ophthalmoscopes used in ophthalmic surgeries (such as vitreoretinal surgery or other posterior segment surgery) and ophthalmic clinical procedures. Certain embodiments herein provide a contact lens holder that can be used in conjunction with an aspheric lens to better visualize the interior of the eye (including the posterior segment). The combination of a contact lens holder (referred to herein as a "lens holder") and a contact lens positioned therein can be referred to as a contact lens assembly. In certain embodiments, the lens holder and the contact lens positioned within the lens holder are separate components, in which case the contact lens can be removed and replaced with a different contact lens if desired. In certain other embodiments, the lens holder and the contact lens are attached and inseparable.

[0027] In certain embodiments, a lens holder includes at least one flange having at least one tab extending therefrom. The at least one tab includes a surface microstructure that improves self-retention of the lens holder on the eye without the use of sutures or without manually retaining the lens holder. A self-retaining lens holder is one that is capable of self-stabilizing and remaining on the eye without intervention (e.g., without the need for manual retention or suturing to the eye) during surgery.

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a lens holder 100 is shown according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The lens holder 100 shown is configured for use in ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery, but the lens holder 100 may be used in any ophthalmic context, including diagnostic, therapeutic, etc. The lens holder 100 is configured to receive a lens (e.g., Figure 2 100 ), the lens can be used in combination with a surgical microscope, a slit lamp, or any other ophthalmic viewing device to view the interior of the eye. For example, a surgical microscope can be spaced apart from and cooperate with the lens within lens holder 100 to capture light that exits the eye through the cornea and passes through the lens. The surgical microscope can focus this light to form an image of, for example, the retina and vitreous humor.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the lens holder 100 comprises a one-piece device comprising integrally formed components. The lens holder 100 includes a central lens receiving seat 110 for holding a lens of a plano-concave, convex-concave (meniscus) or bi-concave type, such as a lens having ... Figure 2 As shown. The lens receiving seat 110 is formed by and circumferentially surrounded by a cylindrical rim 120. A circular flange 140 formed integrally with the rim 120 extends from the rim 120 and forms a certain angle with it. Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of tabs 150 protrude outwardly from the flange 140. At least one of the tabs 150 and / or the flange 140 has a surface microstructure or a surface macrostructure to provide enhanced stability, such as Figures 5A to 8 As shown in B.

[0030] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 150 include four primary tabs 152 and two secondary tabs 154. As shown, the first primary tab 152a and the second primary tab 152b are separated by a first escape space 156a. For reference, the location of the first escape space 156a corresponds to the 12:00 o'clock position. The first and second primary tabs 152a, 152b are located in the upper quadrant of the lens holder 100 (between the 10:30 and 1:30 o'clock positions). The third and fourth primary tabs 152c, 152d are separated by a second escape space 156b and are located in the lower quadrant of the lens holder 100 (between the 4:30 and 7:30 o'clock positions).

[0031] As shown, the first secondary tab 154a is located between the first major tab 152a and the third major tab 152c at approximately the 9:00 o'clock position. Figure 1 The second major tab 152b and the fourth major tab 152d are located between the second major tab 152b and the fourth major tab 152d at approximately the 3:00 o'clock position. In the illustrated embodiment, the major tabs 152a, 152b, 152c, 154d have the same first size, and the minor tabs 154a, 154b have the same second size. However, it should be understood that the shape, size, and / or number of the tabs 150 may vary.

[0032] As shown, the secondary tabs 154a and 154b are smaller than the primary tabs 152 to allow the surgeon some room to maneuver, while still helping to provide additional stability to the lens holder 100. Furthermore, a clearance space is provided between each secondary tab 154 and the primary tab 152. An example of such a clearance space is provided as the clearance space 185 between the secondary tab 154s and the primary tab 152a. The clearance space between each secondary tab 154 and the adjacent primary tab 152 is typically where the surgeon inserts various surgical instruments, such as trocars (into which probes (e.g., irrigation probes, laser probes, aspiration probes, illumination probes, etc.) are inserted during surgery). For example, a typical vitreoretinal surgery requires the placement of three trocars to provide ports for surgical instruments and fluids to enter the eye. Typically, one port is used for fluid irrigation, and two ports are used for instrument insertion (e.g., one operating port and one illumination port). Trocar cannulas are typically positioned so that they are spaced 3.5 to 4.5 mm from the eye's limbus (where the pars plana is located), which has an average diameter of approximately 11.7 mm, to avoid damage to the ciliary processes and ora serrata.

[0033] Therefore, the number of tabs, the sizes of the various tabs (including the secondary tabs 154, the primary tabs 152) and / or the various avoidance spaces provided herein are configured and sized to provide the surgeon with the necessary operating space required for insertion of surgical instruments, etc., while maximizing the contact surface of the lens holder 100 with the eye, thereby enhancing the self-retention capability of the lens holder.

[0034] Each tab 150 includes a tab front surface and a tab rear surface. For example, the main tab 152c includes a tab front surface 188 and a tab rear surface 190. Each tab rear surface has a curved shape that substantially corresponds to the curvature of the sclera of the eye, thereby allowing the tab 150 to rest approximately flush against the eye.

[0035] In some embodiments, the lens receptacle 110 can be sized to have an effective diameter of approximately 14 mm (millimeters), which can accommodate lenses with diameters up to 14 mm. The 14 mm diameter is larger than a typical dilated pupil. The 14 mm diameter of the lens receptacle is large enough to facilitate sufficient light passing through a lens positioned in the lens receptacle 110, but small enough to limit interference with the surgeon's hand during ophthalmic surgery. However, it should be understood that the diameter can be larger or smaller for various applications.

[0036] Figure 2 According to some embodiments, the present invention includes Figure 12. A perspective view of a contact lens assembly 202 comprising a lens holder 100 and a contact lens 205. The lens 205 comprises an aspheric front optical surface or base profile 260 and an optical back surface (at Figure 2 (not shown in the provided views). In some embodiments, the optical back surface has a curved spherical shape that substantially corresponds to the corneal curvature of an average human cornea.

[0037] In some embodiments, the optical front surface 260 includes an anti-reflective coating or a non-reflective coating to reduce reflective glare and thus improve visualization. The non-reflective coating or the anti-reflective coating can improve the ability to capture digital video or image frames, thereby reducing or eliminating artifacts in the two-dimensional microscope view.

[0038] Note that the lens holder 100 is configured to accommodate lenses having different heights or powers. For example, although Figures 2 to 3 In the depicted embodiment, lens 205 extends proximally above edge 175 of rim 120 , but in embodiments using shorter lenses, edge 175 of rim 120 may extend above anterior optical surface 260 .

[0039] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the lens holder 100 and the lens 205 is shown. Figure 3 , a circular flange 140 surrounds rim 120 and extends at an angle therefrom, thereby forming a peripheral flared area around the base circumference of lens receiving receptacle 110. As shown, flange 140 forms an integral extension of rim 120 and extends radially from lens receiving receptacle 110 such that, in at least some embodiments, if surgical contact lens holder 100 is centrally positioned on the cornea of ​​an eye, flange 140 will extend onto the sclera of the eye.

[0040] In some embodiments, flange 140 is shaped and configured to be thin enough and made of certain material to provide some compliance and flexibility. In some embodiments, flange 140 can be thinner or wider than edge 120. In some embodiments, the thickness of flange 140 is between about 0.5mm and about 1.5mm, such as between about 0.55mm and about 1.45mm, such as between about 0.6mm and about 1.4mm, such as between about 0.65mm and about 1.35mm, such as between about 0.7mm and about 1.3mm, such as between about 0.75mm and about 1.25mm, such as between about 0.8mm and about 1.2mm, such as between about 0.85mm and about 1.15mm, such as between about 0.9mm and about 1.1mm, such as between about 0.95mm and about 1.05mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of flange 140 can depend on the hardness of the material of flange 140. For example, in the case of a less rigid material, the flange 140 may have a thicker thickness. Alternatively, for a more rigid material, the flange may have a reduced thickness to increase its compliance and flexibility.

[0041] In some embodiments, flange 140 and / or tab 150 are made of hydrophobic silicone rubber material or other suitable elastomeric material. If necessary, this material can be soft enough to allow the surgeon to easily clamp or cut the unwanted part of flange 140 and / or tab 150. In some embodiments, the Shore A hardness of this material can be between about 30 Shore A and about 95 Shore A, such as between about 30 Shore A and about 80 Shore A, such as about 70 Shore A. In certain embodiments, the flange can be semi-rigid or rigid. In certain embodiments, flange 140 can be shaped and configured to be transparent enough to provide visualization through the flange, thereby observing underlying tissue, blood vessels, bubbles and / or bleeding (as a non-limiting example). In alternative embodiments, the flange can be translucent or opaque.

[0042] The flange 140 includes a flange front surface 180 and a flange rear surface 185. The flange rear surface 185 is shaped and configured to have a curvature that is different from the curvature of the optical rear surface 270. For example, Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment shown, the flange posterior surface 185 has a curved shape that substantially corresponds to the curvature of a typical human eye (e.g., the curvature of the cornea and / or the curvature of the sclera), thereby allowing the flange 140 to rest generally flush against the eye and the lens 205 to rest generally flush against the cornea of ​​the eye. This combination of conforming to the different curvatures of different portions of the typical human eye tends to center and stabilize the lens holder on the cornea of ​​the eye. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the flange rear surface 185 includes a microstructure, such as Figure 6AHowever, any other type of microstructure or macrostructure provided herein may be used on the rear surface of the flange.

[0043] As described above, tab 150 extends at an angle from flange 140 and is shaped to conform to the average curvature of the human eye. Tab 150 can be shaped into any of a variety of shapes, including, by way of non-limiting example, a tab, a triangle, an oval (e.g., a curved oval), and a finger-like extension. Furthermore, the size of tab 150 can be determined based on the anatomy of the eye and / or the modulus of the material of tab 150.

[0044] As discussed, the lens holder 100 is configured with several self-retaining features, thereby making the lens holder 100 a self-retaining lens holder, thereby allowing it to be used in a hands-free manner during ophthalmic surgery. For example, one such self-retaining feature is the large surface area of ​​the flange rear surface 185 and the tab rear surface 190 that contact the surface of the eye (i.e., the cornea and / or sclera), thereby increasing the stability of the lens holder 100. In some embodiments, the tab rear surface 190 each has a surface area of ​​about 10 square millimeters (mm 2 ) to about 30mm 2 Between, such as about 20mm 2 In such an embodiment, the surface area of ​​the two tab rear surfaces 190 is about 20 mm. 2 to about 60mm 2 Between, such as about 40mm 2 In some embodiments, the lens holder 100 includes a lens having a diameter greater than 200 mm. 2 Another self-retaining / balancing feature is a surface microstructure or surface macrostructure on the flange rear surface 185 or on one or more tab rear surfaces 190, which also increases stability. In particular, in the case of surface microstructures, in some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the two tab rear surfaces 190 can be about 60 mm. 2 to about 80mm 2 Typically, the microstructure can increase the surface area by between about 50% and about 200%, depending on the microstructure design, which itself can depend on the hardness of the material of the flange 140.

[0045] Yet another self-retaining / balancing feature is the curvature of the flange rear surface 185 and the tab rear surface 190. For example, Figure 3As shown, flange posterior surface 185 and tab posterior surface 190 comprise concave surfaces configured to have a radius of curvature that is the same as, or substantially the same as, the curvature of a typical eye. In particular, the curvature of flange posterior surface 185 and tab posterior surface 190 can be the same as, or substantially the same as, the curvature of the sclera of a typical eye (e.g., a typical eye of a particular age group or for a particular gender, race, condition, etc.). In some embodiments, flange posterior surface 185 and tab posterior surface 190 can have a tip radius R of approximately 11.0 mm to 12.0 mm. In some embodiments, the curvature of posterior optical surface 270 can be the same as, or substantially the same as, the curvature of the cornea of ​​a typical eye (e.g., a typical eye of a particular age group or for a particular gender, race, condition, etc.).

[0046] Figure 4 A top plan view of a lens holder 100 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The size and position of the tabs are determined to maximize stability while also maximizing the available working space for inserting surgical instruments (such as, as a non-limiting example, a trocar cannula positioned near the lens holder 100). In the depicted embodiment, the lens holder 100 includes six tabs (four primary tabs 152a, 152b, 152c, 152d and two secondary tabs 154a, 154b). The maximum diameter D1 of the lens holder 100 with the primary tabs 154 can be 18.50 mm. In the embodiment shown, the inner diameter D2 of the rim 120 can be 14.00 mm. However, in certain other embodiments, the maximum diameter D1 and the inner diameter D2 can be larger or smaller for various applications. For example, in some embodiments, the maximum diameter D1 can be 17.00 mm or less. In various embodiments, it may be desirable for the inner diameter D2 to match the diameter of a lens received in the lens-receiving receptacle 110 .

[0047] The surgical contact lens holder 100 can be positioned on the cornea by using an interface solution (such as a viscoelastic or another similar agent, as a non-limiting example). Example viscoelastic fluids that may be suitable for this purpose include, but are not limited to: Viscoelastic - 40,000 centipoise ("cps"), Viscoelastic-75,000cps, Viscoelastic - 50,000 to 4,000,000cps, SC viscoelastic agent-400,000cps, and Viscoelastic - 55,700 cps. The interface solution is used to maintain corneal hydration and to generate or increase shear forces between the ocular tissue and the lens holder 100. For example, the posterior optical surface, the lip posterior surface 185, and / or the tab posterior surface 190 of a contact lens can generate shear forces with the interface solution between the surface of the eye and the lens holder 100 / lens 205, thereby providing additional stability to the lens holder 100 during use.

[0048] To even further increase the shear force between the eye tissue and the lens holder 100 and provide greater stability, Figures 5A to 9 The described embodiments provide one or more examples of surface microstructures (eg, patterned or textured surfaces) and surface macrostructures (eg, material removed to form perforations therein) for the tab 150 , flange rear surface 185 , and / or tab rear surface 190 .

[0049] Figure 5A A partial cross-sectional side view of a contact lens holder 500 is shown having surface microstructures 592 on a tab rear surface 590 of one or more tabs, in accordance with certain embodiments. Figure 5B Shown Figure 5A An enlarged view of the surface microstructure 592 is shown. As shown, the microstructure 592 includes a plurality of ridges 514 separated by valleys 516. Figure 5B In the example of FIG, ridges 514 and recesses 516 are in the form of peaks and valleys having a semicircular or semicircular arc shape. The depth, width, and shape of ridges 514 and / or recesses 516 can be selected to maximize surface contact adhesion, for example, to optimize the stability of lens holder 500 by optimizing shear forces between ocular tissue and tab rear surface 590. Further, the depth, width, and shape of ridges 514 and / or recesses 516 can depend on the modulus of the material of ridges 514 and / or recesses 516. In some embodiments, the width of ridges 514 can be between about 0.05 mm and about 0.3 mm, such as between about 0.1 mm and about 0.25 mm, such as between about 0.15 mm and about 0.2 mm, such as about 0.16 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the ridge 514 (and / or the depth of the recess 516) can be between about 0.1 mm and about 0.4 mm, such as between about 0.15 mm and about 0.35 mm, such as between about 0.2 mm and about 0.3 mm, such as about 0.22 mm or about 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the ridge 514 can be between about 0.01 mm and about 0.06 mm. 2 to about 0.03mm 2 between, for example, about 0.15 mm 2 to about 0.25mm 2Between, such as about 0.02mm 2 .

[0050] Figures 6A to 6C Various magnified views of another example surface microstructure 692 on the tab back surface of one or more tabs of a lens holder are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the microstructure 692 includes at least substantially triangular ridges 614 separated by flat recesses, each recess providing a gap between two adjacent ridges 614. In other embodiments, the triangular ridges 614 may not be separated by flat recesses, but may resemble a sawtooth profile. Figures 6A to 6C In the example shown, the shape of the ridge 614 resembles a right triangle; however, other types of triangular shapes are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Figure 6A In the example of FIG. 6 , the microstructure 692 includes rows and columns of ridges 614, wherein the length 694 of each ridge 614 is equal to about 200 μm. Figure 6A As shown, adjacent columns of ridges 614 are separated by gaps having a length of about 20 μm. Figure 6B In the example of FIG. 5 , the ridges 614 are about 46 μm high, about 15 μm wide, and are spaced about 25 μm apart. Figures 6A to 6C The dimensions provided are examples only, and other dimensions are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0051] The ridges 614 can be made of a flexible material, such as silicone, and flex when in contact with the surface of the eye. Figure 6C An example is shown where the ridge 614 flexes when a lens holder having the ridge 614 is placed on the surface of the eye and pressure is applied to the eye.

[0052] Figure 7A A partial cross-sectional side view of a contact lens holder 700 having surface macrostructures 792 is shown, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7B Shown Figure 7A A magnified view of the surface macrostructure 792 is shown. As shown, the surface macrostructure 792 includes at least one suction cup or suction recess 794 on the rear surface 790 of one or more of the tabs to increase the flexibility of the lens holder 700 for suctioning it to the ocular tissue. The size and geometry of the at least one suction recess 794 can be selected to optimize surface contact adhesion to improve the stability of the lens holder 700, such as by optimizing negative pressure, suction, or shear forces between the ocular tissue and the rear surface 790 of the tab. Furthermore, more than one suction recess can be used to generate additional suction forces between the lens holder 700 and the surface of the eye.

[0053] Figure 8A partial cross-sectional side view of a contact lens holder 800 having a surface microstructure 892, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown. As shown, the surface microstructure 892 includes at least one channel 894 extending from the rear surface of one or more of the tabs through the tabs to the front surface of the tabs. The size and geometry of the at least one channel 894 can be selected to optimize surface contact adhesion, such as to enhance the stability of the lens holder 800 by optimizing capillary adhesion, pressure, or shear forces between the ocular tissue and the tabs 850, particularly in the presence of a viscoelastic fluid. Furthermore, more than one channel can be used to generate additional suction between the lens holder 800 and the surface of the eye.

[0054] Figure 9 A top plan view of a contact lens holder 900 having an alternative tab configuration according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The contact lens holder 900 can include any of the features described above, except that the tab 950 is configured as shown.

[0055] As shown, the contact lens holder 900 includes a primary tab 952 that extends circumferentially from the flange 940 along an entire quadrant of the flange 940, or more (from approximately the 9:00 position to the 12:00 position). A first secondary tab 954a extends circumferentially from the flange 940 at a position generally opposite the first end 998 of the primary tab 950 (at approximately the 3:00 position), and a second secondary tab 954b extends circumferentially from the flange 940 at a position generally opposite the second end 999 of the primary tab 950 (at approximately the 6:00 position).

[0056] Figure 10A A lens holder (e.g., Figure 9 950). Figure 10B Shown Figure 10A FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the surface microstructure 1092 shown. As shown, the surface microstructure 1092 includes a ridge pattern having a plurality (e.g., three) ridges 1094. As shown, FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B In an embodiment, each ridge has a smooth, semicircular or semicircular arc shape. Figure 10BIn the example of , there is a small gap 1096 between each two adjacent ridges 1094. The size and geometry of the ridges 1094 can be selected to optimize surface contact adhesion to improve the stability of the lens holder 700, for example, by optimizing the shear force between the eye tissue and the tab rear surface 790. Typically, the size of the ridges 1094 is based on the modulus of its material. Figure 10A and Figure 10B In some examples, the radius of the ridges 1095 is between about 0.25 mm and about 1.25 mm, such as between about 0.5 mm and about 1.0 mm. In some examples, the size and / or shape of the gaps 1096 between adjacent ridges 1094 depends on the radius of the tool or machine used to manufacture the lens holder, such as a diamond tool having a minimum tip radius of about 10 μm (other tip radii for gaps of other sizes / shapes are also contemplated).

[0057] The various lens holders described herein are self-retaining, allowing them to be used during ophthalmic surgery without the aid of hand-holding by an assistant. However, in certain embodiments, the lens holder embodiments can be used in conjunction with hand-holding to provide increased control and / or maneuverability of the lens holder on the eye.

[0058] As previously described, some or all of the flange 140 and tab 150 can be constructed from a hydrophobic silicone rubber material. However, a portion of the lens holder described herein may also be suitably formed from any of a variety of biocompatible materials, including, by way of non-limiting example, cyclic olefin copolymer, PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)), Zeonex, Topas, silicone rubber, Acrysof, polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polysulfone (PS), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polyetherimide (PEI), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (or poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)). In some embodiments, various components of the lens holder, including the flange, rim, and tab, are formed from the same biocompatible material. In other embodiments, various components of the lens holder are formed from different biocompatible materials.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments encompassed by this disclosure are not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments described above. In this regard, while illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide variety of modifications, variations, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It will be understood that such changes may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, it will be understood that the appended claims should be interpreted broadly and in a manner consistent with this disclosure.

[0060] Example Embodiments

[0061] Embodiment 1: A contact lens holder comprising: a rim forming a lens receiving seat for receiving a lens; and a flange integrally formed with the rim and extending from the rim, the flange comprising at least one tab, wherein a rear surface of the flange and at least one of a rear surface of the at least one tab comprise a microstructure.

[0062] Embodiment 2: The contact lens holder of embodiment 1, wherein the curvature of the flange corresponds to the curvature of the sclera and / or cornea of ​​a normal eye.

[0063] Embodiment 3: The contact lens holder of Embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the at least one tab and the flange is made of hydrophobic silicone rubber.

[0064] Embodiment 4: The contact lens holder of Embodiment 1, wherein the inner diameter of the lens receptacle is 14 mm and the diameter of the flange is 18.5 mm.

[0065] Embodiment 5: The contact lens holder of Embodiment 1, wherein the at least one tab comprises an adhesive.

[0066] Embodiment 6: A contact lens assembly comprising: a lens; and a contact lens holder comprising: a rim forming a lens receiving seat for holding the lens; and a flange integrally formed with the rim and extending from the rim, the flange comprising at least one tab, wherein a rear surface of the flange and at least one of a rear surface of the at least one tab comprise a microstructure.

Claims

1. A contact lens holder, comprising: a rim forming a lens receiving seat for receiving a lens; as well as A flange is integrally formed with and extends from the rim, the flange including at least one tab, wherein at least one of a rear surface of the flange and a rear surface of the at least one tab includes a microstructure.

2. The contact lens holder of claim 1, wherein: The microstructure includes a plurality of ridges separated by a plurality of valleys.

3. The contact lens holder of claim 2, wherein: The plurality of ridges and the plurality of recesses have a semicircular shape or a semicircular arc shape.

4. The contact lens holder of claim 1 , wherein: The microstructure comprises triangular ridges separated by flat valleys.

5. The contact lens holder of claim 4, wherein: The triangular ridges include rows and columns of ridges, wherein ridges in adjacent columns are separated by gaps.

6. The contact lens holder of claim 1, wherein: The microstructure on the at least one tab includes one or more adsorption recesses.

7. The contact lens holder of claim 1, wherein: The microstructure on the at least one tab includes one or more channels extending from a rear surface of the at least one tab to a front surface of the at least one tab.

8. The contact lens holder of claim 1, wherein: The at least one tab includes a plurality of tabs having various sizes.

9. The contact lens holder of claim 8, wherein: The plurality of tabs includes a first set of tabs including two main tabs in an upper quadrant of the flange and a second set of tabs including two other main tabs in a lower quadrant of the flange.

10. The contact lens holder of claim 9, wherein: The first set of tabs and the second set of tabs are the same size.

11. The contact lens holder of claim 9, wherein: There is an escape space between each of the two tabs in the first set of tabs and each of the other two tabs in the second set of tabs.

12. The contact lens holder of claim 9, wherein: The plurality of tabs includes a third group of tabs including two secondary tabs, wherein each of the secondary tabs is located between a primary tab from the first group of tabs and a primary tab from the second group of tabs.

13. The contact lens holder of claim 9, wherein: The third set of tabs has a size smaller than that of the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs.

14. The contact lens holder of claim 8, wherein: The plurality of tabs includes three tabs, the three tabs including one primary tab and two secondary tabs, wherein the primary tab extends circumferentially along an entire quadrant of the flange, and wherein the two secondary tabs include a first secondary tab extending circumferentially at a first position approximately opposite a first end of the primary tab and a second secondary tab extending circumferentially at a second position approximately opposite a second end of the primary tab.

15. The contact lens holder of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the rear surface of the flange and the rear surface of the at least one tab comprises a viscoelastic material.

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