Macular and scleral support surgical device for ocular restraint in progressive high myopia

Abstract

The present invention is a flexible ocular restraint band that includes a thin flexible material such as a surgical mesh fabric with flexible reinforced end portions. The device is positioned posterior to the eye globe and the reinforced ends are sutured to anterior portions of the scleral ring. Preferably, a side edge of the band is formed with a concave curved edge to be placed proximate the optical nerve without making contact or applying pressure to the optical nerve. When properly positioned the device prevents further axial elongation of the eye. In alternative embodiments the band may be formed as a generally linear strap, a three legged or “Y” shaped strap or a four legged “X” shaped strap.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to ocular support bands, and more particularly to a flexible band device for supporting the macular region of the eye. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Degenerative myopia is a significant cause of world blindness and visual disability. It is said to be the seventh ranking cause of legal blindness in the United States of America, while being the fourth ranking cause in Hong Kong. Overall, blindness most commonly occurs from myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, cataract and glaucoma, and of these, myopic macular degeneration is the most important. There is no universally accepted treatment to prevent the condition. It is thought to be due to decompensation of the nerve and supporting tissues of the part of the retina of the eye, the macular, which is used for fine vision. One cause of the damage is the axial overgrowth of the eye during the regular growth phase, followed by further increments of stret...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Generally, the present invention is a flexible macular and scleral support device that includes a thin flexible material such as surgical mesh fabric with flexible reinforced end portions. The device is positioned posterior to the eye globe and the reinforced ends are sutured to anterior portions of the scleral ring. Preferably, a side edge of the band is formed with a concave curved edge to be placed proximate to the optic nerve without making contact or applying pressure to the nerve or its blood supply. When properly positioned the device prevents further axial elongation of the eye. In alternative embodiments the band may be formed as a generally linear strap, a three legged or “Y” shaped strap or a four legged “X” shaped strap. A further alternative embodiment includes a circumferential band that is engagable with the legs of the posterior support band to secure the placement of the legs and to provide further support to the eye.

[0007] It is an advantage of the macular and scleral support device of the present invention that it provides improved posterior support to an eye globe.

[0008] It is another advantage of an embodiment of the macular and scleral support device of the present invention that it provides improved posterior eye support in three or more quadrants of the eye.

[0009] It is a further advantage of the macular and scleral support device of the present invention that it includes attachment legs having reinforced end portions that inhibit unwanted folding and buckling of the end portions at suture attachment points.

[0010] It is yet another advantage of the macular and scleral support device of the present invention that it is comprised of a mesh fabric that becomes engaged in position with the eye due to reactive scarring.

[0011] It is yet a further advantage of an embodiment of the macular and scleral support device of the present invention that it includes a circumferential band which is engagable to the leg portions of the posterior support band for providing secure positioning for the leg portions and enhanced eye globe support.

Problems solved by technology

Degenerative myopia is a significant cause of world blindness and visual disability.

There is no universally accepted treatment to prevent the condition.

One cause of the damage is the axial overgrowth of the eye during the regular growth phase, followed by further increments of stretching during the adult years.

This has been found to have limited success, especially in adult eyes.

Surgical fabrics have been used in a few studies but with no accepted success.

Many surgeons have found such mesh-like materials difficult to use, in that the suturing of the mesh fabric material creates gathering, folds, pulls and creases in the fabric that are problematic.

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