Contact lenses for ophthalmoscopy

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a contact lens holder and contact lens assembly for a self-retaining ophthalmoscopic instrument for vitreous or retinal observation and / or surgical treatment. [Background technology]

[0002] Anatomically, the eye is divided into two distinct segments: 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 lens capsule. The posterior segment, which is much larger than the anterior segment, includes the posterior portion of the eye's lens capsule. The posterior segment extends from the anterior vitreous body to the retina, with which the posterior vitreous body directly contacts, through to the choroid and posterior sclera.

[0003] The posterior segment of the eye contains the vitreous, a clear, colorless gel-like substance. The vitreous gives the eye its spherical shape and form and constitutes approximately two-thirds of the eye's total volume. It is composed of 99% water and 1% collagen and sodium hyaluronate. The anterior boundary of the vitreous is the anterior surface of the lens, which contacts the posterior capsule. The posterior boundary of the vitreous is the posterior surface of the lens, which contacts the retina. Unlike the aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, the vitreous is not free-flowing and has its usual anatomical attachment sites. These sites include the lens nerve head, macula, vascular arcade, and the vitreous base, a 3-4 mm (millimeter) wide band that overlies the ora serrata. The vitreous's primary functions are to hold the retina in place, maintain the integrity and shape of the eyeball, absorb shock from movement, and support the posterior portion of the lens.

[0004] In contrast to aqueous humor, the vitreous is not continually replaced and becomes more fluid with age through a process called syneresis. As a result of syneresis, the vitreous shrinks, which can exert pressure or traction on its normal attachment sites. With sufficient traction, the vitreous can pull itself from its attachment to the retina, causing a retinal tear, which may require surgical repair.

[0005] Vitreoretinal surgery is used to treat conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, macular holes, retinal detachment, epiretinal membranes, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, and many other ophthalmic conditions. When performing surgery on the posterior segment of the eye, such as vitreoretinal surgery, it is typically necessary to observe the anatomical structures of the eye using a surgical microscope and ophthalmoscopic lenses designed to provide a clear image of the posterior segment. Generally, standard surgical microscopes can observe structures in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, but cannot adequately observe the entire posterior segment of the eye. This is because the eye's natural optical system (i.e., the cornea and lens) prevents the surgical microscope from focusing on some structures in the posterior segment of the eye (e.g., the retina). Therefore, to focus the surgical microscope on structures such as the retina, the eye's natural optical system can be compensated for by positioning an ophthalmoscopic lens with appropriate optical properties between the eye and the microscope.

[0006] Direct ophthalmoscopy lenses, which create a virtual image inside the eye, and indirect ophthalmoscopy lenses, which create a real image outside the eye, are two types of lenses that have been used for viewing the posterior segment of the eye and as aids to surgical treatment of the eye. Known lenses used in vitreoretinal surgery can suffer from less than desirable image quality due to various optical phenomena, such as, but not limited to, defocus, spherical aberration, coma, distortion, and chromatic aberration, as well as loss of contrast and sharpness.

[0007] A challenge associated with using a surgical contact lens that is placed on a patient's eye during an ophthalmic procedure is maintaining the position of the surgical contact lens during the procedure. One solution is to have an assistant manually hold the surgical contact lens in place during the procedure. This solution requires the assistant to be highly trained. Furthermore, each time the assistant repositions the surgical contact lens, it slows down the procedure being performed. Another solution is to suture a portion of the surgical contact lens to the patient's eye. While this solution effectively maintains the position of the surgical contact lens on the patient's eye, even small sutures can damage the patient's eye, and therefore a less invasive process for maintaining the position of the surgical contact lens on the patient's eye would be beneficial. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[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 space for insertion of surgical instruments compared to conventional contact lenses. Furthermore, it will be apparent that features of the present invention relate to lens holders with or without a lens installed therein.

[0009] Certain embodiments disclose a contract lens holder including a rim forming a lens receptacle for receiving a lens, and a flange integrally formed with and extending from the rim, the flange including at least one tab, and at least one of a rear surface of the flange and a rear surface of the at least one tab including a microstructure.

[0010] Certain embodiments disclose a contract lens assembly including a lens and a contact lens holder, the contact lens holder including a rim forming a lens receptacle for receiving the lens, and a flange integrally formed with and extending from the rim, the flange including at least one tab, and at least one of a rear surface of the flange and a rear surface of the at least one tab including a microstructure.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to enable understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope thereof. In this regard, other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

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

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a contact lens holder according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a contact lens assembly including a contact lens holder and a contact lens according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the contact lens assembly of FIG. 2 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a contact lens holder according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A-5B] 5A-5B show various views of a contact lens holder having exemplary surface microstructures according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figures 6A-6C] 6A-6C show various close-up views of other exemplary surface microstructures according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figures 7A-7B]7A and 7B show partial cross-sectional views of a contact lens holder having exemplary surface macrostructures according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a contact lens holder having another exemplary surface microstructure, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a top view of a contact lens holder having an alternative tab configuration according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figures 10A-10B] 10A and 10B show partial cross-sectional views of a contact lens holder having other exemplary surface microstructures according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] To promote an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It should be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is intended. Any alternatives and further modifications to the described devices, apparatus, and methods, as well as any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, are fully contemplated. In particular, it is fully contemplated that features, components, and / or steps described with respect to a particular embodiment may be combined with features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of brevity, the same reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts in some instances.

[0015] The present disclosure generally relates to contact lens holders for ophthalmoscopy used in ophthalmic surgeries, such as vitreoretinal surgery or other posterior segment surgeries, as well as in ophthalmic clinical procedures. Certain embodiments herein provide contact lens holders that can be used with aspheric lenses 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 placed therein can be referred to as a contact lens assembly. In certain embodiments, the lens holder and the contact lens placed therein are separate components, in which case the contact lens can be removed and replaced with another contact lens as needed. In other specific embodiments, the lens holder and the contact lens are bonded and inseparable.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the 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 the self-retention of the lens holder on the eye without the use of sutures or manual holding of the lens holder. A self-retaining lens holder refers to a lens holder that can self-stabilize and remain on the eye without intervention (e.g., without being manually held or sutured to the eye) during a procedure.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a lens holder 100 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. While the lens holder 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured for use in ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery, 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 that may be used in combination with a surgical microscope, a slit lamp, or any other ophthalmic observation device for observing the interior of the eye (as shown in FIG. 2). For example, a surgical microscope may be spaced apart from the lens in the lens holder 100 and cooperate with the lens to capture light rays that exit the eye through the cornea and pass through the lens. The surgical microscope may focus such light rays to generate images of, for example, the retina and vitreous.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the lens holder 100 comprises an integrated device including integrally formed components. The lens holder 100 includes a central lens receptacle 110 for holding a lens, such as a planar-concave, convex-concave (meniscus), or biconcave lens, as shown in FIG. 2. The lens receptacle 110 is formed and circumferentially surrounded by a cylindrical rim 120. A circular flange 140, integrally formed with the rim 120, extends from the rim 120 and angles outward therefrom. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a plurality of tabs 150 project outward from the flange 140. At least one of the tabs 150 and / or the flange 140 has a surface micro- or macrostructure for enhanced stability, as shown in FIGS. 5A-8B.

[0019] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , tab 150 includes four large tabs 152 and two small tabs 154. As shown, first large tab 152a and second large tab 152b are separated by a first relief space 156a. For reference, the location of first relief space 156a corresponds to the 12 o'clock position. First large tab 152a and second large tab 152b are positioned in the upper quadrant of lens holder 100 (between the 10:30 and 1:30 positions). Third large tab 152c and fourth large tab 152d are separated by second relief space 156b and are positioned in the lower quadrant of lens holder 100 (between the 4:30 and 7:30 positions).

[0020] As shown, first small tab 154a is positioned at approximately the 9 o'clock position between first large tab 152a and third large tab 152c. Second small tab 154b (not shown in the view provided in FIG. 1) is positioned at approximately the 3 o'clock position between second large tab 152b and fourth large tab 152d. In the illustrated embodiment, large tabs 152a, 152b, 152c, and 154d are the same first size, and small tabs 154a and 154b are the same second size. However, it should be understood that tabs 150 may be different shapes, sizes, and / or numbering.

[0021] As shown, the small tabs 154a, 154b are smaller than the large tab 152, which helps to further stabilize the lens holder 100 while leaving some maneuvering space for the surgeon. Additionally, a clearance space is provided between each small tab 154 and the large tab 152. An example of such a clearance space is clearance space 185 provided between small tab 154s and the large tab 152a. The clearance space between each small tab 154 and the adjacent large tab 152 is typically where the surgeon inserts various surgical instruments during surgery, such as trocar cannulas through which probes (e.g., irrigation probes, laser probes, aspiration probes, illumination probes, etc.) are inserted. For example, a typical vitreoretinal surgery requires the placement of three trocar cannulas to provide ports for introducing surgical instruments and fluids into the eye. Typically, one port is used for fluid injection and two ports are used for instrument insertion (e.g., one working port and one illumination port). The trocar cannula is typically positioned 3.5 to 4.5 mm from the limbus (where the pars plana is located) in eyes with a mean diameter of approximately 11.7 mm to avoid damage to the ciliary processes and ora serrata.

[0022] Therefore, the number of tabs provided herein, the dimensions of the various tabs, including the small tab 154 and the large tab 152, and / or the various relief spaces provided herein are configured and sized to provide the surgeon with the necessary operating space for inserting surgical instruments, etc., while maximizing the contact surface of the lens holder 100 with the eye, thereby enhancing the self-retaining ability of the lens holder.

[0023] Each of the tabs 150 includes a leading tab surface and a trailing tab surface. For example, large tab 152c includes a leading tab surface 188 and a trailing tab surface 190. Each trailing tab surface has a curved shape that substantially corresponds to the curvature of the sclera of the eye, allowing the tabs 150 to rest approximately flush against the eye.

[0024] In some embodiments, the lens receptacle 110 can be sized to have a lens with an effective diameter of approximately 14 mm (millimeters), which can accommodate lenses up to approximately 14 mm in diameter. A 14 mm diameter is larger than a typical dilated pupil. The 14 mm diameter of the lens receptacle is large enough to facilitate adequate light transmission of a lens positioned within the lens receptacle 110, yet small enough to limit interference with the surgeon's hands during an ophthalmic procedure. However, it should be understood that the diameter may be larger or smaller for various applications.

[0025] 2 shows a perspective view of a contact lens assembly 202 including the lens holder 100 of FIG. 1 and a contact lens 205, according to certain embodiments. The lens 205 includes an aspheric anterior optical surface or base profile 260 and a posterior optical surface (not shown in the view provided in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the posterior optical surface has a curved, spherical shape that substantially corresponds to the corneal curvature of the average human cornea.

[0026] In some embodiments, the front optical surface 260 includes an anti-reflective or non-reflective coating to reduce reflected glare for better visualization, which may improve the ability to capture digital video or image frames and reduce or eliminate artifacts in two-dimensional microscopic images.

[0027] It should be noted that lens holder 100 is configured to accommodate lenses having different heights or diopters. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2-3, lens 205 extends proximally above edge 175 of rim 120, while in embodiments where shorter lenses are used, edge 175 of rim 120 may extend above anterior optical surface 260.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the lens holder 100 and lens 205. With reference to Figure 3, a circular flange 140 surrounds and extends angularly from the rim 120, forming a peripheral flared region that surrounds the base circumference of the lens receptacle 110. As shown, the flange 140 forms an integral extension of the rim 120 and extends radially from the lens receptacle 110 such that, in at least certain embodiments, the flange 140 extends onto the sclera of the eye when the surgical contact lens holder 100 is centered over the cornea of ​​the eye.

[0029] In some embodiments, flange 140 is molded and configured to be sufficiently thin, e.g., fabricated from a particular material to provide a degree of softness and flexibility. In some embodiments, flange 140 may be thinner or wider than rim 120. In some embodiments, flange 140 has a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, e.g., about 0.55 mm to about 1.45 mm, e.g., about 0.6 mm to about 1.4 mm, e.g., about 0.65 mm to about 1.35 mm, e.g., about 0.7 mm to about 1.3 mm, e.g., about 0.75 mm to about 1.25 mm, e.g., about 0.8 mm to about 1.2 mm, e.g., about 0.85 mm to about 1.15 mm, e.g., about 0.9 mm to about 1.1 mm, e.g., about 0.95 mm to about 1.05 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of flange 140 may depend on the hardness of the material of flange 140. For example, with a less stiff material, the flange 140 may have a greater thickness, or with a stiffer material, the flange may be thinner to increase its softness and flexibility.

[0030] In some embodiments, flange 140 and / or tab 150 are fabricated from a hydrophobic silicone rubber material or other suitable elastomeric material. This material may be sufficiently soft to allow the surgeon to easily trim or cut off unwanted portions of flange 140 and / or tab 150, if desired. In some embodiments, this material may have a hardness of about 30 Shore A to about 95 Shore A, e.g., about 30 Shore A to about 80 Shore A, e.g., about 70 Shore A. In certain embodiments, the flange may be semi-rigid or rigid. In certain embodiments, flange 140 may be shaped and configured to be sufficiently transparent to allow visualization through the flange to observe underlying tissue, vessels, air bubbles, and / or bleeding, by way of non-limiting example. In alternative embodiments, the flange may be translucent or opaque.

[0031] The flange 140 includes an anterior flange surface 180 and a posterior flange surface 185. The posterior flange surface 185 is shaped and configured to have a curvature that is different from the curvature of the posterior optical surface 270. For example, in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the posterior flange surface 185 has a curved shape that substantially corresponds to the curvature of the average human eye (e.g., the corneal and / or scleral curvature), thereby allowing the flange 140 to rest approximately flush against the eye and the lens 205 to rest approximately flush against the cornea of ​​the eye. This combination of different curvatures that fit different portions of the average human eye tends to center and stabilize the lens holder on the cornea of ​​the eye. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the posterior flange surface 185 includes microstructures, such as the microstructure shown in FIG. 6A. However, any other type of microstructure or macrostructure provided herein may be used on the posterior flange surface.

[0032] As previously mentioned, tab 150 extends at an angle from flange 140 and is shaped to match the curvature of the average curve of the human eye. Tab 150 may be any of a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, a tab, a triangle, an oval (e.g., a curved oval), or a finger-like extension. Additionally, tab 150 may be sized according to the anatomy of the eye and / or the elastic modulus of the material of tab 150.

[0033] As previously mentioned, the lens holder 100 is configured with a number of self-retaining features that make the lens holder 100 a self-retaining lens holder, allowing it to be used hands-free during an ophthalmic procedure. For example, one such self-retaining feature is the large surface area of ​​the rear flange surface 185 and rear tab 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 surface area (e.g., corneal area) of each of the rear tab surfaces 190 is approximately 10 square millimeters (mm 2 ) ~ approx. 30mm 2 , for example, about 20 mm 2 In such an embodiment, the surface area of ​​both tab rear faces 190 is approximately 20 mm 2 ~about 60mm 2 , for example, about 40 mm 2 In some embodiments, the lens holder 100 is 200 mm 2 Another self-retaining / balancing feature is a surface microstructure or macrostructure on the flange rear surface 185 or on one or more of the tab rear surfaces 190, which also enhances stability. In particular, the surface microstructures allow the surface area of ​​both tab rear surfaces 190 to exceed approximately 60 mm 2 ~about 80mm 2 Generally, the microstructures can increase the surface area by about 50% to about 200%, depending on the microstructure design, which itself may depend on the hardness of the flange 140 material.

[0034] Yet another self-retaining / balancing feature is the curvature of the posterior flange surface 185 and the posterior tab surface 190. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the posterior flange surface 185 and the posterior tab surface 190 include an inner concave surface configured to have a radius of curvature that is the same as or substantially the same as the curvature of the average eye. In particular, the curvature of the posterior flange surface 185 and the posterior tab surface 190 can be the same as or substantially the same as the scleral curvature of the average eye (e.g., the average eye in a particular age group or by a particular gender, ethnicity, condition, etc.). In some embodiments, the apex radius of curvature R of the posterior flange surface 185 and the posterior tab surface 190 can be approximately 11.0-12.0 mm. In some embodiments, the curvature of the posterior optical surface 270 can be the same as or substantially the same as the corneal curvature of the average eye (e.g., the average eye in a particular age group or by a particular gender, ethnicity, condition, etc.).

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a lens holder 100 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The tabs are sized and positioned to maximize stability while also maximizing the working space available for inserting a surgical instrument, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a trocar cannula positioned near the lens holder 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens holder 100 includes six tabs (four large tabs 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d and two small tabs 154a and 154b). The maximum diameter D1 of the lens holder 100 with the large tabs 154 may be 18.50 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter D2 of the rim 120 may be 14.00 mm. However, in certain other embodiments, the maximum diameter D1 and the inner diameter D2 may be larger or smaller for various applications. For example, in some embodiments, the maximum diameter D1 may be 17.00 mm or less. In various embodiments, it may be desirable for the inner diameter D2 to match the diameter of the lens to be received in the lens receptacle 110.

[0036] The surgical contact lens holder 100 may be positioned on the cornea using an interface solution, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a viscoelastic or other similar agent. Examples of viscoelastic fluids that may be suitable for this purpose include, but are not limited to, Viscoat® viscoelastic—40,000 centipoise (“cps”), DicCoVisc® viscoelastic—75,000 cps, Healon® viscoelastic—50,000 to 4,000,000 cps, EYEFILL® SC viscoelastic—400,000 cps, and AMVISC® viscoelastic—55,700 cps. The interface solution functions 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, posterior flange surface 185 and / or posterior tab surface 190 of the contact lens can generate shear forces in the interface solution between the surface of the eye and the lens holder 100 / lens 205, thereby further stabilizing the lens holder 100 during use.

[0037] To further increase the shear forces between the ocular tissue and the lens holder 100 and provide greater stability, the embodiments described with respect to Figures 5A-9 provide one or more examples of surface microstructures (e.g., textured or uneven surfaces) and macrostructures (e.g., the formation of perforations therein by the removal of material) on the tab 150, flange rear surface 185, and / or tab rear surface 190.

[0038] FIG. 5A shows a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a contact lens holder 500 having surface microstructures 592 on the tab rear surface 590 of one or more tabs, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 5B shows an enlarged view of the surface microstructure 592 shown in FIG. 5A. As shown, the microstructure 592 includes multiple ridges 514 separated by recesses 516. In the example of FIG. 5B, the ridges 514 and recesses 516 are in the form of peaks and valleys having semicircular or semi-circular shapes. The depth, width, and shape of the ridges 514 and / or recesses 516 can be selected to maximize surface contact adhesion, for example, to optimize the stability of the lens holder 500 by optimizing shear forces between the ocular tissue and the tab rear surface 590. Furthermore, the depth, width, and shape of the ridges 514 and / or recesses 516 can depend on the elastic modulus of the material of the ridges 514 and / or recesses 516. In some embodiments, the width of the ridges 514 can be about 0.05 mm to about 0.3 mm, such as about 0.1 mm to about 0.25 mm, for example, about 0.15 mm to about 0.2 mm, for example, about 0.16 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the ridges 514 (and / or the depth of the recesses 516) can be about 0.1 mm to about 0.4 mm, for example, about 0.15 mm to about 0.35 mm, for example, about 0.2 mm to about 0.3 mm, for example, about 0.22 mm or about 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the ridges 514 can be about 0.01 mm 2 ~approx. 0.03 mm 2 , for example, about 0.15 mm 2 ~about 0.25mm 2 , for example, about 0.02 mm 2 It could be.

[0039] 6A-6C show various close-up views of other exemplary surface microstructures 692 on the rear tab surface of one or more tabs of a lens holder, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the microstructures 692 include 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 instead resemble a sawtooth profile. In the example of FIGS. 6A-6C, the ridges 614 are shaped like right triangles, although other types of triangular shapes are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 6A, the microstructure 692 includes multiple rows and columns of ridges 614, with each ridge 614 having a length 694 equal to approximately 200 μm. As shown in FIG. 6A, adjacent columns of ridges 614 are separated by gaps having a length of approximately 20 μm. In the example of Figure 6B, the ridges 614 have a height of about 46 μm, a width of about 15 μm, and are separated by a separation width of about 25 μm. The dimensions provided herein with respect to Figures 6A-6C are examples only, and other dimensions are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] The ridges 614 may be made of a flexible material, such as silicone, and may flex when in contact with the surface of the eye. Figure 6C shows an example of a ridge 614 that flexes when a lens holder with the ridges 614 is placed on the surface of the eye and pressure is applied thereto.

[0041] FIG. 7A shows a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a contact lens holder 700 having a surface macrostructure 792 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B shows an enlarged view of the surface macrostructure 792 shown in FIG. 7A. As shown, the surface macrostructure 792 includes at least one suction cup or recess 794 on the posterior surface 790 of one or more of the tabs, thereby increasing the flexibility of the lens holder 700 as it is sucked onto ocular tissue. The size and shape of the at least one suction recess 794 can be selected to optimize surface contact adhesion, for example, to improve the stability of the lens holder 700 by optimizing negative pressure traction, suction, or shear forces between the ocular tissue and the tab posterior surface 790. Additionally, two or more suction recesses can be used to generate additional suction forces between the lens holder 700 and the ocular surface.

[0042] 8 shows a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a contact lens holder 800 having a surface microstructure 892 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the surface microstructure 892 includes at least one channel 894 extending through one or more of the tabs from the posterior surface of the tab to the anterior surface of the tab. The size and geometry of the at least one channel 894 may be selected to optimize surface contact adhesion, for example, to improve stability of the lens holder 800 by optimizing capillary adhesion, pressure, or shear forces between the ocular tissue and the tab 850, particularly in the presence of a viscoelastic fluid. Additionally, two or more channels may be used to generate additional suction forces between the lens holder 800 and the ocular surface.

[0043] 9 shows a top view of a contact lens holder 900 having an alternative tab configuration according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The contact lens holder 900 may include any of the features described above, except that the tab 950 is configured as shown.

[0044] As shown, the contact lens holder 900 includes a large tab 952 that extends circumferentially from the flange 940 along or beyond an entire quadrant of the flange 940 (from approximately the 9 o'clock to the 12 o'clock position). A first small tab 954a extends circumferentially from the flange 940 at a position generally opposite a first end 998 of the large tab 950 (approximately the 3 o'clock position), and a second small tab 954b extends circumferentially from the flange 940 at a position generally opposite a second end 999 of the large tab 950 (approximately the 6 o'clock position).

[0045] FIG. 10A illustrates a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a lens holder, such as lens holder 900 of FIG. 9, having a surface microstructure 1092 on the rear surface 1090 of a large tab, such as large tab 950, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10B illustrates a close-up view of the surface microstructure 1092 shown in FIG. 10A. As illustrated, the surface microstructure 1092 includes a ridge pattern having multiple (e.g., three) ridges 1094. As illustrated, in the embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10B, each ridge has a smooth semicircular or semicircular contour shape. In the example of FIG. 10B, there is a slight gap 1096 between each of two adjacent ridges 1094. The size and geometry of the ridges 1094 can be selected to optimize surface contact adhesion, for example, to improve stability of the lens holder 700 by optimizing shear forces between the ocular tissue and the tab rear surface 790. Generally, the dimensions of the ridges 1094 are based on the elastic modulus of the material. 10A and 10B, the radius of the ridges 1095 is between about 0.25 mm and about 1.25 mm, e.g., 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 utilized to fabricate the lens holder, e.g., a diamond tool having a minimum tip radius of about 10 μm (other tip radii for other sizes / shapes of the gap are contemplated).

[0046] The various lens holders described herein are self-retaining, meaning that the lens holders can be used during an ophthalmic procedure without the assistance of an assistant's handle. However, in certain embodiments, lens holder embodiments may be used in conjunction with a handle to improve control and / or maneuverability of the lens holder relative to the eye.

[0047] As mentioned above, some or all of the flange 140 and tab 150 may be constructed of a hydrophobic silicone rubber material. However, portions of the lens holders described herein may also be suitably formed from any of a variety of biocompatible materials, including, by way of non-limiting example, cycloolefin copolymer, PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)), ZEONEX, TOPAS, silicone rubber, Acrysof, polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, epoxy, polysulfone (PS), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polyetherimide (PEI), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (or poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). In some embodiments, the various components of the lens holder, including the flange, rim, and tab, are formed from the same biocompatible material. In other embodiments, the various components of the lens holder are formed from different biocompatible materials.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments described above. In this regard, while exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, various improvements, modifications, and substitutions in the foregoing disclosure are contemplated. It is understood that such modifications can be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the present disclosure.

[0049] Illustrative Embodiments Embodiment 1: A contact lens holder comprising: a rim forming a lens receptacle for receiving a lens; and a flange integrally formed with the rim and extending therefrom, 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.

[0050] Embodiment 2: The contact lens holder of embodiment 1, wherein the flange has a curvature that corresponds to the scleral and / or corneal curvature of an average eye.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Embodiment 4: The contact lens holder of embodiment 1, wherein the inner diameter of the lens receptacle is 14 mm and the flange diameter is 18.5 mm.

[0053] Embodiment 5: The contact lens holder of embodiment 1, wherein at least one tab comprises an adhesive.

[0054] Embodiment 6: A contact lens assembly comprising: a lens; a contact lens holder comprising: a rim forming a lens receptacle for holding the lens; and a flange integrally formed with the rim and extending therefrom, 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 a microstructure.

Claims

1. In the contact lens holder, a rim forming a lens receptacle for receiving a lens; a flange integrally formed with and extending 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 comprises a plurality of ridges separated by a plurality of recesses.

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

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

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

6. The contact lens holder of claim 1 , wherein the microstructure on the at least one tab comprises one or more suction depressions.

7. The contact lens holder of claim 1 , wherein the microstructure on the at least one tab comprises one or more channels extending from the 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 comprises a plurality of tabs having different sizes.

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

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

11. 10. The contact lens holder of claim 9, wherein there is a relief space between each of the two tabs in the first group of tabs and each of the other two tabs in the second group of tabs.

12. 10. The contact lens holder of claim 9, wherein the plurality of tabs includes a third group of tabs including two small tabs, each of the small tabs being between one large tab in the first group of tabs and one large tab in the second group of tabs.

13. 10. The contact lens holder of claim 9, wherein the third set of tabs is smaller in size than the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs.

14. 9. The contact lens holder of claim 8, wherein the plurality of tabs includes three tabs including one large tab and two small tabs, the large tab extending circumferentially along an entire quadrant of the flange, the two small tabs including a first small tab extending circumferentially at a first position generally opposite a first end of the large tab, and a second small tab extending circumferentially at a second position generally opposite a second end of the large 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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