A haptic implantable intraocular lens with improved stability in the sulcus technical field

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a toric or non toric implantable contact lens (ICL) or an intraocular lens (IOL) comprising an optic and a haptic component and two opposite and uncoupled open channels that may be strengthened with a frame or otherwise placed in the incline, slope and / or vault connecting the ICL optic and haptic, coupled to additional thickness / weight / anchors added to the 4 haptics to allow for no or minimal ICL rotation with a forceful sneeze or movement.

Description

A HAPTIC IMPLANTABLE INTRAOCULAR LENS WITH IMPROVED STABILITY IN THE SULCUS TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention generally relates to Intraocular Lens(es) (IOL) and Implantable Contact Lens(es) (ICL), more particularly, to plate haptic sulcus IOL or ICL. Plate haptic sulcus ICLs are currently being implanted to correct refractive errors in phakic eyes. The plate haptic sulcus ICL comprises a vault to minimize and / or eliminate the optic of said ICL potential contact with the eye’s crystalline lens. However, such desirable vault and the closed system optic / haptic ICL design has the potential to rotate in the sulcus under a forceful pressure from a powerful sneeze or movement. The present invention provides for improved stability of the ICL.BACKGROUND

[0002] Plate haptic sulcus intraocular lens(es) (IOL) and Implantable Contact Lens(es) (ICL) are currently being implanted to correct refractive errors in phakic eyes.

[0003] The plate haptic sulcus IOL / ICL has a vault to minimize and / or eliminate the optic of said IOL / ICL potential contact with the eye’s crystalline lens. However, such desirable vault has the potential to trap Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device (OVD) in the space between the IOL / ICL and the crystalline lens.

[0004] The trapped OVD is non-desirable since it can potentially lead to Intraocular Pressure (IOP) elevation in the immediate post-operative period (up to approximately 48-72 hours). More importantly, it can potentially lead to a delay in the appropriate diagnosis of the rare but devastating and potentially legally blinding malignant glaucoma should it occur. (REFERENCE 1 ).

[0005] The current addition of an optical hole or holes is welcomed and desirable in eliminating the need of a Peripheral Iridotomy (PI) and in the prevention of pupillary block glaucoma. The description of the function of such holes or openings is limited to allowing fluid passage from the posterior to the anterior chamber of the eye.

[0006] The present invention relates to a plate haptic sulcus IOL / ICL with improvedstability of the plate haptic ICL, but not excluding other lOLs / ICLs, where there is a need to evacuate OVD trapped under the IOL / ICL and, in particular, between the IOL / ICL and the eye’s crystalline lens.

[0007] The prior art address the subject of allowing fluid flow from the posterior to the anterior chamber of the eye by adding hole(s) / openings and hence eliminating the need for iris peripheral iridotomy(ies) and preventing pupillary block glaucoma.

[0008] US20080109078A1 describes a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens wherein the platformed positioned arms define at least a pair of fluid pockets between the crystalline lens of the phakic lens. These fluid pockets can potentially be clogged with OVD during surgical implantation. Fluid can only fill in after the OVD is cleared.

[0009] WO 2014 / 167425A1 describes a lens device structurally adapted to be positioned in the posterior chamber of the eye. The device comprises a generally circular optical section, two generally flat haptic structures at radially opposite sides of the optical part, and a vaulted section connecting the optical section and the haptic components. In some embodiments, the device comprises at least one opening for allowing flow of liquid, through the device, between the posterior chamber and the anterior chamber of the eye.

[0010] WO 2016 / 054624A1 describes an improved posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PCP-IOL) having a haptic with a collar, self-adjusting struts, and lens. Additionally, a PCP-IOL as set forth herein may allow peripheral aqueous flow between anterior and posterior chambers of a patient's eye.

[0011] In the prior art, for example, US20160067035A1 describes an implantable contact lens having a central hole to provide fluid flow from the posterior to the anterior chamber of the eye.

[0012] WO 2021 / 152815A1 discloses a phakic intraocular lens that is implanted between the iris and the lens of an eye, wherein said phakic intraocular lens compromises a lens body disposed in the center thereof and having a hole formed therein.

[0013] US20230181311A1 address a method for irrigating OVD trapped under the lens optic. However, as described in the literature, there is still a problem of crystal rotation. The large angle rotation (over 10°) would weaken the original astigmatism correction effect and even induce irregular astigmatism, seriously affecting the visual quality of patients (Zhang H, Fu M, Wang J. Repeated rotation of a toric implantable collamer lens: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Mar 12;100(10):e24986. doi: 10.1097 / MD.0000000000024986. PMID: 33725870; PMCID: PMC7969312). ICL rotation can occur after ICL implantation surgery. If this happens in a toric ICL, this usually necessitates additional or repeated surgery.

[0014] None of the previous art address the need or method to improve the stability of the plate haptic ICL, while maintaining adequate irrigation of the OVD trapped under the lens optic, preventing it [ICL] from rotating or slipping from its intended position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a top view of the IOL / ICL with improved frame stability and anchoring.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the IOL / ICL with improved frame stability and anchoring.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a representation of the IOL / ICL bent longitudinally where the open channels are partially framed.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a representation of an embodiment of the lens, showing ovaloid-shaped openings / conduits and an alternative form for anchoring the lens.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention discloses Intraocular Lens(es) (IOL) and Implantable Contact Lens(es) (ICL), more particularly, to plate haptic sulcus IOL or ICL. The said IOL / ICL comprises several features enhancing its functionality, but also its stability once implanted. Throughout the disclosure, IOL and ICL may be used interchangeably and all features, definitions and other will be applicable to both.

[0020] In one embodiment, the IOL / ICL comprises an opening(s) / conduit(s) 103 outside the lens optic border, specifically in the incline / slope (vault) between the lOL’s optic 104and haptic 101.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, said openings 103 should preferably be opposite each other and uncoupled, creating flow channels. These should preferably be at a maximum size possible to allow for effective and efficient dispersion of fluidic pressure build up that may occur in certain situations such as a forceful sneeze or other sudden or forceful eye movement.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the said open channels 103 are opposite each other and uncoupled, to allow for the best possible symmetric dispersion of fluidic pressure build up under the ICL from a forceful sneeze or movement, resulting in no or minimal rotation of the ICL.

[0023] Furthermore, said open channels 103 are maximized in size, without allowing for the integrity of the ICL to be compromised, allowing for substantial and effective amount of fluid to be dispersed through the ICL to release pressure as needed allowing for no or minimal rotation of the ICL.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, said open channels 103 are positioned outside the optic part of the ICL and far enough so as not to interfere with the optical correction nor the optical quality of the ICL.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, open channels 103 are preferably placed in the incline, slope and / or vault 102 connecting the ICL optic 104 and haptic 101.

[0026] In a further embodiment, it also discloses the addition of thickness 106, which may be viewed as a weight / anchor(s) equally to one or more of the four haptics 101 as shown in FIG. 1 and 2. These one or more thicknesses at the haptics 101 are intended to act as additional weights that would anchor the IOL / ICL more firmly after implanting, thus avoiding its displacement after implanting following severe trembling such as following a strong sneeze or other impact to the eye or body.

[0027] in a preferred embodiment, each of the said four weighted terminal ends 106 of the haptics 101 are given equal amount of additional weight by either adding thickness to the haptic and / or adding anchoring structure(s) allowing for better overall stability in the sulcus, and the weight removed due to creating the open channels 103 and can be distributed evenly to all said four haptics resulting in the same overall weight of the ICL.

[0028] The combination of the uncoupled large open channels 103 with all fouranchoring thicker 106 peripheral haptic ends 101 will help dissipate a forceful pressure that otherwise may result in ICL rotation. The thickened haptics provide for better ICL anchoring and stability in the eye.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the integrity of the large open channels 103 may be fortified by adding a complete or partial frame 105, 201 to the channel opening 103.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the said frame is a partial frame 302 which permits the bending of the IOL / ICL, preferably longitudinally as shown in FIG. 3 which eases the manipulation and implantation in the eye.

[0031] The sulcus of the human eye is a relatively tight space and is a conduit for fluid to flow from the posterior to the anterior chamber of the eye. Implanting an ICL in the eye sulcus is sufficient to crowd the sulcus space. Any forceful sneeze or movement may increase the fluidic pressure acting on the ICL, possibly lifting it up momentarily and rotating it to the area of best fit in the sulcus.

[0032] As such, and in the case of a toric ICL, the rotated toric ICL would lead to an unwanted refractive error induction and decrease in uncorrected visual acuity. This usually necessitates additional or repeated surgeries. Creating or adding open reinforced channels 103 to the ICL with the disclosed criteria coupled with adding the thickness 106 on one or more of the 4 haptics 101 to act as weight(s) / anchor(s) will eliminate or at least minimize ICL rotation.

[0033] In another embodiment, as represented in FIG. 4, the channels 401 may have a different shape, such as for example an ovaloid-shape rather than a rectangular-shape. The opening shape may provide for enhanced strength and support to the lens, while allowing for adequate space for the surgeon’s manipulation of the lens during surgery, hence the importance of this shape.

[0034] In another embodiment, the haptic is weighted and may be in the form as represented for example in FIG. 1 , with a bulge or protrusion(s) to act as anchors 106, or as represented in FIG. 4, as a different thickness or expand in thickness structure 402. Both these shapes, and possibly other shapes that would provide the requisite anchoring functionality may be used here. The embodiments disclosed are merely for illustration purposes and in no way limit the design of the haptics or the lens.

[0035] The disclosure and embodiments disclosed herein are merely for the purpose ofdescribing the invention. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A toric or non-toric implantable contact lens (ICL) 100 comprising:- an optic component 104;- a haptic component with four terminal ends 101 ; and- a open channels 103; wherein said terminals of said haptic component 101 are weighted with a protrusion(s) 106 and / or expanding thickness 401 , wherein said weighted haptic component stably anchors the lens in place.

2. The ICL according to claim 1 , wherein said open channels 103 are opposite to each other and uncoupled.

3. The ICL according to claim 1 , wherein said open channels are maximized in size, without allowing for the integrity of the ICL to be compromised.

4. The ICL according to claim 1 , wherein said open channels 103 are positioned outside the optic part 104 of the ICL, and far enough so as not to interfere with the optical correction nor the optical quality of the ICL.

5. The ICL according to claim 1 , wherein said open channels 103 are preferably placed in the incline, slope and / or vault 102 connecting the ICL optic 104 and hapticl 01 .

6. The ICL according to claim 1 , wherein each of said four thicker terminal ends 106 of the haptics 101 are given equal amount of additional weight by either adding thickness to the haptic, and / or adding anchoring structure(s). 2027. The ICL according to claim 1 , wherein said open channels 103 are fortified structurally by adding a full or partial frame 302, wherein said partial frame allows for ICL bending, preferably along the longitudinal axis.

8. The ICL according to claim 1 , wherein combined, the fortified uncoupled large open channels in the ICL and the additional weighted haptic components allow for the effective dispersion of fluidic pressure built up under the ICL from a forceful sneeze or movement, resulting in no or minimal displacement of the ICL.

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