Abstract
An intraocular lens is provided which includes an optical part and a haptic, which is coupled to the optical part, and with a main optical axis, which intersects a front side and a rear side of the optical part, wherein the haptic has at least one first haptic part, which is configured as a strand-like clip, wherein the strand-like clip has a longitudinal axis, wherein the strand-like clip has at least one length-changing apparatus with which the strand-like clip is variable in its length in a defined manner in the direction of its longitudinal axis.
Claims
1. An intraocular lens, comprising: an optical part having a front side and a back side; and a haptic coupled to the optical part, wherein the intraocular lens defines a main optical axis, which intersects the front side and the back side of the optical part, wherein the haptic has at least one first haptic part configured as a strand-like clip, wherein the strand-like clip defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the strand-like clip has at least one length-changing apparatus with which the strand-like clip is variable in terms of its length in a defined manner in a direction of the longitudinal axis, and wherein the strand-like clip defines an opening on a side facing the optical part, into which opening the radially outer edge of the optical part engages such that the optical part is held in the at least one first haptic part.
2. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening is a slot.
3. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one length-changing apparatus has at least one telescopic connection which changes elastically in length in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
4. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one length-changing apparatus has at least one accordion-like folding part which changes elastically in length in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
5. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strand-like clip is at least partially formed as a tube.
6. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the haptic has a second haptic part configured with a second length-changing apparatus functionally corresponding to the at least one first haptic part.
7. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second haptic parts are connected to one another and form a circumferential haptic ring.
8. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one length-changing apparatus is configured to be variable in length in discrete steps.
9. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one length-changing apparatus is integrated into the strand-like clip.
10. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intraocular lens is a posterior chamber lens for implantation into a capsular bag of an eye.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:
[0051] FIG. 1 shows a simplified illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, which has already been implanted in particular in a capsular bag;
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a simplified illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens according to the disclosure, which has already been implanted in particular in a capsular bag;
[0053] FIG. 3 shows an illustration in accordance with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with a third exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens according to the disclosure;
[0054] FIG. 4 shows an illustration in accordance with FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 with a fourth exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens according to the disclosure;
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a top view and a side view of an optical part of an intraocular lens with specific coupling webs for coupling to a haptic of the intraocular lens;
[0056] FIG. 6 shows an illustration according to FIG. 5 with designs of coupling webs differing therefrom;
[0057] FIG. 7 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens, in which the haptic parts are shown in a basic state with their lengths; and
[0058] FIG. 8 shows an illustration of the embodiment of the intraocular lens according to FIG. 7, in which the haptic parts are increased in terms of length.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0059] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are given the same reference signs.
[0060] FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an artificial intraocular lens 1. This intraocular lens 1 is a posterior chamber lens for implantation into a capsular bag of an eye. It may therefore also be referred to as a capsular bag-implanted intraocular lens. The intraocular lens 1 includes an optical part 2. The optical part 2 is in the form of a lens. It is configured to create a defined optical imaging characteristic of the intraocular lens 1. The intraocular lens 1 has an optical axis or a main optical axis A. The latter passes through a front side 3 of the optical part 2 and a back side 4 of the optical part 2, centrally and in the middle region of the optical part 2. The main optical axis A is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the figure.
[0061] The intraocular lens 1, which is shown as an example implanted in a capsular bag 5 in the illustration in accordance with FIG. 1, is held in a stable position therein. For this purpose, the intraocular lens 1 has a haptic 6 which is specifically configured. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the haptic 6 has a first haptic part 7. This first haptic part 7 is configured as a strand-like clip 8. This clip 8 has a longitudinal axis B. This clip 8 is formed in the exemplary embodiment with a U-shape. The clip 8 is curved in a partial region, wherein this partial region has a maximum arc width d1, which is larger than a diameter d2 of the optical part 2. The first haptic part 7 and thus the strand-like clip 8 can be arranged directly at the optical part 2, in particular at a circumferential edge 9. However, as is provided in the illustration in FIG. 1, this clip 8 can also be arranged radially spaced apart from the optical part 2 and thus also from the circumferential edge 9. Such a configuration can be provided in particular when the optical part 2 and the haptic 6 are separate components. A connecting element 10 can be provided for connecting the haptic 6 to the optical part 2, in particular with such a spaced-apart positioning. This connecting element 10 can be a wire, for example. For this purpose, a notch or a groove may be formed in the circumferential edge 9, in which the wire 10 is placed and then guided radially projecting outward to the side in order to be connected to the haptic 6.
[0062] The clip 8, which in the exemplary embodiment surrounds the optical part 2 over an azimuth length of in particular 180°, has at least one length-changing apparatus 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the clip 8 has two length-changing apparatuses 11 and 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the length-changing apparatuses 11 and 12 are formed as end pieces of this U-shaped, strand-like clip 8. The length-changing apparatuses 11 and 12 are formed in such a way that their length is variable in a defined manner in the direction of the longitudinal axis B. As a result, the length of the clip 8 is also variable in a defined manner viewed in the direction of its longitudinal axis B. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the haptic 6 typically has a further, second haptic part 13. The latter is advantageously configured to correspond to the first haptic part 7. Like the first haptic part 7, it can be hollow in design at least in part. For example, a hollow tube can be provided here.
[0063] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second haptic part 13 is likewise formed as a strand-like clip 14. This strand-like clip 14 has a longitudinal axis C. In particular, the strand-like clip 14 has at least one length-changing apparatus 15. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown, it likewise has two separate length-changing apparatuses 15 and 16, which are also arranged spaced apart from one another. In an exemplary embodiment, these are designed as end pieces of the U-shaped clip 14.
[0064] As can be seen in the illustration in FIG. 1, in one exemplary embodiment, the two clips 8 and 14 are connected directly to one another at their respective distal ends. As a result, they form a circumferentially closed clip, which constitutes the haptic 6. The optical part 2 is thus surrounded by a circumferentially closed, strand-like overall clip, which constitutes a haptic ring. In particular, the clips 8 and 14 each extend over their entire length along the longitudinal axis B, C viewed in a plane which is oriented in particular perpendicular to the main optical axis A.
[0065] A length-changing apparatus 11, 12, 15, 16 can be configured as a telescopic connection. However, a length-changing apparatus 11, 12, 15, 16 can also be configured as an accordion-like folding part, in particular comparable to a leporello. It is also possible for a length-changing apparatus 11, 12, 15, 16 to be configured as a spring element. In FIG. 1, all length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15, 16 are of the same design and have the same functionality. In particular, the length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15, 16 are configured as accordion-like folding parts. Due to their adjustability, which can be continuous or discrete, the length of a clip 8 and/or 14 can be increased or decreased in the direction of the respective longitudinal axis B and/or C. This is indicated by the symbolic arrows in FIG. 1.
[0066] The haptic 6 can also be connected directly to the optical part 2, in particular its circumferential edge 9. For example, the clips 8 and/or 14 can therefore have slots on the side facing the optical part 2. The optical part 2 can extend into said slots and be held therein. A one-piece configuration with the intraocular lens 1 is also possible. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15 and 16 are formed as end pieces of the respective clips 8, 14. It is also possible that at least one length-changing apparatus 11, 12, 15, 16 is not formed as such an end piece, but instead is formed in the middle region of the overall length of a clip 8, 14, for example. As can be seen, the length of a length-changing apparatus 11, 12, 15, 16 viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis B or C is at most one third, in particular at most one quarter, of a respective overall length of a clip 8, 14.
[0067] The clips 8 and 14 can also be formed in one piece with one another. As a result, a clip ring is formed, which is designed to be fully circumferential.
[0068] In particular, a length-changing apparatus 11, 12, 15, 16 is integrated into a clip 8, 14, and is therefore in particular formed in one piece therewith.
[0069] An intraocular lens 1 is shown in FIG. 2 in an illustration corresponding to that in FIG. 1. In contrast to the latter, the length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15, 16 are not configured as accordion-like folding parts, but as telescopic connections. The haptic part 7 with the strand-like clip 8 is formed here from at least two partial elements. For example, three partial elements can also be provided. These are a first partial element 8′, a second partial element 8″, and a third partial element 8′″. These three partial elements 8′, 8″, 8′″ are at least partially guided within one another and can move relative to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis B in the state in which they are guided within one another. The further strand-like clip 14 can be constructed accordingly. The clip 8 can also be formed from only two partial elements which are movable relative to one another and are guided within one another. The same can be provided for the clip 14. In such an exemplary embodiment, the entire haptic 6 is then formed by four separate partial elements, in particular four tubes.
[0070] The further explanations relating to the arrangement and connection of the optical part 2 with the haptic 6 are possible according to FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the number of length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15 and 16 is also to be understood merely as an example, so that more or fewer than these four mentioned can be provided here as well. The respective positions of these length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15, 16 are also to be understood as an example.
[0071] A further exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens 1 is shown in FIG. 3 in an illustration corresponding to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In contrast to the illustration in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, four length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15 and 16 are provided here, likewise by way of example, which are spring elements here. For example, axially resilient cylinder springs or axially deformable sleeve elements can be provided here. Here, too, the number and location of the length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15, 16 are to be understood as examples. Here, too, the alternative possible configurations, as explained in relation to FIG. 1, apply correspondingly.
[0072] A further exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens 1 is shown in FIG. 4. Said lens is also shown as an example already in the implanted state in a capsular bag 5. This schematic illustration shows that the haptic 6 is connected directly to the optical part 2, in particular at the circumferential edge 9. In this exemplary embodiment, an example is shown in which, in particular, a one-piece design of the intraocular lens 1 can be provided. In particular, length-changing apparatuses 11 and 12 are formed here in the strand-like clips 8 and 14 at a distance from the coupling sites with the circumferential edge 9. In particular, these length-changing apparatuses 11 and 12 are not provided as end pieces of the U-shaped clips 8 and 14 either. With regard to the U-shape of the clips 8, 14, the length-changing apparatuses 11, 12 are formed approximately in the middle region of the respective overall length of the clips 8 and 14. The clips 8 and 14 can also be formed in one piece and are therefore formed as a one-piece haptic ring that is circumferentially closed.
[0073] In particular, at least one length-changing apparatus 11, 12 is configured as a telescopic connection. For this purpose, said clip 8 has two partial elements 8′ and 8″, which are connected at one end to the optical part 2 at the connection sites 17 and 18, which are embodied in particular offset from one another by 180° in the circumferential direction about the main optical axis A, to the circumferential edge 9. The other ends of these partial elements 8′ and 8″ are guided in this respect within one another at a distance from the optical part 2, and therefore a telescopic connection is configured in this respect as a length-changing apparatus 11. A length-changing apparatus 11 and/or 12 can also be configured in this example as an accordion-like folding part or as a spring element.
[0074] FIG. 5 shows a simplified illustration of an optical part 2 in a top view. It shows that coupling webs 19 and 20 are formed on opposite sides. These coupling webs 19 and 20, which can likewise be seen in the lower sectional illustration of the optical part 2, serve to be received in openings already mentioned above, in particular slots, in the clips 8 and/or 14. As a result, the separate optical part 2 can be fastened to the haptic 6 in a stable position. The sectional illustration in FIG. 5 is to be understood to be merely an example. The sectional surfaces of the coupling webs 19 and 20 are only intended to illustrate the respective geometry. In particular, the optical part 2 is formed in one piece with the coupling webs 19 and 20. The coupling webs 19, 20 are shaped on the outside here in such a way that the constant circular shape of the circumferential edge 9 is not changed.
[0075] A further exemplary embodiment of an optical part 2 with coupling webs 19 and 20 is shown in FIG. 6 in an illustration corresponding to that in FIG. 5. In contrast to the illustration according to FIG. 5, a straight coupling web 19 and 20 is formed in a top view in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, which does not adopt the curvature of the circumferential edge 9 at its ends. The lower schematic sectional illustration in FIG. 6 again shows a sectional illustration along the dashed line of the top view in FIG. 6.
[0076] In the example of coupling webs 19 and 20 shown here, the latter are partially configured to circumferentially extend around the main optical axis A. Exemplary embodiments in which such coupling webs are configured as one coupling web which is configured to be fully circumferential can also be provided.
[0077] FIG. 7 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens 1. The haptic parts 7 and/or 8 are set here in a basic state with respect to their lengths. This means that the length-changing apparatuses 11 and/or 12 and/or 15 and/or 16 do not have increased lengths and are therefore not extended.
[0078] In contrast, FIG. 8 shows schematically the situation of the intraocular lens according to FIG. 7, in which at least one, in particular all length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15, 16 have increased lengths. An increase in length that is the same for all length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15, 16 can be provided not only in this example, but also generally. However, the changes in length of the length-changing apparatuses 11, 12, 15, 16 can also differ.
[0079] In general, a length-changing apparatus 11 and/or 12 and/or 15 and/or 16 can be flexurally stiff or flexible, in particular elastically. Long, stiff and straight sections of a haptic part can thus be avoided, particularly in the extended state. In particular, by bending, an arc shape can also be continued in the region of a length-changing apparatus.
[0080] It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.
