POSTERIOR CHAMBER PHAKIC INTRAOCULAR LENS

Abstract

A posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens is described. The lens includes a central optical part, a peripheral haptic part including a plurality of support elements arranged to lie on a ciliary zonule of an eye, and a plurality of flexible elongated haptics arranged to hook into a ciliary sulcus of the eye.

Claims

1. A posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens comprising: an anterior surface and a posterior surface; a central optical part comprising a lens, and extending radially relative to an optical axis directed from said anterior surface to said posterior surface; a peripheral haptic part extending radially outward relative to said central optical part, said peripheral haptic part comprising: a proximal portion mounted on said central optical part and extending circumferentially and symmetrically around said central optical part; a distal portion mounted on said proximal portion and comprising a plurality of support elements extending both radially outward and posteriorly relative to said central optical part, said support elements being configured for supporting said phakic intraocular lens on a ciliary zonule when it is in normal use in an eye, said central optical part and said peripheral haptic part forming a dome; a plurality of elongated flexible haptics, each of said flexible haptics extending both partially circumferentially around one of said support elements, and radially outward relative to said central optical part, a first diameter of said phakic intraocular lens being strictly greater than a second diameter of an optical assembly associated with said central optical part and said peripheral haptic part, each of said flexible haptics extending at least partially between said first and second diameters, each of said flexible haptics comprising: a proximal extremity mounted on said proximal portion of said peripheral haptic part; a free distal extremity for hooking said phakic intraocular lens into a ciliary sulcus when it is in normal use in an eye.

2. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein each of said flexible haptics comprises an intermediary section comprised between its proximal extremity and its distal extremity, and apt to curve when axial and/or radial compression is exerted on each of said flexible haptics, and wherein a proximal section of each of said flexible haptics, extending between its proximal extremity and its intermediary section, extends posteriorly relative to said central optical part; a distal section of each of said flexible haptics, extending between its intermediary section and its distal extremity, forms an angle comprised between −15° and 15° with a perpendicular line to said optical axis.

3. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 2, wherein each of said flexible haptics is: of a thickness, measured along said optical axis, that decreases from its proximal extremity to its distal extremity; of a width measured perpendicularly to said optical axis: that decreases from its proximal extremity to its intermediary section; larger at its distal extremity than at its proximal extremity.

4. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein said free distal extremity comprises smooth ripples arranged to hook into a ciliary sulcus when said phakic intraocular lens is in normal use in an eye.

5. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein each of said flexible haptics comprises a lateral recess in its proximal extremity for allowing the the lateral recess to operate as a hinge between each of said flexible haptics and said proximal portion of said peripheral haptic part.

6. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, said lens comprising: a first, a second, a third and a fourth support elements inscribed within a cylinder elongated along said optical axis, centered in said central optical part, and with a diameter equal to said second diameter, said first and second support elements extending in a diametrically opposed way on either side of said optical axis; said third and fourth support elements extending in a diametrically opposed way on either side of said optical axis, a first, a second, a third and a fourth flexible haptics inscribed within another cylinder elongated along said optical axis, centered in said central optical part, and with a diameter equal to said first diameter; said first and second flexible haptics extending in a diametrically opposed way on either side of said optical axis; said third and fourth flexible haptics extending in a diametrically opposed way on either side of said optical axis.

7. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 6, wherein: said first, second, third and fourth support elements are radially oriented to the exterior relative to said central optical part, symmetrically according to the diagonals of a first planar rectangle intersecting on said optical axis; the distal extremities of said first, second, third and fourth flexible haptics are substantially disposed symmetrically at positions defined by vertices of a second planar rectangle of sides parallel to the sides of said first planar rectangle; the proximal extremities of said first, second, third and fourth flexible haptics are substantially disposed symmetrically at positions defined by vertices of a third planar rectangle of sides parallel to the sides of said first planar rectangle; said first, second, third and fourth flexible haptics extend partially circumferentially around said first, second, third and fourth support elements respectively.

8. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 6, wherein: the proximal extremities of said first and third flexible haptics are separated by a distance less than 1 mm; the proximal extremities of said second and fourth flexible haptics are separated by a distance less than 1 mm; the proximal extremities of said first, second, third and fourth flexible haptics are at a distance less than 2 mm from the central optical part.

9. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein: said first diameter is in a range of between 14 and 15 mm; said second diameter is in a range of between 11 and 12 mm.

10. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein a length of each of said flexible haptics, measured along a curve extending from its proximal extremity to its distal extremity, is in a range of between 4 and 5 mm.

11. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein a radius of curvature of a posterior surface of said dome is in a range of between 8 and 10 mm.

12. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein a posterior surface of said dome is smooth and concave.

13. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein said lens comprises a flexible and biocompatible material comprising between 30 and 40% water, a Young module of which being less than 1 GPa.

14. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein the central optical part comprises a through bore extending between said anterior and posterior surfaces and arranged to allow a fluid flow.

15. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein said lens consists in a monofocal lens that allows at least one correction from among: a correction of myopia, a correction of hypermetropia, and a correction of corneal astigmatism.

16. The phakic intraocular lens according to claim 1, wherein said lens consists in a refractive or diffractive lens at extended depth of focus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0092] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed descript that follows, for the understanding of which, it is referred to the attached figures among which:

[0093] FIG. 1A illustrates a first simplified planar representation of the top of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens according to the invention;

[0094] FIG. 1B illustrates a first simplified planar representation provided with additional abstract geometric guiding marks;

[0095] FIG. 2 illustrates a second simplified planar representation of the side of the posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0096] FIG. 3 illustrates a third simplified planar representation of the front of the posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0097] FIG. 4A illustrates a first simplified three-dimensional representation of the side and partially of the posterior surface of the posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0098] FIG. 4B illustrates a second simplified three-dimensional representation of the anterior surface of the posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0099] FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of part of an eye in which a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens according to the invention has been fitted;

[0100] FIG. 6A illustrates a simplified planar representation of the top of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens according to the invention;

[0101] FIG. 6B illustrates a simplified planar representation of the top of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens according to the invention;

[0102] FIG. 7 illustrates a simplified planar representation of the side of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens according to the invention;

[0103] FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified planar representation of the top of a distal extremity of one of the flexible haptics of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens according to the invention;

[0104] FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified planar representation of the top of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens according to the invention;

[0105] FIG. 10 illustrates a graphic representation of an axial position of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens according to the invention on the basis of a ciliary sulcus diameter.

[0106] The drawings in the figures are not to scale. Generally, similar elements are denoted by similar references in the figures. In the framework of the present document, identical or analogous elements may have the same references. Moreover, the presence of reference numbers in the drawings cannot be considered to be limiting, comprising when these numbers are indicated in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0107] This part presents a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is described with specific embodiments and references to figures, but the invention in not limited by these. In particular, the drawings or figures described below are only schematic and are not limiting in any way.

[0108] The geometry elements designated by references X, Y, Z, K, d, R, S, T, C, r1, r2, s1, s2, s3, s4, t1, t2, t3 and t4 are represented in some figures below, purely as an illustration in order to quantify and/or visualize technical properties of embodiments of the invention. In particular, these elements are abstract and do not correspond to concrete material objects.

[0109] The present invention provides a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens 1 that is both adapted to any eye anatomy and stable in an implantation position in an eye 9, both axially along the optical axis Z, radially and in rotation in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis Z based on the vectors X and Y. The optical axis Z is directed from an anterior surface 11 of the phakic intraocular lens 1 to a posterior surface 12 of the phakic intraocular lens 1.

[0110] As illustrated in the present figures, the phakic intraocular lens 1 according to the invention comprises a central optical part 2 extending radially relative to the optical axis Z, and in a substantially planar and/or substantially convex way, with a diameter comprised between 5.5 and 6.5 mm, preferentially equivalent to 6 mm. It comprises an through bore 21 elongated along the optical axis Z and extending between anterior 11 and posterior 12 surfaces so as to allow fluid communication between these surfaces.

[0111] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the phakic intraocular lens 1 comprises a peripheral haptic part 3 extending radially outward relative to said central optical part 2, and comprising; [0112] a proximal portion 31 extending circumferentially and symmetrically around and from said central optical part 2; [0113] a distal portion 32 prolonging at least partially in a radial way, the proximal portion 31 and comprising a plurality of support elements 4A-D extending radially outward along diagonals r1 and r2 of a first planar rectangle R perpendicular to the optical axis Z, [0114] and also extending posteriorly relative to the central optical part 2; so that the central optical parts 2 and peripheral haptic parts 3 form a dome K supported by broad feet consisting in support elements 4A-D.

[0115] Dome K is represented in FIG. 2. A sufficient wall thickness confers rigidity to the dome K so that it is resistant under axial and/or radial compression. A posterior surface of the dome K is curved and its preferential radius of curvature k is approximately 9 mm, so that the dome K can be inscribed into a sphere with radius k as illustrated in FIG. 2. A height 89A of the dome K, measured along the optical axis Z, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, and said “inherent vault”, constitute a height of a vault inherent to the phakic intraocular lens 1. It accepts a preferential value comprised between 1.5 and 2.2 mm, more preferentially between 1.7 and 2 mm, even more preferentially it is 1.87 mm. The width of a base of dome K corresponds to a second diameter 82 of the central optical 2 and peripheral haptic 3 parts. This second diameter 82 is approximately 11.25 mm.

[0116] As presented in detail in the summary of the invention, these values are selected so that the assembly composed of the central optical 2 and peripheral haptic 3 parts are apt to constitute a sufficiently rigid and sufficiently broad structure to surround and sit anteriorly above a lens 94 of an eye, as diagramed in FIG. 3, and thereby to be implanted in a very broad range of anatomies of eye posterior chambers, while being stable in parallel to the optical axis Z.

[0117] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the phakic intraocular lens 1 also comprises a plurality of flexible haptics 5A-D, each being elongated in form along a curve that extends both radially outward with respect to the central optical part 2, and circumferentially around one of the support elements 4A-D. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the flexible haptic 5C is elongated and follows the curve C, and extends circumferentially around the support element 4C. In this way, the flexible haptics 5A-D extend radially beyond the central optical 2 and peripheral haptic 3 so as to inscribe in a cylinder of a first diameter 81 with a value preferentially comprised between 14.5 and 15 mm, more preferentially 14.7 mm. Each of the flexible haptics 5A-D has a length 87 comprised between 4.2 and 4.7 mm, more preferentially 4.45 mm.

[0118] Each of the flexible haptics 5A-D comprises a proximal extremity 51A-D mounted on the proximal portion 31, disposed at a vertex t1-4 of a planar rectangle T perpendicular to the optical axis Z, the smallest side of which, separating the vertices (t2, t4) and (t1, t3), has a length 85 comprised between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, more preferentially between 0.6 and 0.8 mm, and the largest side, separating the vertices (t1, t4) and (t3, t2), has a length comprised between 7.5 and 8.5 mm, more preferentially between 7.9 and 8.3 mm. Each of the flexible haptics 5A-D comprises a distal extremity 52A-D in foot form, disposed at a vertex s1-4 of a planar rectangle S perpendicular to the optical axis Z, the smallest side of which, separating the vertices (s2, s4) and (s1, s3), has a length comprised between 8.5 mm and 9 mm, more preferentially equivalent to 8.8 mm, and the largest side, separating the vertices (s1, s4) and (s3, s2), has a length comprised between 12 and 13 mm, more preferentially between 12.3 and 12.6 mm, more preferentially equivalent to 12.43 mm, these data being considered for flexible haptics 5A-D in production, not implanted, without axial or radial compression exerted on the phakic intraocular lens 1.

[0119] Each of the flexible haptics 5A-D comprises an intermediary section 53A-D between the proximal extremity 51A-D and the distal extremity 52A-D, preferentially in its middle, comprising material folds configured to allow a fold and/or a curve of each of the flexible haptics 5A-D in this intermediary section when compression is exerted axially and/or radially on the phakic intraocular lens 1, so that an angle α between a line d perpendicular to the optical axis Z and a direction of extensions between the distal extremities 52A-D and the intermediary sections 53A-D is preferentially apt to be comprised between −15° and 15°, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0120] The choice of the aforementioned length 85 and a distance 86 between the proximal extremities 51A-D and the central optical part 2 preferentially comprised between 1 and 1.5 mm is used to guide the flexible haptics 5A-D advantageously when the phakic intraocular lens 1 is implanted under an iris, from a same limited zone of the peripheral haptic part 3 comprising the connections with two of the proximal extremities 51A-D.

[0121] These haptics 5A-D are constituted from a flexible and resistant material comprising preferably 38% water, which combined with their geometry gives them their flexibility. As represented in FIGS. 3, 4A-B and 6A-B, the flexible haptics 5A-D have a thickness 83 that decreases from the proximal extremities 51A-D to the distal extremities 52A-D and a width 84 that is greater, preferentially twice as much, at the distal extremities 52A-D than on the proximal sections comprised respectively between the proximal extremities 51A-D and the intermediary sections 53A-D, so that the distal extremities 52A-D have a form of flat feet adapted to be inserted into and to hook into a ciliary sulcus of an eye. This form and this technical effect are preferentially accentuated by smooth ripples 54, 55 on a lateral surface of the distal extremities 52A-D. Two examples of such ripples 54 and 55 are represented in FIG. 8 on the distal extremity 52A, and without limitation as to the choice of the distal extremity. These ripples 54 are spaced at a greater distance from each other and are less curved that the ripples 55.

[0122] The geometry of the proximal extremities 51A-D confers great solidity and resistance to the connections between them and the proximal portion 31 of the peripheral haptic part 3. These connections have a width 88 illustrated in FIGS. 6A-B, and preferentially comprised between 0.8 and 0.4 mm. As represented more specifically in FIG. 6B, they are likely to be adjacent to lateral recesses 56A-D of the proximal extremities 51A-S, so that the width 88 is then preferentially comprised between 0.4 and 0.5 mm. Without these lateral recesses, as illustrated specifically in FIG. 6A, width 88 is preferentially comprised between 0.7 and 0.8 mm. These recesses 56A-D allow the proximal extremities 51A-D to increase their flexibility so that the function as hinges between the flexible haptics 5A-D and the proximal portion 31.

[0123] According to a particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9, the flexible haptics 5A-D are apt to be less partially folded on the support element 4A-D. This closed configuration is likely to be advantageous prior to an injection of the phakic intraocular lens 1 into a posterior chamber of an eye. Generally, it seems obvious for the person skilled in the art that the flexibility of the flexible haptics 5A-D is used to arrange them in different ways before, during and after the phakic intraocular lens 1 is implanted.

[0124] FIG. 5 represents a cross-section of an eye 9, in which a phakic intraocular lens 1 is implanted according to the invention. On this cross-section the following are represented: a cornea 91, an iris 92, a pupil 93, a lens 94, and anterior chamber 95, a posterior chamber 96, a ciliary zonule 97 and a ciliary sulcus 98 of the eye 9. The phakic intraocular lens 1 is placed in the posterior chamber 96. The support elements 4A-D of the peripheral haptic part 3 rest on the ciliary zonule 97 while the flexible haptics 5A-D are made to hook into the ciliary sulcus 98 as described and commented on in the summary of the invention. A distance of security 89B, referred to as the vault, between the lens 94 and the posterior surface of the phakic intraocular lens 1 measured along the optical axis Z is preferentially comprised and adjustable between 350 and 700 microns. The double structure of haptics 4A-D and 5A-D allow axial and radial stabilisation and stabilisation in rotation of the phakic intraocular lens 1 in its implantation position.

[0125] FIG. 10 illustrates a graphic representation 74 of an axial position of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens according to the invention 1, indicated on the axis 72 and measured in microns on the basis of a ciliary sulcus diameter, indicated on axis 71 and measured in millimeters. A desirable equilibrium position is represented by a line 76 at 1500 microns measured on the axis 72, this value corresponding to an aforementioned distance 89B of 500 microns. An axially accepted margin of variation according to the optical axis Z around this equilibrium position 76 is of 350 microns. This margin is represented at its high and low limits by two dotted lines 75A and 75B respectively. The graph 74 shows that the axial displacements of the phakic intraocular lens 1 on the basis of the size of the ciliary sulcus vary very little and remain within the accepted values between lines 75A-B for a broad range of sizes of ciliary sulci comprised between 11.5 and 13.5 mm. The curve 73 illustrated by a dotted line represents a measurement trend of an average axial displacement of an average posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens according to the prior art and with a diameter of 12.6 mm. Comparison of chart 74 and the tendency curve 73 illustrates the performances and the improvements in terms of axial stability of the phakic intraocular lens 1 according to the invention.

[0126] In other words, the present invention relates to a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens 1 comprising a central optical part 2, a peripheral haptic part 3 comprising a plurality of support elements 4A-D arranged to lie on a ciliary zonule of one eye, and a plurality of flexible elongated haptics 5A-D arranged to hook into a ciliary sulcus of the eye.

[0127] The present invention was described in relation to the specific embodiments which have a value that is purely illustrative and should not be considered to be limiting. Generally speaking, it seems obvious for the person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and/or described above. The invention comprises each of the new characteristics described throughout the present document, as well as all their combinations.