INTRAOCULAR LENSES WITH INTEGRATED LOCKING UNIT FOR A HAPTIC CLAMP

Abstract

Provided is an intraocular lens having at least one optical part and having a haptic coupled to the optical part, and having an optical principal axis that passes through a front side and a back side of the optical part, the haptic comprising at least one haptic loop, wherein a coupling element of the intraocular lens is integrated on the haptic loop and a mating coupling element of the intraocular lens is integrated on the optical part or on a connector coupled to the optical part, the coupling element being formed for direct coupling to the mating coupling element and, in the coupled state of coupling element and mating coupling element, an outer edge segment of the haptic loop being arranged at a radially shorter distance from the optical part than in the case of the uncoupled state of coupling element and mating coupling element.

Claims

1. An intraocular lens having at least one optical part and having a haptic coupled to the optical part, and having an optical principal axis that passes through a front side and a back side of the optical part, the haptic comprising at least one haptic loop, wherein a coupling element of the intraocular lens is integrated on the haptic loop and a mating coupling element of the intraocular lens is integrated on the optical part or on a connector coupled to the optical part, the coupling element being formed for direct coupling to the mating coupling element and, in the coupled state of coupling element and mating coupling element, an outer edge segment of the haptic loop being arranged at a radially shorter distance from the optical part than in the case of the uncoupled state of coupling element and mating coupling element, with the haptic loop having an end directly connected to the optical part or the connector at a first point, the coupling element being arranged on the haptic loop at a distance from the end, with the coupling element comprising a connecting part, by means of which the coupling element is directly permanently connected to the haptic loop, and the coupling element having a coupling web formed on the end face of the connecting part, the coupling web being provided for direct engagement with the mating coupling element, and in the uncoupled state the connecting part being arranged in cantilevered fashion in the direction of the optical part and arranged so as not to be in contact with the optical part.

2. (canceled)

3. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting part has at least one, in particular straight connecting bar which projects from an inner side of the haptic loop and which extends toward the optical part in the radial direction.

4. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 3, wherein the connecting bar and the coupling web form a part with an L-shaped cross section.

5. (canceled)

6. The intraocular lens as claimed in any one of the preceding claim 1, wherein the coupled state is held independently and without further external holding parts as a result of the direct engagement between the coupling element and the mating coupling element.

7. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling element has a connecting part, in particular a straight connecting bar, by means of which the coupling element is directly and permanently connected to the haptic loop, with a magnet being arranged on the connecting part and the mating coupling element having an opposing magnet such that the coupled state is held by the magnetic holding force of the two magnets.

8. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 7, wherein a magnet is produced with the connecting part by injection molding or produced with the connecting part as a 3-D printed component.

9. The intraocular lens as claimed in any one of the preceding claim 1, wherein the coupling element has a connecting part, by means of which the coupling element is directly and permanently connected to the haptic loop, with the connecting part having at least two separate, in particular straight connecting bars which project from an inner side of the haptic loop at different points and which extend in the direction of the optical part, the connecting bars being interconnected, in particular in one-piece fashion, at their ends facing the optical part.

10. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mating coupling element is a through hole.

11. An intraocular lens having at least one optical part and having a haptic coupled to the optical part, and having an optical principal axis that passes through a front side and a back side of the optical part, the haptic comprising at least one haptic loop, wherein a coupling element of the intraocular lens is integrated on the haptic loop and a mating coupling element of the intraocular lens is integrated on the optical part or on a connector coupled to the optical part, the coupling element being formed for direct coupling to the mating coupling element and, in the coupled state of coupling element and mating coupling element, an outer edge segment of the haptic loop being arranged at a radially shorter distance from the optical part than in the case of the uncoupled state of coupling element and mating coupling element, with the haptic loop having an end directly connected to the optical part or the connector at a first point, the coupling element being arranged on the haptic loop at a distance from the end, with the coupling element comprising a connecting part, by means of which the coupling element is directly permanently connected to the haptic loop, and the coupling element having a coupling web formed on the end face of the connecting part, the coupling web being provided for direct engagement with the mating coupling element, and wherein the connecting part has at least one straight connecting bar which projects from an inner side of the haptic loop and which extends toward the optical part in the radial direction.

12. The intraocular lens as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connecting bar and the coupling web form a part with an L-shaped cross section.

13. An intraocular lens having at least one optical part and having a haptic coupled to the optical part, and having an optical principal axis that passes through a front side and a back side of the optical part, the haptic comprising at least one haptic loop, wherein a coupling element of the intraocular lens is integrated on the haptic loop and a mating coupling element of the intraocular lens is integrated on the optical part or on a connector coupled to the optical part, the coupling element being formed for direct coupling to the mating coupling element and, in the coupled state of coupling element and mating coupling element, an outer edge segment of the haptic loop being arranged at a radially shorter distance from the optical part than in the case of the uncoupled state of coupling element and mating coupling element, with the haptic loop having an end directly connected to the optical part or the connector at a first point, the coupling element being arranged on the haptic loop at a distance from the end, wherein the coupling element has a connecting part, by means of which the coupling element is directly and permanently connected to the haptic loop, with the connecting part having at least two separate straight connecting bars which project from an inner side of the haptic loop at different points and which extend in the direction of the optical part, the connecting bars being interconnected, in one-piece fashion, at their ends facing the optical part.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. In the drawings:

[0034] FIG. 1a shows a perspective representation of a first exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens according to the invention;

[0035] FIG. 1b shows a perspective representation of a further exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens according to the invention;

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens according to the invention in an uncoupled state between a coupling element and a mating coupling element;

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a sectional representation through the intraocular lens according to FIG. 2;

[0038] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the intraocular lens according to FIG. 2, but in a coupled state between a coupling element and a mating coupling element;

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a sectional representation through the intraocular lens according to FIG. 4;

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a further sectional representation corresponding to the view in FIG. 5, but in an alternative of a coupled state between a coupling element and a mating coupling element to what is shown in FIG. 5;

[0041] FIG. 7 shows a sectional representation of an exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens in a coupled state between a coupling element and a mating coupling element, with the coupling element and the mating coupling element being designed alternatively to the embodiments according to FIG. 2 to FIG. 6;

[0042] FIG. 8 shows a schematic plan view of a further exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens in the uncoupled state of a coupling element and a mating coupling element;

[0043] FIG. 9 shows a sectional representation of a further exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens in the uncoupled state of coupling elements and a mating coupling element; and

[0044] FIG. 10 shows a sectional representation of a further exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens in the uncoupled state of coupling elements and a mating coupling element.

[0045] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0046] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are given the same reference signs.

[0047] FIG. 1a shows a perspective representation of a first exemplary embodiment of an artificial eye lens, which is an intraocular lens 1. The intraocular lens 1 comprises an optical part 2 and, adjacent thereto, a haptic 3. The intraocular lens 1 is foldable and may be introduced into an eye through a small incision. The optical part 2, which is essential for the optical imaging property of the eye lens 1, comprises a principal optical axis A. Moreover, when viewed in the direction of this principal optical axis A, the optical part 2 comprises a first optical surface or side 4, which may be a front side, and comprises opposite thereto a second optical surface or side 5, which may be a back side. In the implanted state of the eye lens 1 in the eye, the exemplary front side faces the cornea, whereas the back side faces away from this cornea.

[0048] FIG. 1b shows a perspective representation of a further exemplary embodiment of an artificial eye lens in the form of an intraocular lens 1. Said lens differs from the embodiment in FIG. 1a by way of the different haptic 3. The intraocular lens 1 is held in the eye by means of the haptic 3.

[0049] The sides 4 and 5 are curved in particular in a non-planar fashion, in particular convexly, in the embodiments. The sides 4 and/or 5 may also be concave or plane. On at least one side 4, 5, a diffractive profile may be formed on this convex basic shape.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the intraocular lens 1 according to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1a. In the exemplary embodiment, the haptic 3 comprises a first haptic loop 6 and a second haptic loop 7. The two separate haptic loops 6 and 7 are connected to the optical part 2 at different circumferential positions. The haptic loop 6 has a strand-like embodiment in the exemplary embodiment shown. With a first end 6a, it is connected to the optical part 2. It is likewise connected to the optical part 2 by way of an opposite second end 6b. The exemplary embodiment provides for a corresponding situation with regards to ends 7a and 7b of the second haptic loop 7. The haptic loops 6, 7 are U-shaped in the exemplary embodiment.

[0051] A coupling element 8 is integrated on the first haptic loop 6. This means that this coupling element 8 is formed in one piece with the haptic loop 6. A mating coupling element 9 is formed in the optical part 2. By way of example, the mating coupling element 9 could be a through hole. However, it could also be a simple recess or depression. In particular, it could also be a blind hole.

[0052] The coupling element 8 is designed for direct coupling with the mating coupling element 9. When considered in the radial direction with respect to the principal optical axis A, the coupling element 8 and the mating coupling element 9 are designed such that, in their coupled state, the haptic loop 6 is held in a position closer to the optical part 2 than in the uncoupled position or uncoupled state shown in FIG. 2. It is evident that the coupling element 8 has a connecting part 10. By way of this connecting part 10, which has at least one connecting bar 11 in this case, the coupling element 8 is directly connected to an inner side 12 of the haptic loop 6, in particular formed in one piece therewith. Moreover, the connecting part 8 comprises a coupling web 13. The coupling web 13 is formed on the end face of the connecting part 10. In particular, the coupling web 13 is arranged at that end of the connecting part 10 which faces the optical part 2. In particular, the connecting bar 11 has a straight embodiment. As is evident, it extends from the inner side 12 toward the optical part 2. In particular, the connecting bar 11 is formed without a cavity. The connecting bar 11 projects from the inner side 12 and extends in the direction of the optical part 2.

[0053] In the uncoupled state, as shown in FIG. 2, the coupling element 8 is arranged at a distance from and without being in contact with the optical part 2. Advantageously, a correspondingly formed further coupling element 14 is formed on the second haptic loop 7 in the exemplary embodiment. It is formed to couple with a further mating coupling element 15 formed in the optical part 2. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 differs slightly from the intraocular lens 1 according to FIG. 1a. An additionally peripheral connector 2a is provided in FIG. 1a. This connector 2a, peripheral in this case, surrounds the optical part 2 and has no optical imaging function. This peripheral connector 2a at least partly surrounds the optical part 2 in the circumferential direction about the principal optical axis A. In particular, the connector 2a extends over at least one segment piece or one ring segment, which is arranged at the equator of the optical part 2 in the region of the haptic 3. In contrast to FIG. 2, the mating coupling element 9 is formed in this connector 2a in the example of FIG. 1a. Accordingly, the mating coupling element 15 is also formed in this connector 2a. The connector 2a can be in the form of a ring or a segment piece.

[0054] The hole geometry of the mating coupling element 9, 15 may be without corners, for example round or oval. Its hole geometry may also be polygonal, for example quadrilateral. The geometry of the coupling element 8, 14, in particular of the coupling web 13, may be without corners or polygonal. In particular, the geometry of the coupling elements 8, 14 is adapted to match the geometry of the mating coupling elements 9, 15. This enables simple and accurate bringing together.

[0055] In a sectional representation along the cut line III-III of FIG. 2, FIG. 3 depicts the uncoupled state of the intraocular lens 1 in relation to the coupling element 8 with the mating coupling element 9. It is evident that the coupling web 13 axially protrudes beyond the connecting bar 11. The L-shape of the coupling element 8 is shown in FIG. 3.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows the intraocular lens 1 according to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 in a plan view. However, this shows the coupled state between the coupling element 8 and the mating coupling element 9. Likewise, this shows the coupled state between the coupling element 14 and the mating coupling element 15.

[0057] To achieve this coupled state, the coupling element 8 can be pulled toward the mating coupling element 9 using an auxiliary tool not shown here when proceeding from the representation in FIGS. 2 and 3. This then also causes the coupling element 8 to be coupled with the mating coupling element 9.

[0058] By way of example, the auxiliary tool may have a hook which can be used to engage behind the coupling web 13 and pull the latter toward the mating coupling element 9. Considered in general, provision can also be made for the coupling element 8 to have an engagement region 20. The auxiliary tool can engage into the latter in order to pull the coupling element 8 to the mating coupling element 9. By way of example, the engagement region 20 may be formed in the connecting bar 11. It may be a blind hole or a through hole. In particular, the engagement region 20 is formed at a distance from the coupling web 13. The coupling element 14 may also have a corresponding engagement region.

[0059] As is evident in this respect from the sectional representation in FIG. 5, which shows a cut along the cut line V-V in FIG. 4, the coupling web 13 engages in this mating coupling element 9. Therefore, this brings about an axially overlapping engagement between the mating coupling element 9 and the coupling web 13. What is also obtained thereby is that an outer edge segment 6c of the first haptic loop 6 is arranged at a smaller radial distance from the optical part 2 than in the uncoupled state according to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The same may also arise for an outer edge segment 7c of the haptic loop 7. Consequently, this outer edge segment 6c is pulled toward the optical part 2. As a result of the coupled state between the coupling element 8 and the mating coupling element 9, this position which has been displaced toward the optical part 2 is also maintained in permanently fixed fashion. The coupling web 13 is hooked into this mating coupling element 9. Consequently, the intraocular lens 1 has an integrated locking unit, which comprises the coupling element 8 and the mating coupling element 9. In particular, the coupling element 14 and the mating coupling element 15 are also constituent parts of this locking unit.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment in a sectional representation analogous to FIG. 5. In the latter, the coupling web 13 consequently does not engage into the mating coupling element 9 from the second optical side 5 but engages into the mating coupling element 9 from the first optical side 4.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment in a sectional representation. In contrast to FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, no coupling web 13 is provided for here. Instead, the connecting part 10 is formed in particular with a connecting bar 11. A magnet 16 is arranged at the end thereof facing the optical part 2. An opposing magnet 17 is arranged in the optical part 2. FIG. 7 shows the already coupled state between the magnets 16 and 17. Hence, a coupling is also formed between the coupling element 8 and the mating coupling element 9. A preferably present further coupling element 14 and a further present mating coupling element 15 may also have a corresponding design.

[0062] In a further exemplary embodiment, provision can be made for a coupling element 8 with a coupling web 13 to be present, which mechanically engages directly in a mating coupling element 9. A further coupling element 14 may be provided, which then comprises such a magnet 16. In this embodiment, the mating coupling element 15 may then have a corresponding opposing magnet 17. Consequently, different concepts of coupling elements and mating coupling elements are realized in an intraocular lens 1.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens 1 in a simplified plan view. In contrast to the previous examples, this exemplary embodiment provides for the coupling element 8 to have not only one connecting bar 11 but two separate connecting bars 11a and 11b. Additionally, more than two such separate connecting bars may be realized. As is evident in FIG. 8, the first connecting bar 11a merges into the inner side 12 of the first haptic loop 6 at a first point 18. The second connecting bar 11b merges into the inner side 12 at a second point 19 differing therefrom. In particular, provision can be made for the two connecting bars 11a and 11b to form a V shape. The two ends of the connecting bars 11a and 11b which face the optical part 2 can be interconnected. They can be formed together in one piece. The coupling web 13 or a magnet 16 may be arranged at this merged end. In the case of an appropriate force acting on the coupling element 8 in the direction of the principal optical axis A, such a configuration can bring about a pulling of an outer edge segment 6c of the first haptic loop 6 toward the optical part 2. This can be carried out with a higher tensile force than in the previously described exemplary embodiments.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens 1 in a sectional representation. The optical part 2 and the haptic 3 are formed separately in this exemplary embodiment. This means that they are independent components in each case. The haptic 3 comprises the haptic loops 6, 7. Furthermore, the haptic 3 comprises a receptacle 21. In the exemplary embodiment, the latter is a fully closed circumferential ring 22. The ring 22 may also be a connector 2a, as shown in FIG. 1a. The optical part 2 is accommodated and held in the ring 22. The haptic 3 with the haptic loops 6, 7 and the ring 22 forms a support skeleton. The haptic 3 is designed in one piece.

[0065] FIG. 10 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an intraocular lens 1 in a sectional representation. The intraocular lens 1 comprises a base lens 23. The base lens 23 comprises a first optical part 2. The base lens 23 comprises a haptic 3. The haptic 3 comprises the haptic loops 6, 7. In relation to the orientation, these may be formed in accordance with the configuration in FIG. 9. These may also be arranged and oriented differently, just like the haptic loops 6, 7 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, for example like in FIGS. 3 and 5 or like in FIG. 8.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, the base lens 23 is preferably formed in one piece. Moreover, the intraocular lens 1 comprises a second optical part 24. This second optical part 24 is formed separately from the base lens 23. The second optical part 24, which also constitutes a lens, is arranged in series with the first optical part 2. As a result, an optical system 25 of the intraocular lens 1 is formed. In particular, the second optical part 24 may rest against the first optical part 2. The second optical part 24 is coupled to the first optical part 2 so as to be stable in terms of position (not depicted in FIG. 10). The second optical part 24 preferably has a larger embodiment than the first optical part 2. This means that the second optical part 24 has a larger embodiment than the first optical part 2 in a direction perpendicular to the principal optical axis A. This forms a radial protrusion 26 of the second optical part 24 in comparison with the first optical part 2. Preferably, at least one mating coupling element 9, 15 is formed in this protrusion 26.

[0067] An alternative with magnets, especially as in FIG. 7, may also be provided in the exemplary embodiments according to FIG. 9 or 10.