Invention:
This invention is a buttressed haptic that actuates the mechanically accommodating intraocular lens from the eye’s ciliary muscle. The technology allows the eye to change its focal distance using the eye’s natural mechanism of ciliary body muscle tension. The haptic receives radial tension from relaxation of the ciliary muscle to provide anterior vectored force on the lens, altering its focusing power. The haptic does not use barbs and is buttressed by overlying tissue to prevent the intraocular lens (IOL) from buckling and is thick to increase the structural stiffness. The balance of anterior and posterior vectored force prevents displacement of the lens.
Background:
Cataract surgery, in which the natural lens are removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), is one of the most common eye surgery procedures performed in the U.S. IOLs commonly consist of a lens and side tabs, called haptics, to hold the lens in place. The haptics typically are relatively passive elements, given that the focus of the conventional IOL is fixed. There is an unmet need for a more naturally performing lens that can work in harmony with the eye muscles, and therefore, a need for an appropriate haptic to work in tandem with the lens.
Advantages:
- Utilizes radial tension from relaxation of the ciliary muscle rather than contraction.IOL is supported by overlying tissue in eye without the use of barbs
- Balance of anterior and posterior forces on IOL prevents displacement
- Thick haptic prevents buckling
Applications:
- Cataract surgery
- Lens replacement
Status: issued U.S. patent #9,962,256
