Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods

US11273028B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Refocus Group, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Harry R. A. Jacobson · Nashville, US
• Jack C. Griffis, III · Vero Beach, US
• Mark A. Cox · West Chester, US
• Douglas C. Williamson · Coppell, US
• Gene W. Zdenek · San Fernando, US
• Michael K. Smolek · Pearl River, US
• Barrie D. Soloway · Long Beach, US
• Rex O. Bare · Lake Forest, US
• Andrew J. Scherer · Trabuco Canyon, US
• Timothy J. Payne · Santa Ana, US
• Peter Richardson · Ringoes, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 24, 2020
• Grant date: Mar 15, 2022
• Expiry date: Dec 1, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K9/0051
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A system includes a scleral prosthesis and an insert. The scleral prosthesis includes a first end configured to be pulled through a scleral tunnel in an eye and a second end. Each end is wider than a middle portion of the scleral prosthesis. Two portions form the first end of the scleral prosthesis, and the portions are separated along at least half of a length of the scleral prosthesis. The scleral prosthesis is formed from a single integrated piece of material. The second end is undivided. The insert is configured to be placeable between the two portions. The two portions may be separated from one another without external interference, and the two portions may be configured to be pushed towards each other in order to reduce a width of the first end and then separate after release.