Method of using small diameter intracorneal inlays to treat visual impairment
US8057541B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2009/00872
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Provided herein are small diameter inlays for correcting vision impairments by altering the shape of the anterior corneal surface. In an embodiment, inlays having diameters smaller than the pupil are provided for correcting presbyopia. To provide near vision, an inlay is implanted centrally in the cornea to induce an “effective” zone on the anterior corneal surface, within which diopter power is increased. Distance vision is provided by a region of the cornea peripheral to the “effect” zone. In another embodiment, small diameter inlays are provided that induce effective optical zones on the anterior corneal surface that are much larger in diameter than the inlays. The increase in the effective optical zone, due at least in part to a draping effect, allows an inlay to produce a much larger clinical effect on a patient's vision than the diameter of the inlay.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.