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

US9498324B2 · 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
• Peter Richardson · Ringoes, 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

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 18, 2015
• Grant date: Nov 22, 2016
• Expiry date: Dec 18, 2035

Classification

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

Abstract

A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first portions of the body are separated by empty space, and the first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed and retained between the first portions of the body. At least part of the insert, prior to insertion between the first portions of the body, has a shape complementary to a shape of the empty space.