Apparatus For The Treatment of Cataract

摘要

An apparatus to treat a cataract where the cataractous lens is pierced and the resulting opening is mechanically maintained using a lens system device such as a cylindrical lens, tubular lens, pinhole device, a stent or similar small diameter device, or where the device itself is the lens. The resulting passageway for visible light created in the cataractous lens allows light to better reach the retina, thus improving vision. This lens system device that can be placed into an in situ cataract provides for a much simpler surgical technique and reduces related pre and post operative procedures and potential complications. Intraocular lenses may also be used in concert with this invention. The apparatus and related methods can be applied to humans as well as animals.

主权项

1. A cylindrical lens for in situ placement in a cataractous lens of an eye of a patient, the cylindrical lens comprising:
a generally cylindrical shape having a cylindrical axis; an expandable material capable of increasing its volume upon implantation in a cataractous lens of an eye of a patient; wherein the cylindrical lens allows for the passage of light; wherein the cylindrical lens is capable of traversing a surgical tool along the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical lens while maintaining its generally cylindrical shape after exit of the surgical tool; and wherein the cylindrical lens is capable of being implanted in the cataractous lens of an eye of a patient with the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical lens generally perpendicular to a surface of the cataractous lens.