DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF RETINAL DETACHMENT AND OTHER MALADIES OF THE EYE

摘要

[0066] The present invention relates generally to a device and method for the treatment of retinal detachment, ocular hypertension and glaucoma, and increasing the amplitude of accommodation. In an illustrative embodiment, the device includes a tapered, mesh tube. Once the device is within the sclera, the mesh expands to deform the sclera. When the device is placed within the posterior sclera for the treatment of a retinal tear, the device expands deforming the sclera so that the retinal pigment epithelium comes in contact with the retinal tear to seal the tear. For the treatment of ocular hypertension, glaucoma and to increase the amplitude of accommodation, the device is placed within the anterior sclera over the posterior plicata of the ciliary body, which upon expansion causes the underlying ciliary body to deform, resulting in traction on the trabecular meshwork and deformation of the ciliary body, which causes lowering of intraocular pressure, and increases the amplitude of accommodation in patients with ocular hypertension or decreased accommodation.