Exchangeable optics and therapeutics using magnetic tacks
An exchangeable optics system includes magnetic fixation points that are anchored to the outside of the eye. The fixation points can include magnetic barbed tacks, magnetic soft tissue screws, or a sclera buckle with permanent magnets. Fiducials on the fixation points help with visibility during implantation of an exchangeable intraocular lens (IOL) or other devices. The exchangeable optic can be suspended within the eye by way of tethers having ends of magnetic metal or permanent magnetic material that magnetically couple with the magnetic fixation points. The lengths of the suspension tethers can be adjusted in small increments with other magnets in order to place the lens into position with a proper three-dimensional orientation within the eye.
1 . A scleral anchor apparatus sized and configured for anchoring to a sclera of an eye, the apparatus comprising:
a shaft less than 3 millimeters in diameter and having an axis configured to be normal to a surface of the sclera, the shaft being comprised of a biocompatible permanent magnet;
scleral-engaging screw threads formed along the shaft and configured to pierce and embed in the sclera; and
a deployable flange surrounding the shaft, the flange configured to move between a stowed configuration, in which the flange is wrapped around the axis, to a deployed configuration, in which the flange expands outward to surround the shaft.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a superelastic material configured to move the flange from the stowed configuration, in which the flange is squeezed into a cylinder around the axis, to the deployed configuration, in which the flange expands outward to surround the shaft.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the superelastic material includes nitinol wire.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flange comprises:
a wire skeleton having continuous loops and no sharp wire end.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the flange further comprises:
a continuous polymer sheet over the wire skeleton.
6 . The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the flange further comprises:
a resilient polymer coating the wire skeleton.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a fiducial shape connected with the shaft.
8 . An intraocular lens system, the system comprising:
the scleral anchor apparatus of claim 1 ;
an intraocular lens; and
a suspension cable having an end configured to attach with the intraocular lens and an opposite magnetic end or a metallic end configured to magnetically mate with the permanent magnet.
9 . The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the intraocular lens includes a ray traced optic.
10 . The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the end configured to attach with the lens includes a magnet.
11 . The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the magnetic end includes a ring-shaped magnet through which the cable is wrapped and fastened.