INJECTION OF ANTI-PRESBYOPIA CORRECTIVE ELEMENT PRECURSOR
A method for implanting a corrective element into the sclera of an eye for the treatment of presbyopia includes the steps of (a) disposing a precursor of a corrective element at a predetermined position within the sclera; and (b) causing the precursor of a corrective element to form a corrective element in situ.
1 . A method for implanting a corrective element into the scleral of an eye, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) disposing a precursor of a corrective element at a predetermined position within the sclera; and
(b) causing the precursor of a corrective element to form a corrective element in situ.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the step of disposing the precursor of a corrective element in step (a) is accomplished with a trocar having a slidable, axially disposed internal rod.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein the precursor of a corrective element comprises a memory form material.
4 . The method of claim 3 wherein the memory form material comprises silicone elastomer.
5 . The method of claim 3 wherein the memory form material comprises a shape memory material.
6 . The method of claim 3 wherein the memory form material comprises a hydrogel material.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein the precursor of a corrective element comprises a curable polymer disposed within a balloon having a predetermined as-formed shape.
8 . The method of claim 7 wherein the balloon can be expanded beyond its as-formed shape.
9 . A method for implanting a corrective element into the sclera of an eye, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a hollow injection needle having a sharpened injection needle tip;
(b) piercing the sclera with the injection needle tip and locating the injection needle tip at a predetermined position within the sclera;
(c) causing a precursor of a corrective element to move through the injection needle and out of the injection needle tip, so as to be deposited at the predetermined position within the sclera; and
(d) causing the precursor of a corrective element to form a corrective element in situ.
10 . The method of claim 9 wherein the hollow injection needle comprises a trocar having a slidable axially disposed internal rod.
11 . The method of claim 9 wherein the precursor of a corrective element comprises a memory form material.
12 . The method of claim 11 wherein the memory form material comprises silicone elastomer.
13 . The method of claim 11 wherein the memory form material comprises a shape memory material.
14 . The method of claim 11 wherein the memory form material comprises a hydrogel material.
15 . The method of claim 9 wherein the precursor of a corrective element comprises a curable polymer disposed within a balloon having a predetermined as-formed shape.
16 . The method of claim 15 wherein the balloon can be expanded beyond its as-formed shape.