Devices and methods for stabilization of an ocular lens capsule and preventing artificial intraocular lens implant rotation post cataract surgery
View Patent ↗The present invention relates generally to the fields of ophthalmology and cataract surgery. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device implanted in the eye during cataract surgery and improves the optical functionality of the eye. This invention is in the field of medical devices and relates to capsular tension rings that are designed to be implanted in the capsular sac after removal of the crystalline lens affected by a cataract in association with an intraocular lens designed to replace the crystalline lens. The invention applies to stabilizing the artificial lens from movement in the x-y-z planes and prevents rotation.
1. A method, comprising:
a) providing;
i) an insertion device; and
ii) a capsular tension ring comprising an inner ring surface and an outer ring surface, said inner and outer ring surfaces populated with a series of raised features, said raised features on the outer ring surface disposed circumferentially on the periphery of the outer ring surface and extending outward from the periphery of the outer ring surface;
b) loading of said capsular tension ring into said insertion device;
c) inserting said capsular tension ring into an ocular lens capsule; and
d) positioning the capsular tension ring to circumferentially contact an inner surface of the ocular lens capsule.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said capsular tension ring further comprises a central fixation element attached to said insertion device.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said central fixation element comprises two oppositely extending arcuate arms that engage along an equatorial region of said capsular tension ring.
4. A method, comprising:
a) providing:
i) a capsular tension ring comprising an inner ring surface and an outer ring surface, said inner and outer ring surfaces populated with a series of raised features, said raised features on the outer ring surface disposed circumferentially on the periphery of the outer ring surface and extending outward from the periphery of the outer ring surface; and
ii) an elongated fixation element attached to said capsular tension ring, said fixation element having a first end fixed to said capsular tension ring and a second free end;
b) implanting said capsular tension ring in an ocular capsular bag between the posterior capsule and the annular anterior capsular flap with said elongated fixation element; and
c) implanting an artificial lens into the ocular capsular bag.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein said implanting comprises positioning said fixation element having a first end fixed to said capsular tension ring and a second end extending past an capsulorhexis edge and positioned anterior to said ocular capsular bag with an annular anterior capsular flap positioned therebetween.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising the step of attaching said second free end of said fixation element to an ocular scleral wall, whereby said capsular tension ring generally stabilizes and centralizes said capsular bag in an ocular posterior chamber.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the capsular tension ring is configured to stabilize an artificial lens from movement in x-y-z planes.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
securing the capsular tension ring in place in the ocular lens capsule with the raised features of the outer ring surface.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
inserting the artificial lens into the ocular lens capsule; and
positioning the artificial lens within an interior area of the capsular tension ring.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising:
positioning the artificial lens to engage raised features of an outer surface of the artificial lens with the raised features on the inner ring surface of the capsular tension ring, wherein the engagement is configured to stabilize the artificial lens within the ocular lens capsule.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein stabilizing the artificial lens within the ocular lens capsule comprises providing rotational resistance to the artificial lens.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
providing the capsular tension ring with a medication, the medication configured to be released into the ocular lens capsule.
13. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
combining the medication with a silicone material of the capsular tension ring.
14. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
combining the medication with a polymer material to form the capsular tension ring.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the capsular tension ring is configured to release medication into the ocular lens capsule over time.
16. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:
positioning the artificial lens within the inner ring surface of the capsular tension ring.
17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising:
positioning the artificial lens to engage raised features of an outer surface of the artificial lens with the raised features on the inner ring surface of the capsular tension ring, wherein the engagement is configured to stabilize the artificial lens within the capsular tension ring.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein stabilizing the artificial lens within the capsular tension ring comprises providing rotational resistance to the artificial lens.
19. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:
providing the capsular tension ring with a medication, the medication configured to be released into the ocular capsular bag.
20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising:
combining the medication with a material to form the capsular tension ring, wherein the capsular tension ring is configured to release medication over time.