Intraocular lens positioning
An optical element is adapted for implantation into a vitreous chamber of an eye, and a suspension system is configured to position a portion of the optical element to intersect a visual axis of an eye.
1. An apparatus comprising:
an optical element adapted for implantation into a vitreous chamber of an eye; and
a suspension system configured to position a portion of the optical element to switch between a first position in which a ray of light passing through a portion of the pupil is directed onto the fovea of the eye, and a second position in which the ray of light is directed onto the optic nerve head of the eye.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the optical element comprises a first lens.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a second lens adapted for implantation into a location in an eye, the location being selected the group consisting of:
the anterior chamber;
the posterior chamber;
the lens-bag; and
the cornea.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a second lens in optical communication with the first lens.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the optical element has an adjustable focal length.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a haptic sensor coupled to the optical element for sensing a stimulus provided by an anatomical structure of the eye.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the haptic sensor is configured to generate, from the stimulus, a signal that controls the focal length of the optical element.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the optical element includes a prism in optical communication with the optical element, the prism being configured to switch between the first postion and the second position.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the optical element is configured to have a characteristic function associated with refraction therethrough, characteristic function being selected to compensate for pre-existlug aberration in the eye.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the suspension system is configured to switch in response to applied pressure.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the suspension system comprises an attachment structure attached to the optical element and configured for attachment to a portion of an eye.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the suspension system comprises an electromagnetic suspension system comprising:
a first electromagnetic element attached to the optical element; and
a second electromagnetic element configured for attachment to a portion of an eye.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the pupil comprises the center of the pupil.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the pupil comprises an edge of the pupil.
15. A method comprising:
implanting an optical element into a vitreous chamber of an eye; and
positioning the optical element so that a ray of light passing through a portion of the pupil is directed onto the fovea of the eye; and
switching the postion of the optical element so that the ray of light is directed onto the optic nerve head of the eye.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the optical element comprises a lens.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein switching comprises switching in response to applied pressure.
18. The method of claim 15 , wherein implanting the optical element comprises attaching an attachment structure attached to the optical element to a portion of an eye.
19. The method of claim 15 , wherein implanting the optical element comprises attaching:
a first electromagnetic element to the optical element; and
a second electromagnetic element to a portion of an eye.
20. The method of claim 15 , wherein the portion of the pupil comprises the center of the pupil.
21. The method of claim 15 , wherein the portion of the pupil comprises an edge of the pupil.