Scleral buckle for alleviation of retinal detachment and refractive error

Abstract

A rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) occurs when a tear in the retina leads to fluid accumulation with a separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelial (RPE); this is the most common type of retinal detachment and can lead to blindness. The present invention features an eye shape modification (ESM) system (a scleral buckle) for the prevention and repair of retinal detachment as well for the adjustment of refractive error and the prevention of induced refractive error caused by scleral buckles. The present invention creates a scleral buckle with protuberances on the interior surface of the buckle. These protuberances produce corrugation/indentations in the eye which allows for both axial and circumferential relaxation. Additionally, the present invention creates on scleral buckle that remove excess bulky material from the scleral buckle band, producing a scleral buckle that is easier and safer to surgically implant onto the eye.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.