Exchangeable optics and therapeutics using magnetic tacks
AssigneeCalifornia LASIK & Eye, Inc.
InventorBradley P. Barnett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
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.
Claims11
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.