Crystalline polymeric compositions for ophthalmic devices
AssigneeMedennium, Inc.
InventorsStephen Q. Zhou, Christopher D. Wilcox, Christine Liau, Igor Valyunin
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Abstract
Ophthalmic devices suitable for implantation into the eye through small incisions are disclosed. These devices are made from a composition comprising crystalline or semi-crystalline polymeric materials which have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from about −100° C. to about 20° C., a melting point temperature (Tm) of from about 0° C. to about 37° C., and wherein Tg for the material is lower than Tm for the composition. Disclosed devices include intraocular lenses, corneal inlays, ocular drug delivery devices and implants for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; intraocular lenses are preferred.
Claims27
An ophthalmic device suitable for implantation through an incision in the human eye, made from a composition containing a crystalline or a semi-crystalline polymeric material having the following properties:
- (a) a glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range from about −110° C. to about 20° C.;
- (b) a melting temperature (Tm) in the range from about 0° C. to about 37° C.;
- and
- (c) wherein said glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymeric material is lower than said melting temperature (Tm) for the composition.
A method for implantation through an incision in the eye of an ophthalmic device made from a composition containing a crystalline or a semi-crystalline polymeric material with a Tg in the range from about −100° C. to about 20° C. and a Tm in the range from about 0° C. to about 37° C., comprising the steps of:
- (a) warming up said ophthalmic device to or above its Tm, then deforming said ophthalmic device into a deformed shape which can be implanted through an incision where the size of said incision is smaller than the said ophthalmic device in its intended use condition;
- (b) cooling down said deformed ophthalmic device to a temperature below the Tm, such that said ophthalmic device remains in said deformed shape;
- (c) implanting said deformed ophthalmic device at a temperature below the Tm through said incision in the eye;
- and
- (d) warming up said ophthalmic device to and above its Tm by the body temperature of the eye, whereupon said ophthalmic device changes into a shape suitable for its intended use.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.