Crystalline polymeric compositions for ophthalmic devices
AssigneeMedennium, Inc.
InventorsChristopher WILCOX, Christine Liau, Stephen Zhou, Igor Valyunin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Ophthalmic devices suitable for implantation into the eye through small incisions or insertion into an existing orifice 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 37° C., and wherein Tg for the material is lower than Tm for the composition. Disclosed devices include intraocular lenses, corneal inlays, drug delivery devices and implants for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
Claims30
A device suitable for implantation through a small incision in the eye or for insertion into an existing orifice, selected from intraocular lenses, phakic lenses, corneal inlays, drug delivery devices, and implants for reducing intraocular pressure, made from a crystalline or a semi-crystalline polymer having the following properties:
- (a) a glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range from about −100° C. to about 37° C.;
- (b) a melting temperature (Tm) in the range from about 0° C. to about 37° C.;
- and
- (c) said glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymeric material lower than said melting temperature (Tm).
A method for implantation through a small incision in the eye or into an existing orifice of a 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 37° 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 device into a deformed shape which can be implanted through a small incision or orifice where the size of said incision is smaller than the said device in its intended use condition;
- (b) cooling down said deformed device to a temperature below the Tm such that said device for use in or on the eye remains in said deformed shape;
- (c) implanting said deformed device at a temperature below the Tm through said incision or orifice in the eye;
- and
- (d) warming up said device to and above its Tm by the eye temperature, whereupon said device changes into a shape suitable for its intended use.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.