Endocapsular tension ring and method of implanting same

An improved endocapsular tension ring for implantation into a residual capsular bag of an eye following a capsulorhexis procedure, the residual capsular bag having a posterior capsule, an annular anterior capsular flap and an anterior capsulorhexis edge, comprising:

• a loop of biocompatible material, said loop being operable to generally prevent shrinkage of the capsular bag following implantation therein between the posterior capsule and the annular anterior capsular flap;
• and
• an elongated fixation element joined to said loop and formed of biocompatible material, said fixation element having a first end fixed to said loop and a second free end adapted to extend past the anterior capsulorhexis edge and adapted to be positioned anterior to the capsular bag, the second free end of said fixation element being operable to receive a suture for attachment to the scleral wall of the eye without passing the suture through a wall of the capsular bag, whereby said endocapsular tension ring generally stabilizes and centralizes the capsular bag in the posterior chamber of the eye during and after intraocular surgery following attachment of said fixation element to the scleral wall.

An improved endocapsular tension ring for implantation into a residual capsular bag of an eye following a capsulorhexis procedure, the residual capsular bag having a posterior capsule, an annular anterior capsular flap and an anterior capsulorhexis edge, comprising:

• a loop of biocompatible material, said loop being operable to generally prevent shrinkage of the capsular bag following implantation therein between the posterior capsule and the annular anterior capsular flap;
• and
• a generally curved elongated fixation element joined to said loop and formed of biocompatible material, said fixation element having a first end fixed to said loop and a second free end adapted to extend past the anterior capsulorhexis edge and adapted to be positioned anterior to the capsular bag with the annular anterior capsular flap positioned therebetween, the second free end of said fixation element having an eyelet to receive a suture for attachment to the scleral wall of the eye without passing The suture through a wall of the capsular bag, whereby said endocapsular tension ring generally stabilizes and centralizes the capsular bag in the posterior chamber of the eye during and after intraocular surgery following attachment of said fixation element to the scleral wall.

An improved endocapsular tension ring construction, comprising:

• a generally flexible open-ended loop free of attachment to an intraocular lens, said loop having first and second ends, and
• a first elongated fixation element having a first portion projecting inwardly from said loop and a second portion extending outwardly from said first portion, said first fixation element being open-ended with one end fixed to said loop and the other end free.