CA1078553A

CA1078553A - Posterior chamber artificial intraocular lens with retaining means and instruments for use therewith

Info

Publication number: CA1078553A
Application number: CA245,711A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Leonard Flom; Kenneth J. Rodgerson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1975-02-14
Filing date: 1976-02-13
Publication date: 1980-06-03
Also published as: DE2605847A1; GB1522401A; US3991426A; JPS51109192A; FR2300544B3; FR2300544A1

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Artificial intraocular lenses comprise an optical zone portion adapted to be implanted in the posterior chamber of an eye, posts extending from said optical zone portion through the iris and into the anterior chamber thereof, and retaining means adapted to be secured to the ends of the posts, whereby said posts and retaining means hold and position the artificial intraocular lenses within the eye.
In some embodiments, the posts and retaining means are configured for an interengaging press fit. In another embodiment the posts are attached to the retaining means and are adapted to be secured to the optical zone or lens portion positioned in the posterior chamber. Instruments aiding in the implanting of the artificial intraocular lenses in the eye, and in particular, in press fitting the retaining means to the posts, comprise means for supporting the retaining means on the instrument, bridle means connecting the optical zone portion of the artificial intraocular lenses with the instrument, and means for drawing the posts of the optical zone portion toward the retaining means until the desired interengaging press fit therebetween is achieved. The instruments are also adapted to attach the posts of the retaining means to the lens portion in the other embodiment referred to above, in a similar manner. The instruments are also modified to remove the retaining ring from the posts.

Description

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This invention relates to an artificial intraocular lens for implantaion in the posterior chamber of the eye to obviate aphakia, the lens including retaining means, and further relates to instruments for implanting and removing the artificial intraocular lens, including res-pectively attaching and detaching the retaining means.
When no lens is present in the eye, which is known as the aphakic condition or aphakia and is usually the result of intracapsular or extra-capsular lens extraction, the eye does not have the ability to focus rays of light. Therefore, the eye receives a blurred image and vision is impaired.
The most common solution for providing a focusing mechanism to obviate the aphakic condition is to interpose contact lenses or spectacles or a combination thereof between the eye and the light entering therein. However, both contact lenses and spectacles have drawbac~ when used in the treatment of aphakia. Neither spectacles nor contact lenses can duplicate the natural optical system because they are positioned out-side of the eye, which results in a shift of the optical center from the in vivo state. Because the optical center has been shifted, the image received by the eye is either distorted and/or changed in size. In parti-cular, spectacles and/or contact lenses usually cannot be used to restore exactly binocular vision after removal or loss of the .~

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lens from one eye when -the other eye con-tinues to func-tion normally.
Further, the most common reason for removal of a lens is the condition of lenticular opacity known as a cataract, which occurs primarily in aged persons who have difficulty in adjusting to contact lenses and in manipulating the contact lenses for insertion and removal. Cataracts are also common in animals, such as dogs and horses, and contact lenses and/or spectacles are not suitable devices for their treatment.
The desirability of implanting an artificial lens within the eye to obviate the condition of aphalcia is well-known and accepted in countries such as England, ~lolland and Italy. However, practical devices for carrying out this desirable objective have not been perfected, although several devices have been used with a modicum of success.
In approximately 1950 Harold Ridley developed an artificial intraocular lens which comprises an optical lens portion having three foot-like projections or "feet"
extending radially ou-tward therefrom. Ridley originally placed this lens in the posterior chamber of the eye, behind the iris, with the feet resulting against the ciliary body between the ciliary process and the base of the iris. However, positioning of this lens in the posterior chamber was abandoned because of instances of dislocation after implanta-tion and failures from glaucoma and the like, probably caused by irritation of -the ciliary body by the feet.
Ridley's failure with posterior chamber artificial lenses led him and others, such as D. ~. Choyce, -to turn their attention to intraocular ar-tificial lenses implanted :in the , .
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8~i3 anterior chamber of the eye between -the iris and -the cornea.
The particular lens used was similar to Ridlye's original lens, and had radially protruding feet which accomplished positioning of the lens in front of the pupil. 'I'hese e~forts also me-t with limited success, primarily because of the problems of irritation of the eye by the supporting feet and dislocation of the lens from its desired position in front of the pupil.
It should be noted that placement of the lens in the anterior chamber is an unnatural position, with the attendant problems of restoring accura-te binocular vision.
Also an anterior chamber lens is not positioned adjacent to the hyaloid membrane for supporting -the vitreous humor, and instances of forward displacement of the vitreous humor and retinal detachmen-t are mor likely to occur when anterior chamber lenses are used.
E. Epstein and C. D. Binkhorst developed artificial intraocular lenses which rely on the constrictor muscle of the iris as the positioning mechanism. Epstein first designed a "collar-stud" implant, with -the pupil constricted in its waist for positioning thereof. Copeland's 'tMal-tese Cross"
pupil-suppor-ted implant has two leaves anterior to -the iris and two leaves at right angles to the others and behind the iris. Binkhorst developed an iridocapsular (2-loop) lens and an iris-clip (4-loop) lens. The former comprises a lens of larger diameter than the pupil and placed thereover so tha-t the periphery engages the front of the iris, and further comprises two metal loops which protrude from the baclc of the lens ar.d extend generally parallel with the haclc surt'ace of the lens and behind the iris for clipping the lens to -the ~ ~78~3 iris. Binkhorst's iris-clip lens is similar excep-t tha-t the iris is held by two pairs of loops which flank the iris and support the lens in front of the pupil. In some instances, the iris is sutured to the clips to secure the positioning of the lens. This type of lens is also unsatisfactory in several respects. It, by necessity, interferes with cons-triction of the pupil, and in fact fixes the size of the pupil. It is also an anterior chamber lens, wherein correct positior,ing of the optical center cannot be achieved.
J. G. F. Worst considered posterior placement of an artificial lens to be desirable, but developed a lens having a pair of closely spaced openings for positioning in front of the iris. A suture was placed through the two openings and attached the lens to the iris. Although it is not believed that Worst's suture would cause irritation of the ciliary body, as did the earlier posterior lens of Ridley, the difficulty of the technique necessary to suture the lens in position without damaging the iris as well as the possibility that the suture would not hold or would tear out from the iris has limited the acceptance of Worst's lens.
Additional artificial lenses designed for positioning in the posterior chamber are described in U. S. Patent No. 3,711,870 to Deitrick and in U. S. Patent No. 3,673,616 ~-to Fedorov et al. Deitrick's lens comprises a central optical 2S portion surrounded by a resilier,t silicone flange shaped to receive a nest against the ciliary body. The lens is to be held in place by suturing the resilient flange to the ciliary body. Although the medical worth of the Dei-trick lens is not yet known, it is known tha-t it would be difficul-t to place sutures where Deitrick directs and it is also Icnown tha-t -there .

~0~ S53 may be reluctance on the part of ophthalmologists or ophthalmologic surgeons to do so because of the many risks attendant with the irritation of the ciliary body. Fedorov et al's lens is supported in the eye by radially protruding prongs flanking the iris and gripped by the constrictor muscles of the iris adjacent to the pupil, in somewhat the same manner as the Binkhorst lens.
Several of the prior art lenses are discussed in an article by D. P. Choyce entitled "History of Intraocular Implants" which is printed in Annals of Ophthalmology, October, 1973. The article also includes a list of references from which further information concerning prior art intraocular lenses can be obtained.
Several of the above lenses rely on sutures placed in the iris for holding the lenses in position. It should be noted that the iris consists of spongy, flexible tissue which may be pulled and stretched to a limited degree without damaging it. However, the iris has the unique property of never healing together after being cut or damaged. Thus, if a suture pulls through the iris, the damage to the iris is permanent.
Because sutures are generally of a small diameter, if a lens positioned and held by sutures is subjected to a dislocating force, the sutures may cut the iris, resulting in permanPnt damage.
According to the present invention, there is provided an arti-ficial intraocular lens comprising an optical zone portion fabricated of transparent material and shaped similar to a natural lens, retaining means, and a plurality of posts for connecting said optical zone portion and said retaining means, said posts mounted to one of said optical zone portion or said retaining means and said posts adapted to be secured to the other of said optical zone portion or said retaining means, said posts connecting said optical zone portion and said retaining means when secured, wherein said optical zone portion may be implanted in the posterior chamber of an eye and said retaining means may be positioned in the anterior ~alnber of the eye with said posts extending through the iris of the eye and secure~ to connect said optical zone portion and said retaining 11~7~5~i3 means together holding and positioning the artificlal intraocular lens within the eye.
In a first embodiment, the retaining means preferably comprises a retaining ring which is press fit onto the ends of the posts in the anterior chamber, although the retaining means may comprise a partial ring or even individual retaining members for each post. In another embodiment, the posts are integral with the retaining means, which may be a whole or partial ring, and the posts are inserted through the iris and press-snap fit in~o openings in the lens.
In both embodiments, the iris is held loosely constrained between the artificial intraocular lens and the retaining means with the posts extending through the iris, whereby the artificial intraocular lens is held in the desired position. The retaining means are arrayed about and separated from the pupil and do not interfere with vision. Openings through the artificial intraocular lens are provided near the periphery to permit the free flow of aqueous, which is produced by the ciliary body, and to aid in the manipulation and implanation of the artificial intraocular lens.
Thus, the artifical intraocular lens according to the invention herein is firmly held in a natural position, which is the posterior chamber of the eye. The artificial intraocular lens according to the invention herein avoids any contact with the ciliary body, presents a smooth surface to the endothelium of the cornea as well as to the hyloid membrane, does not interfere with the constrictor and dilator muscles o the iris adjacent to the pupil, and does not contact the area of Schlemm's canal. Thus, these and any ss~

other sensitive anatomical areas ol the eye are no-t irritated by the artificial in-traocular lens according to the inven-tior, herein. True binocular vision may be achieved with the posterior chamber artificial intraocular lens according to the invention herein, and forward displacement of the vitreous humor and consequent cystoid macular endema and/or re-tinal detachment are avoided.
Instruments are also provided for implanting the artificial intraocular lenses. These instruments make the techniques for implantation within the range of capability of the average ophthalmological surgeon.
A first embodiment of an instrument according to the invention herein and well adapted for use with the first embodiment of the artificial intraocular lenses generally comprises a handle configured to hold the retaining ring, or other retaining means adapted to press fit onto the posts of the artificial intraocular lens. A bridle attaches the artificial intraocular lens to a member slidably mounted in the instrument with respect to the retaining ring. The bridle is sufficiently rigid to aid in inserting the artificial intraocular lens through the dilated pupil and into the posterior chamber. A thumbwheel or other con-trolled adjusting mechanism is providéd to drive the slidably mounted member and to thereby cause relative movement o~ the retaining ring into position over the posts of the artificial intraocular lens, and finally to press fit the retaining ring onto the posts.
Means are provided to release the retaining ring from the instrument and the bridle can be easily severed, whereafter the instrument can be removed, leavir,g the artificial intraocular lens and attached retaining mearls inpJanted within the eye.

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The instrument May also be provlded wi-th a rigid forwardly protrudlng foo-t at-tached to the slidably moun-ted member, wherein by reversing the rota-tion of the thumbwheel or other drive means, the retaining ring can be lifted from the posts to release the ar-tificial intraocular lens for removal. ~ lens snare may also be provided to aid in extracting the lens.
A second embodiment of an instrument according to the invention herein is particularly well adapted for implanting -the artificial intraocular lens in which the posts are integral with -the retaining ring and press-snap fit into the lens. The second embodiment instrument also comprises a handle configured to releasably hold the retaining ring. A
thin member is slidably mounted in the handle, extends therefrom through the held ring, and terminates in a foot against which the lens is tightly secured by a thin bridle.
Thumbweel or other adjusting means are provided to drive -the slidably mounted rod, causing relative movement of the retaining ring toward the lens until the posts engage the openir.gs in the lens which receive them, and thereafter press-snap joining the retaining ring and the lens. The foot of the thin member, against which the lens is tightly held, accurately positions the lens with respect to the posts of the retaining ring, which is an important feature inasmuch as the lens is blocked from view behind the iris when the lens `
and ring are ~vined. The foot also serves to separate the retaining ring from the lens, should removal be necessitated.

785iS3 OBJECTS OF TH~ INVEN'IION
_ It ls a principal object of -the invention -to provide an artificial intraocular lens for obviating aphakia.
It is another object of the invention to provide an artificial intraocular lens Eor implantation into the posterior chamber of the eye.
It is a further object of -the invention to provide an artificial intraocular lens which includes means for positioning and holding it within the eye without irritating sensitive portions of the eye.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an artificial intraocular lens and instruments for implanting the same which permit an implantation technique within the range of skills of the average ophthalmological surgeon.
Other and more par-ticular objects of the invention will be in part obvious and will in part appear from a perusal of the following description of the preferred embodiments and the claims, taken together with the drawings.
DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a front elevation view of an artificial intraocular ler.s according to the invention herein;
FIGURE 2 is a rear elevation view of a retairing ring according to the invention herein for the artificial intraocular lens of Figure l;
FIGURE 3 is a sectional view of the artificial intraocular lens of Figure 1 and the retaining ring of Figure

2;
FIGURE 4 is a sectional view of an eye showing the artificial intraocular lens and retaining ring of Figure 3 ~0 implanted therein;

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FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary enlarge~ sectiorlal view of a portion of the eye of Figure 4 having the artificial intraocular lens and retaining ring implanted therein;
FIGURE 6 is a front elevation view of the eye of Figure 4 having the artificial intraocular lens and retaining ring implanted therein;
FIGURE 7 is a front elevation view of another eye : :
having the artificial intraocular lens and a partial retaining ring according to the invention herein implanted therein;
FIGURE 8 is a rear elevation view of the partial retaining ring of Figure 7;
FIGURE 9 is a front elevation view of the artificial intraocular lens and dual retaining members according to the invention herein;
lS FIGURE 10 is a front elevation view of the artificial intraocular lens and plural retaining buttons according to the invention herein;
FIGURE 11 is a sectional view of another embodiment of an artificial intraocular lens and a retaining rir.g ZO therefor according to the invention herein;
FIGURE 12 is a sectional view of another embodiment of an artificial intraocular lens and a retaining ring there-for according to the invention herein;
FIGURE :L3 is a side elevation view, partially in section, of an artificial intraocular lens, a retaining ring therefor, and an instrument for implanting the same within an eye, all according to the invention herein;
FIGURE 14 is a sectional view taken along the lines 14-14 of Figure 13 showing 2 top plan view of the ar-tificial intraocular lens held by a bridle;

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FIGURE 15 is a sectional view -taken along the lines 15-15 of Figure 13 showing a bottom plan view of -the instrument and the retaining ring held -thereby;
FIGURE 16 is a front elevation view of the instrument of Figure 13 and the retaining ring held thereby;
FIGURE 17 is a side elevation view, partially in section, of the artificial intraocular lens and the retaining ring being implanted into an eye with the instrument of Figure 13;
FIGURE 18 is a side elevation view of an artificial intraocular lens having a retaining ring attached thereto, and the instrument of Figure 13, said instrument modified for removing the retaining ring from the artificial intraocular lens, all according to the invention herein;
FIGURE 19 is a side elevation view of an artificial intraocular lens, a retaining ring therefor, and ano-ther instrument for implanting the same within an eye, all accord-ing to the invention herein;
FIGURE 20 is a side elevation view of the instrument of Figure 19 expanded to release the retaining ring; ~ :
FIGURE 21 is a side elevation view of an artificial intraocular lens, a retaining ring therefor, and another :~
instrument for implanting the same within an eye, all accord-ing to the invention herein;
FIGURE 22 is a bottom plan view of the instrument of Figure 21:.
FIGURE 23 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of an artificial intraocular lens according to -the invention herein;

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FIGIJRE 24 is a rear elevation view of a retaining ring according to the invention herein for the ar-tificial intraocular lens of Figure 23;
FIGURE 25 is a side sectional view of the artificial intraocular lens of Figure 23 and the retaining ring of Figure 24;
FIGURE 26 is a sectional view of an eye showing the artificial intraocular lens and retaining ring of Figure 25 implanted therein;
FIGURE 27 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view of a portion of the eye of Figure 26 having the artificial intraocular lens and retaining ring implanted therein;
FIGURE 28 is a top plan view of an artificial intraocular lens, a retaining ring therefor, and an instrument for implanting the same within an eye, all according to the invention herein;
FIGURE 29 is a side elevation view, partially in section, of the artificial intraocular lens, retaining ring and instrument of Figure 28;
FIGURE 30 is a fragmentary view, partially in section, of the artificial intraocular lens, retaining ring and instrument of Figure 28 showing the lens and retaining ring joined; :
FIGURE 31 is a fragmentary view, partially in ~ .
section, of the artificial intraocular lens, retaining ring and instrument of Figure 28 showing the lens and retaining ring released from the instrument; and FIGURE 32 is a bottom view of the instrument of Figure 28 corresponding to Figure 31.
The same reference numbers refer to the same elemen-ts throughout the various Figures.

)7i3~3 .

PREFERRED EM~ODIM~NIS
The invention herein relates tG an ar-tificial intraocular lens including retaining means for securing the artificial intraocular lens in ar, eye, several embodiments of which will be described, and to instruments aiding in implanting the artificial intraocular lenses in eyes, and in particular in attaching the retaining means to the implanted artificial intraocular lens, several embodiments of which also will be described.
Referring now to Figures 1 - 3, there is shown an artificial intraocular lens 10 and a retaining ring 30 for use with the artificial intraocular lens 10, according to the invention herein.
The artificial intraocular lens 10 (herinafter often referred to as the "lens") generally comprises an optical zone portion 11 and a plurality of posts 12 - 15 which, in cooperation with retaining means, anchor the lens 10 in an eye. A plurality of openings 16 - 19 may be provided through the optical zone portion of the lens near the -periphery thereof.
The optical zone portion 11 can be either a biconvex of planoconvex lens, as required. It is preferable that the optical zone portion be shaped similar to the natural intra-ocular lens insofar as is possible. The optical zone portion is preferably round in plan view and may have a diameter of 8 to 10 millimeters, which is also the overall diameter of the lens 10; however, the diameter i-~ merely suggested and is ~
approximately the same diameter as a human natural ocular ler,s and it should be recognized that the artificial intraocular lens can and should be sized accord:ing to -the eye into which - ' 8S~3 it is to be implanted. rhe optical power of -the op-tical zone portion 11 of the lens 10 generally is in -the range of 13 to 17 diop-ters, with the final decision as to the exact optical power resting with the ophthalmologic surgeon who has examined the patient and is prescribing the lens. The optical zone portion 11 is preferably fabricated on a medical grade of either polymethyl methacrylate or silicone, or of another material suitable for implantation in the eye and having -the requisite clarity and index of refraction for use as a lens material.
When reference to Figure 1, the posts 12 - 15 are postioned at 90 intervals on a circle concentric with and near the periphery of the lens 10, the circle having a diameter D. Referring now to Figure 3, the posts 12 - 15 protrude forwardly from the optical zone portion 11, and the tip of each post, for instance, post 12, is provided with an enlarged head 20 including a substantially hemispherical inner portion and a conical outer portion converging to a slightly rounded tip 21. As best seen in Figure 5, in which the post 12 is shown in an enlarged sectional view, the post 12 comprises an inner stud 22 which is threaded at its lower end 23 into the optical zone portion 11 of the lens 10. A jacket 24 surrounds the pro-truding portion of stud 22 and comprises the enlarged head 20. The stud 22 is preferably fabricated of gold and the jacket 24 is preferably fabricated of either a medical grade of polymethyl methacrylate or silicone, or of another plastic material suitable for implantation in the eye. The remaining posts 13 - 15 are similar to post 12.
The openings 16 - 19 are also located at 90 intervals on a circle concentric with and near the per:iphery ;,., .,,: .. . .
.. . .

~1~7E~553 -of the lens 10, and each opening is fur-ther loca-ted 45 from each of the adjacen-t posts. The openings 16 - 19 are utilized in connection with means -for holding and manipulating the lens 10 during implantation and/or removal thereof, and provide drain holes for aqueous produced by the ciliary body when the lens 10 is implanted in an eye.
Referring now to Figures 2 - 6, the retaining ring 30 is round in plan view and has an outer surface 33 which is circular in cross section. The circular outer surface is interruped by a V-shaped slot 31 which extends around the entire retaining ring on one side thereof. The V-shaped slot 31 connects the outer surface of retaining ring 30 with an annular inner space 32 defined by the inner surface 34 of the retaining ring 30. The inner surface 34 is also circular when viewed in cross section and is concentric with the outer surface 33 of retaining ring 30. The annular space 32 and the V-shaped slot together form a slot extending entirely abou-t the retaining ring on one side -thereof, and this slot has a key hole configuration in section, being constricted at the intersection of the inner end of the V-shaped slot 31 and the annular inner space 32, as best seen in Figure 3.
The retaining ring 30 is slightly resilient, so that the V-shaped slot 31 can be expanded to admit the heads of the posts 12 - 15. The retaining ring 30 is preferably fabricated of a medical grade of polymethyl methacrylate, -; silicone, or other slightly resilient material suitable for implantation in the eye. It may be either clear or tinted, as desired for cosme-tic purposes.
The retaining ring 30 is adapted -to be press fit ; 30 onto the posts 12 - 15 and to be re-tained thereon by -the ,: :

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interengaging strUc-tUre of the posts and retaining ring. In par-ticular, the mean diarneter D of the V-shaped slot 31 corresponds -to the diarneter between opposite posts, such as posts 12 and 14, so that the points of the heads of the posts may be centrally received in the V-shaped slot 31. As the retaining ring 30 is pressed on to the pos-ts 12 - 15, the conical outer portions of the h eads of the posts enter the V-shaped slot and expand it until the retaining ring snaps over the ;heads of the posts. As best seen in Figures 4 and 5, the inner surface 34 of the retaining ring adjacent to the V~shaped slot 31 engages the hemispherical inner portions of the heads of the posts, whereby the retaining ring is secured to the posts by an interengaging fit therebetween.
Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown an eye 40 having the arti:Eicial intraocular lens 10 and retaining ring 30 described above implanted therein. The eye 40 comprises a transparent cornea 41 which connects with the sclera 42, better known as the white of the eye. The sclera extends substantially around the entire eye except for the region of the cornea. A thin membrane 43, which is known as the conjuctiva, extends from the cornea to the underside of the eye lid, no-t shown. Schlemm's canal, indicated at 44, is located near the intersection of the cornea, sclera and conjunctiva. In the rear portions of the eye, not fully shown, the choroid 45 overlays the interior surface of the sclera and the retina 46 overlays the inner surface of the choroid. Near the front of the eye the choroid joins with the ciliary body, generally indicated at 47, which includes the ciliary process 50 and the ciliary muscle 51. Extending from the ciliary body is the iris 52 which defines the pupil 53. r[`he choroid, ciliary ~ )785iS3 body and iris are together Icnown as the uveal -tract, which is a vascular tract surrounding most of the eye.
The in-terior of the eye is substantially -filled with vitreous humor 60, and the hyloid membrane 61 covers -the surface of the vitreous humor. The anterior chamber of the eye is indicated at 62 and is located between the front of the iris and the cornea 41. The posterior chamber of the eye, indicated at 63, is located between the iris and the vitreous humor. The natural lens, not shown in the drawings herein, occupies the posterior chamber 63 and is held in place by zonules 64, which are shown cut as they would be during removal of the natural lens.
Referring now partieularly to the iris 52, it defines the pupil 53 by virtue of a central opening therein.
Sphincter and dilator muscles 54 and 55 are located in the iris adjacent to the inner periphery thereof, and con-trol the size of` the pupil. The primary expansion and contraction of the tissue of the iris takes place in the vicinity near the sphincter and dilator muscles. The stroma 56 of the iris 20 extends between the ciliary body and the inner portion of the iris including the sphincter and dilator muscles. The stroma tissue passively folds in an accordian-like manner during dilation and contraction of the pupil. The iris tissue, `~ including the stroma, is quite flexible and can be pulled and stretched. However, the iris has the unique property of not healing if torn or damaged. Accordingly, care should be taken in manipulking the iris.
In order to implant the artificial intraocular lens 10 and retaining ring 30 thereEor, an incision is made in the cornea near Schlemm's canal, and the cornea is folded baclc.

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~L~ 3$S3 If implantation o~ -the ar-tificial intraocular lens ls being undertaken because of a cataract condition, it is preferable to perform the natural lens removal and the implantation of the artificial intraocular lens in the same operation.
Accordingly, the ~irst step after opening an incision and laying back the cornea may be to perform an intracapsular or extracapsular extraction, as the condition of the patient dictates. It is anticipa-ted that better results can be achieved in restoring vision with an artificial intraocular lens according to the invention herein if the entire natural lens is removed.
The pupil can be dilated sufficiently through the use of drugs to permit passage of the artificial intraocular lens lO through the pupil into the posterior chamber 63 of the eye. After the lens 10 has been inserted into the posterior chamber of the eye, the posts 12 - 15 of the lens 10 may be pushed through the iris, taking care to position the iris so that the head of each post is inserted -through the stroma tissue at approximately the point where it would naturally fall with the pupil in a normal condition, i.e. not dilated by drugs. The retaining ring 30 is then press fit onto the posts 12 - 15 as described above, so that the retaining ring is firmly secured upon the posts, as illustrated in Figures 4 - 5. The ophthalmologic surgeon may then close the eye in accordance with ordinary ophthalmologic surgical techniques.
It should be noted that the posts have a length of approximately 1 1/2 to 2 millimeters, whereby the retaining ring 30 is sufficiently spaced from the lens 10 so that the iris is not pinched or constricted, which would disrupt circulation to the inner portions o~ the iris near the pupi:l ~8S~
, , and the constrictor and dilator muscles. 'I'he struc-ture of the artificial intraocular lens 10 and -the re-taining ring 30 holds the lens firmly in the eye. In particular, the posts which extend through the iris hold the lens against la-teral displacment toward the edges of the eye, and an entire ring of the stroma tissue is loosely embraced between the lens and the retaining ring to prevent the posts from pulling back through the iris. The lens is nestled against -the hyloid membrane, retaining the vitreous humor from forward displace-ment and thereby minimizing the danger of cystoid maculaendema or retinal detachment.
It should be noted that the artificial intraocular lens and retaining ring therefor, when implanted in an eye as illustrated in Figure 4, do not comprise five key ocular anatomical areas, to wit: the endothelium or backside of the cornea; Schlemm's canal; the dilator and constrictor muscles of the pupil; the ciliary body; and the vitreous humor and hyloid membrane. By avoiding these key areas of sensitivity, complications after the implantation of the artificial intraocular lens and retaining ring are greatly reduced. The artificial intraocular lens is positioned in the posterior chamber of the eye, thereby closely duplicating the natural state and providing for restorations of good binocular vision.
Referring now to Figure 6, the eye 40 is shown with the artificial intraocular lens 10 and retaining ring 30 implanted therein. From Figure 6 it is apparent that the anchoring means for the lens 10 comprising the posts lZ - 15 and retaining ring 30 do not interfere with normal vision through the pupil 53.

B~3 :.
Referring now to ~igure 7, there is showr) an eye 67 wherein a sector iridectomy has been performed on -the iris 68 thereof to enlarge the pupil 69 so that it extends to the periphery of the iris. The artificial intraocular lens 10 has been implanted in the eye 67 with the posts 12 - 15 arranged so that posts 13 and 14 flank -the enlarged portion of pupil 69 created by the sector iridectomy. A retaining member 70 is provided for the lens 10, and the retaining member 70 comprises slightly more than 3/4 of an entire ring.
The retaining member 70 is secured to the posts of lens 10 so that the enlarged pupil 69 is not blocked by the retaining member. Referring now to Figure 8, which is a rear plan view of the retaining member 70, it can be seen that four openings 71 - 74 are provided to receive the posts lZ - 15 of the lens 15 10. The openings 71 - 74 are preferably slightly elongated, permitting some latitude in positioning the retaining member 70 on the posts of the lens 10. The openings 71 - 74 have a cross-sectional shape which may be similar to that shown in Figures 3 - S, wherein the heads of the posts 12 - 15 may be accommodated and secured by an interengaging fit between the posts and the retaining member 70. The lens 10 is adequately held in the eye by the posts 12 - ]5 and the retaining member 70, and the five key anatomical areas of the eye are protected.
Referring now to Figure 9, the artificial intraocular 2S ler.s 10 is shown with another retaining means, which comprises two retaining members 80 and 81. The retaining member 80 is curved and comprises somewhat more than 1/4 of a complete ring. It is provided with elongated openings 82 and B3 positioned, respectively, near its ends for rece:iving and holding the posts 12 and 13 of the arti~icial intraocular lens lo through an in-terengaging fit. rhe re-taining member 81 is similarly provided wi-th openings 84 and ~, which receive, respectively, posts 1~ and 15. The ret~ining members 80 and 81 may be used with the artificial intraocular lens in implantation situations involving sector and peripheral iridectomies as well as in implan-tation situations in which no iridectomy is involved. A substantial portion of the stroma tissue of the iris is loosely constrained between the retaining members 80 and 81 and the lens 10, wherein the lens is adequately held in position with the eye by the posts 12 -15 and the re-taining members 80 and 81, and the posts 12 - 15 are prevented from pulling back through the iris. The five key anatomical areas of the eye are fully protected when retaining members 80 and 81 are used with the lens 10.
Referring now to Figure 10, the artificial intra-ocular lens 10 is shown together with a further embodiment of retaining means, which comprise four individual retainir.g buttons 90 - 93. Each of the retaining buttons 90 - 93 is substantially hemispherical and has an opening in its under-side for receiving one of the heads of one of the posts 12 -15 of the lens 10 in an interengaging fit whereby the retaining buttons 90 - 93 may be press fit on to the posts 12 - 15 and remain secured thereon. The retaining bottons 90 -94 do not embrace as much of the stroma tissue between them and the lens 10 as do the previously described retaining members, but nevertheless the posts 12 - 15 and retaining buttons 90 - 93 do provide for sufficient anchoring of the artificial intraocular lens within the eye and eff'ectively prevent the posts from pulling back through the iris.

, ~L07i~
Referring now -to ~igure 11, -there is shown an artificial intraocular lens 100 accordin~ to the invention herein. The lens 100 comprises an optical zone portion 101 having interiorly threaded openings for receiving posts 102 - 104, which protrude forwardly from the optical zone portion 101. A fourth post is not shown in Figure 11 because the lens is shown in section, and the four posts are deployed at 90 intervals on a circle concentric with the periphery of lens 100 when viewed in plan. The post 102 comprises a stud portion 105 which is threaded along its lower end whereby the post is turned into one of the openings in the optical zone portion 101. The stud portion 105 extends forwardly from the optical zone portion 101 to a head portion of the post 102, generally indicated at 106. The head portion comprises a flange 107 which protrudes radially outwardly from the post and provides a shoulder surrounding the post. Separated from the shoulder is a rounded tip 108. The other posts 103 and 104 are similar to post 102.
A retaining disc 110 for use the artificial intraocular lens 100 comprises a flat annular disc having four openings formed -therethrough. Openings 111 and 112 can be seen in Figure 11, and the openings are postioned about the retaining disc 110 for receiving the heads of the posts of the artificial intraocular lens 100. The retaining disc 110 is preferably fabricated of a slightly resilient material, and the round tips of the posts may be popped through the openings formed in the retaining disc wherein the retaining ; disc is seated against the flanges of the posts and held in that position by the round tips of the posts, as shown in ' 3S~3 -- ,., Figure 11. The posts -themselves rnay be fabricated en-tirely of plastic, or may comprise an inr.er metal stud.
The artificial intraocular lens 100 and the retainir,g disc 110 may be implanted in an eye in a manner similar to that described above with respect to lens 10. The posts protruding through the iris and the retaining disc serve to anchor and position the lens 100 in the eye, while protecting the five key sensitive anatomical areas of the eye.
Referring now to Figure 12, there is illustrated another artificial intraocular lens 115 according to the invention herein. It comprises an optical zone portion 116 ; having a plurality of posts, including posts 117 - 119, extending forwardly therefrom. The posts may be fabricated entirely of plastic, such as polymethyl methacrylate, as may lS the lens itself. The posts snugly seat in openings in the optical zone portion 116 of the lens 115 and are secured therein by sonic welding.
A retaining disc 113 is provided for use with the artificial intraocular lens 115. The retaining disc 113 comprises a flat annular disc which may be secured to the `~ posts, after the lens has been implar.ted in an eye and the posts have been pushed through the iris, by positioning the retaining disc on the ends of the posts and either sonic welding the retaining disc to the posts, or by melting the retaining disc.113 and the post togéther through the use of a laser, as is indicated at 114. This technique is believed to be viable inasmuch as lasers are commonly used in surgery of a delicate nature, and particularly in eye surgery.
The artificial intraocular lens 115 and the retain-ing disc 113, being secured together by either laser or sonic .
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'~'`

- 23 _ ' .

.

3SS~
., ~, weldlng, do not requlre any press fi-t opera-tions to be accomplished within the eye, as do the other embodiments of artificial intraocular lenses and retaining members therefor described above. The lens llS and retaining disc 113 have all the advantages of the previous embodimen-ts. In particular, a substantial annular portion of the stroma is loosely embraced between the lens and the retaining disc, and the posts and the retaining disc together anchor and position the lens within the eye and prevents the posts from pulling through the iris. The sensitive areas of the eye are not disturbed by the artificial intraocular lens 115 and retaining disc 113.
This invention also relates to instruments for inserting artificial intraocular lenses as described above into the eye, and in particular, for press fitting the retaining members on to the posts of the artificial intra-ocular lens. The irvention further relates to instruments which may be used for removing the retaining members from the posts, if necessary.
Referring now to Figure 13, there is shown an instrument 120 according -to the invention herein. The artificial intraocular lens 10 and the retaining ring 30 therefor are shown attached to the instrument 120, as will be more fully discussed below.
The instrument 120 comprises a tubular handle 121 which terminates at its lower end in a conical tip 122. As best seen in Figures 13, 15 and 16, a finger-like projection 123 extends forwardly from the handle 121. The finger-like projection 123 is wider at its outermost end, where a groove 124 is located. The groove 12~ is shaped to matingly engage and hold a portion of the re-taining ring 30.

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. -~ . .

SS~
A clamp 125 is slidably moun-ted -to -~he conicQ1 -tip 122 of handle 121 opposite -the projection 123. ~I~he ~lamp 125 de~ines a groove 126 which is shpaed to matingly engage and hold a portion of the retaining ring 30, as best seen in s Figure 15. The clamp 125 is biased by a spring 127 toward the projection 123, wherein the clamp 125 and the projection 123 cooperate to hold the retaining ring 30 therebetween.
A slidable button 130 is positioned on the side of the handle 121 for convenient thumb manipulation, and is connected by a thin wire 131 to the clamp 125. Thus, manipulation of the button 130 will pull back the clamp 125 against spring 127, thereby releasing the ring 30 held between the clamp and the projection 123.
It should be noted that the projection 123 and the clamp 125 embrace a sufficient amount of the circumference of the retaining ring 30 to adequately hold and support it, but also leave a significant portion of the ring free. Coupled with the conical tip 122 of the handle 121 and the triangular shape of the projection 123, good visibility of the retaining ring, artificial intraocular lens, and eye is provided for the ophthalmologic surgeon using the instrument 120.
The instrument 120 further comprises a barrel 135 which is slidably received inside the tubular handle 121. A
thumbwheel 136 is attached for freewheeling ro-tation to the upper end of handle 121, and a threaded stud 140 extends ; inwardly from thumbwheel 136 and is received in an interiorly threaded opening 141 in the upper end of barrel 135. Thus, rotating the thumbwheel 136 drives the barrel 135 upwardly or downwardly wi-thin and relative to the handle 121, depending upon the direction of rotation of' the -thumbwheel and -the driven motion so impar-ted is both slow and controlled.

" : "
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55~

The artificial intraocular lens 10 is attached to the instrument 120 by a bridle 145. As best seen in Fig-ure 14, the brldle 145 comprises a generally triangular loop terminating in a tail 146. The tail 146 passes through an opening 132 in the end of the conical tip 122 o~ handle 121.
threaded clip 147 is secured to the end of the tail 146, and the clip 147 is threaded into an opening in the lower end of barrel 135 (see Figure 13). Again referring to Figure 14, : the bridle 145 comprises a generally triangular loop having legs 148 - 150. Leg 148 extends from the tail 146 to drain hole 17 located near the edge of the lens 110. The bridle passes through the drain hole 17 and leg 149 of the bridle extends across the underside of the lens 110 to drain hole 19 opposite drain hole 17. The bridle also passes through drain hole 19, and the third leg 150 of the bridle extends from drain hole 19 to the tail 146. The bridle 145 is preferably fabricated of a combination of a relatively thick, semirigid wire, which may be plastic, and relatively thin and very flexible thread. The relatively thick, semirigid wire is used to form the tail 146 and leg 148 of the bridle 145, leg 148 extending from the tail 146 to the drain hole 17. The thin thread is used to form -the legs 149 and 150 of the triangular loop of bridle 145 which extends across the under-side of the lens 10, through the drain hole 19 and back to the tail 146. Thus, when it is desired to remove the bridle 145 from the lens 10 after the lens has been implanted in an eye, the leg 150 of the triangle may be cut and the thin thread pulled through the drain hole 19 across the back of the lens and out through drain hole 17. It would be unacceptable to pull the thiclc sem:irigid wire across the ba~k :

.
~,.: : . ' : ' ~` 1`ai7855~
of the lens after -the lens has been implan-ted in an eye because of the risk o~ rupturing the hyloid membrane, but at least a portion of the bridle must be ~abricated of such thick, semirigid wire in order that the bridle be capable of at least partially supporting the lens 10 for handling and manipulating the lens during implantation.
The bridle 145 connects the artificial intraocular lens 10 with the slidable barrel 135 of the instrument 120, and therefore rotation of the thumbwheel 136 in the desired direction causes relative movement of the lens 10 toward the retaining ring 30, being carried on the instrument 120 as described above.
Referring now to Figure 17, the instrument 120 is shown being used in the implantation of the artificial intra-ocular lens 10 and its associated retaining ring 30 in eye40. It will be appreciated tha-t the pupil can be sufficiently dilated with the use of drugs to permit the passage of the lens 10 into the posterior chamber 63 of the eye. The stiff leg 148 of the bridle 145 provides a sufficiently strong connection between the handle of instrument 120 and the lens 10 that the instrument can be used to aid in manipulating -the lens into the position shown in Figure 17. Once the lens is so positioned and the iris 52 is placed over the posts of the lens, the thumbwheel 136 of instrument 120 is rotated to draw 2S the bridle 145 into the instrumen-t 120 through the opening 132 in tip 122. In order to avoid pulling the lens 10 against the iris, the surgeon moves the instrument 120 and the retain-ing ring 30 carried thereon toward the lens as the thumbwheel 136 is rotated.

: ' : . :

1~78~S~

Because the opening 132 in -the tip 122 of -the instrument 120 is centrally located above the re-taining ring 30 held between the projection 123 and the clamp 125 (see Figure 15) and because of the symmetrical arrangement of the posts and drain holes of the lens 10, the instrument 120 presents the lens 10 to the re-taining ring 30 such that the posts 12 - 15 of the lens 10 are positioned for entry into the slot 31 on the underside of the retaining ring 30. The instrument 120 provides sufficient clearance for the surgeon using it to see if the posts are properly posi-tioned with respect to the retaining ring. After having done so, the retaining ring is press fit on to the posts by further drawing up the bridle 145 through rotation of thumbwheel 136. As shown in Figure 17, the iris may be pushed down over the posts simultaneously with press fitting the retaining ring onto the posts; however, the posts may be pushed through the iris prior thereto.
After the retaining ring has been seated on the -: posts of the lens, the thin leg 149 of bridle 145 may be cut the retaining ring released from the instrument 120 through drawing back clamp 125, and the instrument 120 and bridle 145 removed from the eye. Thereafter, the surgeon may close the eye in accordance with normal surgical techniques.
The instrument 120 offers several important advantages in implanting artificial intraocular lenses and press fitting retaining members thereon, as described above.
First, it accomplishes the centering of the retaining ring or other retaining member on the posts of the lens and press ~` fits the retaining ring onto the posts without need for manual manipulation. Thus, such pos.iti.oning an~ press :~it-t:ing , .
, . .

355~
are well within -the range of -the average ophthalrnologic surgeon. Second, the press fit of the retaining ring on to the posts of the lens is achieved gen-tly and with no pulling, pushing, or jerking on the delicate anatomical structUres of the eye. Further, the instrument affords positive control over the lens and the retaining ring during the implantation thereof. Another advantage is that the implantation instrument is relatively quick, and most surgeons strongly prefer to have the eye opened for as short a time as is possible.
The instrument 120 has the still further advantage of being capable of modification for use in removing an artificial intraocular lens from an eye, if such removal is necessitated for any reason. Referring now to Figure 18, the instrument 120 is shown with the projection 123 and the clamp 125 engaged on the retaining ring 30 which is attached to the posts of the artificial intraocular lens 10. A foot 152 is rigidly connected by a shaft 153 to the barrel 135 of the lnstrument 120. Therefore, rotation of the thumbwheel 136 in a direction which drives the barrel 135 downwardly within the handle 132 also drives the foot 152 against the top surface of the lens 10, and thereby accomplishes prying the retaining ring 30 from its retained position on the posts. The removal of the retaining ring is easily controlled to avoid jerking, pulling, or pushing the lens or the associated retaining ring within the eye.
Also showr, in Figure 18 is a snare 155 comprising expansible jaws 156 controlled via a control button 157, the jaws being shown clamped through drain hole 17 of the lens 10 The snare 155 is useful to re-tain control over the lens after ~a~7~3553 the retaining ring has been rernoved and a~ter th~ iris ha8 been removed from the posts.
Referring now to Figures 19 and 20, there is shown another instrument 160 for use in implanting artificial intraocular lens as described above, and particularly in press fitting retaining members thereon. 'I'he instrument 160 generally comprises a tubular handle portion 161 terminating in two downwardly depending legs 162 and 163, wh~ich are designed to partially embrace and hold a retaining ring 30 therebetween.
In their free position, shown in Figure 20, the legs 162 and 163 spread apart to insert or release the retaining ring 30.
A band 164 is slidably positioned around the handle 161 of the instrument 160, and the band 164 includes two tabs 165 and 166. When the band is urged downwardly along the handle 161, the tabls 165 and 166 engage the legs 162 and 163 and force thém inwardly, so that they engage and hold the ~
retaining ring 30. `
The instrument 160 is provided with a thumbwheel 167 and a barrel 168 slidably mounted and driven within the ; handle 161 by the thumbwheel 167 in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the instrument lZ0. The :
barrel 168 is connected to the artificial intraocular lens 10 .
by a bridle 169, wherein rotation o~ the thumbwheel 167 causes rela-tive movement of the retaini.ng ring 30 towards the lens 10 and ultimately results in press fitting the retaining ring 30 onto the posts of the lens 10. After the retaining ring 30 has been secured to the lens 10, the band 164 is moved .
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378~
up~ardly along the handle 161, permi-tting the :Legs 162 and 163 to spring free and release -the retaining ring 30.
Good visibility for -the surgeon using the instrument 160 is provided between the legs 162 and 163. Instrument 160 can also be provided with a foot and be used to remove the retaining ring from the lens, if desired.
; Figures Zl and 22 illustrate another instrument 170 for inserting an artificial intraocular lens into an eye and for attaching a retaining member thereto, according to the invention herein. The instrument 170 comprises a handle 171 which houses a slidably mounted barrel controlled by a thumb-wheel, not shown but similar to that described above.
Protruding downwardly from the handle 171 are legs 172 - 174.
As best seen in Figure 22, the bottom surfaces of the legs 172 - 174 define concave grooves, such as groove 175 of leg 174, and the concave grooves together matingly receive portions of a retaining ring 30. The retaining ring 30 may be secured to the instrument 170 by thread loops 176 - 178 passed around the underside of the retaining ring and respectively through openings 179 - 181 in the upper portion of the legs 172 - 174. A bridle connects an artificial intraocular lens to the barrel of the instrument 170, similar to the manner described above and not shown in Figures 21 and 22, wherein the lens is driven relative to the retaining ring for press fitting the retaining ring over the posts of the lens. Thereafter, the thread loops 176 - 178 which connect the retaining rings 172 - 174 may be severed along with the bridle,~and the instrumen-t 170 removed. The instrument 170 comprises the fewest parts of the instruments described herein while retaining most of the advantclges of the other ., ~ - 31 -. ~, ............. ..

r,~8~,~3 instruments, and hence is a good choice for manufac-tllre as a disposable article.
Referring now to Figures 23 - 25, there is shown an artificial intraocular lens comprising an optical zone or lens portion 200 and a retaining ring 220 for anchorirg the lens 200 in an eye, all according to another embodiment of the invention herein.
The lens 200 may be either a bi-convex or plano-convex lens, as required. It is preferable that it be shaped similar to the actual intraocular lens so ~ar as is possible.
The lens is preferably round in plan view and may have a diameter of 8 to 10 millimeters, as discussed with respect -to lens 10 above. The lens is preferably fabricated of a medical grade of polymethyl methacrylate or of another suitable material.
The retaining ring 220 is a partial ring, as viewed in plan in Figure 24, anticipating its use in an eye having a sector iridectomy performed -thereon in a manner similar to that illustrated in Figure 7 with respect to an earlier embodiment.
It will be understood that a full ring may also be used, particularly if no iridectomy is to be performed. As best seen in Figure 25, the retaining ring 220 has a teardrop shaped cross section and is thinner near the outer edge and is rounded on its top surface. The maximum thickness of the retaining ring 220 is preferably 1/2 to 1 millimeter.
Protruding f`rom the bo-ttom of -the retaining ring 220 are three posts 221 - 223, which serve to attach the retaining ring 220 to the artificial intraocular lens 200. Posts 221 and 223 are located adjacent to the ends of the partial ring, and post 222 is centrally located therebetween. Post 221 comprises a stem portion 225 and an enlarged head por-tion 226, . .

which terminates in a pointed tip 227. An opening 223 is formed transversely through the enlarged head 226 and permi-ts the head 226 to collapse to the diameter of the stem 225 ~or inserting the post into openings in the lens 200, as described below. Posts 222 and 223 are similar. The retaining ring 220 and the posts 221 - 223 are preferably integral, and fabricated of polymethyl and methacrylate or other suitable material. The retaining ring may be tinted to the color of the iris of the eye into which it is being implanted for cosmetic reasons, if desired.
- Referring now to Figure 23, the lens 200 is provided with three openings 201 - 203 which receive respectively the posts 221 - 223 of the retaining ring 220. The openings 201 -203 are arrayed on a circle concentric with and near the periphery of the lens 200, and are spaced apart along -the circle so that the openings 201 - 203 align with the posts 221 - 223, as best seen in Figure 25 ! The lens 200 is further provided with four openings 210 - 213 adjacent the periphery thereof, and the openings 210 - 213 are postioned at 90 ;20 degree intervals about the lens. The openings 210 - 213 extend through the lens, and provide drain passageways for aqueous produced by the ciliary body when the lens 200 is implanted in an eye, and also provide for attaching a bridle to the lens to aid in implan-tation and/or removal thereof, as will be described more fully below.
` As best seen in Figure 25, opening 201 includes a cylindrical central portion 206 of slightly larger diameter than the stem 225 of post 221. A beveled portion 207 surrounds opening 201 at the -top surface of -the lens 200.
Open ing 2 01 term in a tes par t i al ly th rou gh t h e len s 200 :i n a 85i53 . .
generally -tear shaped por-tion Z08, which i~ adap-ted -to matingly receive the enlarge~ hea~ 226 o~ post 221. ~rhe other openings 202 and 203 are similar in shape.
Referring now to Figures 26 and 27, -there is shown an eye 40 having an artificial intraocular lens Zoo and retaining ring 220 described above implanted therein. The eye 40 is the same as shown in Figure 4 described above, and the parts of the eye have the same numbers. These parts include the cornea 41, the sclera 4Z, the choroid 45, the ciliary body 47, and the ciliary process 50. The eye 40 further includes the iris 52 defining a pupil 53 and having sphincter and dilator muscles 54 and 55, respectively, and stroma tissue 56. The eye 40 has an interior chamber 6Z and a posterior chamber 63.
The artificial intraocular lens 200 is positioned in the posterior chamber 63 of eye 40 underlying the iris 52, and is in substantially the same position as the natural lens o~ the eye, removed prior to implanting the artificial intraocular lens and, accordingly, not shown in the drawings.
In order to implant the artificial intraocular lens 200 and the associated retaining ring 220, an incision is made in the cornea 41 and the cornea is folded back. The pupil 53 can be dilated sufficiently through the use of drugs to permit passage of the artificial intraocular lens 200 through the pupil into the posterior chamber 63 of the eye. It should be noted that -the artificial intraocular lens 200 is easily inserted into the posterior chamber as no pos-ts protrude therefrom. After the lens 200 is in position in the posterior chamber, the retaining ring 220 is positioned above the iris with the pointed tips oP posts 221 - 2Z3 above openings Z01 -- . . ' - , .
203. The pos-ts 221 - 223 are inserted through -the iris, and by virtue of their pointed tips, they capture no iris material, The bevels, such as bevel 207 of opening 201, guide the posts into the openings 201 - 203. The retaining ring 220 is moved toward the lens 200 to press the posts 221 - 223 into the openings 201 - 203. The enlarged head 226 of post 221 collapses, permitting the enlarged head to pass through the central portion 206 of opening 201. When the enlarged head 226 reaches the rounded inner portion 208 of opening 201, the enlarged head 226 expands and substantially fills the opening.
This creates an interengaging "snap" fit between the opening 201 and the post 221. The remaining posts 222 and 223 and openings 202 and 203 cooperate similarly to hold the lens 200 and retaining ring 220 together. After implantation of the lS lens 200 and retaining ring 220, the ophthalmologic surgeon may then close the eye in accordance with ordinary surgical techniques.
It should also be noted that the configuration of pos-ts 221 - 223 and openings 201 - 203 permit the posts to be withdrawn from the openings in order to release the retaining ring, if necessary.
The posts have a length approximately 2 1/2 to 3 millimeters and support the retaining ring 220 approximately 1 to 1 1/2 millimeters above the surface of the lens 200. It should be noted thatithe lens 200 and the retaining ring 220, when implanted in the eye 40, provide more clearance between the re-taining ring 220 and the endothelium or interior surface of the cornea 41 than is provided with the lens 10 and the retaining ring 30 described above. ~'he tear drop sectional ~ 30 shape of the retaining ring 220 aids in ach:iev:ing gr~ater ; - 35 -~37~iS~
- --~
- clearance, as the retaining ring is thin at its outer edge The clearance, o~ coUrse, depen~s Upon the particular eye in which the lens and retaining ring are implanted, bu-t a clearance of approxi~lately 1 1/2 millimeters is normally expected with the lens 200 and retaining ring 220. The lens 10 and retaining ring 30 provide a clearance between the retaining ring and the endothelium of the cornea of slightly less than 1 millimeter, which is acceptable, but not as advantageous as the clearance provided by this embodiment.
As in previous embodiments, the retaining ring 220 is sufficiently spaced from the lens 200 so that the iris is not pinched or constricted, and the s-tructure of the lens 200 and retaining ring 220 holds the lens firmly in the eye. The lens 200 and retaining ring 220 also do not compromise the five key ocular anatomical areas, to wi-t, the endothelium of the cornea; Schlemm's canal; the dilator and constrictor muscles of the pupil; the ciliary body; and the vitreaus humor and hyloid membrane. Thus, complications after implantation of the artificial intraocular lens and retaining ring are greatly reduced. The position of the lens in the posterior chamber also aids in guarding against f`orward displacement of the vitreous humor and consequent retinal detachment. In addition, the positioning of the lens in the posterior chamber of the eye provides for restoration of good binocular vision, `25 and the postion of the retaining ring does not interfere with the field of vision.
It will be appreciated that the number of posts depending from retaining ring 220, the configuration of the -~
posts and openin~ in the lens for retaining the posts, and other details, may be altered without departing from the scope of the invention herein.

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Also provided according -to -the inven-tion herein is an instrument 250 particularly well adapted for implanting the artificial intraocular lens 200 and associated re-taining ring 220 in an eye. The instrument 250 aids in inserting the artificial intraocular lens 200 into the posterior chamber behind the iris. It also accomplishes positioning of the retaining ring 220 and the integral posts 2Zl - 223 with respect to the post receiving openings 201 - 203 in the ar-cificial intraocular lens, and press-snap fitting the posts into the lens. The instrument 250 is also well adapted for implanting the other embodiments of artificial intraocular lenses and retaining means therefor described above, and in particular, ~or press fitting the retaining means onto the posts extending through the iris from the lens.
The instrument 250 is illustrated in Figures 28 -32. It comprises a handle 260 which is stepped at 261 and thereby divided into a thin forward portion 262 well adapted for work near the eye and a thicker rear portion 263 of a size which is comfortable in gripping and manipulating the instrument. The handle 260 defines a cylindrical opening 264 along its axis, and the forward portion 262 of the handle 260 defines an outward flared bevel or collet 265 at the forward end of opening 264. A-t the opposite or rear end of the handle, the opening 264 includes an enlarged portion 266 accommodating an interiorly threaded thumbwheel 268, which is mounted in a free wheeling manner to the end of handle 260 via inturned flange 267.
A shaft 270 is slidably received in the opening 264 in the handle 260. A portion of the shaft 270 extends forwardly of the handle 260 and includes two sp:Li-t ends 271 B~i~3 and 272 which are biased apart, as bes-t seen in Figure 32.
The split ends Z71 and Z7Z are enlarged with respec-t to the diameter of shaf-t 270 received in -the opening 264, and the split ends 271 and 272 ar-e provided with beveled sur~aces 273 and 274, respectively. When the shaft 270 is retracted into the handle 260, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, the bevels 273 and 274 engage the collet 265 of the handle 260 and force the split ends 271 and 272 together. However, when the shaft 270 is extended forwardly with respect to the handle 260, the split ends are permitted to separate, as shown in Figure 32.
A capture head 275 is integral with the split ends 271 and 272 of shaft 270. The capture head 275 comprises two generally semicircular discs 276 and 277 mounted to or integral with split ends 271 and 272, respectively. The discs 276 and 277 are further respectively provided with peripheral depending concave flanges 278 and 279, which are adapted to grip and hold the retaining ring 220 when the split ends 271 and 272 are biased together. When the shaft 270 is moved forward and the split ends 271 and 272 separate, the retaining 1 20 ring 220 is released. Other retaining rings, described above, - such as retaining ring 30 or 70, are releasably gripped by ; the capture head 275 in the same manner.
` The instrument 250 further includes mear.s for retracting the shaft 270 to capture and hold the retaining ring 220 and for extending -the shaft 270 forward to release the retaining ring. These means include a drive collar 280 rotatably and slidably mounted about portion 263 of handle 260. The drive collar has a pin 281 mounted therein, ar.d the pin 281 extends inwardly from the drive collar 280 through a diagonal slot 269 defined by the handle 260 and is received . : , :
, ~b78~53 in a slo-t 283 defined crosswise in -the shaf-t 70. A pin 284 mounted in the handle 260 extends into a ]ongitudinal slot ; 285 formed in the shaft 270, and restrains the shaft 270 from rotational movement with respect to the handle 260. Thus, when the drive collar 280 is rotated to the position shown in Figure 29, the pin 281 is positioned near the rear end of diagonal slot 269, and retracts the shaft 270 into the handle 260, thereby engaging the bevels 273 and 274 of the split ends with the collet 265 of the handle and urging the split ends together. When the drive wheel is rotated and moved forwardly along the handle 260, the pin 281 is posi-tioned near the forward end of slot 269, and the pin 181 extends the shaft 270 forward to permit the split ends 271 and 272 of shaft 270 to separate.
The shaft 270 also defines an opening 286 along its axis, in which is carried a hollow rod 290. The hollow rod 290 extends forwardly of the capture head 275 and terminates in an offset foot 291. The foot 291 includes a bottom surface 298 against which the artificial intraocular lens 200 is held by a bridle 292. The bridle 292 may comprise a long strand of heavy suture material which extends inside the hollow rod 290 to the foot 291, where it departs from the hollow rod at opening 299. The bridle 292 is looped around the lens 200, passing through two of the drain openings 211 and 213, which are diametrically opposed. The foot 291 further includes two notches 293 and 294, which are diametrically opposed, and which serve to guide the bridle from the foot and also serve to hold the lens from rotating with respect to the foot.
Alternatively, the foot 291 may comprise a suction fitting to hold the lens via suction applied thr-ough rod 290.

ss~
lt should be no-ted -that -the foot 291 is also adap-ted to hold the other embodiments of lenses described ab~ve, such as lens 10.
The opposite end of the hallow rod 290 is provided with a threaded sleeve 295, which may be press fit over the rod 290, and the threaded sleeve 295 mates with the interiorly threaded thumbwheel 268. Thus, rotation of the thumbwheel 268 drives the rod 290 together with foot 291 and lens 200 attached thereto away from or toward the capture head 275. The threaded sleeve 295 extends through the thumbwheel 268, and a threaded cap 296 is attached over the end of the threaded sleeve, engaging the bridle 292. More particularly, the bridle 292 may be pulled tight and secured in its tight condition holding the lens against the foot by means of cap 296.
The rod 290 includes a slot 287 into which pin 284 extends, thereby preventing rotation of rod 290 with respec-t to shaft 270 and handle 260. Thus, the lens 200 and the retaining ring 220 can be accurately positioned such that the posts 221 - 223 will enter the openings 201 - 203 as thumbwheel 268 is rotated to move the retaining ring and lens together.
The instrument 250 is used in implanting the artlficial intraocular lens 200 and the retaining ring 220 in the following manner. First, the retaining ring 220 is positioned in the capture head 275 and the drive collar 280 is rotated to retract shaft 270 into the handle 260, thereby urging the split ends 271 and 272 closed to firmly grip the retaining ring 220. The artificial intraocular lens 200 is held against the bottom surface 298 of foot 291 of rod 290 by passing the bridle 292 through the drain holes 211 and 213, aligning the bridle in the notches 293 and 29~, and t:ighten:ing .. . . . . . .
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the bridle and securing it in its tigh-tened position by cap : 296. Thumbwheel 268 is rotated to ex-tend the rod 290 and the lens 200 forward ~ith respect to the handle. With the lens so extended, the instrument 250 is used to insert the lens through the pupil to i.ts position underlying the iris. There-af-ter, thumbwheel 268 is ro-tated to cause relative movement of the retaining ring 220 toward the lens 200, the surgeon taking care to move the handle for~ardly to bring the retaining ring 220 into position over the lens and not to pull the lens back through the pupil. Inasmuch as the retaining ring 220 is firmly held by the capture head and the lens 200 is firmly held against the foot 291, and the retaining ring and the lens are positioned such that the posts 221 - 223 of the retaining ring are presented to the openings in the lens, further rotation of thumbwheel 268 causes the posts 221 - 223 to puncture the iris and press-snap into the openings 201 - 203 in lens 200. The bevels surrounding the openings 201 - 203 aid in guiding the posts into the openings.
Some flexure of the posts occurs during this procedure, but it is insufficient to cause damage to the posts.
; Once the retaining ring 220 is attached.to the lens 200 via the posts 221 - 223, drive collar 280 is rotated to release the retaining ring from the capture head 275. Threaded cap 296 is then rotated to release the bridle 292 so that the instrument can be withdra~n. The bridle is then severed and removed from around the lens 200.
The instrument 250 is used in the same manner in ; implanting other embodiments of artificial intraocular lenses, such as lens 10 and retaining ring 30, except that the 30 instrument then opera-tes to press the retain:ing ring on-to -the posts.

The instrurrlent 250 may also be used -to rernove retaining rings from previously implanted lenses by gripping the retaining ring in the capture head and therea~ter driving the foot 291 forward by means of thumbwheel 268.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications of the artificial in-traocular lenses and instruments described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, the number of posts and the precise positioning of the posts may be altered, and similarly, the number of drain holes and their positions can be altered. Other materials may be suitable for fabricating artificial intraocular lenses according to the invention herein, and the materials disclosed herein merely provide acceptable examples. The sizes of the lS artificial intraocular lenses may be changed, particularly when the lenses are to be used in animals. The lenses may be somewhat thinner than the natural lens, whether human or animal, and such thinner lenses are nevertheless considered as being shaped "similar" to the natural lens. The instruments may also be modified, as for instance to accept various configurations of retaining members. Similarly, the thumbwheel drive means could be replaced by other drive means achieving relative movement between an artificial intraocular lens and a retaining member therefor. Also, other means for holding and manipulating the lenses may be employed. For instance, the artificial intraocular lenses can be held and manipulated by conventional forceps, or by provision of a flexible tipped instrument having an opening therethrough to which suction is applied, wherein the lens is held -to the instrument by vaccum and released from the instrument by ~ ~2 -8ss3 releasing the suc-tion. With respec-t to -the technique of' implanting the artificial intraocular lenses described herein, various ophthalmologic surgeons may develop dif'f'erent techniques dictated by their own skills and pref'erences.
The artificial intraocular lenses, retaining members, and instruments for implantation thereof described above are believed to efficiently achieve the objects of the invention. The usefulness and advantages of the artificial intraocular lenses, retaining members, and the instruments aiding implantation thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, -the above description of the preferred embodiments is to be construed as illustrative only rather than as limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined in the following claims.

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Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. An artificial intraocular lens comprising an optical zone portion fabricated of transparent material and shaped similar to a natural lens, retaining means, and a plurality of posts for connecting said optical zone portion and said retaining means, said posts mounted to one of said optical zone portion or said retaining means and said posts adapted to be secured to the other of said optical zone portion or said retaining means, said posts connecting said optical zone portion and said retaining means when secured, wherein said optical zone portion may be implanted in the posterior chamber of an eye and said retaining means may be positioned in the anterior chamber of the eye with said posts extending through the iris of the eye and secured to connect said optical zone portion and said retaining means, said posts and said retaining means together holding and positioning the artificial intraocular lens within the eye.

2. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 1 wherein said retaining means is a single retaining member.

3. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 2 wherein said retaining member comprises a closed retaining ring defining an opening therethrough which exposes the pupil of the eye into which the artificial intraocular lens is implanted.

4. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 2 wherein said single retaining member comprises a partial ring which is substantially 2/3 to 3/4 of a full ring.

5. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claims 3 or 4 wherein said retaining ring has a tear drop cross-sectional shape.

6. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 1 wherein said retaining means comprises more than one retaining member.

7. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 2 wherein said plurality of posts are either mounted or adapted to be secured to said optical zone portion at points near the periphery thereof

8. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 7 wherein said optical zone portion defines at least one opening therethrough and near the periphery thereof, said opening being adapted to receive a means aiding in the insertion or removal of said artificial intraocular lens and to permit the free flow of aqueous through the optical zone portion thereof.

9. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 8 wherein said at least one opening comprises two openings substantially diametrically opposed across said optical zone portion.

10. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claims 1, 3 or 4 wherein said optical zone portion is fabricated of polymethyl methacrylate.

11. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claims 1, 3 or 4 wherein said optical zone portion is fabricated of silicone.

12. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 1 wherein said plurality of posts are mounted to said optical zone portion and extend therefrom through the iris when the optical zone portion is implanted, and said posts and said retaining means are configured for an interengaging fit, whereby said retaining means are adapted to be secured to said posts by pressing them into said interengaging fit.

13. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 12 wherein each of said posts has an enlarged head portion at its free end, said retaining means define one or more openings configured for an interengaging fit over the enlarged head portions of said posts, and said retaining means is suffi-ciently flexible to admit the enlarged head portions of said posts into said openings, the retaining means thereby being adapted to be secured to said posts by a press pressing them into an interengaging fit.

14. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claims 1, 3 or 4 wherein said plurality of posts are mounted to said optical zone portion and extend therefrom through the iris when the optical zone portion is implanted, and said posts and said retaining means are fabricated of materials which are sonically or laser weldable together, whereby said posts and said retaining means are adapted to be secured together by sonic or laser welding.

15. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 1 wherein said plurality of posts are mounted to said retaining means, and said posts and said optical zone portion are configured for an interengaging fit, whereby said posts are adapted to be secured to said optical zone portion by pressing them into said interengaging fit.

16. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 15 wherein said retaining means comprises a retaining ring defining an opening there-through which exposes the pupil of the eye into which the artificial intraocular lens is implanted, and said retaining ring and said posts are integral.

17. An artificial intraocular lens as defined in claim 16 wherein each of said posts has an enlarged head portion and wherein said optical zone portion defines openings configured for an interengaging fit with the enlarged head portions of said posts, wherein said posts are adapted to be secured to said optical zone portion by pressing them into said interengaging fit.