Method of making an ocular implant

Abstract

A method is provided for making a mask configured to improve the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. A substrate is provided with a mask forming feature. The mask forming feature comprises an annular surface that has a curved profile that corresponds to the curvature of a corneal layer of the eye. A release layer is formed on the annular surface. A mask layer of a biocompatible metal is formed above the release layer. The mask layer is separated from the substrate.

1 . A mask configured to improve the depth of focus in an eye of a patient comprising: 
 an anterior surface configured to be positioned adjacent to a first corneal layer and a posterior surface configured to be positioned adjacent a second corneal layer, the posterior surface comprising a biocompatible metal, the anterior surface being configured to have a similar appearance to a pupil of the eye when applied.    
     
     
         2 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the anterior surface comprises a layer of carbon.  
     
     
         3 . The mask of  claim 1 , further comprising a release layer coupled with at least one of the anterior and the posterior surface and being configured to be removable with an etchant.  
     
     
         4 . The mask of  claim 3 , wherein the release layer comprises chromium.  
     
     
         5 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible material comprises gold.  
     
     
         6 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible material comprises tantalum.  
     
     
         7 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible material comprises titanium.  
     
     
         8 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible material comprises a titanium alloy.  
     
     
         9 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible material comprises platinum.  
     
     
         10 . The mask of  claim 1 , further comprising a transport structure in the mask layer capable of reducing depletion of nutrient flow in adjacent tissue when the mask is applied to the eye.  
     
     
         11 . The mask of  claim 10 , wherein the transport structure is configured to not produce visible diffraction patterns.  
     
     
         12 . The mask of  claim 1 , further comprising a first mask layer and a second mask layer being located posteriorly of the first mask layer, the first layer having a first hole portion extending along a first axis, the second mask layer having a second hole portion extending along a second axis, wherein the first and second axes are not collinear.