Capsular Implant For Maintaining The shape and/or Position of an Opening Formed by Capsulorhexis

Abstract

A device and method for maintaining the shape and/or position of an opening formed by a capsulorhexis.

1 . A device for maintaining the shape and/or position of an opening formed by a capsulorhexis in the anterior or posterior capsule, the device having a main body including a peripheral portion and an opening therethrough, wherein the peripheral portion engages with the inside peripheral edge of the opening in the anterior or posterior capsule wherein the peripheral portion of the device is substantially circular in shape whereby the device is in the form of a ring. 
   
   
       2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the opening through the peripheral portion has a diameter of 4.5 to 5.5 mm 
   
   
       3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the peripheral portion includes a groove whereby in use the inside peripheral edge of the opening in the anterior or posterior capsule is positioned inside the groove. 
   
   
       4 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein the groove is around the entirety of the peripheral portion of the device. 
   
   
       5 . The device according to  claim 1  formed from a flexible material. 
   
   
       6 . The device according to  claim 5 , wherein the flexible material is biocompatible. 
   
   
       7 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the flexible material is surgical grade rubber or plastic. 
   
   
       8 . The device according to  claim 5 , wherein the flexible material reduces or minimises glare. 
   
   
       9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device moves between a collapsed state and an assembled state. 
   
   
       10 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the device moves between a folded and an unfolded stated by means of a hinge. 
   
   
       11 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein in the collapsed state the peripheral portion may detach at one or more points along its length to form an open state wherein the peripheral portion can then reattach and form a closed state when the device is in the assembled state. 
   
   
       12 . A method of maintaining the structure of an opening in the anterior or posterior capsule formed by a capsulorhexis whereby a device is inserted into opening in the anterior or posterior capsule, the device having a main body including a peripheral portion and an opening therethrough, wherein the peripheral portion engages with the inside peripheral edge of the opening in the anterior or posterior capsule. 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the device is inserted into the opening in the anterior or posterior capsule after an intraocular lens has been inserted into the capsular bag of an eye during cataract corrective surgery. 
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the device remains engaged with the  20  opening in the anterior or posterior capsule for an indefinite period of time after cataract corrective surgery. 
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the device remains engaged with the opening in the anterior or posterior capsule permanently after cataract corrective surgery. 
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the device is inserted into the opening in the anterior or posterior capsule with the assistance of an applicator means. 
   
   
       17 . The method according to  12  performed in a human or other animal requiring cataract corrective surgery. 
   
   
       18 . A method of preventing phimosis of an opening in the anterior or posterior capsule formed by a capsulorhexis whereby a device is inserted into the opening in the anterior or posterior capsule, the device having a main body including peripheral portion and an opening therethrough, wherein the peripheral portion engages with the inside peripheral edge of the opening in the anterior or posterior capsule.