Accommodating Intraocular Lens

Abstract

An accommodating intraocular lens is provided that having optical parameters that are altered in-situ using forces applied by the ciliary muscles, in which a lens body carries an actuator separating two fluid-filled chambers having either the same index of diffraction or different indices of refraction, actuation of the actuator changing the relative volumes of fluid within an optic element of the lens and altering the optical power of the lens.

1 . An accommodating intraocular lens, comprising:
 an optic portion comprising a first fluid chamber and a flexible layer partially defining the first fluid chamber;   a peripheral portion disposed peripherally to the optic portion comprising a second fluid chamber, wherein the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber are in fluid communication;   a fluid disposed within the first and second fluid chambers;   an annular element secured to the flexible layer,   wherein the peripheral portion is adapted to deform in response to ciliary muscle movement to move the fluid from the second fluid chamber to the first fluid chamber and deform the flexible layer, thereby changing the power of the lens.   
     
     
         2 . The lens of  claim 1  wherein the annular element comprises a plurality of apertures therein. 
     
     
         3 . The lens of  claim 1  wherein the annular element is adapted to optimize the change in power of the lens by optimizing the deformation of the flexible layer in response to fluid movement from the second fluid chamber to the first fluid chamber. 
     
     
         4 . The lens of  claim 1  wherein the annular element is disposed posterior to the flexible layer. 
     
     
         5 . The lens of  claim 1  wherein the annular element is disposed anterior to the flexible layer. 
     
     
         6 . The lens of  claim 1  wherein the annular element defines a central opening adapted to allow light to pass therethrough. 
     
     
         7 . The lens of  claim 1  wherein the annular element defines a central opening therethrough, and wherein an optical axis of the eye passes through the central opening. 
     
     
         8 . The lens of  claim 1  wherein the flexible layer is a first flexible layer, the lens further comprising a second flexible layer, and wherein the first flexible layer is an anterior flexible layer and the second flexible layer is a posterior flexible layer. 
     
     
         9 . The lens of  claim 1  wherein the annular element is adapted to act as a fulcrum to deform the flexible layer in response to the fluid movement. 
     
     
         10 . The lens of  claim 1  wherein the flexible layer is disposed substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens. 
     
     
         11 . A method of providing an accommodative response in an eye, comprising:
 providing an accommodative intraocular lens comprising
 an optic portion comprising a first fluid chamber and a flexible layer, 
 a peripheral portion comprising a second fluid chamber, wherein the first and second fluid chambers are in fluid communication, 
 a fluid disposed within the first and second chambers, and 
 an annular element; 
   maintaining the annular element secured to the flexible layer;   implanting the accommodative intraocular lens within the eye; and   allowing the peripheral portion to deform in response to ciliary muscle movement to move fluid from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber to deform the flexible layer and change the power of the intraocular lens.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein deforming the flexible layer comprises preventing the portion of the flexible layer that is secured to the annular element from deforming. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the accommodating intraocular lens comprises a second flexible layer, and wherein movement of fluid from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber comprises deforming the second flexible layer.