Apparatus And Method For The Treatment of Cataract

Abstract

A method and related apparatus to treat a cataract where the cataractous lens is pierced and the resulting opening is mechanically maintained using a lens system device such as a pinhole device, expandable tubular leas, a stent or similar small diameter device, some of which are capable of supporting a secondary intraocular lens. The resulting passageway or lumen created in the cataractous lens allows visible light to better reach the retina, thus improving vision. This lens system device that can be placed into an in situ cataract provides for a much simpler surgical technique and reduces related pre and post operative procedures and potential complications. Intraocular lenses may also be used in concert with this invention. The apparatus and technique can be applied to humans as well as animals.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for readying an apparatus for treating cataract of an eye, the method comprising:
 placing a flexible guiding structure and a lens system device in a surgical tool formed with an angle that is within sixty degrees greater or less than ninety degrees to allow entry of the surgical tool through the peripheral cornea of the eye, the angle creating a longer operative end of the surgical tool and a shorter surgical end of the surgical tool such that the lens system can be deployed into the in situ lens, and where the guiding structure has flexibility that makes it capable of traveling through the angle of the surgical tool.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lens system device is an expandable tubular lens comprising a hydrophilic material. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lens system device is a stent. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lens system device is a conical stent. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lens system device is a drug eluting stent. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lens system device comprises an expandable hydrophilic material. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lens system device is foldable. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lens system device comprises an intraocular lens. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lens system device is surrounded by a biocompatible shell. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the surgical tool has a sharp edge. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the guiding structure of the surgical tool is a guide wire. 
     
     
         12 . A method for readying an apparatus for treating cataract of an eye, the method comprising:
 attaching a lens system device to a surgical tool having a guiding structure wherein the surgical tool is formed with an angle that is within sixty degrees greater or less than ninety degrees to allow entry of the surgical tool through the peripheral cornea of the eye, the angle creating a longer operative end of the surgical tool and a shorter surgical end of the surgical tool such that the lens system can be deployed into the in situ lens, and where the guiding structure has flexibility that makes it capable of traveling through the angle of the surgical tool.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the lens system device is attached to the guiding structure of the surgical tool. 
     
     
         14 . A method for manufacturing an apparatus for treating cataract of an eye, the method comprising:
 placing a flexible guiding structure and a lens system device in a surgical tool formed with an angle that is within sixty degrees greater or less than ninety degrees to allow entry of the surgical tool through the peripheral cornea of the eye, the angle creating a longer operative end of the surgical tool and a shorter surgical end of the surgical tool such that the lens system can be deployed into the in situ lens, and where the guiding structure has flexibility that makes it capable of traveling through the angle of the surgical tool.   
     
     
         15 . An expandable tubular lens for in situ placement in a cataractous lens, the expandable tubular lens comprising a hydrophilic material.