Intraocular lens and methods for accommodating existing adaptive intraocular lenses

Abstract

An adjustable optical power intraocular lens includes a flexible lens, flexible haptics and flexible cushions. At least one of these elements is made of a UV sensitive material that can be made rigid by UV radiation.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An adjustable-optical-power intraocular lens comprising:
 at least one flexible liquid lens containing a first liquid;   flexible haptics made of a UV sensitive material, said flexible haptics being attached to the at least one flexible liquid lens and configured to be turned rigid by UV radiation.   
     
     
         2 . The intraocular lens according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of bubbles formed of a semi-rigid material disposed around a circumference of the liquid lens; and   a flexible wall disposed between the bubbles and the liquid lens,   wherein the bubbles are configured to be punctured to adjust pressure of the liquid of the flexible liquid lens.   
     
     
         3 . The intraocular lens according to  claim 1 , further comprising flexible cushions that are attached to the haptics and are filled with a second liquid. 
     
     
         4 . The intraocular lens according to  claim 3 , further comprising pipes which communicate between the second liquid in said cushions and the first liquid of the liquid lens. 
     
     
         5 . The intraocular lens according to  claim 4 , wherein the pipes are made of a UV sensitive material. 
     
     
         6 . The intraocular lens according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible liquid lens has zero optical power at rest. 
     
     
         7 . The intraocular lens according to  claim 1 , further comprising two further flexible lenses that define a space therebetween;
 wherein the flexible liquid lens fills the space between the two further flexible lenses.   
     
     
         8 . The intraocular lens according to  claim 2 , wherein:
 at least some of the bubbles are initially inflated to have a higher liquid pressure than that of the flexible lens, such that the bubbles bulge into the flexible wall of the liquid lens, and   the bubbles are configured such that puncturing the bubbles reduces the pressure of the liquid inside of the flexible lens.   
     
     
         9 . The intraocular lens according to  claim 2 , wherein:
 at least some of the bubbles are initially inflated to have a lower liquid pressure than that of the flexible lens, such that the flexible wall disposed between the bubbles and the liquid lens bulges into the bubbles, and   the bubbles are configured such that puncturing the bubbles increases the pressure of the liquid inside of the flexible lens.   
     
     
         10 . The adjustable-optical-power intraocular lens according to  claim 8 , wherein the bubbles are configured to be punctured using a YAG laser. 
     
     
         11 . The adjustable-optical-power intraocular lens according to  claim 8 , wherein the bubbles are configured to be punctured mechanically. 
     
     
         12 . The adjustable-optical-power intraocular lens according to  claim 9 , wherein the bubbles are configured to be punctured using a YAG laser. 
     
     
         13 . The adjustable-optical-power intraocular lens according to  claim 9 , wherein the bubbles are configured to be punctured mechanically.