Intraocular lens system

Abstract

Lens support structure for supporting an intraocular lens (IOL) is provided, the lens support structure being configured and operable to be securely implanted in a lens capsule of a human eye and hold the IOL in one of a plurality of positions, the support structure comprising a repositioning assembly configured and operable to be activated remotely by a remote energy source and controllably displace the IOL in at least one of directions along and around an optical axis of the IOL, thereby enabling moving the IOL between the plurality of positions. Lens control system is also provided, the control system comprising the lens support structure and a source energy for activating parts thereof. Intraocular lens system is also provided, the system comprising the lens support structure and a lens integrated therein.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A lens support structure for supporting an intraocular lens (IOL), the lens support structure being configured and operable to be securely implanted in a lens capsule of a human eye and hold the IOL in one position out of a plurality of positions, the lens support structure comprising:
 a lens repositioning assembly configured and operable to controllably and independently displace the IOL in at least one of axial or angular directions, respectively along or around an optical axis of the IOL, the repositioning assembly comprises at least one actuator comprising a modifiable element formed by a shape memory material configured and operable to be remotely activated by a remote energy source to thereby enable moving the IOL between the plurality of positions, and   a fibrosis protector configured and operable to seal the repositioning assembly and prevent fibrous tissue invasion to the repositioning assembly while enabling user inspection and the remote activation of the repositioning assembly.   
     
     
         21 . The lens support structure according to  claim 20 , wherein said fibrosis protector has a ring shape configured to match the lens support structure such that it covers the repositioning assembly. 
     
     
         22 . The lens support structure according to  claim 20 , wherein said fibrosis protector is configured with sharp edges that provide discontinuity for fibrous tissue cells to inhibit or at least minimize the fibrous tissue cells progress. 
     
     
         23 . The lens support structure according to  claim 20 , wherein said fibrosis protector is made from a transparent material to allow said user inspection. 
     
     
         24 . The lens support structure according to  claim 20 , wherein said repositioning assembly is configured to provide incremental transitions of said IOL between at least part of said plurality of positions. 
     
     
         25 . The lens support structure according to  claim 20 , wherein said repositioning assembly comprises at least one teeth arrangement facing said at least one actuator, wherein one of the at least one actuator and the at least one teeth arrangement has a fixed spatial relationship with the IOL such that when the at least one actuator or the at least one teeth arrangement moves the IOL moves with it, the at least one actuator being configured and operable by said remote energy source to selectively engage and disengage with the at least one teeth arrangement, such that when engaging the actuator pushes against one tooth of the at least one teeth arrangement and causes a relative axial or angular incremental movement between the at least one actuator and the at least one teeth arrangement, thereby resulting in displacement of the IOL between two adjacent positions of said plurality of positions. 
     
     
         26 . The lens support structure according to  claim 25 , wherein said at least one actuator is reversibly shiftable between a first three-dimensional shape when activated by the remote source energy to engage with the at least one teeth arrangement and a second three-dimensional shape when at rest to be disengaged from the at least one teeth arrangement. 
     
     
         27 . The lens support structure according to  claim 25 , wherein said at least one actuator and said at least one teeth arrangement define(s) a ratchet mechanism such that said relative incremental movement occurs in only one direction in each of said at least one of the axial or angular directions, being respectively along or around the optical axis of the IOL. 
     
     
         28 . The lens support structure according to  claim 26 , wherein said at least one actuator comprises a spring element coupled to said modifiable element and being configured and operable to force the actuator to return to said second three-dimensional shape when said actuator is not activated by said remote energy source. 
     
     
         29 . The lens support structure according to  claim 20 , wherein said modifiable element comprises nitinol. 
     
     
         30 . The lens support structure according to  claim 20 , wherein said remote energy source is configured and operable to heat said modifiable element of the at least one actuator. 
     
     
         31 . The lens support structure according to  claim 30 , wherein said remote energy source comprises a radiating element. 
     
     
         32 . The lens support structure according to  claim 30 , wherein said remote energy source comprises a laser source. 
     
     
         33 . The lens support structure according to  claim 30 , wherein said remote energy source comprises an electromagnetic radiation transmitter and said repositioning assembly comprises an electromagnetic radiation receiver. 
     
     
         34 . The lens support structure according to  claim 25 , wherein said repositioning assembly comprises:
 at least two actuators of said at least one actuator, each actuator of said at least two actuators being configured and operable to controllably displace the IOL in one of opposite directions either around or along the optical axis of the IOL, and   at least two teeth arrangements of said at least one teeth arrangement, each of said at least two teeth arrangements interacts with one of said at least two actuators to thereby enable displacement of the IOL in opposite angular directions around the optical axis of the IOL.   
     
     
         35 . The lens support structure according to  claim 25 , wherein said repositioning assembly comprises:
 at least two actuators of said at least one actuator, each actuator of said at least two actuators being configured and operable to controllably displace the IOL in one of opposite directions either around or along the optical axis of the IOL, and   a single teeth arrangement that interacts with said at least two actuators to thereby enable displacement of the IOL in opposite axial directions along the optical axis of the IOL.   
     
     
         36 . An intraocular lens system comprising the lens support structure of  claim 20  and the IOL integrally mounted in the lens support structure.