초록 ▼

The optical portion of a prosthetic cornea fabricated from a relatively inert, transparent, substantially rigid material is shaped to provide a correction factor consistent with the requirements of a selected patient. During implantation a receptacle for receiving the optical portion of the prosthet

The optical portion of a prosthetic cornea fabricated from a relatively inert, transparent, substantially rigid material is shaped to provide a correction factor consistent with the requirements of a selected patient. During implantation a receptacle for receiving the optical portion of the prosthetic cornea is formed by excising a portion of the living cornea. A stromal pocket is formed into the posterior one-third of the stroma of the living cornea receiver and an attachment portion of the prosthetic cornea is secured within the stromal pocket. The attachment portion extends outwardly from the optical portion, and apertures through the attachment portion serve to promote the transfer of nutrients and other fluids and gases as well as allowing normal fibrous tissue growth which aids in anchoring the prosthetic cornea in place over the long term. The apertures may optionally also be employed to facilitate the use of sutures during the implantation process.

대표청구항 ▼

A unitary prosthetic cornea for implantation into a living cornea, which living cornea includes: (A) a receptacle formed therein as a result of the excision of an aberrated section of predetermined dimension and to a predetermined depth terminating in the posterior one-third of the stroma; (B) a rem

A unitary prosthetic cornea for implantation into a living cornea, which living cornea includes: (A) a receptacle formed therein as a result of the excision of an aberrated section of predetermined dimension and to a predetermined depth terminating in the posterior one-third of the stroma; (B) a remaining portion adjacent the receptacle; (C) a posterior surface; and (D) an annular stromal pocket formed continuous with and extending outwardly from said receptacle, said stromal pocket residing within the posterior one-third of the stroma; and for correcting defects inherent in said aberrated section, said prosthetic cornea: (E) being formed of a material which is relatively inert, transparent and substantially rigid; said prosthetic cornea further comprising: (F) an optical portion sized and shaped to be received within the receptacle in said living cornea; and (G) an attachment portion carried by said optical portion for securement to the remaining portion of said living cornea, said attachment portion including an annular flange extending generally outwardly from said optical portion, said annular flange: (1) being dimensioned and configured and positioned with respect to said optical portion to be received within said stromal pocket and to reside entirely within the posterior one-third of the stroma; and (2) including a plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures therethrough, said apertures being of sufficient diameter to transfer fluids through said annular flange.