DE19850807A1 - Artificial iris to simulate the human eye behavior as an implant or contact lens includes number of colored layers of biocompatible film incorporating elements for iris functions - Google Patents

Abstract

The artificial iris system, which duplicates the functions of the human eye, is of biocompatible films with different colors and the iris function elements laid over each other. They are covered with a transparent and biocompatible mantle shrouding to give a polished surface. The colored films have one film with a base color and a film with pigment speckles which are appropriate for the base color, to be combined together to give a normal eye color shade. The colored films (1-3,7) are overlaid, in sequence, as black, red, brown, yellow and blue. The function elements, for the natural eye functions, are between the black and red films. The overlaid sequence of the colored films (1-3,7) can be varied. The films are transparent or semi-transparent, to allow color mixtures. The colored films (1-3,7) are circular rings, for the shape of the human iris. A circular ring layer as a photo cell is behind the transparent/semi-transparent film layers (1-3). The rearmost layer is black and is a liquid crystal display (LCD), at least at the open zone (4) of the pupil and simulates the black pupil. The rearmost layer is also of a phototropic material, which changes color on shifting light intensities, to simulate contraction of the pupil in a bright light together with the concentric rings of different colors and diameters and sensitivities at the open pupil zone (4). The formation of the pupil is through an intermediate layer of two or more chambers containing sliding elements which range from light suppression to light impermeability and not dependent on light, in circular ring shapes, and of a magnetic material. The chambers extend radially in the intermediate layer, with a shape to prevent the elements kinking as they slide. The structure has a holding zone or a peripheral anchor for implantation. An Independent claim is included for a production process where the unwanted film color is removed from the top, to expose the underlying film colors.

Description

The invention relates to an artificial iris system with an identical, related to the given eye wise individual color training and structure, with functions to replicate the natural Eye functions, especially light-dependent ones Dimming of the pupil, and a method for Manufacture of the same.

According to a known method, which in the DE-AS 1 916 629 as known prior art without Where the source is indicated, a colored lens or prosthetic eye by polymerisation casting in one rotating mold manufactured in such a way that you only first part of the initiated monomer mixture in the rotating form polymerizes after gelling this first layer on its free concave surface introduces a colored pattern and then by pouring of the second part of the monomer mixture Polymerization ended in the rotating form again. This method has the disadvantage that the free Surface of the top layer is not smooth, but is rough, and as a result post-processing  is required. In addition, the proposed Solution painting or drawing in one concave surface cumbersome, especially since that Pattern seen from behind and drawn, so that the ultimate success only after the separation of the finished lens can be determined from the shape. The above-mentioned DE-AS 19 16 629 strikes Overcoming these shortcomings is a process of formation colored patterns in soft contact lenses and Prostheses made from sparsely cross-linked hydrogels, where the pattern is between a lower and a Upper hydrogel layer is then arranged through Polymerization of a monomer mixture solid be connected to each other.

The upper hydrogel layer becomes an optical one finished hydrogel lens or prosthetic eye used that above the freezing temperature in at least one partially dry on a smooth, flat or spherical surface pressed and at her Support side deformed, then under the Freezing temperature cooled and from the area is replaced. Then the deformed lens or eye prosthesis by means of an initiated Monomer mixture with the lower on a smooth Surface lying and formed by this thin Hydrogel layer connected as a top layer. The pattern is either on the lens before connecting or eye prosthesis or on the top layer is applied and after the swelling of the whole Cover layer with the lens or the Eye prosthesis from the one that formed the cover layer smooth surface separated. This procedure is cumbersome and difficult and therefore expensive.  

There are also methods of creating a moiré dazzling surface pattern known as they for example in DE-OS 21 35 452, the DE-OS 211 35 487, US-PS 3 449 158, the CH-PS 206 206, GB-PS 468 906 and the GB-PS 528 167 are described, however all of these procedures are not suitable for eye lenses.

The object of the invention results from the above, an artificial iris system, with one to the given one Identical or individual eye color training and structure, with functions for Replica of natural eye functions, especially the light-dependent dimming effect of the Pupil to create that with relatively little effort is producible and both as a contact lens and can be used as an implant. Furthermore, a Process for producing such an iris structure can be specified.

This object is achieved in that the artificial iris system of two or more biocompatible films of different colors as well Functional elements to replicate natural Eye functions exist that are superimposed are arranged and to get a smooth Surface with a clear biocompatible Material are encased.

The colored films mentioned can each be a film with a base color and a film with the base color matching pigment spots, the usual Eye colors accordingly, different colored foils for  the basic colors used and with appropriate foils can be combined with pigment spots.

This will only make two colored foils for one artificial iris needed.

The artificial iris system can therefore be relatively thin and its structure is simple. To this will then only be about six to seven blanks with the usual primary colors and appropriate films with pigment spots are needed, the can be combined accordingly.

There can also be several colored slides in under more different. Order. Advantageous they are in the order black, red, brown, yellow and blue superimposed, the functional elements to replicate natural eyes functions conveniently between the black and the red color film can be arranged.

The colored foils can advantageously also be transparent or be semi-transparent, whereby Color blends are made possible by the individual All or part of the layers removed from above and a passage of residual light to operate the Functional elements to replicate the natural Eye functions is guaranteed.

The colored foils are used to reproduce the iris designed circular.

The thickness of the individual foils is expediently a few hundredths of a millimeter, so that the total thickness of the multilayer film plate of the invention artificial iris then about two tenths of a millimeter is.  

The rear, black film can also be through the open center of the circular colored foils run through to e.g. B. in the blind eye, if only an artificial iris for cosmetic reasons it is intended to obtain a black pupil. The functional elements to replicate the natural Eye functions, especially light-dependent ones Dimming of the pupil can be caused by a circular under the colored foils in their Expansion photovoltaic layer Be formed (photocell), which is an LCD arrangement controls which extends over the area of the pupil extends. Depending on the residual light, that penetrates the colored foils and in turn by is dependent on the incident light intensity, the LCD Arrangement fed a variable voltage, the one dependent attenuation of the by the LCD arrangement transmitted light causes. It is also allowed to bright light the LCD arrangement not the view lock completely. In the event of a later event Eye examination can be the area of over the with colored photovoltaic layer a contact lens-like opaque cap covered to leave the pupil open. The functional elements to replicate the natural Eye functions, especially light-dependent ones Dimming of the pupil can also be caused by a Layer of phototropic material (Varioglas) consist. It can be advantageous that the phototropic Material for creating a pseudo-narrowing of the Pupil as a concentric ring or several concentric rings with different diameters, the different sensitivities, so  have different damping parameters, in Area of the pupil is arranged.

This arrangement is suitably designed so that within the circular colored foils of the Area of the pupil with the phototropic material is covered in a circular shape. You can at one Circular ring the circular ring diameter outside / inside 6 and 3 mm or 5 and 2 mm for the additional Dimming, with correspondingly in the middle a hole of 3 or 2 mm in diameter remains. If there are several circular rings, these are corresponding executed such that the outermost diameter of the entire circular ring arrangement, for example, about 6 mm and the innermost is about 2 mm. Within this The individual circular rings with the different sensitivities and light attenuation parameters also have different widths. The The circular ring made of phototropic material is completely dark transparent and attenuates it in bright light Continuity. It therefore fulfills the pupil function. The named photovoltaic layer and the LCD Arrangement or the phototropic material can also replace the black rearmost film be arranged.

In the artificial iris according to the invention can as Elements for replicating the pupil are also movable Elements may be provided.

The structure of the layers is then the same as above described executed. Only then is preferably under the colored foils and over the black foil instead for example the photovoltaic layer, a Liner arranged in the two or more itself preferably radially extending chambers are provided  are in which a corresponding number of movable Elements are arranged. These are light insulating up to opaque, light-independent and designed so that they can be moved from the outside. To this end there are the appropriate annular pieces sliding elements advantageously made of magnetic Material and can be made using a suitable, outside of the eye guided radially be moved. But there are also others Possibilities of influencing the sliding Elements quite possible. The chambers mentioned are shaped so that the sliding can tilt Elements when moving is not possible. That can but also through form-fitting elements such as elevations in the chambers and corresponding grooves in the sliding elements can be achieved or by corresponding radially aligned with each other Grooving.

During an eye examination, the displaceable ones Elements with the help of a suitable magnet in the brought outward positions to the To provide ophthalmologist insight into the eye.

The artificial iris according to the invention can be used as Contact lens or as an implant. in the the latter case is with a holding zone or one preferably peripheral anchoring apparatus as Fastener provided for different Eyes to allow different fixation sites. This can expediently be a haptic.

The implant can be in the capsular bag, in the sulcus or in the Anterior chamber of the eye can be arranged. It is also a combination with an artificial one intraocular lens possible.  

To be more variable, the individual elements of the artificial iris, in particular

• - the combination of colored foils of artificial Iris,
• - The optical elements to replicate the natural eye functions,
• - and the holding device
• - and possibly the intraocular lens with your Holding device also manufactured as individual parts and only selected accordingly on or in the eye and be put together.

The process of making the artificial iris consists of two or more biocompatible Foils of different colors arranged one above the other and by layered or partial, grid-like abbot protrude the upper film deeper layer made visible and one desired color mixing is achieved that Functional elements to replicate natural Eye functions arranged under the colored foils and that the colored foils and the above Functional elements to maintain a smooth surface with a clear, biocompatible material be enveloped.

A colored film can also be used as a colored film a base color and a film with the base color Matching pigment spots are used, the according to usual eye colors, different colored Films for the basic colors with corresponding films can be combined with pigment spots. This allows just two colored foils for an artificial iris be enough. So the artificial iris can be relative thin and simple in structure.  

For this purpose, only about six to seven foils with the usual primary colors and appropriate films with pigment spots are needed, the can be combined accordingly.

The removal of the undesired colored surfaces can be based on the material of the foils in different ways, for example by etching or with the help of a laser. The overlapping foils always the color of the Surface that is not desired from above removed to reveal the underlying color to let come. With transparent or half Transparent films can easily be a desired one Color mixing can be achieved by, for example, only a part of the thickness of the top, the superimposed foils is removed. The Removal can also be done in a grid-like manner around a to achieve a similar effect. The deductions can also cover more than one layer of film extend.

When using the artificial iris as an implant it is preferred with a holding zone or one peripheral anchoring device provided at different eyes different fixation sites to enable. This can expediently be a haptic. The implant can then be in the capsular bag, in the sulcus or be placed in the anterior chamber of the eye. To be more variable, the individual elements of the artificial iris, especially the combination of the Foils, the holding apparatus and the optical elements for Replica of the natural eye functions also as Individual parts manufactured and only on or in the eye be put together.

The invention is described in the following in the Figures shown possible embodiments explained in more detail.

The Fig. 1 schematically shows the layer structure of an artificial iris according to the invention, whose elements are designed to simulate the natural eye functions as photochromic elements.

The Fig. 2 schematically shows the layer structure of an artificial iris according to the invention, whose elements are designed to simulate the natural eye functions in the form of a photovoltaic layer and a LCD device.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the layer structure of an artificial iris according to the invention, in which displaceable elements are provided to simulate the pupil, as a sectional illustration along the line CD in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a possible intermediate layer with chambers for four displaceable elements for simulating the pupil as a sectional illustration along the line AB in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 1, the layered construction of an artificial iris according to the invention is schematically represented, the elements are designed to simulate the natural eye functions as photochromic elements. In this example, three colored foils 1 ; 2 and 3 , which have the colors blue, film 1 , yellow, film 2 and brown, film 3 , for example.

In the center of these circular colored foils 1 ; 2 and 3 is the open area 4 of the pupil. This open area 4 can be reduced to simulate the shielding pupil function. This is achieved by, for example, two circular phototropic elements 5 and 6 with different sensitivity, which have different light attenuation. Behind this arrangement, a black film 7 is arranged as the rearmost layer, which here is also circular. In order to obtain a desired color mixture, the colored foils 1 to 3 are removed from above until the entirety of the transparent or semi-transparent layers gives the desired color image. This removal of the layers can be carried out in a wide variety of ways using known methods, for example by etching or using a suitable laser. After this processing, the artificial iris is provided with a biocompatible covering 12 in order to obtain a smooth surface. As shown in FIG. 1 on the right-hand side, this covering can be designed in an advantageous further embodiment as a fastening element 13 , for example as a haptic. If light now falls into the open area 4 , which corresponds to the pupil, the outer phototropic element 5 darkens first with the greater sensitivity corresponding to the brightness and thus causes a reduction in the passage of light. If the incident light becomes brighter, the outer phototropic element 5 darkens more and the inner phototropic element 6 additionally according to its lower sensitivity, which causes a greater attenuation of the light passage.

In FIG. 2 the layer structure of an artificial iris according to the invention is schematically represented, the elements for the simulation of the natural eye functions in the form of a photovoltaic layer, and an LCD device are executed. Fig. 2 shows a top film with pigment spots 8 which is disposed above a sheet having a basic ink 9. Here, too, there is an open area 4 in the center of the annular foils 8 and 9 , which, however, is provided with an LCD element 10 corresponding to the pupil for light attenuation, which is controlled by a photovoltaic layer 11 . Here, a suitable film with a base color 9 and a matching film with pigment spots 8 also by removal of the upper film is obtained with the pigment spots 8, the desired color image through the selection. This removal, as in the example above (for FIG. 1), can be carried out using known methods. Here too, after this processing, the artificial iris is provided with a biocompatible covering 12 in order to obtain a smooth surface, and this covering can also be formed here in an advantageous further embodiment as a fastening element 13 , for example as a haptic.

If light falls on the eye in this embodiment, a part of the same penetrates the transparent or semitransparent films 8 and 9 when the brightness is sufficient and strikes the photovoltaic layer 11 , which as a result generates a voltage which is supplied to the LCD element 10 and here damping the light passing through the open area 4 causes. If the incident light becomes brighter, the voltage which is supplied from the photovoltaic layer 11 to the LCD element 10 increases and its light attenuation is thus increased.

In Fig. 3 is schematically shown the layer structure and a sectional plan view of an artificial iris according to the invention in Fig. 4, in which the elements for simulating the pupil are designed as sliding elements. The structure of the layers is carried out here, for example, analogously to that described in FIG. 1. Only here under the colored foils 1 and 2 , instead of the colored foil 3 , an intermediate layer 14 ( FIG. 4) is arranged above the black foil 7 , in which chambers 15 to 18 are provided, in which the aforementioned, for example four, slidable Elements 19 to 22 are arranged. These are light-insulating to opaque, light-independent and designed so that they can be moved from the outside. For this purpose, the ring-shaped slidable elements 19 to 22 are made of magnetic material and can be radially displaced by means of a magnet which is guided outside the eye. The chambers 15 to 18 are shaped such that tilting of the displaceable elements 19 to 22 is not possible when moving. In Figs. 3 and 4, this arrangement is shown so that the sliding elements 19; 20 and 22 are in their inner position and the displaceable element 21 in the outwardly displaced position. The displaceable elements 19 to 22 are brought into this position, for example during an eye examination, which is done with the aid of a suitable magnet. In order to prevent tilting of the displaceable elements 19 to 22 , form-fitting elements, such as elevations in the chambers 15 to 18 and corresponding grooves on the displaceable elements 19 to 22 , or radially aligned grooves corresponding to one another can also be provided.

Reference numerals

1

colored foil

2nd

colored foil

3rd

colored foil

4th

open area

5

phototropic element

6

phototropic element

7

black foil

8th

Film with pigment spots

9

Foil with basic color

10th

LCD element

11

photovoltaic layer (photocell)

12th

Wrapping

13

Fastener

14

Liner

15

chamber

16

chamber

17th

chamber

18th

chamber

19th

sliding element

20

sliding element

21

sliding element

22

sliding element

Claims (34)

1. Artificial iris system with an identical or individual color design and structure to the given eye, and with functions for simulating the natural eye functions, in particular the light-dependent anti-glare effect of the pupil, characterized in that it consists of biocompatible films of different colors and functional elements for simulating natural eye functions exists, which are arranged one above the other and are wrapped to obtain a smooth surface with a transparent biocompatible material. 2. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that said colored films are each a film with a basic color ( 9 ) and a film with pigment spots matching the basic color ( 8 ), the usual eye colors corresponding to differently colored films for the basic colors ( 9 ) can be combined with appropriate films with pigment spots ( 8 ). 3. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the colored foils ( 1 to 3 ; 7 ) are superimposed in the order black, red, brown, yellow and blue, the functional elements for emulating the natural eye functions between the black and the red color film are arranged. 4. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the order in which the colored foils ( 1 to 3 ; 7 ) are arranged is different. 5. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the colored foils ( 1 to 3 ; 7 ) are transparent to enable color mixtures. 6. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the colored foils ( 1 to 3 ; 7 ) are semi-transparent to enable color mixtures. 7. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the colored foils ( 1 to 3 ; 7 ) for emulating the iris are circular. 8. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that an annular photovoltaic layer ( 11 ) (photocell) is arranged behind the transparent or semi-transparent colored foils ( 1 to 3 ). 9. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rearmost film ( 7 ) is black. 10. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rearmost layer is designed as an LCD element ( 10 ). 11. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the open area ( 4 ) of the pupil is designed as an LCD element ( 10 ). 12. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized, that the rearmost layer is made of a phototropic material (Vario glasses) exists. 13. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the phototropic elements ( 5 ; 6 ) for producing a pseudo narrowing of the pupil as a concentric ring or several concentric rings with different diameters, which have different sensitivities, in the open area ( 4 ) of the pupil are arranged. 14. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rearmost black film ( 7 ) for generating a black pupil runs through the open area ( 4 ). 15. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the colored foils ( 1 to 3 ; 7 ) are biologically compatible. 16. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pupil replica consists of an intermediate layer ( 14 ) with two or more chambers provided therein ( 15 to 18 ) and in the chambers ( 15 to 18 ) arranged displaceable elements ( 19 to 22 ) . 17. Artificial iris system according to claim 16, characterized in that the displaceable elements ( 19 to 22 ) are light-attenuating to opaque and independent of light. 18. Artificial iris system according to claim 16, characterized in that the displaceable elements ( 19 to 22 ) are formed in the form of a circular ring. 19. Artificial iris system according to claim 16, characterized in that the displaceable elements ( 19 to 22 ) consist of magnetic material 20. Artificial iris system according to claim 16, characterized in that the chambers ( 15 to 18 ) in the intermediate layer ( 14 ) extend substantially radially. 21. Artificial iris system according to claim 16, characterized in that the chambers ( 15 to 18 ) are shaped such that tilting of the displaceable elements ( 19 to 22 ) is not possible when moving. 22. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized, that it is designed as an intraocular implant.   23. Artificial iris system according to claim 22, characterized in that it is provided with a holding zone or a preferably peripheral anchoring device as a fastening element ( 13 ). 24. Artificial iris system according to claim 23, characterized, that the anchoring device is a haptic. 25. Artificial iris system according to claim 1, characterized, that it is designed as a contact lens. 26. Method of making an artificial iris system with one identical to the given eye, respectively individual color training and structure, and with Functions to replicate natural eye functions, especially the light-dependent dimming effect of the pupil, characterized, that two or more biocompatible films are different Colors can be arranged one above the other and by layers or partial, also grid-like, removal of the upper ones Film made the underlying layer visible and so one Desired color mixing is achieved that functional elements to replicate natural eye functions among the colored foils are arranged and that the colored foils and said functional elements for obtaining one smooth surface with a transparent biocompatible Material to be wrapped.   27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the colored foils ( 1 to 3 ; 7 ) are placed one above the other in the order black, red, brown, yellow and blue, the functional elements for emulating the natural eye functions between the black and the red Slide inserted. 28. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the colored foils ( 1 to 3 ; 7 ) for emulating the iris are circular. 29. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that an annular photovoltaic layer (photo cell) ( 11 ) is arranged between the transparent or semi-transparent colored films ( 1 to 3 ) and the black film ( 7 ). 30. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that an LCD element ( 10 ) is provided as the rearmost layer. 31. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that at least the open area ( 4 ) of the pupil is designed as an LCD element ( 10 ). 32. The method according to claim 26, characterized, that the rearmost layer is a phototropic material (Varioglas) is arranged.   33. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the phototropic elements ( 5 ; 6 ) for generating a pseudo constriction of the pupil as a concentric ring or several concentric rings with different diameters, which have different sensitivities, arranged in the open area ( 4 ) of the pupil becomes. 34. The method according to claim 26, characterized, that always the color of the surface that is not wanted is removed from above to the underlying one To let color come out.