FR2530457A1 - IMPROVED FIXING SYSTEM FOR INTRA-OCULAR LENS STRUCTURES - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATES TO A PERFECTED SYSTEM FOR FIXING AN INTRAOCULAR LENS STRUCTURE. ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION, IT INCLUDES AN ELASTIC, DEFORMABLE AND FLEXIBLE PERIPHERAL FRAME FOR SUPPORT 31 WHICH SURROUND A PART OF OPTICAL ZONE 32 OF THE LENS STRUCTURE; THE PERIPHERAL FRAME HAS A MINIMUM DIAMETER WHICH IS AT LEAST ABOUT 20 GREATER THAN THE DIAMETER OF THE OPTICAL ZONE PART IN ALL DIRECTIONS PERPENDICULAR TO THE OPTICAL AXIS AND WHICH FORM A MEANS TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF THE LENS STRUCTURE ON THE ANTERIOR OR REAR AXIS, WITHOUT ENGAGEMENT WITH THE IRIS WHEN THE PLACEMENT IS CARRIED OUT IN THE EYE. THE INVENTION APPLIES IN PARTICULAR TO REPLACING THE CRYSTALLINE OR TO ITS CORRECTION.

Description

Intraocular lenses are widely accepted as a replacement for

human crystalline after a

  wide variety of cataract removal processes -

  The human lens is generally recognized as having a transparent structure about 5 mm thick and about 9 mm in diameter. The lens is suspended behind the iris by zonal fibers that connect the lens to the ciliary body. A capsule surrounds the lens, the front portion of this capsule being commonly known as the anterior capsule and the posterior portion commonly known as the posterior capsule. Many processes for the removal of cataracts have been developed, where the lens is removed from the eye

  and is replaced by an artificial lens implant.

  The extraction process can usually be divided into intracapsular (where the lens is removed at the same time as its capsule) or extra-capsular (where the anterior capsule is removed with the lens, and the capsule

posterior is left intact.

  Since Ridley first implanted the first artificial lens around 1949, the problems associated with cataract extraction and lens implantation have received a lot of attention.

Ophthalmic surgeons.

  Various types of artificial crystalline lenses have been proposed, and appropriate surgical procedures have been developed which tend to reduce patient discomfort and reduce postoperative complications. From this point of view, we can refer to Pseud 2 phakos, N Jaffe, and other; "History of Intraocular Implants" by D P Choyce (Annals of Ophthalmology, October 1973); U.S. Patent No. 4,251,887 issued to Anis on February 24, 1981; U.S. Patent No. 4,092,743 issued to Kelman on November 8, 1977; I "Comparison of Flexible Posterior Chamber Implants", presented at the American Intraocular Implant Society Symposium April 23, 1982, by Charles Beckert, MD and "The Simcoe Posterior Lens" (Cilco, Inc. 1980); all

  being incorporated herein by reference.

  In the context of the present invention, the development of surgical techniques requiring relatively small incisions in ocular tissue for cataract removal as disclosed in US Patent No. 4,002,169 and US Patent No. 3,996,935 is incorporated herein by reference. Particularly Interesting A number of skilled artisans have disclosed crystalline structures or intraocular lenses- comprising a portion of an optical zone generally made of rigid materials such as glass or a plastic material-suitable for use

optical.

  However, one of the main drawbacks of conventional rigid intraocular lenses is that the implantation of the lens requires a relatively large incision in ocular tissue. This type of surgical process leads to a relatively high rate of complications, among other disadvantages. , the serious dangers associated with the implantation of a rigid lens structure, include increased risks of infection, detachment of the retina, laceration of ocular tissues, particularly with respect to the pupil, and a displacement of the lens to

inside the eye.

  In addition, the main disadvantages of conventional fixation systems arise from the fact that they typically require either the use of sutures for the placement of the lens inside the eye (usually by attachment to the iris) , or the use of relatively stiff haptic brackets to hold the lens in position without suturing the manipulations required to fix the lenses using stiff haptic sutures or bridles increase the surgical trauma to the eye Moreover, a postoperative displacement of For example, sutures can wear or break and release the lens from its fixed position. The relatively stiff optical components of conventional suture-free designs can damage ocular tissue-supporting structures during the manipulation of the lens during the operation; as a result of the operation, these stiff haptic components can then slide through the damaged areas, allowing the lens to move. Recognizing these disadvantages, various artisans have attempted to overcome Flom (U.S. Patent No. 03,991,426) and Hartstein (U.S. Patent No. 4,262,370), for example, teach systems without iris engagement fastening sutures, and Anis (US Pat. No. 4,251,887) and Simcoe teach suture-based fixation systems using haptic elements

  Loose and flexible curved support loop

  Iris engagement systems require a relatively large trauma of the iris with subsequent postoperative complications. - The last known systems, while allowing fixation with little or no trauma to the iris. iris, can still be displaced by relatively small tears in the capsular bag when they are in place These tears are not uncommon, and may occur during cataract removal or during insertion

of the lens.

  In addition, the two-leg design of the Simcoe lens reduces the in-plane stability of the lens in the eye, and the open-loop configuration allows the lens to be out of focus if the eye heals irregularly or well if the bottom loop of -support bends to the point of

in place in the eye.

  Accordingly, those skilled in the art have recognized an important need for a fixation system for intraocular lens structures avoiding the use of sutures, while maintaining the placement of the lens once it is placed in the eye, thus offering a safer and more convenient surgical process and a more comfortable fit in the eye.

these necessities.

  The present invention relates to an improved system for atraumatic fixation of intraocular lens structures, for example as a result of cataract removal processes. In more detail, the unique system comprises a peripheral, deformable and flexible frame which surrounds a portion of an optical zone concentrically disposed in the lens, the frame having a minimum diameter of at least about

  20% more than the diameter of the optical zone part.

  In short, and in general terms, the single elastic support frame may be integral with the optical zone portion, i.e., have the shape of a substantially continuous peripheral flange or may not be integral with it, in this case the optical zone portion is suspended by a number of flexible fibers or

  small straps at the support frame.

  The optical zone portion of the lens according to the present invention may be either rigid, such as those made with conventional polymethyl methacrylate, glass or the like, or may be deformable as the intraocular lens structures disclosed in the application. course of the applicant. The optical zone portion may typically have any suitable optical characteristic, for example, of the corrector type where the human lens is left intact or the replacement type where the human lens is removed from the eye and replaced by an implant.

artificial lens.

  In more detail, the unique fastening system comprises a suitably configured and sized framing member, which is placed in the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye, the area between the posterior side of the iris and ciliary processes or in the

  capsular bag of the eye as a result of a removal process

  cataract, or through the vitreous face behind

the ciliary process.

  In a presently preferred embodiment, the frame is configured and sized so that once in position in one of the above locations, the eye tissue at the front and back of the frame

  prevents movement on the anterior or posterior axis.

  The peripheral support frame is made of suitable biologically inert materials, such as

  polypropylene, nylon or silicone rubber.

  The suspension wires for the optical zone portion of the intraocular lens can typically be made of selected biologically inert materials, such as polypropylene. Alternatively, a sheet of a relatively thin elastic material, such as a silicone rubber membrane, can be used to effect the suspension of the optical zone portion on the support ring. As a result, the unique fixation system for intraocular lens structures avoids iris engagement and the use of sutures that can lead to significant ciliary body irritation with difficulty arising from the surgical technique for However, the fixation system according to the invention makes it possible to maintain the placement of the lens once it is placed in the eye, thus offering a safer and more reliable surgical process.

  practical and a more comfortable adaptation to the eye.

  The invention will be better understood and other purposes, details, features and advantages thereof

  will become clearer during the description

  explanatory text which will follow with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings given solely by way of example and illustrating several embodiments of the invention, and in which: FIG. 1 is a side sectional view

  partial of a human eye to reference the description

  the unique fixation system for intraocular lens implantations according to the present invention the internal constitution of the ocular area is that after extra-capsular cataract extraction according to the conventional processes); Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of a fastening system according to the invention for intraocular lens structures having a compressible peripheral support ring and a concentrically disposed optical zone portion according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the fixation system and the intraocular lens of Figure 2; FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a second fastening system according to the invention for intraocular lens structures, the optical part being suspended by a certain number of wires or small straps, on a peripheral ring of support not coming from matter; Fig. 5 is a side sectional view of a fixation system for intraocular lens structures shown in Fig. 4; Figure 6 is a front view illustrating the lens shown in Figure 4 attached behind the iris and pupil of the eye; Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of the intraocular lens structure of Fig. 4 fixed in position in the capsular bag; Figure 8 is a side sectional view of an eye with the intact natural lens and an intraocular lens of the corrector type as shown in Figure 5 in position in the posterior chamber between the iris and the human lens; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an eye with intact human lens and intraocular lens of the type shown in Fig. 5 in position in the anterior chamber of the eye for corrective purposes; Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a fixation system for intraocular lens structures similar to those of Fig. 2, and further comprising means for intraocular manipulation or the flow of a fluid through the lens; Fig. 11 is a side sectional view of the intraocular lens structure of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the lens attachment system according to the invention comprising a non-circular peripheral support frame adapted to allow a flow of fluid around the longer sides of the lens. the lens, which can also form an expansion zone in the case where the lens is placed in a cavity

  which is smaller than the longest diameter of the frame

  support; Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 13-13 of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of another fastening system according to the present invention using a serrated peripheral support frame to enable Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening system according to the invention shown in Figure 14, taken substantially along the line 15-15; FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of another embodiment using a frame

  support device which comprises compressible parts

  1 to enable the lens to be fixed in a cavity smaller than the total diameter of the lens assembly and support structure; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening system according to the invention shown in Figure 16, made substantially along the line 17-17; FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of another fastening system according to the invention, the peripheral support frame comprising compressible sizing elements designed to integrate with

  appropriately with the available space between the

  peripheral support of the lens and the ocular support tissue; and Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening system according to the invention that can be seen

  in Figure 18, made substantially along the line 19-19.

  The present invention relates to an improved system

  for the atraumatic fixation of intraocular lens structures which comprises a flexible and peripheral support deformable frame and a concentrically disposed optical zone portion which is resiliently suspended therefrom The minimum diameter of the support frame is at least about 20 % greater than the diameter of the optic The unique fixation system of the invention facilitates the surgical placement of the lens structure

  intraocular in the eye without requiring sutures and-

without engagement of the iris.

  Accordingly, the lens structures according to the invention can be used for placement of the lens in the anterior chamber or the posterior chamber of the eye without suture, for example, as a result of a lens process. Cataract extraction Thus, a more secure, convenient and comfortable surgical process is achieved with minimal displacement of intraocular lens structures in the plane of the lens

after implantation.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, there can be seen a side sectional view of the eye in stylized form, illustrating the major components: the iris 11, the pupil 12, the lamina 13, the opaque cornea 14, after extra-capsular cataract extraction by the process

conventional.

  In more detail, FIG. 1 further shows the cornea 16 composed of the light tissue that connects the opaque cornea 14 to the limbus 13. The inner segment of the eye is divided into two main chambers by the iris 11 and the pupil 12. The anterior chamber 17 is defined by the space between the cornea 16 and the iris 11 The posterior chamber 18 is defined by the space between the iris 11 and

the vitreous 19.

  In surgical procedures commonly known as intracapsular cataract extraction, the posterior chamber 18 is delimited by the hyaloid membrane. In commonly known surgical procedures such as extracapsular cataract extraction, the posterior chamber 18 is delimited by the capsule. posterior 21 which is attached to the ciliary body 22 by means of zonal fibers 23 Parts of the anterior capsule may remain in the form of flaps 24, creating with the posterior capsule 21, the ocular part commonly known as the "capsular bag" La peripheral zone of the posterior chamber 18, between the iris 11 and the extension of the ciliary body 22 is calledulcature

  ciliary 26 The peripheral zone of the anterior chamber -

  between the cornea 16 and the iris 11 is called the angle 27 of the eye The area of the opaque cornea behind the plane of the iris and the front of the vitreous 19 is known as pars plana 28. With the above-referenced components of the eye in mind, the main feature of the present invention is to provide fixation systems for various classes of intraocular lens structures, including lenses having deformable optical zone portions and portions rigid optic zone so that the lens can be placed atromatically in the eye without requiring fixation sutures As a result, the placement process decreases the serious dangers associated with fixation by sutures; that is, the increased risk of infection and laceration of ocular tissues, particularly with respect to the pupil. Referring now to FIG. 2, there can be seen an embodiment of the improved intraocular lens structure attachment system E according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the fixation system (generally referred to as ) has the shape of a substantially continuous peripheral flange 31 which

  surrounds an optical zone portion 32 disposed centrally.

  This ring or support flange 31 made of material can be appropriately configured and dimensioned so that once placed in the angle 27 of the anterior chamber of the eye, the ciliary sulcus 26 (the area between the posterior side of the iris and ciliary processes) or in the capsular bag of the eye (following the process of cataract extraction), the ocular tissue at the front and behind the frame of the support 31 prevents displacement on the previous axis or

posterior.

  More particularly, when the peripheral support frame is used for the placement of the intraocular lens structure in the capsular bag, the typical total diameter of the frame of the

  support is between about 9 mm and about 12.5 mm.

  If the peripheral support frame is sized to fit in the posterior chamber of the eye, behind the iris and in front of the ciliary processes, the typical total diameter of the support frame will be between about 12.5 mm and 14.5 mm Furthermore, if the peripheral support frame is to be used

  for setting up an intra-polar lens structure

  in the anterior chamber of the eye, the total diameter of the support frame is typically about

11 mm to about 14 mm.

  Furthermore, the flange or support frame is widely curved, having a diameter that is at least 20% greater than the diameter of the optical zone portion of the lens in all directions perpendicular to the optical axis. wide helps to distribute the pressures imparted by intraocular manipulation

  of the lens while maintaining its place in the eye.

  Furthermore, it gives the implanted lens a wider contact surface to resist slipping through tears or holes in the eye tissue

of support.

  As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the typical dimensions above are merely exemplary of a wide variety of appropriate dimensions that are incorporated.

  in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

  An important feature of the support frame is that it has the quality of being resiliently rigid but deformable and flexible, having desirable elasticity and memory characteristics

which are imparted to it.

  The foregoing features facilitate the placement of the entire lens (support frame and optic area portion) through a relatively small incision made in the ocular tissue or pupil which is relatively smaller than the total diameter of the entire lens by deformation, while still allowing the support frame to return to its full size and configuration once set up in the eye Moreover, these qualities make the whole of the less sensitive lens to move if this set is to be subjected to force

significant dislocation.

  According to the present invention, the optical zone portion of the lens structure may generally be made of a rigid material, such as glass or plastic material suitable for optical use, for example polymethylmethacrylate, but will be According to the invention, the optical zone portion of the intraocular lens will have memory characteristics such that the lens can be deformed by encompressing, rolling, -pliant or stretching the optical zone portion-to a diameter of at least 80% with respect to the cross sectional diameter-of the optics during insertion into the eye, while returning to its configuration, size and length original fixed focus after placement in the eye Typically, the deformable optical zone portion is made of one or more suitable materials, such as an elastomer polyurethane, a silicone elastomer, a hydrogel polymer, collagen compounds, organic or synthetic gel compounds and their

combinations -

  Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the optical zone portion of the lens according to the present invention can be manufactured to have a base composed of each of the above materials further comprising one or more surface layers of a second and a third material Moreover, the lens can be tinted, colored, or manufactured with parts occluded to give the effects

desired transmission.

  Intraocular lens structures according to the present invention can be manufactured having a wide variety of cross-sections designed to replace the surgically removed human lens or for refractive correction without removal of the human lens. From the viewpoint, the area portion

  optical can be a convex lens, a plane lens -

  convex, a plane-concave lens, a bi-lens

  concave, a concave-convex lens or have anyother

appropriate cross section.

  In addition, the intraocular lens structures of the present invention may include means for assisting in the manipulation, placement, or flow of fluid around or through the lens support frame. of view, the lens may optionally be provided with one or more holes advantageously placed, which can completely cross the cross section of the lens or partially thereof as a dent or a recess Furthermore, the peripheral support frame by for example, the flange or peripheral core connecting the optical zone portion to the peripheral support frame may be made of a glass or permeable material

to the fluid.

  FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the single fixation system and the intraocular lens of FIG. 2. As can be seen, the support deformable ring or flange 31 is integral with the optical zone portion 32. The end flange 33 of the flange 31 may, for example, have a diameter of 0.25 mm, decreasing to a thickness in cross-section, for example from 0.01 to approximately 0.10 mm, approaching the part of the flange. Optical zone The optical zone portion 32 will typically have a thickness of 0.05 mm to about 1.2 mm, depending on the refractive power, and a diameter of between about 4 mm and about 6 mm. However, it will be clearly understood that these dimensions are simply given as an example of an embodiment of the invention and should in no way restrict the dimensions

  or the configuration of the system according to the invention.

  In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, which can be seen in FIG. 4, the fastening system comprises a peripheral support ring 34 not coming from a material and an optical zone portion concentrically disposed and suspended from the ring 34, so as to float, by a number of fibers or

  soft and soft straps 36 Preferably, the part of

  optical zone 35 is suspended from the ring by three or more wires 36 at appropriate locations along the ring

support 34.

  As with the peripheral flange embodiment

  that (FIGS. 2 and 3) the support ring 34 is elastically rigid but flexible, to support the optical zone portion having appropriate optical characteristics. From this point of view, the peripheral ring 34 can be manufactured

  in a wide variety of materials that are advantageously biologically

  Inert and compatible such as polypropylene, nylon, stainless steel, silicone rubber or the like. The strands or straps may be made of a suitable biologically inert and compatible plastics material, such as polypropylene, or for example a sheet of a rubber-like elastic material

silicone or the like.

  As a result, the whole of the intra-

  ocular aura, characteristics such that if the configuration of the peripheral ring is destroyed, no part of the connection suspension system will bear the weight of the optical zone portion This feature allows the weight of the lens or any other force of dislocation to be spread over a wide contact area, thus reducing the trauma to the ocular support tissue Moreover, as with the support ring coming from matter, the set of

  the support ring not coming from material can be -

  Modified autmodo Ede embodiment shown and include holes, recesses or other clamping means to facilitate manipulation in the eye and to improve the passage of fluid around the periphery of the lens. Those who are readily skilled in the art will note that while the present figures represent support rings of a substantially circular configuration, they can be widely modified-in size

  and shaped for placement in the eye.

  One embodiment of the invention (shown in Figure 4) allows the peripheral support ring 34 to be removed by a surgeon in the manner of a drawn cord to facilitate placement of the entire the lens through an opening (such as the pupil or a relatively small incision in the ocular tissue) which is smaller than the total diameter of the entire intraocular lens and then the peripheral support ring is reduced to its full dimension and its original configuration once it is implanted in the eye. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the entire intraocular lens of FIG. 4, the optical zone portion-35 being of the type for a

  refractive correction of the human lens.

  Figure 6 is a front view of the entire intraocular lens which is shown in Figures 4 and 5, illustrating the attachment of the lens behind

  iris II and pupil 12 in the capsular bag.

  This implementation can be seen more clearly on the

Figure 7 of the drawings.

  Accordingly, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the improved fixation system for intraocular lens structures according to the present invention can be used to fix, without trauma, sets of lenses in

  the eye for correction in a large number of places

  ocular tissue at the front and back of the peripheral support ring or flange will

a relocation.

  FIG. 8 represents the intraocular lens assembly according to the invention, placed in the posterior chamber 18 of the eye, between the iris 11 and the human lens for refractive correction of the crystalline lens.

  human without removing it.

  FIG. 9 illustrates another implementation of the entire intraocular lens according to the invention where the lens is placed in the anterior chamber 17 of the eye with the natural crystalline lens still intact and

in place.

  FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a fastening system of another embodiment for intraocular lens structures according to the present invention. The illustrated lens structure is similar to that shown in FIG. means 40 for intraocular manipulation in the optical zone portion 32 The lens system includes a means 41 for allowing the flow of fluid through

The lens.

  As can be seen more clearly on the

  FIG. 11, the means 40 which is shown for manipulating

  Intraocular surgery can usually be described as a recess formed partially or totally through

  the cross section of a part of the lens.

  The means 41 for assisting the flow of fluid through the lens can generally be described as a

  hole extending completely through the cross-section

  However, of course, these features may advantageously be placed in other parts of the lens structure without interfering with vision correction and user comfort. As shown in FIG. 12, another embodiment of the lens attachment system includes a circular peripheral support frame 42 which surrounds an optical zone portion 43

  support device 42 has the shape of a sensitive flange

  Continuous previously described with reference to Figure 3, but differs in configuration, to allow the flow of fluid around the sides 44 and 45 of the lens This configuration also forms an expansion zone in the case where the lens is placed in a cavity that is smaller than the longest diameter

support frame 42.

  Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 13-13 of Fig. 12, which further illustrates the peripheral support frame

configured.

  FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of another fastening system according to the present invention comprising a peripheral support frame 46 which

  is scalloped or serrated and part of optical zone 47.

  This configuration allows fluid flow-around the periphery of the intra-egg lens once it is implanted. Figure 15 shows a sectional view.

  cross section of the fastening system.

  Fig. 16 illustrates another fastening system according to the invention, which comprises a peripheral support frame 48 having compressible portions 49 and an optical zone portion 50. In this embodiment, the compressible portions 49 allow the lens to to be fixed in a cavity smaller than the total diameter of the lens assembly and the support structure. The lens is furthermore shown in section

transverse in FIG.

  Figure 18 is a front elevational view of a

  another fastening system comprising a perimeter frame

  bracket 51 having compressible elements

  52 and an optical zone portion 53.

  The compressible sizing elements 52 allow the lens structure to integrate appropriately with the space available in the eye between the peripheral support frame 51 of the lens and the ocular support tissue. more represented

  in cross section in Figure 19.

  In the above form, compressible sizing elements 52 have flexibility to compensate for the space between the support peripheral ring and the support eye tissue. This particular system utilizes open compressible loops that are spaced around the periphery of the eye. support ring to allow the entire assembly to be placed and centered in any cavity that is larger than the peripheral support ring, but smaller than the total diameter of the assembly

  total of the lens including the damping structures.

  Typically, the internal lens structures

  The eyepiece according to the invention will have a total length of about 9 mm to about 14 mm, a width of about 4 mm to about 14 mm, and can be manufactured over a wide range of refractive indices. typically, a thickness of from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm and a diameter of from about 4 mm to about 6 mm. Any conventional method of manufacturing the lens assemblies according to the invention can be used in accordance with the present invention, to ensure that the lens will have the desired elasticity and flexibility. For example, compression molding, transfer molding, mold molding, Injection, casting, machining or a combination of these techniques may be used to

  produce a lens assembly according to the invention.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a unique fastening system for intraocular lens structures after, for example, cataract removal by small incision technique. The system therefore provides an implantation technique with a possibility of safety. related surgical procedure, as well as

  that a comfortable fit in the eye.

  The intraocular lens assemblies described thus make it possible to reduce the main disadvantages relating to conventional fixation systems, that is to say among other disadvantages, the serious dangers of increased risks of infection, of detachment from

  retina and laceration of ocular tissues in parti-

  in relation to the pupil, and a displacement of the lens with respect to its good position in the axis

optical of the eye.

  Of course, the optical zone can be colored, if desired, to absorb certain wavelengths of

  light or understand occluded parts -

REIV ENDI C AT I O ONS

  An improved fixation system for an intraocular lens structure characterized in that it comprises an elastic, deformable and flexible peripheral support frame (31) surrounding an optical zone portion (32) of said lens structure; said frame having a minimum diameter of at least about 20% more than the diameter of said optical zone portion in all directions perpendicular to the optical axis and forming a means for preventing displacement of the lens structure on the anterior or posterior axis without engagement of the iris when the

place is performed in the eye.

  2 System according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned framework support is consistent with

  the optical zone part mentioned above.

  3 System according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned frame of support does not

  body with the aforementioned optical zone portion.

  System according to claim 3, characterized in that said optical zone portion is suspended from said support frame by a number of numbers.

flexible fibers (36).

  System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned optical zone part is

substantially rigid.

  A system according to claim 1, characterized in that said optical zone portion is deformable and has prescribed memory characteristics which allow the lens structure to be deformed by compressing, rolling, folding and stretching the lens. an optical zone portion having a diameter not greater than 'a' of the cross-sectional diameter of the optical zone portion to an unstretched state, while returning to its configuration, full size and focal length

  fixed original after implantation in the eye.

  The system of claim 1, characterized in that said support frame is configured and sized to fit within the capsular bag of the eye following a cataract removal process. 8 System according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforesaid support frame is configured and dimensioned to fit in the posterior chamber of the eye, behind the iris and in front of the trials

ciliary.

  System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the abovementioned support frame is sized and configured to fit in the area behind the iris.

and in front of the vitreous body.

  System according to claim 1, characterized

  in that the lens structure further comprises a -

  means (40) for facilitating manipulation of said lens

in the eye.

  System according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means (41) for facilitating the flow of liquid through or around the structure

of lens in the eye.

  System according to claim 1, characterized in that said optical zone portion comprises a

  base member having at least one surface layer.

  13 System according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned peripheral support frame consists of a first material which is different from a second material used to manufacture the zone part.

aforementioned optical.

  System according to claim 1, characterized in that said optical zone portion is composed of a polyurethane elastomer, a silicone elastometer, a hydrogel polymer, a collagen compound, a an organic gel compound, a gel compound

  synthetic or polymethyl methacrylate.

  System according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforesaid peripheral support frame consists of polypropylene, nylon, silicone rubber, metal wires, polyurethane elastomer, polyethylene or a material permeable to

fluid or gas.

  System according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforesaid peripheral support frame comprises sizing elements (52) which integrate with the space available between the peripheral support frame and the adjacent auxiliary fabric.

after implantation.