MXPA01004384A - Device for the treatment of macular degeneration - Google Patents

Abstract

A device is disclosed to treat the effects of macular degeneration, and other eye disorders by increasing the optical effect of the retinal surface (140) of the eye (100). The device comprises a body (200a)-(200n) with a shape prescribed to increase the depth of the fovea (170), and in the process make the sides of the clivus (175) more convex, thereby utilizing the varying optical properties of the retinal area. A suitable association of this device with the eye will cause an image beam traveling from the lens (130) through the vitreous humor (155) to magnify, and impinge an image perception area encompassing the macula (145). According to one advantageous embodiment, the device includes a body adapted for association with the eye to manipulate the retina of the eye to effectively augment the photoreceptor cells (165) proximate the macula of the eye. The body of the device may be that of a band, a segment, a partial band, a plate, or any shape suitably adapted to perform the functions described herein to treat the effects of macular degeneration as well as other eye disorders.

Description

APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF MACULAR DEGENERATION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the treatment of disorders in the eyes and, more particularly, to an apparatus for the treatment of macular degeneration.

Antecedents of the Invention Macular degeneration is a degenerative process (related to age) comprising a highly specialized central part of the retina of the eye known as the macula, which is responsible for the detailed tasks of central vision such as reading, television viewing, sewing, etc. The different risk factors that can play a role in the cause of macular degeneration are being studied acutely - hereditary, deficiencies in nutrition, arteriosclerotic and hypertension, smoking, exposure to ultraviolet light, etc., and all are suspected. but additional research is necessary to clearly identify the most important factors. The signs and symptoms of macular degeneration are blurry and the gradual distortion of central vision that interferes with basic functions, such as reading and other similar activities. It is not at all uncommon to experience some loss of the function of the central vision as a natural consequence of aging, although many people suffer a more important and even more drastic loss of the central vision. In many early cases, the vision may not be affected very noticeably and the condition is discovered during a routine eye medical examination as there is a general appearance of the macula which alerts ophthalmologists to the problem. Frequently yellowish deposits of degenerative material in the macular area are noted as well as alterations in the normal structure and pigmentation of the macula. Eyeglasses will not correct poor vision caused by macular degeneration. Although some people experience only a small inconvenience for macular degeneration, and are able to compensate and lead normal lives, many others with more severe forms of macular degeneration may be incapacitated. Conventional treatment, including surgical procedures as well as therapeutic treatments, such as those employing systemic injections of a candidate drug, have had mixed results, and in some cases, have caused harmful side effects. Therefore, there is a need for a treatment that reduces or limits the effects of macular degeneration.

Summary of the Invention To solve the above-described deficiencies of the prior art, it is a principal object of the present invention to introduce an apparatus that can be used through a surgical process to treat the effects of certain disorders of the eyes, particularly macular degeneration. . As presented earlier in this description, the symptoms of macular degeneration include the erasure or gradual distortion of central vision functions. Generally, small yellowish deposits of degenerative material called "druse" appear in the macular area (or the central retina), as well as alterations in the normal structure and pigmentation of the macula. Finally the area of the macula is destroyed. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an apparatus is presented that treats the effects of macular degeneration and other disorders of the eyes by manipulating the optical effect of the surface of the retina of the eye. According to an advantageous embodiment, this is achieved by using an apparatus comprising a body that can be used to increase the depth of the fovea and, in the process, to make the sides of the cl i vus more convex, thus using the variable optical properties of the retina area to increase the optical effect of it. Briefly, an adequate association of this device with the eye, will cause an image beam to travel from the lens of the eye through vitreous humor to magnify and collide with an image-perception area that is relatively larger than the macula and preferably comprises the same. According to an advantageous embodiment, the apparatus includes a body adapted to associate it with the eye, which has a prescribed shape for manipulating the retina of the eye to effectively increase the photoreceptor cells near the macula. The prescribed form of the body of the apparatus is that of a band, a segment, a partial band, a plate or for that matter any shape adapted in a correct manner to perform the functions described, or to which we have referred in the present description to treat the effects of macular degeneration as well as other disorders of sight. A point of fact is that said • Body can similarly have any suitable geometric dimension and physical shape, including circular, round, rectangular, triangular, quadrilateral, conical or other similar shape or an appropriate combination of two or more thereof. In a related embodiment, the apparatus comprises ^^ 10 a plurality of segments, each having a body with a prescribed shape that makes it possible for the segments to cooperatively manipulate the retina of the eye. Again, this manipulation increases photoreceptor cells close to the macula of the eye to form an enlarged image perception area which preferably comprises the macula. According to a preferred embodiment, two or more segments may be in appropriate physical association with one another, and / or in alternative modes and related, two or more segments in cooperation may not be physically associated. However, said segments may form any one or more of a band, a combined segment, a partial band, a plate, again, any other suitable form adapted to perform the functions described herein. Briefly, a major aspect of the embodiments of the apparatus presented herein, and described in greater detail below, is their common ability to manipulate the optical effect of the retina surface of the eye to treat certain disorders of the eye. This manipulation can directly or indirectly, (i) increase the depth of the fovea; (ii) make the sides of the cli vus more convex to more fully utilize the variable optical properties of the retina area; (iii) increasing the photoreceptor cells near the macula of the eye to form an area of increased image perception; (iv) alter the effective focal distance between the lens and the area of the retina; or (v) some combination of two or more thereof. SUMMARY OF THE PREVIOUS INVENTION, points out, in a rather broad manner, some advantageous features of certain embodiments of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the following DETAILED DESCRIPTION. The additional features of the invention will be described below as they form the subject matter of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can easily use the described conception and the specific modalities as • a basis for designing or modifying other structures 5 to carry out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention in its broadest form. Finally, before starting the BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS and the DETAILED DESCRIPTION, it could be advantageous to establish several definitions (in addition to those already provided) for certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document, in the following manner: the terms "includes" and "comprises", as well as derivatives thereof signify inclusion without limitation, and may be used interchangeably; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or; and the phrases "associated with" and "associated with it" as well as the derivatives thereof may mean including, being included within, interconnecting with containing, being contained within, relating to, or coupling with, or To be able to communicate with, cooperate with, interleave, be a property of, be linked to, or have, have a property of, or the like. Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and such definitions are applicable to the foregoing, as well as future uses of said defined words and phrases.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a more complete understanding of this The invention now makes reference to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar numbers represent similar or analogous objects and, in which: Figure 1, illustrates a transverse representation in two dimensions for example, one eye ^ fc human; Figure lb illustrates a more detailed two-dimensional cross-section of the macula area of a human eye; Figure 2 illustrates a two-dimensional transverse representation of an association of a plurality of segments according to the present invention, with an eye for treating cooperative the effects of macular degeneration; Figure 3 illustrates a plan view of a segment mode of an apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a front elevational view of the embodiment of the segment of Figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the segment of Figures 3 and 4; Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary segment embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a plan view of a partial band, exemplary embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates a plan view of a plurality of associated segments cooperating to form a band mode of an apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of a plurality of dissociated segments, cooperating to form a band mode of an apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 10 illustrates a round / circular shaped body of an apparatus having a solid core; and Figure 11 illustrates a round / circular shaped body of an apparatus having a cavity filled with liquid / gel.

Detailed Description of the Invention Initially referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a two-dimensional transverse representation for example, of a human eye generally designated 100) detailing the basic anatomy thereof. For purposes of illustration, the principles of the present invention, it is beneficial to describe the structure and function of a few parts of the eye 100, i.e., the sclera 105, the conjunctiva 110, the cornea 115, the iris 120, the pupil 125 , the crystalline lens 130, the ciliary body 135, the retina 140, the macula 145, the optic nerve 150, and the vitreous arrangement (generally designated with number 155). The sclera 105, is "the white of the eye" which is a resistant protective coating, consisting of collagen and elastic tissues. The outermost layer of sclera 105, called the episclera, is a thin film substance with numerous blood vessels. The thickness of the sclera varies at different points in a range from the thinnest portion (approximately 0.3 millimeters) near the muscle insertions to the thickest portion (approximately 1.0 to 1.3 millimeters) in the back of the eye. The conjunctiva 110 is the "skin" of the • eye, which is a transparent membrane of thin film covering the sclera 105. conjunctiva 110 also aligns with the inner side of the eyelids and contains numerous blood vessels and some mucus and lacrimal glands. The cornea 115 is the clear, transparent "window" -P-10 of the eye. The cornea 115 is approximately 12 millimeters in diameter and generally varies by a little more than half a millimeter thick centrally to a small one smaller than one millimeter at its ends. The cornea 115 consists of five distinct layers (15 versus the back): epithelium, Bowman's membrane, stroma, Descemet's membrane, and endothelium. The cornea 115 contains numerous fibers • Small nerves and does not contain blood vessels. Iris 120, is the "colored part of the eye" (for example, blue, brown, green, hazel, etc.), iris 120 contains two major sets of muscles (to dilate and constrict the pupil) and numerous blood vessels and pigment cells and granules. The pupil 125 is the black "hole" or "space" of the center of the iris 120. the pupil 125 is not really a structure or component of the eye 100, but an empty space, such as an "open window". The lens 130, in cooperation with the cornea 115, provides focus of the light rays that enter the eye 100. The lens 130, consists of regularly oriented protein fibers surrounded by a clear capsule, is a suspended biconvex disk in place by sashes connecting it to the cylindrical body 135. The curvature of the lens 130 can to be altered or changed, providing a variable focusing power to the eye 100. The ciliary body 135 together with the iris 120 and the choroid is considered as part of the uveal apparatus, or uvea of the eye. The ciliary body 135 contains numerous blood vessels and several muscles to focus the eye 100, as well as the pigment cells and granules found in other ^ fc parts of the uvea. The ciliary body 135 also serves as the attachment point for the cheeks or suspensory ligaments of the lens 130 and contains the cells that operate to secrete the aqueous humor found in the anterior and posterior chambers. The retina 140 is the layer of the nerve cell of the eye 100 that functions in a manner very similar to a film in a camera. Briefly, the rest of the eye 100 serves to focus light on the retina 140 where photochemical reactions occur as part of the vision process. The retina 140, is a thin transparent tissue that contains approximately 120 million cane cells (night vision) and 7 million cone cells (vision of day and color) as well as millions of other cells of structural support and interconnection (collectively, photoreceptor cells). Macula 145, is the sensitive central part of the retina ^ 10 which provides the form, detailed view and which contains the highest concentration of cone cells sensitive to color. The phobia (not shown) is the center of the macula 145. The blood vessels of the retina carry the substance of the retina and together with the underlying choroid (the richly pigmented vascular tissue placed between the retina 140 and the ? sclera 105) provide the necessary nutrients and oxygen for normal function of the retina. These blood vessels are ramifications of the large carotid arteries of the neck and may become obstructed by calcium and cholesterol fragments, which are detachments of the carotid arteries partially blocked and flowing inside the eye 100.

The optic nerve 150, is "the main line" consisting of a million or a similar amount of separate nerve fibers, which conduct the nerve impulses from the retina 140 to the brain (not shown). The optic nerve 150 exits at the back of the eye 100 and joins the optic nerve 150 of the other eye in the optic chiasm (not shown). The vitreous humor 155 is a gel-like liquid occupying a large space bound by the lens 130 and the ciliary body 135 in the front part and in the retina 140 and in the optic nerve 150 in the back part of the eye 100. The vitreous humor 155 serves for a mattress and eye protection function 100 and is generally optically clear. Vitreous humor 155 consists of collagen, mucopolysaccharides, and hyaluronic acid in a delicate balance. With reference to Figure lb, a more detailed two-dimensional cross-sectional representation of the area of the macula (generally designated with the number 145) of a human eye is shown, and more particularly, the area of the retina 160 tissue (which includes a nerve fiber layer, ganglion cells and connective cells of Figure la), photoreceptor cells 165, fovea 170 and cl i vus 175. fovea 170 is a flat round "well" that lies approximately 4 mm . of temporary side of the optical disc and approximately 0.8 mm, below the horizontal meridian (observing that said distance varies, occasionally even between the two eyes). The fovea is due to the practical disappearance of the inner layers of the retina, which is partially compensated by an increased thickness of the bacillary layer. The shape of the fovea 170 is that of a "flat bowl" with a concave floor. The sides form a curved inclination known as cl i vus 175 that descends from the margin of the fovea, which, incidentally, is the thickest part of the retina. In the center of the "flat bowl" there is a light depth, the fovea (or "small depression" not shown) in the center part of which is a small central concavity, the small bowl (or "center" not shown). The photoreceptor cells 165 in the base region of the fovea 170 are more cones and are packaged together, and are longer and fainter than in other regions of the retina. Like the cane cells, they are eliminated, and the cones are aggregated and thinned, and the stimulus threshold of the area tends to increase.

Referring to Figure 2, a two-dimensional cross-sectional representation of an example association of a plurality of segments 200a to 200n is illustrated with the example eye 100, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, to cooperatively treat the effects of macular degeneration. As will be explained in more detail below the segments 200a to 200n, they cooperatively manipulate the retina 140 to augment the photoreceptor cells 165 near the macula 145, to form an enlarged image perception area 205 preferably comprising the macula. 145. It should be noted that the prescribed shape of the segments 200 is only illustrative and is presented as a shape adapted to increase the photoreceptor cells 165 and, more particularly, although the bodies of the segments 200 are shown as rectangular, they can be of dimensions advantageous alternatives, and physical forms that may suitably include circular / round (see expansion box), triangular, quadrilateral, conical or other similar physical forms, or combinations thereof. Example light rays 210 pass through the cornea 115 and the pupil 120 cross the lens 130, which initiates the focusing process, by deviating (refracting) the light rays 210. The lens 130 converges on the rays of light 210 in a ray 215 that crosses the macula 145 and strikes in the area of the retina - the macula 145 represents the focal point for the lens 130. The lens 130 therefore operates to refine the light rays 210 into further rays narrow to provide clearer images. Thus, after focusing by means of the lens 130, the beam of light 210 travels through the transparent vitreous humor 155 and collides with the retina 140. With reference to the expansion box, the area of the retina (previously designated with number 205) contains hundreds of millions of specialized nerve cells arranged in complex patterns. Photoreceptor cells (or "vision receptors") 165 are of two types, ie rods and cones. Canes are more numerous than cones and work best under low light conditions. The cones provide detailed vision and color vision. The heaviest concentration of cone cells in the retina is found in macula 145. Macula 145 includes fovea 170, an area of extremely sensitive cone cells that act in response to discern fine detail vision. The fovea 170 is damaged as a result of macular degeneration. In addition to the photoreceptor cells 165, the • Retina 145 includes many other types of connective and supporting cells within the tissue of the retina, such as the retinal pigment epithelium (not shown) which absorbs excessive light and provides a nutritive function for the retina 140. More particularly, cl i vus 175 is illustrated as ^ P 10"thickener" layers of the visual, nuclear, exterior, inner nuclear, ganglion and nerve fiber cells, which are added to a local thickener of the retina area as a whole. An important aspect of the optical properties of the eye, is the effect of the varying physical properties of the vitreous humor 155, the retinal tissue and the photoreceptor cells 165. Briefly, the vitreous humor 155 is highly transparent, the retina tissue is, in part, reflective, and the cells photoreceptors 165 are light absorbers. According to the present embodiment, each of the segments 200 is as previously presented, capable of increasing the depth of the fovea 170 and, in the process, making the convexes more convex. sides of cl i vus 175. By increasing the convexity of the sides of cl i vus 175, the segments from 200 a to 200 n take advantage of and more fully utilize the variable optical properties of the retinal area and, in particular, of the fovea 170 and the cl i vus 175, to increase the optical effect of them. As illustrated in the expansion box of the retina area, the illustrated association of the segments 200a to 200n of the apparatus with the eye effectively manipulate the area of the retina to augment the photoreceptor cells 165 near the macula 145. Briefly, the image beam 215 travels from the lens 130 through of vitreous humor 155 to magnify and collide with a larger image perception area 205 relative to macula 145. Image beam 215 is refracted by the increasingly convex sides of cl i vus 175 causing image beam 215 to be diffused in a larger number of photoreceptor cells 165. The electrical pulses that are generated by the interaction of the light beam 215 with the photoreceptor cells 165 are transmitted to the optic nerve, which consists of a myriad of fibers. The optic nerves of each of the eyes leave the ball of the eye and meet with one another at the base of the brain at an optical point called a chiasm (not illustrated). In the optic chiasm, a complex crossing of the nerve fibers occurs, and the visual impulses are then passed to the optical devices which end in lateral geniculate bodies. Hence, the visual impulses pass along the optical radiations which end in the occipital cortex in the posterior part of the brain. In this area, there are extremely complex interconnections, and areas of visual association. It is at this point in the process, where vision, as we know it, is perceived. Note that the fovea 170 (in particular, and generally the retina tissue) has a relatively higher refractive index than the vitreous humor. Therefore, any part of the ray of light 215 that hits the "vitreoretinal" boundaries at an angle other than a right angle, will be refracted away from the imaginary perpendicular and will "disperse" in a descending manner to the photoreceptor cells 165. The association of the segments 200 with the eye cooperatively manipulates the retina 140, increasing the photoreceptor cells 165 near the macula 145 to increase the fovea and deliberately take advantage of this refraction. The area of the manipulated retina causes the formation of an enlarged image perception area 205. In other words, the foveal portion of the retina image is expanded on its way through the tissue of the retina, and is magnified purposely when it reaches the level of the photoreceptor cells 165. Therefore, the increase in depth of the fovea 170 directly affects the visual acuity. In fact, to a deeper real fovea close to the original level of the retina, a higher mound or "circumfoveal eminence" created around the fovea by the tissue displaced by cl i vus 175. The steeply inclined slope produced by the crest from the mound to the bottom of the fovea, it becomes an effective magnifying device, optically unique. Again, the sectors from 200a to 200n and the forms thereof, which are presented only with objects of illustration, should in no way be construed as a limitation with respect to the form, size, number and any other physical attributes of the apparatus. of the present invention. As will be described below, the alternate embodiments of the present invention may suitably include prescribed forms such as a band, a segment, a partial band, a plate, or for this matter any shape suitably adapted to perform the functions described in this patent document, as well as combinations of the • same, to treat the effects of disorders of the 5 eye, such as macular degeneration. A suitable example procedure for associating the apparatus with the eye could include opening the conjunctiva 110 in the lower temporal region between the lateral and inferior rectus muscles approximately 10 to 6 mm posterior to the limbus. The sclera 105 is cleansed from Tenon's capsule, and the dissection is carried to the back of the equator of the eyeball. A partial incision of the scleral thickness is made in the sclera 105, to create a scleral pocket that can advantageously extend around and below the macula 145 and the fovea 170, • such as the types of sclera bags described in the patent documents of Presbyopia and related eye disorders. The device is associated in an adequate manner with the eye (such as implants, sutures, and insertions thereof within the eye) by means of the sclera pocket. The position of the device can be verified by indirect or direct ophthalmoscope. The bag of The sclera and the conjunctival incisions are closed with standard ophthalmic sutures. It should be noted that any suitable medical procedure can be performed to associate the apparatus with the eye. The relative effectiveness of the different methods may be based, at least in part on the size, shape, etc., of the apparatus used. With reference to Figure 3, a plan view of a modality of a segment 200 of an apparatus according to the principles of the present invention is illustrated. For purposes of illustration, a concurrent reference is occasionally made to the exemplary cross-sectional views of Figures 1, 1, and 2. The body of the example segment includes, a base 302 with a leading end 304, a trailing end 306, and the side ends 308 and 310, all collectively forming a perimeter of an interior surface 312. The interior interior surface 312 includes an edge 314 extending illustratively along the length of the base 302. According to this embodiment, the segment 200 can be associated with an eye to increase the depth of the fovea 170 and in the process, make the sides of the cl ius 175 more convex as described above, thus using the variable optical properties of the area of the retina 205 to increase the optical effect of it. Briefly, an adequate association of this apparatus 200 with the eye 100 will cause an image beam to magnify and collide with an image perception area 205 that is relatively larger than the macula 145. The body of the example segment, has a prescribed form partly due to example edge 314, which ^ &; 10 has the ability to exert a force on the eye 100, which modifies the shape of the eye 100 to adequately manipulate the area of the retina 215 and possibly alter the distance between the lens 130 and the retina 140. In a manner advantageous, the body of the segment has the inner surface 312 and an outer surface (not shown) are separated enough fc, again, partly by means of the edge example 314, to adequately modify the shape of the eye by exerting force with respect to the eye 100. Turning momentarily to Figure 4, a front elevation view of the embodiment of the segment of Figure 3 is illustrated. The segment 200 illustrates the base 302, the side ends 308 and 310, and the edge 314, together with an outer flat surface 400. With reference to the following Figure 5, a side view of the embodiment of the segment of Figures 3 and 4 is illustrated. The segment 200 illustrates the edge • 314, the outer surface 316, and a notch 500 in 5 the inner surface 312 of the apparatus, or prosthesis. An apparatus according to the principles of the present invention. It can be made of any suitable material that is rigid enough to exert a force when associated with the eye to manipulate the optical effect of the surface of the retina thereof. The apparatus is preferably physiologically acceptable for a long-term implantation or contact with ocular tissues. Such materials are known in the art and include suitable metals (eg, titanium, gold, platinum, stainless steel, tantalum, and various fc surgically acceptable alloys etc.,), ceramics (for example, crystalline or vitreous materials, such as porcelain, aluminum, silica, silicon carbide, High strength glass, etc.,) and synthetic resins (for example physiologically inert materials such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate, silicone resins, etc.). The device can also be made of composite materials incorporating a synthetic resin or other matrix reinforced with fibers of a high strength material such as glass fiber, boron fibers, or the like (for example epoxy resin reinforced with glass fiber, epoxy resin reinforced with carbon fiber-reinforced carbon (coal-carbon, etc.) In advantageous alternative embodiments, the apparatus can be made of organic materials such as preserved collagen, preserved sclerotic and the like, as well as artificial collagen or the like. embodiments, the apparatus can be made of a semi-rigid exterior that forms a cavity within the body of the apparatus, the cavity can be suitably empty, or alternatively be filled with a liquid, a gel or the like. adequate so that the dimensions of it can be altered by injecting various amounts of air, liquid, (for example, water, solution lina, silicone oil etc.,), or gel, (for example, silicone, collagen, gelatin, etc.). Of course, the semi-rigid exterior may be made of one or more of the stipulated materials, or to which reference has been made in the present description. It should be noted that the apparatuses described herein may be associated with microelectromechanical ("MEMS") systems and related technologies to appropriately alter or augment one or more of the apparatuses or manipulate the use of the same and such devices. • as described above to increase the optical effect of the surface of the retina of the eye. Referring now to Figure 6, a plan view of an embodiment of the segment of example 200 of an apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention is illustrated. With illustrative purposes, reference is made concurrently and occasionally to the exemplary cross-sectional views of the eye of Figures 1, 1, and 2. The body of the example segment is curved and includes a leading end 304, one end later 306, and the lateral ends 308 and 310, all collectively forming a perimeter for the inner surface 312. According to this embodiment, the segment 200 can be associated again (alone or in combination with one or more of other suitable apparatuses) with an eye to increase the depth of the fovea 170 and in the process provide an increased convexity for the sides of cl i vus 175 to utilize the variable optical properties of the retinal area 205, to increase the optical effect thereof. Briefly, an adequate association of this apparatus 200 with the eye 100, will cause the image beam to magnify and collide with an image perception area 205 that is relatively larger than the macula 145. The example segment body has an prescribed form with the ability to exert a force for the eye 100 once it has been associated with it, which modifies the shape of the eye 100 to manipulate the area of the retina 215, and possibly, alter the distance between the lens 130 and the retina 140, In the current embodiment, the prescribed form of example is curved, and the curvature is selected to provide at least one approximate match for the curvature of the eye surface or, in alternative embodiments (eg, Figure 8), the curvature is selected to provide at least an approximate match for the curvature of any of the adjacent apparatus bodies also associated with the eye. As will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11, the body of the segment has an inner surface 312 and an outer surface (not shown) that are sufficiently exceeded to adequately modify the shape of the eye, exerting force with respect to the same.

Referring momentarily to Figure 7, there is illustrated a plan view of a partial band embodiment of Example 200, of an apparatus in accordance with ^^ the principles of the present invention. The band Partially, when properly associated with an eye, it has a prescribed shape to increase the depth of the fovea 170 and to provide an increased convexity at the sides of the cl ius 175, Again, this uses the optical properties ^ P 10 variables of the retina area to increase the optical effect of it. Briefly, the partial band will cause the image beam that travels from the lens of the eye through the vitreous humor to magnify and collide with an area of perception of the eye. image 205 that is relatively larger than the macula. In a similar manner, Figure 8 illustrates a plan view of a plurality of associated segments from 200a to 200d cooperating to form a complete band, or a "donut" 200 mode of a apparatus according to the principles of the present invention. In contrast, Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of a plurality of dissociated segments 200a through 200d which cooperate to form an implicit band mode 200 of an apparatus of according to the principles of the present invention.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, any of the apparatuses described herein, as well as the equivalent constructions, are within the spirit and scope of the present invention in its broadest form, and can be associated in an appropriate manner with the eye, and in particular, with the area of the retina surgically through the sclera pocket, or the ribbon loop, sutured, stapled, adhered or otherwise physically associated with the eye to manipulate the area of the retina of the eye. according to the teachings or references made in this document. It should also be understood that the material of which any of the above apparatuses, or for this matter any apparatus according to the teachings of the present invention is made, can be adapted for a particular suitable form or design chosen for the same. For example, Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a round / circular shaped body of the apparatus 200 respectively having a solid core, and a cavity filled with liquid / gel 1100. In both illustrations, the body of the apparatus has an upper surface 312 and a bottom surface 1000 that are separated enough to adequately modify the shape of the eye, exerting force with respect to it.

The filled cavity 1100 can be filled properly with a liquid, a gel, or the like to alter the dimensions of the apparatus. Independently, the apparatuses of the present invention can be manufactured by means of any conventional or subsequently developed technique appropriate for the material used, such as machining, injection molding, heat molding, compression molding and the like. In a similar manner, the apparatuses of the present invention can be collapsible made in a plurality of segments, or otherwise manufactured so that they can be assembled before use and / or can be installed separately to form a complete apparatus. Although the principles of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that they may have various changes, substitutions and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention in its broadest form. For example, although the use of the apparatuses of the present invention has been described with reference to the treatment of macular degeneration or other similar eye disorders in humans, this treatment may also be applicable for the treatment of different disorders of the eyes suffered. for other animals. It should be noted that the Presbyopia patent documents and related eye disorders include descriptions of apparatus intended for the treatment of Presbyopia and other similar eye disorders.

Claims (4)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore, property is claimed as contained in the following: 5 CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for treating the effects of macular degeneration which comprises, an adapted body for association with an eye and that has a prescribed way to manipulate 10 the retina of the eye to effectively increase the photoreceptor cells near the macula of the eye.
2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said form The prescribed body of said body of said apparatus is one of a band, a segment, a partial band and a plate.
3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said form The prescribed condition of said body of said apparatus has the ability, when associated with the eye, to alter the optical effect of the cl i vus.
4. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said form The prescribed body of said apparatus has the ability to manipulate the retina of the eye to alter the depth of the fovea. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said prescribed form of said body of said apparatus has the ability to manipulate the retina of the eye to alter the convexity of the cl i vus, effectively increasing the photoreceptor cells near the macula of the eye. eye, thereby forming an enlarged image perception area comprising the macula to treat the effects of macular degeneration. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said body of said apparatus has at least two surfaces that are sufficiently separated to exert a force with respect to the eye. The compliance apparatus, with claim 6, wherein said prescribed form of said body of said apparatus exerts some force inwardly with respect to the eye. The compliance apparatus, with claim 6, further adapted for association with a pocket surgically formed within the eye by means of which said at least two surfaces exert said force toward the interior with respect to the eye. An apparatus for association with an eye that is adapted to manipulate the retina of the eye, comprising a body capable of exerting a force with respect to the eye in order to thereby alter the shape of the retina of the eye and the optical effect of the eye. i vus The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said body has a prescribed shape of one of a band, a segment, a partial band and a plate. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said body of said apparatus has the ability to manipulate the retina of the eye to alter the depth of the fovea. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said body of said apparatus has the ability to manipulate the retina of the eye to alter the convexity of the cl i vus, effectively increasing the photoreceptor cells proximate the macula of the eye and forming effective way an area of enhanced image perception comprising the macula. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said body of said apparatus, has the ability to manipulate the retina of the eye to effectively augment the photoreceptor cells near the macula of the eye. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said apparatus has at least two surfaces that are sufficiently separated to exert said force with respect to the eye. The apparatus according to claim 14, which is further adapted for association with a bag formed surgically within the eye wherein at least said two surfaces exert said force inwardly with respect to the eye. The compliance apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said body of said apparatus exerts said force inwardly with respect to the eye. An apparatus for association with an eye to treat the effects of macular degeneration, comprising a plurality of segments, each of said plurality of segments having a body having a prescribed shape which makes it possible for said plurality of segments to cooperatively manipulate the retina of the eye to effectively increase the photoreceptor cells proximate to the macula of the eye thereby forming an enlarged image perception area comprising the macula. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one of said plurality of segments has the ability to be associated with at least one of said plurality of segments, the apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of associated segments form one of a band, a combined segment, a partial band and a plate. 20. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said prescribed form of at least one of said body of said plurality of segments has the ability, when associated with the eye, to alter the optical effect of the cl i vus. 21. The apparatus in accordance with • Claim 20, wherein said prescribed form of at least one of said body of said plurality of segments has the ability to manipulate the retina of the eye to alter the depth of the fovea. 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said prescribed form of at least one of said body • of said plurality of segments has the ability to manipulate the retina of the eye 20 to alter the convexity of the cl i vus, effectively increasing the photoreceptor cells proximate the macula of the eye, thereby forming said enlarged image perception area comprising the macula to treat the effects of macular degeneration. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one of said body of said plurality of segments has at least two surfaces that are sufficiently separated to exert a force with respect to the eye. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said prescribed shape of at least one of said body of said plurality of segments exerts said force inwardly with respect to the eye. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein at least one of said body of said plurality of segments is further adapted to be associated with a bag formed surgically within the eye by means of which said at least two surfaces exert said force inward with respect to the eye. An apparatus for association with an eye and adapted to alter the relative distance between the lens of the eye and the macula of the eye, comprising a body having a prescribed shape for modifying the shape of the eye to alter said relative distance between said lens of the eye and said eye macula. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said prescribed form of said body of said apparatus is one of a band, a segment, a partial band and a plate. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said body of said apparatus has at least two surfaces that are sufficiently separated to exert said force with respect to the eye. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said prescribed form of said body of said apparatus exerts said force inwardly with respect to the eye. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said prescribed form of said body of said apparatus exerts said force inwardly with respect to the eye to alter the shape of the retina of the eye to reduce said relative distance between said lens of the eye and said macula of the eye. The apparatus according to claim 28, further adapted for association with a bag formed surgically within the eye by means of which said at least two surfaces exert said force inwardly with respect to the eye. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said prescribed form of said body of said apparatus exerts said force inwardly with respect to the eye to alter the shape of the retina of the eye to reduce said relative distance between said lens of the eye and said macula of the eye.