DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of ophthalmology, particularly to intraocular lens for aphakic patients. More particularly, the present invention relates to single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens for aphakic patients.

BACKGROUND ART
In general, intraocular lens (IOL) is a lens implanted in the eye as part of a treatment for cataracts. All IOLs have an optic element to enhance or restore visual acuity and a haptic element to hold the lens in a fixed position within the patient's eye. The types of IOL includes but not limited to Pseudophakic IOL, Phakic IOL, Aphakic IOL. Pseudophakic IOL is implanted during cataract surgery, after the cloudy eye's natural lens has been removed. Phakic type IOL is placed over the existing natural lens and is used in refractive surgery to change the eye's optical power as a treatment for myopia. Aphakia is a condition where in the crystalline lens is absent. The indication for this aphakic IOL is for selected Aphakia patients. This IOL is implanted in the sulcus plane as these eyes have encountered a complication during cataract extraction earlier due to the absence of capsular bag support for normal standard IOl. Also, for Aphakic patient’s, normal vision is not recovered even in spite of wearing spectacle correction. Said drawback for Aphakic patients is overcome by Aphakic IOL which would bring in the objects to focus on the retina even without the spectacles.

However, currently available Aphakic IOLs are made with two different materials for optic and haptic which complicates the implantation procedure. Haptics are brittle and needs extra care while implantation and handling since these are multipiece IOLs. Central fixation is always an issue as the IOL can tilt because of misaligned haptic insertion into the scleral tissue while fixing. Further, as it is curved it might need to be inserted into the scleral tissue through incision made by trial and error method. Also, the surgeon needs always an assistant to hold the second haptic when the primary haptic is being maneuvered.

Also exit in prior art is multipiece IOL haptic, which is inserted and fixed into a pre planned incisions made 180 degrees apart onto the scleral tissue. Further, exist in prior art is Iris claw IOL which is again a rigid IOL with clipping type plate haptic design which is fixed to the Iris tissue. However, said Iris claw IOL creates lots of discomfort to the patients by way of pupillary function aspects due to reduction in dilation which can in turn cause inflammation complications too.

US6616693 discloses an intraocular lens having an optic and a plurality of fixation members coupled to the optic. The fixation members are adapted to flex about points located closer to the outer edge of the IOL than to the optic. However, the lens implanted in the anterior chamber ACIOL sits on top of the IRIS. Also, the lens is kept in the anterior chamber and there is no fixation of the haptics.

US6755860 discloses an intraocular lens that includes a substantially disk-shaped optical portion; a support portion having two closed pairs of haptic portions arranged symmetrically about a first diameter of the optical portion, each pair of the haptic portions being symmetrical with each other about a second diameter of the optical portion, the second diameter of the optical portion being substantially perpendicular to the first diameter of the optical portion. However, said intraocular lens is used for in the bag implantation at the time when shifting from PMMA Rigid to foldable IOL. Further, the disclosed intraocular lens only has 4 haptic designs for stability in the bag.

US20030199977 discloses an accommodating intraocular lens having anteriorly and posteriorly movable extended portions, such as T-shaped haptics, extending from a central optic to be implanted within a natural capsular bag of a human eye with the extended portions positioned between an anterior capsular rim and a posterior capsule of the bag. However, the intraocular lens is kept in the natural capsular bag after removing the lens. Further, the haptics in the cited prior art is for the displacement of the intraocular lens in the bag for accommodation. Further, the haptics are flexible and has movement.

US20040034417 relates to a foldable lens having a plurality of generally "T"-shaped haptics that vault the lens posteriorly when implanted in the eye while still providing stable fixation of the lens within the eye. However, the foldable lens is used for in the bag implantation after cataract surgery. The T-shaped 3 haptics gets in the bag and helps to prevent PCO.

US20050021140 relates to an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation within the capsular bag of a human eye from which the natural lens matrix has been removed. The intraocular lens includes an optic portion for providing vision corrective power and a pair of haptics having relatively flexible portions and relatively inflexible portions reinforced with a mesh-like material such that additional stiffness is imparted to the haptic material without increasing the thickness of the haptic or changing its shape. However, the intraocular lens as disclosed in the prior art is usually placed when the natural bag is intact and the haptics help in the movement to induce accommodation.

US20050107875 discloses a flexible accommodating intraocular lens having anteriorly and posteriorly movable extended portions, such as T-shaped haptics, extending from a central solid biconvex optic to be implanted within a natural capsular bag of a human eye with the extended portions positioned between an anterior capsular rim and a posterior capsule of the bag. However, said intraocular lens is a type of lens kept in the bag and the specialized haptic design is for the movement of the lens in the bag to cause accommodation and change in the refractive power.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens for Aphakic patients which overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
One or more of the problems of the conventional prior art may be overcome by various embodiments of the system of the present invention.

It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens for Aphakic patients.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an intraocular lens having an optic element positioned in the centre and flexible semicircular plate haptic elements extended on opposite sides of said optic element, said flexible semicircular plate haptic element is provided with extended stems with T shaped junction edges at its both peripheral ends.

It is another object of the present invention, wherein the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens is for single vision.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an intraocular lens with angulations between the optic and the haptic, said angulation prevents the rubbing of posterior surface of the iris thus helping in better pupil dilatation and reduce the chance of post operative inflammation seen in other secondary intraocular lens.

It is another object of the present invention, wherein the haptics fixes the intraocular lens in the sulcus in absence of the capsular bag and without suture to the sclera.

It is another object of the present invention, wherein the haptics are fixed for more stability.

It is another object of the present invention to provide single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens made from hydrophilic acrylic material.

It is another object of the present invention, wherein the foldable intraocular lens is configured to have large optic diameter, so that it can be used in pupils of various sizes and hence avoids edge glare during night vision for the implanted patients.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus according to the basic aspect of the present invention, there is provided a single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens for Aphakic patients, comprising of:
an optic element positioned in the centre; and
flexible semicircular plate haptic elements extended on opposite sides of said optic element,
characterized in that, said flexible semicircular plate haptic element is provided with extended stems with T shaped junction edges at its both peripheral ends,
wherein the semicircular plate haptics with extended stems with T shaped junction edges at its both peripheral ends support the optic in a fixed position within an eye and prevents falling of the intraocular lens,
wherein each of the semicircular plate haptic extended on opposite sides of said optic element is provided with a slot at the centre and a hole near the slot,
wherein the hole helps in positioning the secondary Aphakia intraocular lens in the normal natural lens anatomical position, and
wherein the extended stems with T shaped junction edges prevents causing damage to the eye and post operative inflammation.

It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the semicircular plate haptics with extended stems with T shaped junction edges fixes the intraocular lens in the sulcus in absence of the capsular bag and without suture to the sclera.

It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the hole near the slot in the optic element facilitates the surgeon to observe for exact orientation of the intraocular lens when placed in the cartridge before its implantation.

It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens is provided with angulation between the optic and the haptic which prevents rubbing of posterior surface of the iris thus helping in pupil dilatation and reduce post operative inflammation.

It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the hole near the slot helps to dial and position the secondary Aphakia intraocular lens to the normal natural lens anatomical position.
It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the positioning of the secondary Aphakia intraocular lens facilitates to adopt same dioptric power value calculated during the biometry calculation done for the normal posterior chamber intraocular lens power.

It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the slot helps in allowing the passage of the aqueous and thus prevents the chance of angle closure Glaucoma and helps in flexibility of the intraocular lens and gives stretchability to the intraocular lens.

It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens is made from hydrophilic acrylic material.

It is another aspect of the present invention, wherein the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens is for single vision.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1: illustrates front view of single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens according to present invention.
Figure 2: illustrates side view of the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens according to present invention.
Figure 3: illustrates the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens according to present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The present invention as herein described relates to a single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens for single vision. The intraocular lens is placed in the sulcus in the absence of capsular support by the mechanism of externalization of the T junction edges out through the two Sclerostomies located exactly at 0 to 180 degrees thus preventing the falling back of intraocular lens.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the intraocular lens [100] according to present invention comprises of an optic element [1] positioned in the centre and flexible semicircular plate haptic element [2] extended on opposite sides of said optic element [1], said flexible semicircular plate haptic elements [2] is provided with extended stems [2a] with T shaped junction edges [2c] at its both peripheral ends. The semicircular loop increases the stretchability of the intraocular lens [100]. The semicircular plate haptic [2] with extended stems [2a] at its both peripheral ends support the optic [1] in a fixed position within the eye and prevents falling of the intraocular lens [100] with its perfect fixation on to the sclerotomy made in the scleral tissue. The haptics [2] are fixed for more stability; said haptic [2] fixes the intraocular lens in the sulcus in absence of the capsular bag and without suture to the sclera. In an aspect, the T shaped junction edges [2c] is externalized through the sclera 1.5mm away from the Limbus and fixed outside under the scleral bed.

Each of the semicircular plate haptic [2] extended on opposite sides of said optic element [1] is provided with a slot [2b] at the centre and with a hole [2d] near the slot [2b]. Said hole [2d] helps to dial and position the secondary Aphakia intraocular lens to the normal natural lens anatomical position, thereby the same dioptric power value calculated during the biometry calculation done for the normal posterior chamber intraocular lens power is adopted for the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens power of the present invention. The intraocular lens [100] is same as the posterior chamber intraocular lens, which is implanted in the bag. Further, the hole [2d] on either haptics facilitate the surgeon to observe for exact orientation of the intraocular lens [100] when placed in the cartridge before its implantation and it also indicate that the anteriorly angulated side is upright facing towards the microscope when the leading haptic open up while injecting into the eye and also enables the surgeon for holding the intraocular lens with a dialer in case of repositioning or holding it in place. The extended stems [2a] with T shaped junction edges [2c] on either haptics helps to prevent any fall back of the intraocular lens [100] by accidental slipping causing damage to the eye and prevents the post operative inflammation too.
Referring to Figure 2, the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] is provided with angulation [4] between the optic [1] and the haptics [2] which is defined as natural vault [3]. In an aspect, the natural vault [3] is provided with an angulation [4] of 10°. Said angulation prevents the rubbing of posterior surface of the iris thus helping in better pupil dilatation and reduce the chance of post operative inflammation commonly seen in other secondary intraocular lens.

The single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] made from hydrophilic acrylic material which is soft and pliable thereby eliminates the chances for erosion. The foldable intraocular lens is configured to have large optic diameter, so that it can be used in pupils of various sizes and hence avoids edge glare during night vision for the implanted patients.

Illustration:
A case of aphakia is herein illustrated. About 3 mm away from the limbus in the infero temporal quadrant a 23 gauge trochar is placed with the infusion canula. AC maintainer can also be used. A side port is made and triamcinolone is injected in anterior chamber. A minimal anterior vitrectomy is done through side port to clear the vitreous from the wound and the anterior vitreous cavity. Conjunctiva is opened on either sides to make the scleral flaps and the bleeders are cauterized. Now two scleral flaps measuring 3 *3 mm is made 180 degrees apart using the IOL marker. A sclerostomy is made 1.5 mm away from the limbus with a 26 gauge needle under the scleral flaps on either side. Now the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens is loaded in to the cartridge. A 2.8 mm keratome is used to make the clear corneal incision. The specialized forceps is inserted through one of the sclerotomy incision with one hand as per the operating Surgeon’s hand comfort [Left or Right handed Surgeon] and the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens is injected carefully to make sure that the T junction comes out first from the distal tip end of the IOL Cartridge. Using the specialized forceps which is ready on the other hand, the T junction edges [2c] is grasped head on. Care should be taken not to pull the lens at this point. As the lens is injected, simultaneously the grasped end is gently externalized through one of the sclerostomy to see the “POP” effect visualized in the anterior chamber of this T flex IOL. The lens is injected fully and the other half with the T junction edge [2c] is placed over the iris. The loop of the haptic over the iris is grasped by the intra ocular forceps through the main corneal incision and the trailing T flex is held by the forceps through the other sclerostomy by the surgeon hand shake technique and externalized. Now, both the T junction edges [2c] are checked and the intraocular lens is stable and well centered. The anterior chamber is cleared of viscoelastics and the trochar should be removed. The flaps and the conjunctiva are made dry and closed using fibrin glue. The anterior chamber is well formed by injection of an air bubble.

Referring to Figure 3, the overall length ‘A’ of the intraocular lens is about 12.0MM to 14.0MM and preferably 13.50MM. The dimension of the optic ‘B’ is 6.00MM to have a good single vision. The body length ‘C’ is about 8MM to 10MM and preferably 9.88MM which excludes the stem [2a] of the intraocular lens which acts like a hinge between the body and the T shaped edges [2c] Haptics [2]. The dimensions of the slot [2b] is such that it comes out through the 23g sclerostomy, and once out opens up and the length and width is adequate for it to be stable when pulled the other side or during the movement of the eye ball. The dimensions of the T shaped edges [2c] are such that it prevents causing damage to the eye and also prevents the post operative inflammation. The dimensions and angulation [4] of the vault [3] is such that it prevents the rubbing of posterior surface of the iris thus helping in better pupil dilatation and reduce the chance of post operative inflammation commonly seen in other secondary intraocular lens. The diameter of the hole [2d] near the slot [2b] is about 0.5MM to 0.6MM and preferably 0.562MM and helps in positioning the secondary Aphakia intraocular lens in the normal natural lens anatomical position, thereby the same dioptric power value calculated during the biometry calculation done for the normal posterior chamber intraocular lens power is adopted for the single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens power. The intraocular lens is same as the posterior chamber intraocular lens, which is implanted in the bag. Further, the hole [2d] on either sides facilitate the surgeon to observe for exact orientation of the intraocular lens while implantation and it also indicate the Anteriorly angulated side they open up while injecting into the eye and also enables the surgeon for holding the intraocular lens with a dialer in case of repositioning or holding it in place. The dimensions of the slot [2b] helps in allowing the passage of the aqueous and thus preventing the chance of angle closure Glaucoma and helps in flexibility so when the second T flex haptic is pulled out it does not detach and also gives stretchability to the intraocular lens.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] for Aphakic patients, comprising of:
an optic element [1] positioned in the centre; and
flexible semicircular plate haptic elements [2] extended on opposite sides of said optic element [1],
characterized in that, said flexible semicircular plate haptic element [2] is provided with extended stems [2a] with T shaped junction edges [2c] at its both peripheral ends,
wherein the semicircular plate haptics [2] with extended stems [2a] with T shaped junction edges [2c] at its both peripheral ends support the optic [1] in a fixed position within an eye and prevents falling of the intraocular lens [100],
wherein each of the semicircular plate haptic [2] extended on opposite sides of said optic element [1] is provided with a slot [2b] at the centre and a hole [2d] near the slot [2b],
wherein the hole [2d] helps in positioning the secondary Aphakia intraocular lens in the normal natural lens anatomical position, and
wherein the extended stems [2a] with T shaped junction edges [2c] prevents causing damage to the eye and post operative inflammation.

2. The single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the semicircular plate haptics [2] with extended stems [2a] with T shaped junction edges [2c] fixes the intraocular lens in the sulcus in absence of the capsular bag and without suture to the sclera.

3. The single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hole [2d] near the slot [2b] in the optic element [1] facilitates the surgeon to observe for exact orientation of the intraocular lens [100] when placed in the cartridge before its implantation.

4. The single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] as claimed in claim 1 is provided with angulation [4] between the optic [1] and the haptic [2] which prevents rubbing of posterior surface of the iris thus helping in pupil dilatation and reduce post operative inflammation.

5. The single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hole [2d] near the slot [2b] helps to dial and position the secondary Aphakia intraocular lens to the normal natural lens anatomical position.

6. The single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] as claimed in claim 5, wherein the positioning of the secondary Aphakia intraocular lens facilitates to adopt same dioptric power value calculated during the biometry calculation done for the normal posterior chamber intraocular lens power.

7. The single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] as claimed in claim 5, wherein the slot [2b] helps in allowing the passage of the aqueous and thus prevents the chance of angle closure Glaucoma and helps in flexibility of the intraocular lens and gives stretchability to the intraocular lens.

8. The single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] as claimed in claim 1 is made from hydrophilic acrylic material.

9. The single piece T shaped flexible haptic foldable intraocular lens [100] as claimed in claim 1 is for single vision.