| abstract |
A method of implanting an artificial lens within an eye. The method includes providing a collapsible lens mold comprised of a transparent, flexible sheath which defines a cavity bounded by opposite anterior and posterior portions of the sheath. The sheath portions are each preformed so that the cavity has a predetermined lenticular shape when the cavity is filled with a flowable material. The mold further includes a tubule connected to the sheath and communicating with the cavity for providing a conduit for a flowable material to be injected into the cavity. The mold is inserted in a collapsed condition into an eye so that the tubule is accessible to a tool for injecting a flowable material into the cavity. A lenticular material is provided which has a first state in which the material is flowable and a second state in which the material is shape retaining and has a desired refractive index. The material changes from the first state to the second state under conditions extant within the eye. The material is injected into the cavity of the sheath through the tubule until the cavity is filled. The material assumes the shape determined by the preformed portions of the sheath. Thereafter the material is allowed to change from the first state to the second state, thereby retaining the shape determined by the preformed portions of the sheath and forming an optical lens having a power determined by the shape of the sheath and the refractive index of the material. |