| abstract |
The compound intraocular lens ("CIOL") of the present invention includes a preexisting lens within the eye (which can be either of the crystalline lens of the eye, a conventional IOL or a base lens of a multi-component IOL) used as a platform for support (i.e., the "support lens") a cap situated on the support lens, and a sandwich lens which is sandwiched between the support lens and the cap lens. Utilizing a pre-existing implanted IOL or the crystalline lens of the eye, a surgeon can modify a patient's vision characteristics merely by utilizing the cap and sandwich lenses in conjunction with the pre-existing implanted IOL or the crystalline lens of the eye. The CIOL has several enhanced features: (1) it can be configured as a monofocal, multi-focal, tri-focal or bifocal optical system; (2) it can be configured to correct astigmatism, if desired; (3) it can be comprised of ultraviolet light-absorbing material; (4) it can be comprised of tinted materials if desired; and (5) the components may be comprised of chemically-treated materials to decrease their cellular reactivity. |