ABSTRACT
This chapter is inspired by US Patent 7,090,696, Surgical Correction of Human Eye Refractive Errors by Active Composite Artificial Muscle Implants. It is also published in pdf form: US000007090696B220060815 (https://www.pat2pdf.org" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">pat2pdf.org).
Eye refractive errors such as presbyopia, hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism can be corrected using either pre-tensioned or transcutaneously energized artificial muscle implants to change the axial length and anterior curvatures of the eye globe by bringing the retina/macula region to coincide with the focal point. The implants are scleral constrictor bands, segments, or ribs for inducing accommodation of a few diopters to correct refractive errors on demand or automatically. The implant comprises an active sphincter band encircling the sclera, implanted under the conjunctiva and under the extraocular muscles to uniformly constrict the eye globe, to induce active temporary myopia (hyperopia) by increasing (decreasing) the length and curvature of the globe. Multiple and specially designed constrictor bands enable surgeons to correct astigmatism. The artificial muscles comprise materials such as composite Magnetic Shape Memory (MSM), heat shrink, Shape 170Memory Alloy (SMA)-silicone rubber, electroactive ionic polymeric artificial muscles, or electrochemically contractile ionic polymers bands.
