APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING A NUMBER OF EYE CONDITIONS OF A USER INCLUDING DRY EYE SYNDROME AND/OR BURNS TO THE EYES

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for treating a number of eye conditions of a user including dry eye syndrome or burns to the eyes. The apparatus include a pair of protective close fitting glasses flexibly connected to form a goggle to securely cover a pair of eyes of the user, a frame structure including input means is provided around the pair of protective close fitting glasses, one or more diffuser in fluid communication with the frame structure to provide heat, moisture content and the medications to the eyes of the user, and one or more mode selector means configured on the diffuser, and/or provided as a controller for selecting a desired operational mode for providing a desired amount of heat, moisture and the medication to the eyes of the user to treat the number of eye conditions including dry eye syndrome or burns to the eyes.

Claims

1. An apparatus 100 for treating a plurality of eye conditions of a user including dry eye syndrome or burns to the eyes comprises: a pair of protective close fitting glasses 104 flexibly connected to form a goggle 102 to securely cover a pair of eyes of the user; a frame structure 106 provided around the pair of protective close fitting glasses 104, wherein the frame structure 106 includes at least one input means associated with the goggles for providing heat, moisture content and at least one medication to the eyes of the user; at least one diffuser 108 in fluid communication with the frame structure 106 to provide heat, moisture content and the at least one medication to the eyes of the user; at least one mode selector means 108a, 108b configured on at least one of the diffuser 108, and as a hand held controller for selecting at least one desired operational mode; and characterized in that the apparatus 100 enables the users to select a desired mode of operation for providing a desired amount of heat, moisture and the at least one medication to the eyes of the user to treat the plurality of eye conditions including dry eye syndrome or burns to the eyes.

2. The apparatus 100 of claim 1 wherein the pair of protective close fitting glasses 104 is connected using a flexible central connector to form the goggles 102, wherein the flexible central connector includes passages for delivering moisture content and at least one medication to the eyes of the user.

3. The apparatus 100 of claim 1 wherein the input means of the frame structure 106 attached to the pair of protective close fitting glasses 104 leads to a plurality of passages for passing the moisture content, at least one fluid and the at least one medication from the diffuser 108 to the eyes of the user.

4. The apparatus 100 of claim 1 wherein the input means is utilized to deliver saline to the goggles 102, wherein the saline delivered through the goggles 102 provides desired moisture content to the eyes of the user.

5. The apparatus 100 of claim 1 wherein the diffuser 108 stores the saline, the at least one fluid and the medications and delivers to the goggles 102 through the input means and the plurality of passages associated with the frame structure 106 attached to the goggles 102.

6. The apparatus 100 of claim 1 wherein the diffuser 108 is electrically powered to provide saline, the at least one fluid and the medications to the goggles 102, wherein the saline, the at least one fluid and the medications supplied from the diffuser 108 provide heat and moisture in form of saline to the eyes of the user.

7. The apparatus 100 of claim 1 wherein the mode selector means 108a, 108b allows the users to select the at least one operational mode including an intense mode and a standard mode.

8. The apparatus 100 of claim 7 wherein the intense mode provides additional heat and moisture in form of saline supply to the eyes of the user.

9. The apparatus 100 of claim 1, wherein the frame structure 106 comprising a first part 106a, and a second part 106b that engages together.

10. A method of treating a plurality of eye conditions of a user including dry eye syndrome or burns to the eyes includes the steps of: providing a goggle 102 having a pair of protective close fitting glasses 104 surrounded using a frame structure 106, wherein the frame structure 106 includes at least one input means for receiving moisture content and at least one medication, wherein the frame structure 106 includes a plurality of passages for providing moisture content and at least one medication received through the input means to the eyes of the user; providing a diffuser 108 having at least one fluid, at least one substance for providing moisture content and at least one medication; allowing the user to connect the diffuser 108 to the input means of the frame structure 106 using at least one flexible connecting means; allowing the users to wear the goggles 102 and to select at least one mode of operation using at least one mode selector means 108a, 108b provided configured on at least one the diffuser 108, and as a hand held controller; connecting the diffuser 108 to a power supply means for supplying moisture content and the at least one medication to the eyes of the user; and characterized in that the moisture content and the at least one medication provides heat and moisture content to the eyes of the user to treat the plurality of eye conditions including dry eye syndrome or burns to the eyes.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the mode selector means 108a, 108b allows the users to select the at least one operational mode including an intense mode and a standard mode.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein selection of the intense mode provides additional heat and moisture in form of saline supply to the eyes of the user compared to standard mode.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the frame structure 106 of the goggles 102 is flexible and elastic to allow the users to wear the goggles 102 for extended period of time at night and during sleeping.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. There is shown in the drawings example embodiments, however, the application is not limited to the specific system and method disclosed in the drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a simple diagrammatic representation of the arrangement of the present system or apparatus for providing heat, moisture content and medications to the eyes of the user and thereby treating a variety of eye conditions of the user including dry eye syndrome or burns to the eyes, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the goggle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart showing the steps for providing heat and moisture content to the eyes of the user and for treating the eye conditions of a user including dry eye syndrome or burns to the eyes, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0029] The present invention relates to a system and an apparatus for treating a variety of eye conditions common among people including dry eye syndrome, burns to the eyes. The present system and apparatus is also developed to provide comfort in form of desired amount of heat and moisture content around the eyes of the users. This helps to control the loss of natural tears generated by the glands associated with the eyes of the user. Also the control of heat and humidity or moisture content around the eyes of the user maintains the fluid present in the eyes of the user and thereby improves the overall health of the eyes of the user. The present apparatus can also be utilized to continuously provide specific medications to the eyes of the user. This helps in treating a variety of eye diseases and other eye conditions such as the dry eye syndrome associated with the users.

[0030] The various features and embodiments of the method, apparatus or system for treating the variety of eye diseases and other eye conditions such as the dry eye syndrome, burns to the eyes associated with the users will now be explained in conjunction with the description of FIGS. 1-3.

[0031] Referring to FIG.1, illustrates a simple diagrammatic representation of the arrangement of the present apparatus or system 100 for providing heat, moisture content and medications to the eyes of the user and thereby treating a variety of eye conditions of the user including dry eye syndrome, burns to the eyes. As shown, the apparatus or system 100 includes a goggle 102 to securely cover a pair of eyes of the user, and a diffuser 108 in fluid communication with the goggle 102 for delivering heat, moisture content and medications to the eyes of the user.

[0032] As shown in FIG.2, a pair of protective close fitting glasses 104 may be flexibly connected to form a goggle 102 to securely cover the pair of eyes of the user. The pair of close fitting glasses 104 is connected to a frame structure 106 (particularly to a first part 106a of the frame structure 106) using flexible central connector to form the goggles 102. A semi flexible frame structure 106 including the first part 106a, and a second part 106b is provided around the pair of protective close fitting glasses 104. The frame structure 106 attaches to the edges of the glasses 104 and forms the skeleton of the goggles 102. As seen, the frame structure 106 is formed of two parts 106a, 106b, wherein the part 106b of the frame structure 106 engages inside the groove (not shown) formed at the back of the part 106a. As seen, the part 106a of the frame structure 106 may also have provisions 107 on the two sides for attaching a strap 109 that may go over the user's head in order to hold the goggle 102 in place, when the goggle 102 is in use. According to some other embodiment, the frame structure 106 may be formed as a single piece structure.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the glasses 104 are made up of plastic or fiber material, which is lightweight and transparent. In some other instances, the glasses 104 are made of silica material and are transparent to provide clear vision. In all the instances, the close fitting glasses 104 are capable of delivering the heat and moisture content or medications to the eyes of the user, without obstructing the view of the user. In some other instances, the glasses 104 are made of flexible transparent material, which allows the users to easily handle the goggles 102 for storage, during wearing and during travel.

[0034] The frame structure 106 further includes one or more input means (not shown) associated with the goggles 102 for providing heat, moisture content and at least one medication to the eyes of the user. The input means of the frame structure 106 attached to the pair of protective close fitting glasses 104 leads to the number of passages for delivering the moisture content, other fluids and the medications from the diffuser 108 to the eyes of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the frame structure 106 is made from flexible synthetic materials such as rubber or polyurethane, which is comfortable for the user.

[0035] In some embodiment, the pair of protective close fitting glasses 104 is connected to the frame structure 106 using the flexible central connector to form the goggles 102 and the flexible central connector may include passages for delivering moisture content and medications to the eyes of the user. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that, the scope of present invention is not limited to shape and size of the goggle 102.

[0036] Referring back to FIG.1, the diffuser 108 in fluid communication with the frame structure 106 to provide moisture content and medications to the eyes of the user is shown. The diffuser 108 is electrically powered and may include a power cord 108c for providing an electrical connection. In some embodiment, the diffuser 108 may be battery powered. The diffuser 108 is connected to the goggles 102 using a flexible connector 110. The flexible connector 110 allows the passage of moisture contents, heat and other medications stored in the diffuser 108 to the frame structure 106 associated with the goggles 102. It is preferable to use a transparent flexible connector 110.

[0037] According to the embodiment, the diffuser 108 may include one or more mode selector means 108a, 108b configured thereon. The mode selector means 108a, 108b enable the user to select an operational mode for supplying the moisture contents, heat and other medications to the eyes of the user. In some embodiment, the mode selector means 108a, 108b may be embodied or configured on the frame structure 106 instead of on the diffuser 108. In some other embodiment, the mode selector means 108a, 108b may be provided in the form of a hand held controller. In a preferred embodiment, the mode selector means 108a, 108b is provided as push buttons or rotating switches which controls the opening of the input means for supplying saline, fluids and other medications to the eyes of the user after passing through the passages inside the frame structure 106.

[0038] The present apparatus/system 100 enables the users to select a desired mode of operation for providing a desired amount of heat, moisture and the medication to the eyes of the user for a desired period of time to treat the variety of eye conditions including dry eye syndrome or burns to the eyes. The mode selector means 108a, 108b configured on the diffuser 108 allows the users to select the operational modes including an intense mode and a standard mode for supplying desired amount of heat and moisture to the eyes of the user. The normal mode provides regular amount of heat and moisture content supply to the eyes of the user and the intense mode provides additional heat and moisture in form of saline supply to the eyes of the user.

[0039] Referring to FIG.1 and FIG. 2, as discussed above, the frame structure 106 surrounding the close fitting glasses 104 includes the input means for allowing the passage of moisture contents, heat and other medications stored in the diffuser 108, through the flexible connector 110, to the passages inside the frame structure 106. The flexible connector 110 can be removably attached to the input means of the frame structure 106.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the input means is utilized to deliver saline to the goggles 102. The saline delivered through the goggles 102 worn by the user provides desired moisture content to the eyes of the user, thereby preventing dry eye condition of the user. In some embodiments of the present apparatus 100, the diffuser 108 stores the saline, the fluid and the medications and delivers to the goggles 102 through the input means and the passages associated with the frame structure 106 attached to the close fitting glasses 104 of the goggles 102. The diffuser 108 is electrically powered to provide saline, the fluids and the medications to the goggles 102. The saline, fluids and the medications supplied from the diffuser 108 provide heat and moisture in form of saline to the eyes of the user.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3 shows a flowchart showing the steps for providing heat and moisture content to the eyes of the user for treating various eye conditions of a user including dry eye syndrome and/or burns to the eyes. The method starts at a step 302 that describes providing the goggle 102 having a pair of protective close fitting glasses 104 surrounded using the frame structure 106.

[0042] The method further includes a step 304 that describes providing the diffuser 108 having the fluid, saline or any other substance for providing moisture content and one or more medications.

[0043] The method further includes a step 306 that describes the user's ability to manually connect the diffuser 108 to the input means of the frame structure 106 using the flexible connector 110 having hollow interior for passing the fluid, saline or any other substance and providing moisture content and one or more medications stored in the diffuser 108. The input means (not shown) preferably includes a controllable valve, which can be controlled using the mode selector means 108a, 108a by the user. As discussed above, mode selector means 108a, 108b may be configured on the diffuser 108, or alternatively as a separate controller or configured on the frame structure 106. This allows the users to control the flow of the fluid, saline or any other substance for providing moisture content and one or more medications passing through the number of passages present inside the frame structure 106 of the goggles 102.

[0044] The method further includes a step 308 that describes the user's ability to wear the goggles 102 and can select a mode of operation using the mode selector switch or mode selector means 108a, 108b.

[0045] The method further includes a step 310 that describes connecting the diffuser 108 to a power supply means for supplying moisture content and the medication to the eyes of the user. The diffuser 108 generates steam of desired temperature and saline content and delivers through the flexible connector 110 to the frame structure 106, from where the contents are passed through the passages to the glasses 104 and around the eyes of the user. This helps to receive proper heat and moisture content around the eyes of the user and helps to treat the number of eye conditions including dry eye syndrome or burns to the eyes. The frame structure 106 of the goggles 102 is preferably made flexible and elastic to allow the users to wear for extended period of time at night and during sleeping.

[0046] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0047] Although the embodiments herein are described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the invention with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.