HYDRO-CONTACT LENS

Abstract

An eye treatment device includes the following: a goggle frame, having at least one cavity, configured to surround and be spaced from an eye; a corrective lens along a face of the goggle frame; and an inlet formed in an upper portion of the goggle frame, the inlet fluidly communicating the cavity to an external environment; further including: a sealing material along a perimeter of the goggle frame for forming a hermetical seal against skin around a socket of the eye, wherein the sealing material is a portion of a suction cup; and further including a tapered stopper for fluidly sealing the inlet, wherein the corrective lens is made from gas permeable material.

Claims

1. An eye treatment device comprising: a goggle frame, having at least one cavity, configured to surround and be spaced from an eye; a corrective lens along a face of the goggle frame; and an inlet formed in an upper portion of the goggle frame, the inlet fluidly communicating the cavity to an external environment.

2. The eye treatment device of claim 1, further comprising: a sealing material along a perimeter of the goggle frame for forming a hermetical seal against skin around a socket of the eye.

3. The eye treatment device of claim 2, wherein the sealing material is a portion of a suction cup.

4. The eye treatment device of claim 3, further comprising: a tapered stopper for fluidly sealing the inlet.

5. The eye treatment device of claim 4, wherein the corrective lens is made from gas permeable material having a thickness of approximately 0.70 millimeters.

6. The eye treatment device of claim 5, wherein a distance between a distance between a back surface of the corrective lens and a front of a of the eye is selected as function of a radius of curvature of the corrective lens.

7. A method of treating dry eye syndrome, the method comprising: providing the eye treatment device of claims 1; and filling the cavity with a fluid by way of the inlet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a top rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded top front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a strap 7 of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a bridge 6 of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a corrective screen 1 of the present invention. Illustrating the he radius of curvature R, the diameter A, and the height A of the corrective screen 1.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a lateral view of an exemplary embodiment of a frame 2 of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a superior view of an exemplary embodiment of the frame 2 of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the frame 2 of the present invention, taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

[0027] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a rubber gasket 8 of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the frame 2 of the present invention, taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 11.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a superior view of an exemplary embodiment of the suction cup 5 of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing the formation of the liquid chamber/cavity around the eye 11 of the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0032] Broadly, the present invention includes an eye treatment device includes the following: a goggle frame 2, having at least one cavity, configured to surround and be spaced from an eye; a corrective lens along a face 22 of the goggle frame; and an inlet formed in an upper portion of the goggle frame, the inlet fluidly communicating the cavity to an external environment; further including: a sealing material 54 along a perimeter of the goggle frame for forming a hermetical seal against skin around a socket of the eye, wherein the sealing material is a portion of a suction cup; and further including a tapered stopper for fluidly sealing the inlet, wherein the corrective lens is made from gas permeable material having a thickness of approximately 0.70 millimeters, wherein a distance between a distance between a back surface of the corrective lens and a front of a of the eye is selected as function of a radius of curvature of the corrective lens.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 12, the hydro-contact lens assembly 100 of the present invention may include one or two gas permeable corrective screens 1, each corrective screen 1 dimensioned and adapted to correct diopters. Each gas permeable corrective screen 1 has a form and shape determined by the carving of the material on its external face, as well as by the water exchange of its internal base curvature. This material may vary in diameter and permeability. Each gas permeable corrective screen 1 has a thickness of approximately 0.70 millimeters. Each gas permeable corrective screen 1 is made from material, such as polycarbonate material, providing ultraviolet protection. Each gas permeable corrective screen 1 is removable for cleaning.

[0034] The hydro-contact lens assembly 100 may include a separate frame 2 to which each gas permeable corrective screen 1 is fixed by way of a rubber gasket 8. The rubber gasket 8 may be dimensioned and adapted to hermetically or fluidly fixing the corrective screen assembly 1 on the frame 2. It also hermetically seals the liquid contents within the liquid chamber formed anteriorly around the eyeball of the human user. The rubber gasket 8 may be made of one hundred percent (100%) silicone material.

[0035] Each frame 2 may provide one or more auxiliary inputs/inlets 3. Each auxiliary inputs 3 is a filling port located on the upper outer edge of the frame 2, with respect to each eye socket. The function of these inlets 3 is to enable practitioners to urge the solution or doses of medication (e.g., during ophthalmic medical treatments), thus ensuring that they are not lost at the time of placement.

[0036] A closing plug 4 may be provided to close (plug) the auxiliary inlet 3. The closing plugs tapered geometry facilitates a fluid seal forming at the inlet 3. The closing plug 4 may be one hundred percent (100%) silicone material and conform to the plateau.

[0037] A suction cup 5 may be connected to the frame 2 proximal the gas permeable corrective screen assembly 1. Both the suction cup 5 and the frame 2 may provide complementary channels 58 and 28, respectively, for facilitating the interface of the suction cup 5 to the frame 2. The channel 58 of the suction cup 5 is provided by an interfacing portion 56.

[0038] The suction cup 5 is dimensioned and adapted to adhere to the skin adjacent to the eye sockets and under pressure maintains the seal to define a liquid chamber 10 anterior the eyeball of the human user, wherein liquid is kept inside the liquid chamber 10 without liquid leakage occurring. The use of suction cups 5 avoids exposure to chemical residues resulting from the use of adhesives for adhesion to the skin. The suction cups 5 for the hydro-contact lens assembly 100 will be designed for liquid containment, and the skirts 52 of the suction cups adhere to the facial surface, both internally and externally, very different from the design of diving or swimming masks.

[0039] A bridge 6 may join two frames 2 and may be made of one hundred percent (100%) silicone material and must be elastic. It is understood that the hydro-contact lens assembly 100 contemplates the use of only one corrective lens 1 and cooperating frame 2, analogous to an eye patch embodiment.

[0040] A strap 7 engages the opposing frames 2 for selectively adjusting around the pressurized head to keep the liquid chamber 10 in the correct position. The strap 7 may be made of one hundred percent (100%) silicone material and must be elastic. The relationship between the corrective shield 1 and its mounting frame 2 contemplates the vertex distance (the distance between the back surface of a corrective lens 1 and the front of the cornea) and the presence of fluid therebetween influencing the dioptric correction. This is directly related to the rubber gaskets, which directly influence the calculation of the angles and distances in front of the eyeball, which allows the support and the liquid content within the liquid chamber 10. These three components are directly related to vision or visual function, and the liquid content to the refraction of light. The relationship of the auxiliary inlets 3 with the frame is to allow the liquid to be poured in such a way that it does not spill, it is recommended that this be done in a vertical position, to achieve the most optimal liquid containment. The relationship of the plug and the auxiliary inlets is to pressurize and depressurize the hydro-contact eyeglass from the atmospheric pressure against the liquid content, releasing the atmospheric pressure of the instrument adhered to the eye at the moment of removing it, even avoiding a liquid drainage or liquid precipitation towards the nasolacrimal duct (explained by the Boyle-Mariotte Law), thus generating more guarantees for the visual health.

[0041] Likewise, the stopper 4 prevents the entry of external agents that may contaminate the solution, such as: mites, dust, bacteria, viruses, foreign bodies and natural evaporation, thus avoiding a higher saline concentration (where the liquid content becomes denser). The cap also prevents, in the event of an impact, the generation of atmospheric shock pressure when the goggle is removed. The plug 4 has a diameter and adjustment ratio in relation to the auxiliary inlet 3, since it has an adjustable base that hermetically seals the liquid containment and is easily released by turning or direct insertion. The bridge is interchangeable and is directly related to the frame, since it allows the frame to be anchored.

[0042] The bridge 6 collaborates in the adjustment of the shields and suction cups 5, in a more anatomical position of adhesion to the ocular cavity. Likewise, the bridge 6 enables effective and decisive adjustment due to its interchangeability capacity (change of sizes) for making selectively adjustments in view of the pupillary distance; however, these calculations are made previously before assembly, but there is a freedom of adjustment with the bridge 6 that enables such selective adjustment. Also, the bridge 6 has a direct relationship with the suction cups 5 and the frame 2, making the suction cups 5 mold to the facial vault in a strong way, given the fact that they are anchored to the frame 2. The straps 7 are related to the anchor and the frame and are responsible for the compression required to achieve liquid containment through the suction cups 5 and facial vault or cavity defined by the frame 2 and possibly the suction cup 5 that seals against the skin, around the eye sockets.

[0043] Facial cavity/liquid chamber 10 bonding connection by way of sealing material (in certain embodiment, the material along the periphery of a skirt 52 of the suction cup 5). Relatedly, the skirts 52 that are projected at an outward and inward angle. The design geometry allows the liquid containment space to be reduced in a more usable way and avoids a displacement zone of liquid leakage.

[0044] The present invention embodies a method of fixing the corrective screen component on the frame base and on the fixing rubber seals. The mounting of the corrective screen can be adjusted to the distance to the vertex. It is required to calculate the panoramic angle, pantoscopic angle and facial angle prior to mounting, since it is not advisable to adjust afterwards, as this instrument contains liquid, and any possibility of solution spillage must be avoided.

[0045] A liquid chamber 10 is the product of the process of properly wearing the hydro-contact lens assembly 100. The liquid chamber's function is to contain the liquid and it is the corrective medium. This structure is like a screen of an atmospheric isolation telescope.

[0046] One of many filling systems are contemplated by the present invention as long as liquid is urged into the liquid cavity, be it gravity-urged through the filler neck or otherwise. It is recommended to tilt the head slightly backwards to avoid air spaces, then each inlet is closed. This process does not generate an additional variant of ocular pressure.

[0047] The sealing plug 4 functions to close (plug) the auxiliary inputs 3. The sealing plug 4 is easy to locate by touch and canalizes the solution filling due to its geometry.

[0048] Distance to the corrective screen vertex: the distance to the vertex will generally be as close to the eye as possible (without having physical contact with the eyelids) can be adjusted by tightening and loosening of the strap 7.

[0049] A method of making the present invention may include the following. A manufacture would understand that the hydro-contact lens assembly 100 is not for generic use, and so must be custom made for each person depending on their visual condition, and only a technician specialized in optometry and contact lens, with the given specifications of the invention, optical health management, training and optometric calculations, could adapt it.

[0050] The material used for the permeable corrective screen assembly 1 is a critical element, but it can also be improved by increasing the permeability with the use of another material that will improve the existing oxygen transmissibility.

[0051] The only way to be able to shuffle, exchange or reconfigure some element or component of the invention, would be to improve the initial design of the prototype, that goes more in line with the anatomy, as well as at the manufacturing level, to be able to have access to materials of permeable characteristics of larger diameters for the corrective screen 1 that allows a larger field of view. The present invention contemplates the structure or frame 2 to be attached to the facial vault or eyelids without using the components of the suction cup, bridge, and strap as they are thought in the initial prototype.

[0052] A method of suing the present invention may include the following. First, the user may disassemble the corrective shields for cleaning and wash them thoroughly with products recommended for the contact lens industry for gas permeable materials. Second, the user must wash the structure or frame very well, preferably with water and hypoallergenic soap. Third, the user rinses with plenty of water, both the corrective screens and the frame (steps one and two). Fourth, the user may remove the sealing plugs. Fifth, the user may install the corrective screens on the structure. Sixth, the user may place the assembled structure around the head in the primary gaze position. It is very important that the user removes the closing caps beforehand. Seventh, the user may adjust the suction cups around the eye sockets, fastening correctly by means of an elastic strap to the head, with sufficient pressure so that there is no leakage during liquid filling. Eighth, the user may pour the isotonic solution from the upper part through the auxiliary inlets, once the liquid chamber 10 is full, it is recommended to wait a few minutes (subject to clinical studies) for further thermal compensation of the solution and close the filling inlets with the closing plugs. Ninth, once the device is in place, the user may verify that it is filled with the solution and that it is securely fastened. If necessary, the user may have to tilt the head slightly backwards or sideways to level the filling of the solution. Tenth, the times of use will be at the discretion of the physician by subsequent clinical studies, which will determine the most appropriate recommendations. Eleventh, before removing the hydro-contact lens assembly 100's seal material/suction cup 5, each auxiliary inlet must be opened to release the pressure before removal.

[0053] Additionally, the present invention was devised for the field of visual health, originally aimed at correcting atypical visual defects, as well as affections of the visual organ. It is feasible that its elements or parts can be fabricated through the direction of a computer with the appropriate technology. However, the realization of each device is customized for everyone, and at no time can it be of standardized manufacture.

[0054] As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. And the term “substantially” refers to up to 80% or more of an entirety. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0055] For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “above” generally means superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “mechanical communication” generally refers to components being in direct physical contact with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each other where movement of one component affect the position of the other.

[0056] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0057] In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0058] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.