Programmable patterning and masking array for corneal collagen crosslinking
Inventors
Cooper, Frank George • Lopath, Patrick David
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10548773-B1
Publication Date
2020-02-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present application relates generally to a method for vision correction using corneal collagen crosslinking (“CCXL”), in which the physician is able to precisely control the pattern of ultraviolet (“UV”) energy delivered to the cornea, by means of a programmable masking array placed between the UV source and the cornea. A CCXL LCD masked is used to create various patterns of “on” and “off” pixels. The physician is able to control the degree of polarization of the LCD pixels, thereby allowing the physician to create various patterns of UV irradiation and thus, varying levels of CCXL.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an apparatus adapted to rest on an anterior surface of an eye of a subject. The apparatus includes an optical scattering element mounted to the structure and a thin array of LCD pixels mounted to the structure so that light energy can pass through the LCD pixels to the cornea of the eye to stimulate corneal crosslinking. The document describes programmable masking of the light energy delivered to the cornea using the LCD pixel array, including real-time programmable on/off patterns and varying crosslinking levels.
The document further describes using polarization control with the LCD pixel array, including a polarization structure that is sandwiched between two orthogonal polarizers. By controlling the polarization and transmission through the LCD pixels, the apparatus can create customizable patterns over space and time for stimulation of corneal collagen crosslinking (CCXL). The light energy delivery is described as being delivered from a UV source with the programmable masking array positioned between the UV source and the cornea.
The document also addresses delivery and alignment considerations for the cornea, including options for standoff versus on-eye UV delivery, and mitigation of parallax through thin internal reflective light guides and collimators. It further describes additional optical-conditioning approaches such as microlouver privacy filter, reflective polarizer, and brightness enhancer film including orthogonal prism arrays. Control and communication of pixel addressing and intensity are described via an on-lens ASIC and serial data delivery over an optical fiber, or via electrical leads or wireless near-field power/information transfer including loop antenna communication and near-field communication.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers an eye-resting apparatus using a thin LCD pixel array positioned to pass light energy through the pixels to the cornea to stimulate corneal crosslinking. Across related dependents, the claims add inventive features including polarization conditioning with orthogonal polarizers, optical collimation, selective pixel light transmission controlled by a controller that applies voltages, and responsive control based on information conveyed by optical fiber or wireless communication, including circuit control linked to received modulated light information and/or wireless information.
Eye-resting structure with corneal crosslinking through thin LCD pixel array
A structure adapted to rest on an anterior surface of an eye of a subject, with an optical scattering element mounted to the structure and a thin array of LCD pixels mounted to the structure so that light energy can pass through the LCD pixels to the cornea of the eye to stimulate corneal crosslinking.
Polarization conditioning with two orthogonal polarizers
Two orthogonal polarizers placed on opposite sides of an array of LCD pixels.
Controller applying voltages to selectively control pixel light transmission
A controller connected to LCD pixels that selectively applies voltages to control light transmission through the pixels.
Optical fiber delivering modulated light to a scattering element with pixel control responsive to fiber information
An optical fiber delivering modulated light to a scattering element and a mounted circuit that controls light transmission through pixels responsive to the modulated light information transmitted via the fiber.
Collimator mounted on the structure
A collimator mounted on the structure.
Wireless communication responsive pixel light transmission control
A circuit that controls light transmission through pixel sensors based on information received via wireless communication.
Overall, the claims cover an eye-mounted programmable optical masking approach using a thin LCD pixel array positioned to pass light to the cornea for corneal crosslinking, optionally conditioned by orthogonal polarizers and collimation, with pixel transmission controlled by a controller that applies voltages and, in refinements, with control responsive to information conveyed via optical fiber or wireless communication.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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