Apparatuses and methods for treating ophthalmic diseases and disorders
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12508349-B2
Publication Date
2025-12-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention relates generally to the fields of biology and health sciences. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating cellular physiology and pathological processing using a combination of compounds that can be found in amniotic membrane tissue and umbilical cord tissue preparations.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to ophthalmic apparatuses for treating diseases or disorders of an eye. The apparatus is inserted onto a surface of the eye of a patient in need thereof and includes one or more circular flexible tubular structures comprising a groove at its perimeter, and at least one sheet attached to the groove and stretched across the one or more circular flexible tubular structures.
The apparatus is configured to interact with the eye surface and tear film to support therapeutic effects. Flexible circular or annular tubular structures can be positioned on the eye surface, including optionally in conjunctival fornices, to deepen a tear reservoir and induce blinking. Porous inlet and porous outlet features can be included so that, when contacted with tears, the tubular structures form an osmotic pump, and the tubular structures can dissolve in tears to enable delivery of therapeutic agents.
Therapeutic agents and tissue preparations can be delivered using the tubular structures and/or attached sheets. Stated effects include increased tissue sensation, increased blinking and tear frequency, nerve growth and regeneration, reduced inflammation, increased tear breakup time, increased tear osmolarity, reduced corneal straining, and improved Schirmer’s test. Optional electrical stimulation to eyelid muscles is also described, together with illustrative fastening and frictional engagement concepts between an annular groove and an amniotic membrane sheet.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim. The independent claim focuses on the apparatus structure defined by insertion onto an eye surface, circular flexible tubular structures with a perimeter groove, and a sheet attached to the groove and stretched across the tubular structures, with dependent claims refining additional functional and structural features.
Apparatus inserted onto an eye surface with circular flexible tubular structures and attached stretched sheet
An apparatus for treating diseases or disorders of an eye by insertion onto a surface of the eye, comprising one or more circular flexible tubular structures having a groove at its perimeter, and at least one sheet attached to the groove and stretched across the one or more circular flexible tubular structures to treat diseases or disorders of the eye.
Circular flexible tubular structures configured to dissolve upon contact with tears
The apparatus includes one or more circular flexible tubular structures configured to dissolve upon contact with tears in the patient’s eye.
Porous inlet and porous outlet in circular flexible tubular structures
The apparatus is configured so the one or more circular flexible tubular structures include at least one porous inlet and at least one porous outlet.
Osmotic pump formed by porous inlet and porous outlet upon tear contact
The apparatus includes porous inlet(s) and porous outlet(s) that, when contacted with tears in a patient's eye, together form an osmotic pump.
Therapeutic agent sheets covering an opening defined by the tubular structures
The apparatus includes one or more therapeutic agent sheets that cover about 25% to about 100% of the opening defined by an outer circumference of one or more circular flexible tubular structures.
Circular flexible tubular structure length constraint
The apparatus includes one or more circular flexible tubular structures having a length of about 0.5 cm to about 15 cm.
Overall, the claim set is centered on inserting circular flexible tubular structures onto an eye surface with a perimeter groove and a sheet attached and stretched across the tubular structures. Dependent claim refinements add tear-contact dissolution, porous inlet/outlet features forming an osmotic pump, therapeutic agent sheet coverage constraints, and specified tubular length ranges.
Stated Advantages
Increased tissue sensation.
Increased blinking and tear frequency.
Nerve growth and nerve regeneration.
Reduced inflammation.
Increased tear breakup time.
Increased tear osmolarity.
Reduced corneal straining.
Improved Schirmer’s test.
Documented Applications
Treating dry eye and other eye disorders, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).
Inducing blinking and increasing tear reservoir depth.
Delivering therapeutic agents and tissue preparations for eye disorder treatment.
Using an apparatus configured with porous inlet/outlet features forming an osmotic pump upon tear contact.
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