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Publication Number
US-12751707-B2
Publication Date
2026-10-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described herein is a device for performing scleral depression. The device can include a ring and one or more arms protruding from the ring. The ring can define an opening over an eye and include a handle protruding away from the one or more arms. The opening can have a diameter that is at least 6 to 8 millimeters (mm) long. The one or more arms can be configured to be disposed over a globe of the eye for controllable depression of a sclera of the eye. Uniform pressure can be applied to the sclera by depression features at a distal end of each of the one or more arms.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a device for scleral depression comprising a ring defining an opening and at least three arms protruding from the ring. The arms are equidistantly positioned around the circumference, curve to conform to the globe of an eye, and extend radially inward so that their distal ends lie inside the ring's inner circumference. The arms are configured to be disposed over the globe for controllable depression of the sclera.
In described embodiments, distal depression features apply pressure to the sclera and may take the form of a knob, semispherical knob, or arched bar; an illumination source and a rotation handle are also described. The device is described as enabling hands-free depression while preserving surgical access and visualization. The provided partial content does not include the background section, so the problem stated in that section is not explicitly described.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims include three independent claims, each covering a scleral-depression device. Their inventive features concern the configuration of the ring and arms, distal pressure-applying features, and a handle for rotating the device.
Ring and conforming arms for controllable scleral depression
Claim 1 recites a ring defining an opening with a diameter of 6 to 8 mm and at least three equidistantly positioned arms. Each arm curves to conform to the globe of an eye and extends radially inward so its distal end lies inside the ring's inner circumference; the arms are configured to be disposed over the globe for controllable depression of the sclera. Dependent claims specify arm materials and placement, depression-feature forms, illumination, and rotation.
Distal depression features for applying pressure to the sclera
Claim 17 recites a ring defining an opening with a diameter of about 6 to 8 mm and at least three equidistantly positioned, curved arms extending radially inward. A depression feature at the distal end of each arm applies pressure to the sclera to induce depression for ophthalmic procedures. Dependent claims specify equal arm lengths or a length difference between at least two arms.
Handle for rotating the device about the eye
Claim 20 recites a ring defining an opening with a diameter that is at least 6 to 8 mm and a handle for rotating the device about a vertical axis of an eye. At least three equidistantly positioned arms curve to conform to the globe and extend radially inward, with distal ends inside the ring's inner circumference; the arms are configured to be disposed over the globe for controllable depression of the sclera.
The three independent claims cover related scleral-depression devices: one emphasizes the ring and conforming arms, one adds distal features that apply pressure to the sclera, and one includes a handle for rotation about the eye's vertical axis.
Stated Advantages
The device enables hands-free depression while preserving surgical access and visualization.
Documented Applications
The device is described for controllable depression of the sclera for ophthalmic procedures.
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