Hyper-osmotic eye contact lens
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9097915-B2
Publication Date
2015-08-04
Expiration Date
2033-03-05
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Abstract
A hyper-osmotic contact lens including a contact lens including a central convex disc, a peripheral curved portion that extends radially from the disc, an annular groove formed at an interior junction of the disc and the peripheral curved portion, and one or more apertures formed in the groove.
Core Innovation
The present invention relates to a hyper-osmotic contact lens designed to treat an over-hydrated, edematous cornea by absorbing fluid through the force of an osmotic gradient. The lens includes a central convex disc and a peripheral curved portion extending radially from the disc. At the interior junction of these two parts is an annular groove, in which one or more apertures are formed. The inner volume of the lens, defined by the central convex disc, creates a hyper-osmotic chamber that causes fluid to flow from the cornea into the chamber by osmosis, thus dehydrating the cornea.
Unlike prior art such as U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,655, which describes a microcontainer-shaped hyper-osmotic lens with anterior and posterior walls and a selective water permeable membrane, this invention provides a different structure where the hyper-osmotic chamber is formed within the lens volume, especially the central convex disc, and can be either filled with a hyper-osmotic substance or initially empty. The design also incorporates apertures in the annular groove that help trap a salty tear film between the lens and cornea, increasing hyper-osmotic pressure and improving corneal dehydration efficacy.
The contact lens can be constructed with various parameters to fit just over the cornea or extend over the limbus, and it may be adapted to accommodate patient refraction by selecting appropriate refractive properties of materials and the hyper-osmotic substance. The lens may be used for various treatment durations, including daily and overnight treatment. Embodiments include a single lens or a dual-lens system with an anterior lens mounted over a posterior lens, both having the described structural features.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims covering different embodiments of the hyper-osmotic contact lens, detailing its structural design and composition.
Contact lens with central convex disc, peripheral curved portion, annular groove and apertures defining a hyper-osmotic chamber
The contact lens comprises a central convex disc, a peripheral curved portion extending radially from the disc, an annular groove at the interior junction of the disc and peripheral curved portion, and one or more apertures in the groove. The inner volume defined by the disc forms a hyper-osmotic chamber that creates an osmotic pressure gradient causing a net fluid flow from the cornea into the chamber by osmosis.
Contact lens comprising an anterior lens mounted over a posterior lens with corresponding structural features and tear film
The contact lens assembly includes an anterior lens mounted over a posterior lens, each having a central convex disc, a peripheral curved portion extending radially from the disc, an annular groove at the interior junction with one or more apertures, and a tear film on the posterior surface of the posterior lens.
The independent claims cover both a single hyper-osmotic contact lens with defined structural features forming a hyper-osmotic chamber and a dual-lens configuration with similar features and a tear film, with variations in curvature, hyper-osmotic substance inclusion, and material composition.
Stated Advantages
The lens creates an osmotic gradient that leads to fluid absorption from an edematous cornea, effectively dehydrating it.
The annular groove and apertures trap a salty tear film beneath the lens, increasing hyper-osmotic pressure and enhancing cornea dehydration.
The lens can be designed to fit various corneal sizes and shapes, including extending over the limbus, and can accommodate different treatment durations from daily to overnight.
The lens can include a hyper-osmotic substance or operate without one, improving versatility in treatment.
The lens can be constructed with materials that permit oxygen permeability and dimensional stability, aiding comfort and function.
The option to have a heavier bottom portion increases lens stability on the eye, reducing unwanted movement.
Documented Applications
Treatment of corneal edema by absorbing fluid from an over-hydrated, edematous cornea using osmotic pressure gradients created by the hyper-osmotic contact lens.
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