Programmable patterning and masking array for corneal collagen crosslinking

Inventors

Cooper, Frank George • Lopath, Patrick David

Assignees

TECLens LLC

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 relates to a CCXL vision-correction system that uses a programmable LCD masking array disposed near the cornea of an eye to shape real-time UV irradiation. A structure incorporates an LCD mask and an optically scattering element on an anterior surface of the eye so that the LCD mask is positioned near the cornea and disposed between the scattering element and the cornea. Light energy is applied to the cornea by directing light into the scattering element, where light scattered in the scattering element passes through the LCD mask to stimulate corneal crosslinking.

The LCD mask controls transmission of the light energy through individual pixel elements to control the pattern of light energy delivered to the cornea during the crosslinking procedure. By controlling LCD polarization and pixel-level transmission, the system creates variable UV irradiation patterns that can include annular myopia and hyperopia patterns and grid/butterfly patterns for astigmatism. The patterning enables individualized spatial and temporal control of the UV on/off and partially transmitting pixel patterns used to shape the delivered UV dose.

The document further describes implementing the programmable mask with stand-off UV sources or an on-eye UV delivery device, including edge-light/backlight UV delivery approaches. To address parallax, the system uses thin scattering light guides and optical collimators or microlouver privacy filters configured to limit viewing while maintaining delivery of the activated UV. Optional feedback/monitoring is described for crosslinking at multiple corneal points, together with example electronics for pixel driving and communications for controlling the LCD mask.

Claims Coverage

The independent claim set covers a vision-correction method using an LCD mask near the cornea in combination with an optically scattering element, where pixel-by-pixel transmission controls the delivered light-energy pattern to stimulate corneal crosslinking. The dependent claims further narrow pixel transmission behavior and optionally add monitoring of crosslinking degree at multiple points.

Overall, the claim coverage centers on placing an LCD mask near the cornea with an optically scattering element so that scattered light passes through the mask, and on controlling light-energy transmission through individual LCD pixel elements to deliver a controllable spatial pattern that stimulates corneal crosslinking, optionally including pixel-level transmit/block or varying transmission and monitoring crosslinking degree at multiple corneal points.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications

No documented applications found