Apparatus for phototherapy of the eye
Inventors
Cooper, Frank George • Lopath, Patrick David • Acker, David E. • Gershaw, David L.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9907698-B2
Publication Date
2018-03-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device and method for applying light to the cornea of the eye as, for example, to promote crosslinking of collagen in the cornea for vision correction. The device may include a structure having form and size similar to a conventional contact lens. The structure may include an optically dispersive element such as a mass of an optically dispersive material that may be contained in a cavity of a reflective element. Light applied to the dispersive mass as, for example, by an optical fiber connected to the structure is dispersed in the structure and passes into the cornea. The patient may blink or close the eye during the procedure, which increases patient comfort and aids in maintaining hydration of the cornea.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a device for phototherapy of an eye that directs light to an eye of a subject by using a thin contact-lens-like structure positioned over an exposed surface of the eye. The structure includes an optically scattering mass in the form of a disc or dome with an axis, and the scattering mass scatters at least a part of the light toward the eye. An inner surface of the structure corresponds to the shape of an exposed surface of the eye and faces in an inward direction.
The device further incorporates a reflector defining a reflective circumferential surface extending circumferentially around the axis and around an edge surface of the scattering mass. A reflective cap surface facing inward and a reflective ledge surface facing outward cooperatively define a loop-shaped cavity extending circumferentially around the axis. One or more optical fibers extend within the cavity in a direction transverse to the axis, and the reflector reflects light emitted from the optical fibers into the scattering mass toward the axis.
In embodiments, the disclosed system disperses UV and/or blue light into corneal tissue to enable collagen crosslinking, including light activation by riboflavin. The disclosure specifies scattering and irradiation performance using an extinction length ratio, and it supports patient comfort by allowing eyelid blinking and maintaining hydration through fluid control. Additional embodiments include patterned apertures and alternative reflector/dispersive geometries for different refractive conditions, along with embodiments that add photodetector-based dosimetry and wireless power control.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim uses a structured light-delivery architecture that combines a contact-lens-like geometry, an optically scattering disc or dome, and a surrounding reflector that defines a loop-shaped cavity for transverse fiber illumination. The claim set is grounded in multiple inventive features around the cooperation of the reflector surfaces, the scattering mass, and the optical fiber arrangement.
Contact-lens-like eye-shape structure with inward-facing inner surface
A structure having an inner surface corresponding to the shape of an exposed surface of the eye, the inner surface of the structure facing in an inward direction.
Optically scattering mass as disc or dome around an axis
The structure incorporating an optically scattering mass in the form of a disc or dome having an inner surface facing in the inward direction, an outer surface facing in the outward direction opposite to the inward direction and an axis extending in the inward and outward directions, the mass having an edge surface extending in a circumferential direction around the axis, the scattering mass capable of scattering at least a part of the light toward the eye.
Reflector with reflective circumferential, cap, and ledge surfaces defining a loop-shaped cavity
A reflector defining a reflective circumferential surface extending in the circumferential direction around the axis and around the edge surface of the mass, the reflective circumferential surface facing toward the axis and toward the edge surface of the mass, the reflector further including a reflective cap surface facing in the inward direction and a reflective ledge surface facing in the outward direction, the circumferential surface, ledge surface and cap surface cooperatively defining a loop-shaped cavity extending in the circumferential direction around the axis.
Transverse optical fibers within the cavity and reflector-directed illumination into the scattering mass
One or more optical fibers extending within the cavity in a direction transverse to the axis, the reflector capable of reflecting light emitted from the one or more optical fibers into the scattering mass toward the axis.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on directing light to the eye using an inward-facing eye-shape structure that holds an optically scattering disc or dome, while a reflector with circumferential, cap, and ledge surfaces defines a loop-shaped cavity to receive transverse optical fibers and reflect fiber-emitted light into the scattering mass toward the axis.
Stated Advantages
Allows eyelid blinking and hydration for patient comfort.
Enables phototherapy of the eye by dispersing UV/blue light into corneal tissue to support collagen crosslinking.
Documented Applications
Phototherapy of the eye, including corneal treatment for collagen crosslinking using UV/blue light activation (riboflavin referenced).
Treatment configuration variations using patterned apertures and dispersive/reflector geometry for conditions associated with myopia/hyperopia/astigmatism.
Dosimetry and power control for delivering light using a photodetector and wireless power with calibration/memory referenced.
Hydration management for the eye-contact structure using a liquid reservoir with hydration control via impedance electrodes and pump/liquid conduits referenced.
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