GB2142829A

GB2142829A - Eye dropper

Info

Publication number: GB2142829A
Application number: GB08404882A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Alfred Shaw
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-05-10
Filing date: 1984-02-24
Publication date: 1985-01-30
Also published as: GB8404882D0

Abstract

A device for administering eye drops, has an alignment means 10 and a dropper part 29. The alignment means comprises an annular seat 16 for engagement with an eye and a sleeve 13 adapted to engage the dropper part. The seat 16 and the sleeve 13 are substantially rigidly interconnected by members 14 and 15 in such a way that when the device is correctly positioned fluid from the dropper part engaged within the sleeve 13 may be administered to a predetermined part of the eye, e.g. the centre. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A device for administering eye drops This invention relates to devices for administering eye drops. In particular the invention relates to a device which includes an eye dropper part and means for aligning the eye dropper part with an eye, such that fluid may be administered into the eye from the dropper.

In order to administer fluid from a conventional eye dropper into an eye, it is necessary to visually align the dropper above the eye before pumping fluid from the dropper. It is often desirable when administering certain fluids to an eye that the fluid is administered to a specific part of that eye. For example, in order to effeciently treat the whole eye with a fluid the best place for the fluid to be dropped is in the centre of the normally exposed area of the eye. Other fluids may be advantageously dropped near the edge of the normally exposed area of the eye. When attempting to self-administer fluid to an eye, difficulty is often experienced in aligning the dropper accurately enough to ensure that the fluid does not miss the eye altogether; and there is little or no hope of self-administering fluid to a particular predetermined area on the surface of the eye.Indeed it can even prove difficult for a second person to administer fluid to a predetermined area on the surface of a first person's eye. Additionally, there is a natural reluctance to bring the end of the dropper close enough to the surface of the eye for it be easily aligned, because of the fear of accidental injury to the eye.

A previous known design for an eye drop administration device comprises a conventional pippet type eye dropper mounted in an eye bath, such that the delivery tube of the dropper extends through a hole in the base of the eye bath. While this device could ensure the correct alignment of the dropper outlet with an eye, the wall of the bath prevents clear observation of the dropper outlet when the device is in position.

Thus it is not possible to be certain that the dropper outlet will not contact and injure a patient's eye, nor is it possible to verify whether the fluid dispersed from such a device has indeed been administered to the desired location on the patient's eye. Furthermore we have found that patients are reluctant to use this type of device, since it prevents them from seeing clearly out of the eye which is being treated.

The present invention attempts to overcome these problems by providing a device for administering eye drops, which incorporates means for aligning the dropper part with an eye without requiring a user to make an accurate visual alignment of the dropper and eye. It is a further object of the present invention to allow the dropper outlet to be visually monitored when in use, and to allow the patient to see clearly through the eye being treated.Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for administering eye drops to an eye comprising an eye dropper part and means for aligning said eye dropper part with an eye, wherein said eye dropper part comprises a fluid reservoir and means defining an outlet dimensioned so as to be capable of releasing fluid in drop form; and wherein said alignment means comprises a plurality of substantially rigid members, spaced apart in the form of a cage, extending from adjacent to the dropper part to an annular seat, said seat being shaped to fit in an eye socket with the normaly exposed area of the eye within the confines of the seat; the arrangement being such that when the device is correctly positioned with the seat located in the eye, the dropper outlet is located spaced from the eyeball, in a position from which fluid may be administered through the outlet to a predetermined part of the eye.

In an embodiment two pairs of rigid members, in the form of a cross, extend outwardly away from the dropper to the annular seat.

In a second embodiment the dropper part and the alignment means are separately formed, the alignment means having a collar linking the ends of the rigid members which are remote from the annular seat, said collar being adapted to engage the dropper part.

Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a part section on the line A-A in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of the alignment means of a second embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of the alignment means shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is section on line B-B in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a scrap section on line C-C in' Figure 3; Figure 7 is similar to Figure 5, but shows the complete eyedrop administration device; Figure 8 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention;; Figure 9 is a partly sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 10 is a plan view of the alignment means of the device shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a section on M-M in Figure 9; and Figure 11 is a scrap section on an enlarged scale of the part N in Figure 10.

Referring to both Figures 1 and 2; a device for administering eyedrops comprises a dropper part 100, and an alignment means 1 formed from a rigid plastics material. The device will be described as orientated in Figure 2.

An annular flange 2 extends radially outwardly from the outer wall of a vertically extending cylindrical sleeve 3. Two pairs of rectangular cross-sectioned members 4 and 5, extend outwardly and downwardly from the radial periphery of the flange 2. The pair of members 4 are equal in length and are longer than the pair of members 5, which are also of equal length. Each member of each pair of members 4 and 5, extends from a location on the outer periphery of flange 2 diametrically opposite the location from which its partner extends. An annular seat 6 which is oval in plan, joins the radially outer ends 7 of the members 4 and 5. The annular seat 6 is contoured to fit in an eye socket in such a way that the normally exposed area of the eye is located within the confines of the seat 6.

The dropper part 100 of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a conventional pippet type eye dropper, comprising a delivery tube 101 having an outlet 102 at one end and a resilient collapsible bulb 103 at the other.

In use, the delivery tube 101 of a previously filled dropper part 100 is inserted into the annular cross-sectioned sleeve 3, with the bulb 103 of the dropper part 100 above and abutting the annular surface around the upper opening of the sleeve 3. The annular seat 6 is then located in the patient's eye socket, such that the normally exposed area of the patient's eye is within the confines of the seat 16. The patient's head is moved until the delivery tube 101 is substantially upright, the dropper bulb 103 is then squeezed forcing fluid therefrom out through the dropper outlet 102 in drop form, and into the patient's eye.

Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5; the alignment means 10 illustrated is integrally formed from a rigid plastics material. The alignment means 10 will be described as orientated in Figure 5.

An annular flange 12 extends radially outwardly from the outer wall of the vertically extending cylindrical sleeve 13.

An annular step 23 is formed in the inside wall of the sleeve 13, by virtue of the inside diameter of the sleeve 13 being greater above the plane of the flange 12 than it is below. A helical groove 24 is formed on the inside wall of a narrower part of the sleeve, below said step 23. Two pairs of rectangular cross-sectioned members 14 and 15, extend outwardly and downwardly from the raidal periphery of the flange 12. The pair of members 14 are equal in length and are longer than the pair of members 15, which are also of equal length.

Each member of each pair of members 14 and 15, extends from a location on the outer periphery of the flange 12 diametrically opposite from the location from which its partner extends.

An annular seat 16 which is oval in plan, joins the radially outer ends 17 of the members 14 and 15. The annular seat 16 is contoured to fit in an eye socket in such a way that the normally exposed area of the eye is located within the confines of the seat 16.

A thin, flexible, rectangular cross-sectioned member 18 extends radially outwardly from the seat 16 to a cap 19. The cap 19, shown in scrap section in Figure 6, is integrally formed with the flexible member 18 and comprises a hollow frusto conical part 20 with a solid cylindrical part 21 extending axially from the narrow end of the frusto conical part 20, an annular step 22 is formed at the junction of the parts 20 and 21.

The alignment means shown in Figures 3-6 forms a part of the complete device shown in Figure 7, where the dropper part is in the form of a dropper bottle 29. In this type of dropper part, the delivery tube is embodied by the bottle neck, which comprises a cylindrical section 30, having a helical ramp 31 dimensioned to engage the helical groove 24 of the alignment means, and a frusto conical section 32 at a narrower end of which is located the outlet 33.

In use (see Figure 7) the cylindrical section 30 of the bottle neck is screwed into the annular cross-sectioned sleeve 13, until a shoulder formed where the cylindrical part 30 joins the body of the bottle, abuts the annular step 23.

The annular seat 16 is then located in a patient's eye socket, such that the normally exposed area of the patient's eye is within the confines of the seat 16. The patient's head is moved until the bottle neck is substantially upright, the dropper bottle is then squeezed forcing fluid therefrom out through the dropper outlet 33 in drop form, and into the patient's eye.

After use the cap 19 may be placed over the frusto conical section 32 of the bottle neck, with said frusto conical section 32 located within the confines of the hollow frusto conical part 20 of the cap, thus sealing the outlet 33.

Referring to Figure 8; a device for administering eye drops comprises a dropper part 110 and an alignment means 111 formed from a plastics material. The device will be described as orientated in Figure 8. An annular flange 112 extends radially outwardly from the outer wall of a vertically extending cylindrical sleeve 3. Two pairs of rectangular cross-sectioned members 114 and 115, extend outwardly and downwardly from the radial periphery of the flange 112. The pair of members 114 are equal in length and are longer than the pair of members 115. which are also of equal length.

Each member of each pair of members 114 and 115, extends from a location on the outer periphery of the flange 112 diametrically opposite the location from which its partner extends. An annular seat 116 which is oval in plan, joins the radially outer ends 11 7 of the members 114 and 115. The annular seat is contoured to fit in an eye socket in such a way that the normally exposed area of the eye is located within the confines of the seat 116.

The dropper part 110 has a collapsible fluid reservoir 118. The delivery tube is embodied by the sleeve 11 3 which extends from the fluid reservoir 118 to a hollow frusto conical section 119 at the narrow end of which is located the outlet 120.

In use the annular seat 116 is located in a patient's eye socket, such that the normally exposed area of the patient's eye is within the confines of the seat 116. The patient's head is moved until the bottle neck is substantially upright, the collapsible reservoir 11 8 is then squeezed forcing fluid therefrom out through the outlet 120 in drop form, and into the patient's eye.

Referring to Figures 10, 11 and 12; the alignment means illustrated is intergrally formed from a rigid plastics material. The alignment means will be described as orientated in Figure 11.

Two pairs of rectangular cross-sectioned members 124 and 125 extend outwardly and downwardly from the lower end part of a vertically extending annular collar 122. The pair of members 124 are equal in length and are longer than the pair of members 125, which are also of equal length. Each member of each pair of members 124 and 125. extend from a location on the lower end part of the collar 122 dimetrically opposite the location from which its partner extends.

Four resiliently flexible tab-like members 126 extend radially inwardly from the upper end of the collar 122. As can be seen in Figure 12 the radially inner end 127 of each of said tab-like members 126 is of enlarged cross-section. Said enlarged end parts 127 facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the alignment means with a dropper part.

An annular seat 128 which is oval in plan, joins the radially outer ends 129 of the membes 124 and 125. The annular seat 128 is contoured to fit in an eye socket in such a way that the normally exposed area of the eye is located within the confines of the seat 128.

The alignment means shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12 forms a part of the complete device shown in Figure 9 where the dropper part 130 is in the form of a dropper bottle. In this type of dropper part 130 the delivery tube is embodied by the bottle neck, which comprises a cylindrical section 131 and a frusto conical section 132 at the narrower end of which is located the outlet 133. The fluid reservoir is in the form of a resiliently collapsible bottle part 134. An annular flange 135 extends radially outwardly from the cylindrical section 131 of the bottle neck.

In use the cylindrical section 131 of the bottle neck is slid downwardly through the space defined between the radially inner ends 127 of the tab-like members 126, until the enlarged end parts 127 of the tab-like members 126 are bearing on the part of the bottle neck between the bottle 124 and the radially outwardly extending annular flange 135. The end parts 127 are of sufficient bulk to substantially fill the gap between the bottle 124 and the annular flange 135. During this sliding operation, the radially inner ends 127 of the tab-like members 126 are displaced downwardly and outwardly by the passage of the annular flange 135.

After the flange 135 has passed the tab-like members 126, said members spring back to engage the neck of the bottle between the flange 135 and the bottle 134.

The annular seat 128 is then locationed in the patient's eye socket, such that the normally exposed area of the patient's eye is within the confines of the seat 128. ihe patient's head is moved until the bottle neck is substantially upright, the dropper bottle 134 is then squeezed forcing fluid therefrom out through the dropper outlet 133 in drop form, and into the patient's eye.

The devices shown in Figures 1 to 12 align an eye dropper outlet with the centre of the normally exposed area of an eye. In alternative embodiments, the dropper outlet may be horizontally off-set so that when in use as described above, fluid from the dropper oulet would be discharged into the corner of the patient's eye.

Furthermore, it must be understood that the present invention may incorporate eye dropper parts of types other than those explicitly mentioned above. For example, a peppit type eye dropper having a threaded delivery tube may be used in conjunction with an alignment device of the type shown in Figure 7.

Claims

1. A device for administering eye drops to an eye comprising an eye dropper part and means for aligning said eye dropper part with an eye, wherein said eye dropper part comprises a fluid reservoir and means defining an outlet dimensioned so as to be capable of releasing fluid in drop form; and wherein said alignment means comprises a plurality of substantially rigid members, spaced apart in the form of a cage, extending from a location adjacent to the dropper part to an annular seat, said seat being shaped to fit in an eye socket with the normally exposed area of the eye within the confines of the seat; the arrangment being such that when the device is correctly positioned with seat located in the eye, the dropper outlet is located spaced from the eyeball, in a position from which fluid may be administered through the outlet to a predetermined part of the eye.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein two pairs of substantially rigid members in the form of a cross, extend outwardly away from the dropper part to the annular seat.

3. A device as claimed in either Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the dropper part and the alignment means are integrally formed.

4. A device as claimed in either Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the dropper part and the alignment means are separately formed, the alignment means having a collar connecting the ends of the rigid members which are remote from the annular seat, and said collar being adapted to engage the dropper part.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 4 having a plurality of resiliently flexible tab-like members extending radialy inwardly from the collar of the alignment means, wherein said tab-like members exert a pressing force upon the dropper part and thereby grip said dropper part.

6. A device a claimed in Claim 5 wherein the dropper part has a delivery tube extending between the outlet and the fluid reservoir, the delivery tube having an external projection or projections, spaced from both the dispensing outlet and the reservoir of the dropper, and arranged such that the resiliently flexble tablike members press onto the exterior of the delivery tube between the projection or projections and the fluid reservoir, thereby engaging the alignment means on the dropper part.

7. A device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the radially inner ends of the tab-like members are a substantially tight fit in the gap between the reservoir and the projection or projections, thereby restricting the relative movement of the alignment means and the dropper part.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the dropper part has a delivery tube extending between the outlet and the fluid reservoir, said delivery tube having an external projection or projections, spaced from the dispensing outlet of the dropper, and arranged such that the projection or projections contact the surface around the entrance to the collar, thereby preventing the dropper part from penetrating more than a predetermined distance into the alignment means.

9. A device as claimed in Claims 4 and 7 wherein the collar is adapted to frictionally engage the dropper delivery tube.

10. A device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the collar is adapted for screw threaded engagement with a screw thread formed on the dropper part.

11. A device for administering eye drops to an eye substantially as hereinbefore describe with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.