GB2219509A

GB2219509A - Ophthalmic device

Info

Publication number: GB2219509A
Application number: GB8903470A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Leslie Williams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-06-09
Filing date: 1989-02-15
Publication date: 1989-12-13
Also published as: GB8903470D0; GB8813697D0; IN174274B

Abstract

An ophthalmic device in the form of a cup having a periphery substantially scaphoid in plan; the cup interior being accessible from its exterior by way of at least a first and a second port: the first port 40 providing an inlet for a dispensing unit for material to be supplied to the eye, the second port 35 providing a target for viewing by an eye with which the device is used. <IMAGE>

Description

OPHTHALMIC DEVICE This invention relates to an ophthalmic device. It is particularly concerned with a device whereby an eye can be readily provided with a material in virtually any material phase (such as a gas, vapour, liquid or powder).

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an ophthalmic device in the form of a cup having a periphery substantially scaphoid in plan for contacting the facial region in the vicinity of the eye; the cup interior being accessible from its exterior by way of at least a first and a second port: the first port providing an inlet for a dispensing unit for material to be supplied to the eye, the second port providing a target for viewing by an eye with which the device is used.

According to a first preferred version of the first aspect of the present invention the device is composed entirely or substantially of a resilient deformable material to enable the cup in the course of use to be deformed from an initial undeformed state in which the interior of the cup is a first volume to a subsequent deformed state in which the interior of the cup is a second volume smaller than the first and thereafter released from its deformed state in the further course of use so as to enable the cup to restore itself to its initial undeformed state.

According to a second preferred version of the first aspect of the present invention or the first preferred version thereof the device is fabricated from material which is substantially opaque or imperfectly transparent and the second port is an aperture whereby an eye with which the device is being used can see a distinct target area illuminated from outside the device.

According to a third preferred version of the first aspect or any previously preferred versions thereof a projection is located on or incorporated in the device outside the periphery and is adapted to form an initial contact point for the device on a portion of a face near an eye; the projection being formed of or surfaced with a resilient or frictional material to enhance contact with, and displacement of, a displacable surface (such as said portion) on which it is located with relative movement thereto of the device.

According to a fourth preferred version of the present invention or any previously preferred version thereof whereby the cup interior is accessible from its exterior, the third port provides a means for establishing a working position for the dispensing unit when viewing, or when viewed by, an eye with which the device is used.

According to a fifth preferred version of the present invention or any previously preferred version thereof the first port is provided in a mounting coupled to the remainder of the device by way of a hinge or other link, the mounting being adapted to locate a nozzle or other dispensing outlet of a dispenser retained in or by the mounting at a datum position relative to the mounting, the link enabling the mounting to be moved between: a first, working, position where the mounting, and a dispenser retained by the mounting, is in a dispensing position relative to the rest of the device; and a second, loading, position where the mounting accessible to enable a dispenser to be secured to, or released from, the mounting so as to enable the mounting to be moved to the first position; the link further providing that the mounting in moving between the first and second positions ensures that the datum position lies on a path which does not intersect the remainder of the device.

According to another preferred version of the first aspect of the present invention the cup is made up of two portions linked together by a hinge whereby the portions can be moved between a closed position wherein the device is available for use and an open position wherein a dispenser can be mounted in to the first port, which first port is defined by one or both portions.

According to a sixth preferred version of the first aspect or any previously preferred versions thereof an aligning sight is provided on the device so that as the device is moved towards the eye, the sight enables the eye to provide for the correct relative alignment of the device with the eye prior to between the periphery and the facial region in the vicinity of the eye.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an ophthalmic device according to the first aspect or any preferred version thereof incorporating a dispenser mounted in the first port to enable a nozzle or other dispensing outlet from the dispenser to be operable to dispense material from the nozzle or other outlet into the cup interior.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of ophthalmic devices for dispensing medicament of which: Figure 1 is a rear view of a first embodiment; and Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-section on section II-II of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of a second embodiment; Figure 4 is an bottom view of the device shown in'Figure 3; Figure 5 is a side view of the device shown in Figure 3; and Figure 6 is a view of the interior of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figures 7 and 8 (Figure 8 being partially in section) are perspective views of the device described in connection with Figures 3 to 6 in use.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment; Figures 10 and 11 are pictorial views of the device described in connection with Figure 9.

Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views of a fourth embodiment shown respectively in an open and a closed position.

FIRST EMBODIMENT (Figures 1 and 2) Device 10 is made up of a cup 11 of rubber having a thickened section forming a working periphery 12 which, as viewed in Figure 1, is of scaphoid shape so as to be able to fit onto the face of a person in the vicinity of their eye. Wall 13 of the cup 11 is pierced by first port 14, second port 15 and third port 16.

First port 14 is adapted to receive a liquid dispenser 17 containing a medicament. The dispenser is retained by sleeve 18 integral with the cup 11. The dispenser 17 can be displaced back and forth in the direction of arrows A along axis 18 so that dispensing head 19 of the dispenser can be located at dispensing position 20 relative to eye E.

Second port 15 and third port 16 provide for ambient light to be viewed by way of pupil P of eye E when the device is positioned eye as shown in Figure 2. With the dispenser head off-set to the right from the position shown in Figure 2 the path 21 from the pupil P to the second port 15 is unimpeded. However when dispenser head 19 is located at position 20 it intersects path 21 and obscures port 15 so indicating that the head 19 is correctly located.

Port 16 serves to provide a viewing target so that with device appropriately located to cover the eye E when the eye E is directed to look at the port 16 it is correctly aligned to receive medicament ejected from dispenser head 19.

In use prior to locating the device 10 over the eye E the dispenser 17 is positioned within first port 14 with the dispensing head 19 positioned well to the right of path 21 as seen in Figure 2. The cup 11 is then squeezed to reduce the interior volume of the cup which is then placed over the eye region as shown in Figure 2 so that virtually the whole of the periphery 12 contacts skin surrounding the eye E. The cup 11 is then released and by virtue of its inherent resilience returns to its usual shape resulting in the skin around the eye being drawn back so exposing the eye ball more fully than is normally the case. In this position the pupil P can see ambient light by way of both the second port 15 and the third port 16.The dispenser 17 is then moved along axis 18 until dispensing head 19 intersects path 21 so effectively just obscuring port 15 from pupil P which thereafter is left with the third port 16 as the main or only visible target. Once the view from the pupil P is directed to this remaining target and with the head thrown back to position the eye substantially vertically beneath the dispenser outlet the dispenser 17 is operated to dispense the requisite amount of medicament. If necessary the head is turned to ensure that gravity acts in a direction ensuring that dispensed material is distributed appropriately over the eye.

Once the dispensing operation is complete the device 10 is removed from the eye for cleansing and further usage.

If necessary the first port 14 can be adapted to receive a variety of dispensers appropriate for liquids, creams, powders, aerosols or whatever.

However the relative cheapness of the device would enable discrete devices to be produced having a first port adapted for a specific dispenser type.

The described embodiment is intended for use in the self administration of eye medicament. It is particularly appropriate for use by a person who is diffident about self administration in the conventional manner which involves a fair degree of coordination involving hand and head attitude control and dispensing skill in a stressful situation.

Apart from self use the second and third ports allow the device to be used by an observer to view an eye covered by the device to ensure firstly that the dispenser is correctly positioned and secondly that the eye being treated is directed towards the third port at which time the observer causes the medicament to be dispensed. Typically such use can arise when treating a person incapable for whatever reason of treating themselves and in the treatment of animals. To facilitate use by an observer the second and third ports would be viewed by way of, for example, a fibre optic system allowing for both viewing and illumination of the eye under inspection.

SECOND EMBODIMENT (Figures 3 to 8) Device 30 comprises a cup 31 of plastics material having a working periphery 32 which, as variously viewed in Figures 3 to 6, is of scaphoid shape so as to be able to fit onto the face of a person around an eye.

The cup has wing sections W on either side. Wall 33 of the cup 31 is pierced by first port 34 and second port 35. The cup has integral components comprising a lip 36 and an extension 37.

First port 34 is adapted to receive a liquid dispenser 38 (shown only in Figures 7 and 8) having a dispensing head 39 and containing a medicament M. The dispenser 38 is demountably retained by a resilient lip seal 40 integral with the cup 31.

The second port 35 serves as a viewing target so that-with device appropriately located to cover the eye E when the eye E is directed to look at the port 35 it is correctly aligned to receive medicament M ejected from dispensing head 39 by squeezing the body of the dispenser 38.

The cup 31 has on its outer surface a flat section 41 carrying stubs 42 whereby a regulator (not shown) for the dispenser can be demountably secured to the device.

In use prior to locating the device over the eye E the dispenser 38 is mounted in first port 34 by way of the resilient seal 40. The device 30 is then moved towards the eye until, as shown in Figure 7, the lip 36 contacts the top of the cheek below the eye. The device 30 is then moved on towards the eye so that wings W snugly fit around either end of the eye and beneath the eyebrow. In moving into position the device is moved downwardly so causing the lip 36 to move downwardly which causes the lower lid of the eye to be drawn downward slightly so exposing more of the eye ball and facilitating the entry of medicament into the eye. Final location of the device occurs when extension 37 seats on the lower forehead of the user. In this position the second port 35 can be viewed by way of pupil.The head is then thrown back to the position shown in Figure 8 and while the view from the pupil E is directed to the target presented by port 35 the dispenser 38 is squeezed to dispense the requisite amount of medicament. If necessary the head is turned to ensure that gravity acts in a direction ensuring that dispensed material is distributed appropriately over the eye.

THIRD EMBODIMENT (Figures 9 to 11) Device 50 comprises a cup 51 of plastics material having a working periphery 52 which, as variously viewed in Figures 9 and 10, is of scaphoid shape so as to be able to fit onto the face of a person around an eye. The cup has wing sections W on either side. The cup 51 is made up of a minor first portion 52 and a major second portion 53 which are pivotably connected by way of hinge 54. At the opposite end of first portion 52 to hinge 54 aperture 55 which with the second portion 52 in its closed position (as indicated in Figure 10) engages a retaining stud 56 formed in face 57 of second portion 53. The first portion 52 incorporates a crutch 58 which, with the second portion in its closed position, is coaxial with first port 59 in second portion 53. The second portion 53 also contains a second port 60. The cup 51 has an integral lip 61.

Crutch 58 is adapted to demountably receive a liquid dispenser 63 (shown detached in Figure 9 and mounted in Figures 10 and 11) containing medicament M which has a dispensing head 64 which when not in use is closed by a conventional cap 65.

The second port 60 serves as a viewing target so that with device 50 appropriately located to cover the eye E when the eye E is directed to look at the port 60 it is appropriately aligned to receive medicament ejected from dispensing head 64 by squeezing the body of the dispenser 63.

In use prior to locating the device 51 over the eye E the first portion 52 of the cup 51 is hinged outwardly from the second potion 53 to expose the first port 59. The (capped) dispenser 63 is then mounted in crutch 58 by sliding gap 66 between the cap 65 and the shoulders of the dispenser 63 so that the closed dispenser is retained in the crutch 58. The cap 65 is then removed from the dispenser 63 to expose the dispensing head 64. The first portion 52 is then closed to cause aperture 55 to engage retaining stud 56. The relative geometry and alignment of the crutch 58, dispensing head 64, and port 59 are such as to ensure a clear passage for the head between the interior of the cup 51 (as shown in Figure 10) to the opened position shown in Figure 9.

The assembled device 51 is then moved towards the eye until, as shown in Figure 10, the lip 61 contacts the top of the cheek below the eye. The device 51 is then moved on towards the eye so that wings W snugly fit around either end of the eye and beneath the eyebrow. In moving into this position the device tends to move downwardly causing the lip 61 to move downwardly along with the lower lid of the eye to be drawn downward slightly so exposing more of the eye ball and facilitating the entry of medicament into the eye. Once the device reaches the position shown in Figure 11 the head is thrown back. Once the view from the pupil P is directed to the target presented by port 60 the dispenser 63 is squeezed to dispense the requisite amount of medicament M.If necessary the head is turned to ensure that gravity acts in a direction ensuring that dispensed material is distributed appropriately over the eye.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT (Figures 12, 13) This embodiment provides for an alternative version of a device according to the present invention comprising a device 81 made up of two shells 82, 83 which are hinged about an integral hinge 84 to enable the shells to be moved between an open position (as shown in Figure 12) and a closed position (as shown in Figure 13). In this latter position outer edge 85 of the shell make up a scaphoid shape so as to be able to fit snugly onto the face of a person around an eye. The shells 82, 83 when in their closed position (Figure 13) serve to retain in port 86 a dispenser for medicament of a type described in connection with the earlier embodiments.

A further port 87 provide a viewing target for an eye covered by the device. The shell structure of device 81 provides for a readily assembled device for dispensing eye medicament in a manner that is readily comprehended from the descriptions of the earlier embodiments.

Claims

1 An ophthalmic device in the form of a cup having a periphery substantially scaphoid in plan for contacting the facial region in the vicinity of the eye; the cup interior being accessible from its exterior by way of at least a first and a second port: the first port providing an inlet for a dispensing unit for material to be supplied to the eye, the second port providing a target for viewing by an eye with which the device is used.

2 An ophthalmic device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the device is composed entirely or substantially of a resilient deformable material to enable the cup in the course of use to be deformed from an initial undeformed state in which the interior of the cup is a first volume to a subsequent deformed state in which the interior of the cup is a second volume smaller than the first and thereafter released from its deformed state in the further course of use so as to enable the cup to restore itself to its initial undeformed state.

3 An ophthalmic device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is fabricated from material which is substantially opaque or imperfectly transparent and the second port is an aperture whereby an eye with which the device is being used can see a distinct target area illuminated from outside the device.

4 An ophthalmic device as claimed in any preceding claim incorporating a projection located on the device outside the periphery and adapted to form an initial contact point for the device on a portion of a face near an eye the projection being formed of or surfaced with a resilient or frictional material to enhance contact with, and displacement of, a displacable surface (such as said portion) on which it is located with relative movement thereto of the device.

5 An ophthalmic device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is provided a third port whereby the cup interior is accessible from its exterior, the third port providing a means for establishing a working position for the dispensing unit when viewing, or when viewed by, an eye with which the device is used.

6 An ophthalmic device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first port is provided in a mounting coupled to the remainder of the device by way of a hinge or other link, the mounting being adapted to locate a nozzle or other dispensing outlet of a dispenser retained in or by the mounting at a datum position relative to the mounting, the link enabling the mounting to be moved between: a first, working, position where the mounting, and a dispenser retained by the mounting, is in a dispensing position relative to the rest of the device; and a second, loading, position where the mounting accessible to enable a dispenser to be secured to, or released from, the mounting so as to enable the mounting to be moved to the first position; the link further providing that the mounting in moving between the first and second positions ensures that the datum position lies on a path which does not intersect the remainder of the device.

7 An ophthalmic device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the cup is made up of two portions linked together by a hinge whereby the portions can be moved between a closed position wherein the device is available for use and an open position wherein a dispenser can be mounted in to the first port, which first port is defined by one or both portions.

8 An ophthalmic device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a aligning sight is provided on the device so that as the device is moved towards the eye, the sight enables the eye to provide for the correct relative alignment of the device with the eye immediately prior to and contact between the periphery and the facial region in the vicinity of the eye.

9 An ophthalmic device as claimed in any preceding claim incorporating a dispenser mounted in the first port to enable a nozzle or other dispensing outlet from the dispenser to be operable to dispense material from the nozzle or other outlet into the cup interior.

10 An ophthalmic device as hereinbefore described with reference to: Figures 1 and 2; or Figures 3 to 8; or Figures 9 to 11; or Figures 12 and 13 of the accompanying drawings.