GB2616729A

GB2616729A - Eye cup for administering a liquid to the eye of a user

Info

Publication number: GB2616729A
Application number: GB2301854.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marks Melvyn; Schacter Adam
Original assignee: Uk Weather Shield Ltd
Current assignee: Uk Weather Shield Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-09
Filing date: 2023-02-09
Publication date: 2023-09-20
Also published as: GB202301854D0

Abstract

An eye cup for administration of a liquid to the eye of a user, the cup comprising a base 102 and a rim 100 connected by a side wall 104, and a compartment 105 in the interior of the cup to contain the liquid. The compartment 105 is formed by at least one baffle 101 within the cup and is open towards the rim 100 of the cup. The baffle 101 is not uniform in height, relative to the base 102 of the cup. The baffle 101 may be a lower height in the centre of the cup, and curve up near the rim 100 of the cup. A bottom edge of the baffle is preferably attached to the base 102 of the cup. Two baffles 101 may be provided, forming a channel or internal compartment 105 across the width of the cup, with the baffles 101 attached to the side walls 104 of the cup and the base 102 of the cup. The baffles 101 may be curved and the compartment 105 may comprise a protrusion that bulges toward the centre to form a well 108. The eye cup, or parts thereof, may be formed via injection moulding.

Description

Eye cup for administering a liquid to the eye of a user

Technical field

The present invention relates to an eye cup, for administering a liquid to the eye of a user.

Background

io The present invention relates to an eye cup, provided with an internal compartment for administering a liquid to the eye. The present invention seeks to overcome the problems associated with the administration of a liquid to the eye of the user. For example wastage of the liquid caused by the user dispensing drops which miss the eye or dispensing too many drops. Such liquid maybe prescribed in limited quantities or be expensive and, as such, wastage is not desirable. Commonly, a user may apply a liquid directly to the eye using a dropper nozzle attached to a phial. The phial is squeezed to cause drops to release from the dropper and fall into the eye. As liquids from such phials are usually self-administered, there is an increased likelihood of missing the eye, especially as the vision of the user may become blurred when the phial is close to the eye, the addition of the liquid itself to the eye, visual impairment due to ophthalmic issues and the difficulty for some users in holding their arm above their head for a prolonged period. The user may also squeeze the phial too much as they cannot focus on the drops falling, causing the release of excessive liquid. Finally, some users turn their head when administering a liquid from a dropper into the eye.

An additional problem associated with the use of a phial, is the blurring of vision when the phial approaches the eye. This can cause the user to move the phial too close to the eye and contact maybe made between the dropper and the eye surface. This may lead to discomfort and even eye injuries. Further, this can transfer material, such as debris or pathogens, into the phial, impairing the sterility of the liquid inside.

In the past it has been suggested that some of the problems outlined above could be solved by the use of an adapted eye bath. Such eye baths are designed to be used to wash the eye when charged with an ophthalmic solution and provide an opening which may contact the periocular region to allow the solution to contact the eye.

FR271768oA1 describes the use of an eye bath with an opening in the base to hold the dropper in position so that drops can be administered to the eye. A problem with such a system is that the user cannot see the dropper and therefore may still over-administer the solution. The user is required to hold their arm up above their head in order to dispense the solution which for some users, particularly older users, is difficult to do. In addition, the user cannot dispense the desired dosage prior to administration to the eye.

G131460064 describes a packaged assembly comprising an eye bath, and a discrete aliquot of eye lotion that is sterile and sealed against contamination. The eye lotion may fill the eye bath to an appropriate level for bathing an eye. Though this prevents the user from administering too much of the liquid, the package is to single-use and disposable. This is both poor for the environment and expensive for the user. In addition, the user may not select the volume to be administered, nor select the liquid /5 itself as the eye bath is pre-filled.

An object of the present invention is to provide an eye cup which addresses at least one of the problems of the prior art.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an eye cup for administration of a liquid to the eye of a user, the cup comprising a base and a rim connected by a side wall, and a compartment in the interior of the cup to contain the liquid, the compartment 25 being open towards the rim of the cup.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method to manufacture the eye cup, wherein the eye cup or parts of the eye cup are formed via injection moulding.

so In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of the eye cup, wherein the apparatus is used to administer liquid to the eye for the treatment or prevention of an eye condition.

The present invention provides several benefits and advantages. The eye cup of the 35 present invention may guide the liquid into the eye, without leaking or wasting the liquid. This enables the user to charge the eye cup with a smaller volume of the liquid, -3 -reducing waste. This also allows the user to charge the eye cup prior to administration to the eye, while being able to see the cup and the dropper or phial, with a known amount to be administered to the eye, providing the user with more control on the volume administered to the eye.

The liquid is also first dispensed into the eye cup, and then to the eye. This enables the user to charge the eye cup with the intended volume of the liquid to be administered, prior to administration to the eye, while being able to see the cup and the dropper or phial and prevents the unintentional administration of excess liquid. The user can also charge the device whilst wearing glasses or using other visual aids.

Brief description of the figures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of an eye cup relating to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram to demonstrate the use of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the eye cup of the present invention with an off-centre compartment and nose side rim feature; and Figure 4 is a plan view of the second embodiment.

Detailed description

The present application relates to an eye cup for assisting the administration of a liquid comprising a cup and a compartment in the interior of the cup to contain the liquid, the compartment being open towards the rim of the cup. Said cup may comprise a base and a rim connected by a side wall. The device may be used as an administration device for so applying a liquid to the eye. The compartment provides the advantage that it can guide the liquid to the eye, as described herein.

The liquid may be any suitable liquid for administration to the eye. Examples of such liquids include eye drops, medicaments, saline solution, water, ophthalmic solutions, or 35 a combination thereof. The liquid may be suitable for treatment of the eye. -4 -

In some embodiments, the eye cup comprises at least one internal compartment formed of at least one and preferably two baffles. Each baffle has a top edge, bottom edge and side edges. The bottom edge of each baffle may be attached to the base of the cup so that the baffle extends from the base of the cup towards the rim of the cup. The side of the each baffle may be attached to the sides of the cup, and thus provides an internal compartment within the cup.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary eye cup of the present invention, comprising two baffles (ioi) to form an internal compartment (105) with a compartment base (103). The eye cup may comprise a base (102) and a rim (ioo) connected by a side wall (104). The area of opening defined by the rim (ioo) is usually greater than the area the base (t02) so that the side walls of the cup diverge towards the rim.

Figures 3 and 4 show a second example of the eye cup of the present invention. Like the first example, it may comprise two baffles (ioi) which form an internal compartment (105) with a compartment base (103). The compartment length extends across the width of the cup, although the compartment may not have a uniform width and may not be positioned centrally. One or both of the baffles may have a protrusion, one of which bulges towards the centre of the cup to form a well (108) in the internal compartment (105). Creation of the well (108) can assist the user in charging the cup with liquid as it has a wider opening while maintaining a narrowness of the compartment (105) at the side walls (104) and towards the rim (too) from where the liquid is administered. The compartment can be curved convexly towards the centre of the cup so that the edges of the baffles (rot) that contact the side walls (104) are further from the centre of the base (102) than the well (108) is from the centre of the base (102). The curvature of the compartment can direct the liquid from the well (108), along the compartment (103), towards the rim (too) and away from the tear duct of the eye, when the cup is used to administer the liquid to the user.

so The rim (too) of the cup can be shaped to follow the shape of the eye and is wider in the part that is closest to the bridge of the nose in use, here called a nose side flap (106). The nose side flap (106) can be provided with a pad (toff) which can be pressed by the user on opposite side (its non-body facing side) when in use to divert the liquid away from the tear duct of the user. In this way, the amount of liquid entering the nasal passage or throat can be minimised. To assist the user in locating the position of the pad on the non-body facing side of the cup, it can be provided with raised markings or -5 -ridges (not shown) in the form of a pattern of lines so that the position of the pad can be found with the user's finger.

As in the previous example, the cup can be symmetrical about a plane of symmetry parallel to the length of the cup and bisecting the width of the cup so that the cup may be used for either the left or right eye. The cup can be asymmetrical about a plane parallel to the width of the cup and bisecting the length of the cup so that the part of the cup closest to the eye in use can be different from the part of the cup furthest from the eye in use.

The baffles and compartment(s) In some embodiments, the eye cup comprises at least one internal compartment formed of at least two baffles. As described herein, the baffles provide at least one compartment. In some embodiments, the baffles are arranged on the base of the cup to form a channel.

In some embodiments, the baffles may be attached to the sides and base of the cup to form a watertight seal. The bottom edge of each baffle may be attached to the base of the cup so that the baffle may extend from the base of the cup towards the rim of the cup. This may provide an opening. When the eye cup is upright, the compartment formed by the baffles may contain the liquid. In some embodiments, the baffles and the cup are bonded together. In some embodiments, the baffles and the cup are manufactured as one piece.

In some embodiments, the eye cup may have a length and a width. In some embodiments, the length of the eye cup is greater than the width. In such embodiments, the channel or compartment crosses the width of the eye cup.

3o Advantageously, the compartment directs the liquid to the eye while the cup is in contact with the periocular area and the head and cup are tilted back in use. This provides multiple advantages. The liquid is directed towards the eye, and thus is not undesirably lost. This reduces wastage of the solution.

In some embodiments, the eye cup comprises at least three baffles arranged to create two or more channels across the cup. This has the advantage that the eye cup may be -6 -charged with at least two liquids without the liquids mixing until the eye cup is used to administer the liquid to the eye. In such embodiments, the liquids may be different.

The compartment maybe of any size or shape that forms a container for liquid in the cup. The volume of the compartment maybe about 5 to about 70% of the total volume of the eye cup. In some embodiments, the volume of the compartment maybe about 5 to about io%, about 10 to about 20%, about 20 to about 30%, about 30 to about 40%, about 50 to about 6o%, about 6o to about 70% of the total volume of the eye cup. Advantageously, a larger compartment volume enables the user to fill the channel with a larger volume of the liquid, and therefore administer a larger volume of the liquid when necessary. Conversely, a smaller volume of the compartment provides the advantage that the user will be inclined to apply a smaller volume of the liquid. This may prevent wastage of the liquid if the user tends to overfill the channel.

The compartment also provides a smaller receptacle for the liquid compared to using an eyebath. This means that less solution is required to fill the channel. A problem associated with a common eye bath is that small quantities of the solution may spread out in the base or be otherwise difficult to transfer to the eye when the eye cup is used. The eye cup of the present invention overcomes this problem.

The compartment has a length and a width. In some embodiments, the length of the compartment crosses the width of the eye cup. The width of the compartment maybe about 5 to about 70% of the total length of the eye cup. In some embodiments, the width of the compartment may be about 5 to about 10%, about 10 to about 20%, about 20 to about 30%, about 30 to about 40%, about 50 to about 6o%, about 6o to about 70% of the total length of the eye cup. In some embodiments, the width of the compartment is defined by the distance between the baffles.

A wider compartment may also be more facile to fill or direct the solution into whilst so charging the eye cup. On the other hand, a narrower compartment provides a small surface area of the base of the reservoir in which the drops of the liquid may spread out. This enables the administration of small volumes of the liquid, for example a single drop. A narrow compartment may be used to more precisely guide the liquid to the eye, and reduces the amount of solution that may miss the eye. -7 -

In some embodiments, the baffles may extend from the base towards the rim of the cup in a parallel arrangement. This may provide the benefit that the compartment directs the liquid to the eye in the same manner, regardless of which way around the eye cup is applied to the eye, or whether it is rotated to use on the other eye.

In other embodiments, the baffles may not be parallel. For example, the baffles may be directed to form a compartment that is wider at the rim of the eye cup than at the base of the eye cup to form a wider opening near the eye. This embodiment enjoys the advantage that the widening of the compartment helps spread the solution out during its movement to the eye. This means that the solution is applied to a wider section of the eye. Conversely, a narrower opening can direct the solution to a more specific location on the eye, for example the middle of the eye. Such a wider opening may be provided on either one or both ends of the compartment.

In some embodiments, the baffles diverge from the base towards the rim of the cup. This provides the compartment with a wider opening, which advantageously make the compartment easier to fill by the user.

In some embodiments, the side edges of the baffles are shorter than the side wall of the eye cup. This means that the baffles do not project out from the cup, and thus do not come into close proximity with eye when the eye cup is tilted in use. In some embodiments, the side edges of the baffles are the same length as the side wall of the eye cup. In an exemplary embodiment, the baffles are tapered towards the rim, so that the side edges of the baffles are the same length as the side wall. In some embodiments, the height of the baffles may be, on average, about 4o to about 9o% of the total height of the side wall of the eye cup. In some embodiments, the height of the baffles may be, on average, about zo to about 3o%, about 3o to about 40%, about 50 to about 6o%, about 6o, to about 70%, to about 80%, to about 90%, to about 95% of the total height of the side wall of the eye cup.

In some embodiments, the baffles are a uniform height, relative to the base of the eye cup. In such embodiments, the channel may be a uniform depth.

In some embodiments, the baffles, are not a uniform height, relative to the base of the 35 eye cup. In such embodiments, the top edge of the baffles may be concave. This means that the baffles avoid contact with the eye ball or sclera when in use. For example, the -8 -baffles may be of a lower height in the centre of the eye cup, and curve up near the rim of the eye cup. This may provide a shallower channel in the centre of the eye cup, and a deeper channel near the rim of the eye cup. in another example, the baffles may be of a higher height in the centre of the eye cup, providing a larger volume in the centre of the baffle.

In some embodiments, the compartment may not have a uniform width and may not be positioned centrally.

In some embodiments, one or more of the baffles may have a protrusion. Such protrusions change the shape of the compartment formed. For example, one baffle may have a protrusion so that the compartment bulges towards the centre of the cup to form a well in the internal compartment. Said well can assist the user in charging the cup with liquid as it has a wider opening while maintaining a narrowness of the /5 compartment at the side walls and towards the rim from where the liquid is administered.

In some embodiments, one or more of the baffles are straight. In some embodiments, one or more of the baffles are not straight. In such embodiments, one or more of the baffles are curved. This means that the compartment can be curved convexly towards the centre of the cup so that the edges of the baffles that contact the side walls are further from the centre of the base than the well is from the centre of the base. The curvature of the compartment can direct the liquid from the well, along the compartment, towards the rim and away from the tear duct of the eye, when the cup is used to administer the liquid to the user.

The compartment can comprise a base, separate from the base of the cup, referred to as a compartment base herein. In some embodiments, the compartment base is concave. In such embodiments, this can reduce corners or ridges in the base of the compartment, which enables the liquid to flow readily from the compartment base. In some embodiments, the compartment base is flat.

The eye cup on either side of the compartment may be hollow, may be filled-in, or may not provide an opening. In such embodiments in which the eye cup on either side other compartment is filled, the user advantageously cannot accidently pour solution into the wrong section and/or prevents accidental spilling from the channel. In addition, the -9 -filling of the receiver on either side of the channel may provide additional weight to the base of the eye cup. This may make the eye cup more stable and less likely to fall over, as described herein.

In some embodiments, volume markings are provided on the side of the compartment or eye bath. This enables the user to accurately measure out the dosage of the solution, so that the eye cup may be used to administer a specific dosage to the eye. The marker may be in the form of a sticker, colourations in the channel or compartment, embossed, etched, or other markings on the channel or compartment.

In some embodiments, the compartment is provided without baffles, for example a sling suspended across the opening of the eye cup, sloping sides of the eye cup, or another form of compartment.

The eye cup The eye cup may have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the eye cup has a truncated conical shape, which forms an opening at its periphery, providing a rim. In some embodiments, the rim is the only opening of the eye cup. The opening is wide and thus provides the advantage that the eye cup is easy to charge with a solution and can be charged without the need for a steady hand or clear vision.

In some embodiments, the base may be substantially flat. This provides a flat surface on which the eye cup may stand. This embodiment enjoys the benefit that the eye cup may be freestanding making the cup or compartment easier to fill, as it may be steadily rested on a surface such as a table. The cup or compartment can also be filled with one hand. The base may also be weighted, to lower the centre of gravity of the eye cup. This enjoys the advantage that the cup is more stable and less readily knocked over.

so The base of the eye cup has a length and a width. In some embodiments, the base of the cup has a length longer than its width. In some embodiments, the base of the cup is circular, non-circular, oval-shaped, "egg"-shaped, "lemon"-shaped or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the base of the eye cup may be substantially oval shaped.

In some embodiments, the base is substantially non-deformable. That is to say, the base substantially retains its shape when pressure it applied to it by a user. In some -10 -embodiments, the base is substantially deformable. In some embodiments, the baffles are substantially non-deformable. This provides the advantage that the baffles retain their shape when handled.

In some embodiments, the eye cup is symmetrical about a plane of symmetry parallel to the length of the cup and bisecting the width of the cup. This provides the advantage that the cup may be used for either the left or right eye.

In some embodiments, the eye cup is asymmetrical about a plane of symmetry parallel to the length of the cup and bisecting the width of the cup. This may fit the shape of the face better when applied to a specific eye. This shape may also be more easily held by the user.

The cup can be asymmetrical about a plane parallel to the width of the cup and /5 bisecting the length of the cup so that the part of the cup closest to the eye in use can be different from the part of the cup furthest from the eye in use. This may provide the advantage that the cup fits the shape of the face better when applied to a specific eye.

The rim The rim has a length and a width. In some embodiments, the rim has a length longer than its width. In some embodiments, the rim is circular, non-circular, oval-shaped, "egg"-shaped, "lemon"-shaped or any other suitable shape.

In some embodiments the rim matches the shape of the eye, or may be shaped to follow the contours of the face around the eye. This is more comfortable for the user and prevents leakage of the solution onto the face if the eye cup is placed over the eye. In some embodiments, the rim of the eye cup may be substantially oval shaped.

so In some embodiments, the shape of the rim may be asymmetric, for example to fit the shape of the face near to the bridge of the nose or the edge of the face.

In some embodiments, the rim follows the contours of the face. In some embodiments, the opening of the eye cup or rim may be symmetrical about a plane passing through 35 the cup along its length, so that the eye cup may be used for either the right or left eye, with the right or left hand, and that there is not a "right way around".

In some embodiments, the opening of the eye cup or rim may be asymmetrical about a plane passing through the cup along its length. This provides the advantage that the eye cup may be wider at the nose to prevent leakage and/or to improve positioning of the compartment or channel with the desired location on the eye. This may fit the shape of the face better when applied to a specific eye. For example, the shape of the rim may be wider in the part that is closest to the bridge of the nose in use.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the rim is consistent around the opening of the eye cup.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the rim is inconsistent around the opening of the eye cup. In some embodiments, the rim comprises nose side flap, in which the rim of the cup can be shaped to follow the shape of the eye and is wider in the part that is closest to the bridge of the nose in use.

The nose side flap may be shaped or angled to fit the side of the nose. The nose side flap can be provided with a pad which can be pressed by the user on opposite side (its non-body facing side) when in use to divert the liquid away from the tear duct of the user. In this way, the amount of liquid entering the nasal passage or throat can be minimised. To assist the user in locating the position of the pad on the non-body facing side of the cup, it can be provided with raised markings or ridges in the form of a pattern of lines so that the position of the pad can be found with the user's finger.

The nose side flap may be convex or concave in shape, suitably to fit the shape of the face of the user and reduce pressure on the nose when the cup is pressed to the face.

The material of the eye cup The eye cup may comprise at least one material.

In some embodiments, the material is a soft or flexible material. The advantage of a soft material is that the eye cup is malleable and can fit the shape of the face in the periocular region, and may be more comfortable for the user when the eye cup contacts the face of the user. In some embodiments, the material is a firm or inflexible material.

This provides the advantage that it is easy to hold and holds the shape of the compartment, eye cup, rim or cup.

-12 -In some embodiments, the eye cup or parts of the eye cup may be made of more than one material. For example, the eye cup may comprise a malleable material in the rim, which provides the advantage of being flexible to fit the shape of the eye. In another example, the eye cup may comprise a firm material to form the baffles or the cup. This advantageously holds the shape of these parts, which is particularly beneficial when the eye cup is gripped by the user.

In some embodiments, the material has a low coefficient of friction, or has a smooth surface texture. This advantageously enables smaller quantities of the liquid to travel across the surface and better distribution of the liquid, so that more of the liquid is administered to the eye. The liquid may also travel faster across the surface, enabling faster administration of the liquid to the eye. In some embodiments, the material has a coarse surface texture on the outside of the cup. This may provide a surface that is easier for the user to grip and handle. In some embodiments, the texture of the material is localised to certain areas of the eye cup, such as the exterior of the walls of the eye cup, the rim, the base, the compartment, the compartment base or the baffles, or a combination of these.

In some embodiments, sections of the eye cup comprise different materials. For example, the baffles and the cup may be different materials. In some embodiments, the rim of the eye cup is comprised of a different material to the reservoir. In such embodiments, it may be beneficial for the rim to be a smooth and flexible material, so that the rim can fit the form of the face and provide a smooth surface that touches the skin, which is more comfortable. In some embodiments, the eye cup may be a less flexible material. This may provide the benefit that the eye cup maintains its shape, even when firmly gripped by the user. In some embodiments, the eye cup comprises layers of materials. For example, the eye cup or parts of the eye cup may have a coating. Said coating may provide friction coefficient reducing properties as described herein.

In some embodiments, the eye cup or parts of the eye cup comprise more than one material. In some embodiments, the eye cup or parts of the eye cup comprise at least one coating of an additional material.

-13 -In some embodiments, the eye cup or parts of the eye cup may be at least partially transparent. This enables the user or an onlooker to check the solution has entered the eye, that the eye is open, or to otherwise witness the eye cup in use.

The eye cup enjoys the advantage that the material may be washable, which allows the user to clean and sterilise the eye cup. This also enables the eye cup to be reusable, which is environmentally friendly.

The eye cup is preferably lightweight, and easy to handle by the user. This is co particularly advantageous considering that the user may be visually impaired at the time of use.

Examples of the material may include: thermoplastics; mouldable plastics such as PVC, polystyrene, polycarbonate or acrylic resin; non-elastomeric plastics; ultra-high /5 molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene; polyvinylchloride (PVC); rubber; latex; silicon, or a combination thereof.

As described herein, the material may be selected for its rigidity, texture, or another property.

In some embodiments, there may be provided an optional cap, fitted to the rim of the eye cup. This may keep the eye cup clean in storage or transport. The cap may be fitted to a lip on the rim of the eye cup. This may provide an air-tight seal around the rim and provide the advantage that the cup may remain substantially sterile whilst in storage or transport with the cap on.

In some embodiments, the eye cup may have additional embellishments. Examples of such embellishments include: ridges or finger indentations to improve grip on the external sides of the eyecup; a flexible lip on the rim of the eye cup to improve fit to the 3o face; a lip on the rim of the eye cup to provide a lip to secure a lid; or a combination thereof.

Method of application In use, the channel in the compartment may be charged with at least one drop of a liquid. This may be used to deposit a medicament, a sterile solution, and/or a solution designed to clean the eye.

The user may pull down the lower eyelid with a free hand, to expose the conjunctival sac. The therapeutic or cleaning effect of the liquid is often enhanced or may be only effective when administered to the conjunctival sac. Some users may also look upwards, which moves the sensitive cornea away from the application area.

Alternatively, the user may hold the charged cup substantially horizontally and bend their head over the cup so that the periocular region makes contact with the rim of the cup. The user can then raise their head and cup so that the liquid is dispensed into the eye from the channel or compartment. The head and cup can also be tilted slightly backwards to ensure that the liquid is dispensed.

As described herein, the rim of the eye cup may be shaped to provide comfortable application and a substantially watertight seal. The user therefore only needs to use mild pressure to hold the cup to the face.

Alternatively, the user may hold the eye cup up to the chosen eye, and tilt or tip the eye cup in order to direct or guide the liquid into the eye. The liquid may then be transferred into the eye. Figure 2 illustrates an example in which a user self-administers a dosage of a solution using an exemplary eye cup of the present invention. As denoted by the arrow, the eye cup may be held to the face and the head tilted so that the solution is administered to the eye.

Advantageously, the eye cup can be charged, before administration to the eye. As the liquid is not administered directly to the eye, the user can charge the compartment with the desired volume. This facilitates administration of a correct volume of liquid. In 3o addition, the user can wear glasses to charge the compartment in order to see the volume added to the compartment, prior to administration. In addition, the use of the eye cup means a phial is not raised to the eye and cannot come into contact with it. As described herein, this can cause pain, injury and compromise the sterility of the solution in the phial.

-15 -After administration of the solution, the head may be tilted forward, and the eye cup removed. This allows removal of the excess solution and the eye cup without spilling the excess solution. The eye cup may then be washed, rinsed, stored, disposed of or a combination thereof.

The dosage As described herein, the eye cup may be charged with any form of liquid from any form of dispenser. The dosage may therefore be selected appropriately by the user.

The eye cup may be charged with as little as a single drop. The compartment advantageously guides the liquid to the eye, so that an excess of the liquid is not required to ensure that the eye is reached by the liquid. This in turn provides the benefit that the user needs to only charge the eye cup with a minimal amount of the liquid, reducing wastage of excess liquid or use of liquid which does not reach the eye.

In addition, the dosage of the liquid maybe accurately measured out, so that the eye cup may be used to administer a specific dosage to the eye. The eye cup reduces the risk of overdosing, wastage and leakage onto the face.

Method of manufacture The eye cup of the present invention may be manufactured in any known and suitable manner.

In some embodiments, the eye cup or parts of the eye cup are manufactured by an injection-moulding process as well known in the art. In some embodiments, this technique provides the eye cup in one piece.

In some embodiments, the eye cup or parts of the eye cup are manufactured by 3D-so printing as is well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the eye cup or parts of the eye cup and the baffles are manufactured as separate components, and then bonded together. The eye cup may be manufactured to provide a single piece, or may be multiple pieces that may be bonded 35 together.

In some embodiments, the eye cup or parts of the eye cup may be processed further before producing the final product. For example, a textured surface, additional embellishments, additional coatings, smoothing or other processes may be employed.

Certain features of the aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to certain embodiments. It will be evident that the present disclosure extends to combinations of those embodiments.

As used herein, the term "about" typically refers to a permitted degree of deviation from a stated value which would be considered reasonable to a skilled person. The term "about" as used herein may refer to a permitted degree of deviation from a stated value of ± to% of that value.

Aspects of the present invention have been described herein with reference to certain embodiments. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Rather the invention should be understood as being defined by the scope of the appended claims, with due account being taken of any equivalents thereto.

Claims

-17 -Claims 1. An eye cup for administration of a liquid to the eye of a user, the cup comprising a base and a rim connected by a side wall, and a compartment in the interior of the cup to contain the liquid, the compartment being open towards the rim of the cup, wherein the compartment is formed by at least one baffle within the cup, the baffle having a bottom edge, a top edge and side edges and wherein the baffle is not uniform in height, relative to the base of the eye cup.
2. The eye cup as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom edge of the baffle is attached to the base of the cup so that the baffle extends from the base of the cup towards the rim of the cup. 3. 4. 5. 6.
The eye cup as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the baffles may be of a lower height in the centre of the eye cup, and curve up near the rim of the eye cup.
The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup comprises two baffles and the baffles are arranged on the base to form a channel across the cup, the baffles attached to the side walls of the cup and the base of the cup.
The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup comprises two baffles and the baffles are arranged on the base to form an internal compartment across the cup, the baffles attached to the side walls of the cup and the base of the cup.
The eye cup as claimed in claim 5, wherein the compartment comprises a protrusion, optionally wherein the protrusion bulges towards centre to form a well.
The eye cup as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein one or more of the baffles are curved.
-18 - 8. The eye cup as claimed in claim 7, wherein the internal compartment is curved convexly towards the centre of the cup so that the edges of the baffles that contact the side walls are further from the centre of the base than the well, optionally wherein the curvature of compartment directs liquid from the well along the compartment towards the rim and away from the tear duct.
9. The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the cup is circular or non-circular and has a width and a length.
10. The eye cup as claimed in claim 9, wherein the baffles create a channel across the width of the cup.
11. The eye cup as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the base of the cup is non-circular and has a length longer than its width.
12. The eye cup as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base is flat.
13. The eye cup as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base and/or the baffles are substantially non-deformable.
14. The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rim of the cup is circular or non-circular.
15. The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rim of the cup matches the shape of the face or eye.
16. The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top edge of the baffle is concave.
17. The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid is contained in the channel formed by the baffles when the cup is upright.
18. The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in use, the liquid is guided towards the eye of the user by the channel while the rim is in contact with the face and the head and cup are tilted back from the vertical. 19. 20. 21.cc 22. 23. 24. 25.The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffles diverge from the base towards the rim of the cup.The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffles are parallel from the base towards the rim of the cup.The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eye cup comprises a nose side flap.The eye cup as claimed in claim 21, wherein the nose side flap further comprises pad.The eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pad comprises raised markings or ridges in the form of a pattern of lines.A method to manufacture the eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eye cup or parts of the eye cup are formed via injection moulding.A use of the eye cup as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is used to administer liquid to the eye for treatment or prevention of an eye condition.