WO2016030909A1

WO2016030909A1 - Eyewear to provide a wearer having a disfigured eye to appear to have normal eyes

Info

Publication number: WO2016030909A1
Application number: PCT/IN2015/000301
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amol Kadu
Original assignee: Amol Kadu
Priority date: 2014-08-27
Filing date: 2015-07-29
Publication date: 2016-03-03

Abstract

Disclosed is an eyewear (1) to provide the disfigured eye resemble normal eye in appearance. The eyewear (1) includes a frame (2), a processing and display unit (7), a camera unit (8) and power supply unit (9). The frame (2) is worn by a user and includes two slots (3,3'), one slot (3) called first slot for normal eye of the user and other slot (3 ') called second slot for disfigured eye of the user, the first slot (3) for accommodating a plane lens or powered lens (4) depending on user's eye sight; a nasal bridge (5) for connecting the first slot (3) and second slot (3') and being rested on nose of the user and optionally having a frame holding mean like two arms (6,6') being connected to the first slot (3) and second slot (3') and rested on ears of the user. The processing and display unit (7) is fixed in the second slot (3') of the frame (2). The camera unit (8) is fixed on periphery of the first slot (3) of the frame (2) or on or within the surface of the lens (4) accommodated by first slot (3) of the frame (2)and configured for capturing image of the normal eye on real time basis and relays the image on to the processing and display unit (7) to give an appearance of both eyes moving synchronously and having perfect symmetry in shape, size and appearance. The power supply unit (9) provides power supply to the processing and display unit (7) and camera unit (8).

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION:

EYEWEAR TO PROVIDE A WEARER HAVING A DISFIGURED EYE TO APPEAR TO HAVE NORMAL EYES

Field of invention

The present invention relates to field of ophthalmology. More particularly it is for persons who have lost their sight in one eye and the same is disfigured beyond cosmetic acceptance. Even more specifically it provides an article which can help the disfigured eye resemble normal eye in appearance. Background of invention

There are many conditions like injuries or diseases in which one of the eyes may become disfigured and blind. Some conditions like extreme squint or microphthalmos may have blind eye which may not be totally disfigured but does not match the normal eye size- wise and movement- wise.

Existing treatment modalities for such eyes can be categorized in non- invasive (conservative) methods and invasive or surgical methods.

Following are the Noninvasive methods: 1. Dark or tinted glasses:

Most commonly used easiest way to cover the disfigured eye is dark or tinted glasses. These are effective to mask the disfigured eye but lack to give normal appearance to eyes. Moreover they affect quality of vision in dim light. 2. Cosmetic Contact lenses:

Cosmetic Contact lenses can be used in some cases where the disfigured eye has regular surface. But these need to be removed everyday which is inconvenient most of the times. 3. Artificial eye-shell: Some conditions of eye present with an empty socket with very small or rudimentary eyeball. In such cases an artificial eye-shell is used to give it a better look. These shells also need to be worn and removed on daily basis. Moreover it's difficult to find or manufacture a perfect fit. It's prone for infection and need to be changed periodically, adding to the cost.

Following are the Invasive methods for treating disfigured eyes:

1. Such methods include surgical removal of the eye and fixing a permanent or removable implant. These implants need to be tailor-made for the particular person matching it in size, shape, appearance and movements of the normal eye. This is a difficult task and needs expertise. This type of treatment modality may not be even possible in all cases and even if it's possible it is very expensive and with limitations in aesthetics. With time the bony socket tends to change its shape hence there is need of periodical change in fitting of the implant.

2. Some eyes with extreme squint can be treated with squint surgery. However because the eye doesn't have vision it can't maintain fixation and tends to deviate again leading to recurrence. Thus it is seen that none of the currently available treatment modalities to treat disfigured eye is effective, convenient and cheap at the same time.

Hence there is a need to provide a new mechanism or technique which can be free from all aforementioned drawbacks associated with non-invasive and invasive treatment methods and is capable of achieving patient satisfaction. It shall mask the disfigured blind eye and match the disfigured blind eye with natural appearance and movements of the other normal eye. Such a technique or mechanism shall be easy, convenient and comfortable and economic. Nevertheless technique must be healthy, hygienic and infection free. Summary of invention: Present invention provides an eyewear to provide the disfigured eye resemble normal eye in appearance, the eyewear comprising: a frame to be worn by a user, the frame comprising:

- two slots, one slot called first slot for normal eye of the user and other slot called second slot for disfigured eye of the user, the first slot for accommodating a plane lens or powered lens depending on user's eye sight,

- a nasal bridge for connecting the first slot and second slot and being rested on nose of the user,

- an optional holding mean to hold the first slot and second slot in front of normal eye and disfigured eye of the user respectively; a processing and display unit being fixed in the second slot of the frame; a camera unit being fixed on the frame and configured for capturing image of the normal eye on real time basis and relays the image on to the processing and display unit to give an appearance of both eyes moving synchronously and having perfect symmetry in shape, size and appearance; and a power supply unit for providing power supply to the processing and display unit and camera unit.

Brief description of drawing:

Figure 1: Shows perspective view of an eyewear to provide the disfigured eye resemble normal eye in appearance in accordance to present invention.

Figure 2: Shows an exploded view of the eyewear.

Figure 3:Shows normal and disfigured eyes of a person. Figure 4(a)r4(e): Shows different positions and appearances of normal and disfigured eyes of the person wearing the eyewear of figure.1.

Detailed Description of invention:

The invention and its further features and advantages are explained in more detail on the basis of the exemplary embodiments schematically represented in the figures.

Referring to figures 1 and 2, the eyewear (1) to provide the disfigured eye resemble normal eye in appearance in accordance to present invention is illustrated. The eyewear (1) mainly includes a frame (2), a processing and display unit (7), a camera unit (8) and a power supply unit (9).

The frame (2) is worn by the person having one eye disfigured (herein after referred as user). The frame (2) includes two slots (3, 3'). One slot (3) is provided for normal eye of the user and other slot (3') is provided for disfigured eye of the user. The first slot (3) accommodates either a plane lens (4) or powered lens (4) depending on user's eye sight. The plane lens (4) or powered lens (4) may be made of plastic or glass. A nasal bridge (5) is provided for connecting the first slot (3) and second slot (3'). The nasal bridge (5) rested on nose of the user. For more perfect positioning of the frame on face of user, the frame (2) may further include a frame holding mean (6, 6') connected to the first slot (3) and second slot (3') respectively. In one embodiment this may be the arms (6, 6') rested on ears of the user as shown in figure 2. Alternatively, it may be the head band like structure helping to hold the frame (2) in such a way that first slot (3)and second slot (3')shall be positioned in front of normal eyeand disfigured eye of the user respectively. Further, this frame holding mean may also be used to fix or hold the power supply unit (9). The frame (2) is made of plastic, cardboard, metal or combination thereof. While the slots (3, 3') are preferably rectangular, triangle, oval, circular, hexagonal in shape, or of any modification of these shapes, any other shape to serve the purpose of covering the eyes of user may suitably be used. The frame material and the shapes of slots (3, 3') disclosed herein before may not be taken in limiting way and there may be other possibilities of the material and shapes.

The processing and display unit (7) is fixed in the slot (3') of the frame (2). The processing and display unit (7) is configured to save, process and display the data. The processing and display unit (7) includes processor, memory and display. The display includes high resolution LCD monitor, high resolution LED monitor or like.

The camera unit (8) is connected to the processing and display unit (7). The camera unit (8) captures image of the normal eye of the user on real time basis and relays the image on to the processing and display unit (7) to give an appearance of both eyes moving synchronously and having perfect symmetry in shape, size and appearance. The camera unit (8) is fixed on periphery of the slot (3) of the frame (2) or on the surface of the lens (4) accommodated by first slot (3 ) of the frame (2). Referring to figure 2, the camera unit (8) can be fixed on left side top corner (3a) of periphery of the slot (3) of the frame. It can be fixed on right side top corner (3b) of periphery of the slot (3) of the frame. In another embodiment, it can be fixed within the lens (4). In yet another embodiment the slot (3) may include protruded portion (3c) and camera unit may be fixed on the protruded portion. For perfect centration and symmetry and aesthetics, camera unit (8) can be located at any spot of the frame (2).

The power supply unit (9) is connected to the processing and display unit (7) and camera unit (8). It provides power supply to the processing and display unit (7) and camera unit (8). The power supply unit (9) may comprise rechargeable battery. The power supply unit (9) may include button battery. It may be mounted or fixed on the frame holding mean as shown in figure 2 or can be located elsewhere on the frame. It may also be placed elsewhere remote from frame like in the purse or pocket of the user. Further, if it is mounted on the frame holding mean or elsewhere on the frame, then a charging point (10) may also be provided for charging of the battery. Such a provision is shown in figure 2 for illustration purpose only.

The connectivity amongst processing and display unit (7), camera unit (8) and power supply unit (9) can be through wire(s) or through wireless technology. The non-limiting example of such wireless technology include blue tooth. As per one of the embodiment, the wiring connection among the processing and display unit (7), camera unit (8) and the power supply unit (9) is shown in figure 2 by reference letter (C). The wiring arrangement shown in the figure 2 is meant only for illustration purpose and may not be constructed as a limitation. There may be different ways of wiring as per the requirements of aesthetic look, comfortness to the user and compactness. As already mentioned a wireless connection is also possible.

Construction of inventive eyewear, in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure:

A frame (2) having two slots (3, 3') connected together with a nasal bridge (5), and two arms (6, 6') for frame holding connected to first slot (3) and second slot (3') respectively was prepared from cardboard. Slot (3) was fitted with plain lens (4) made up of plastic and slot (3') was fitted with processing and display unit (7) comprising LCD screen posteriorly attached with processing unit. Camera unit (8) placed on the frame so that the real time image of normal eye is easily captured. A 3.5 V battery for power supply fixed on arm 6'. Units (7), (8) and (9) derived from a cellular phone and used in this inventive eyewear by keeping the connections and programming intact which are necessary for synchronization and wherever needed the wiring extending to keep the units in workable contact.

The working of the invention can be explained as follows.

The camera unit (8) is placed in front of normal eye and the processing and display unit (7) is in front of disfigured eye. The camera unit (8) captures live image of normal eye and relays it onto the processing and display unit (7) which is in front of disfigured eye. This in turn gives an appearance of both eyes moving synchronously and having perfect symmetry in shape and size and appearance. Thus both the purposes are served, i.e. masking of disfigured eye and providing perfect symmetry, movements and appearance of the apparent eye.

Referring to figure 3, normal and disfigured eyes of the user are shown. Here the user has not worn the eyewear (1).

Referring to figures 4(a) to 4(e) different positions and appearances of the normal and disfigured eyes of the user are shown. Here the user has worn the eyewear (1). From these figures it is clear that the disfigured eye looks alike in appearance, size, shape and movement the normal eye.

Advantages of the eyewear of present invention:

i. It eliminates physical discomfort caused by the disfigured eye and abnormally placed eyelids by helping the disfigured eye resemble normal eye in appearance. It also reduces the psychological hurt of an eye loss and disfigured eye.

ii. It is more comfortable and has better resemblance to the other eye.

iii. It is very economic as compared to other options.

iv. It is easy to use and maintain.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An eyewear (1) to provide the disfigured eye resemble normal eye in appearance, the eyewear (1) comprising:

a frame (2) to be worn by a user, the frame (2) comprising:

- two slots (3,3'), one slot (3) called first slot for normal eye of the user and other slot (3') called second slot for disfigured eye of the user, the first slot (3) for accommodating a plane lens (4) or powered lens (4) depending on user's eye sight,

- a nasal bridge (5) for connecting the first slot (3) and second slot (3') and being rested on nose of the user,

- an optional holding mean to hold the first slot and second slot in front of normal eye and disfigured eye of the user respectively;

a processing and display unit (7) being fixed in the second slot (3') of the frame (2);

a camera unit (8) being fixed on the frame (2) and configured for capturing image of the normal eye on real time basis and relays the image on to the processing and display unit (7) to give an appearance of both eyes moving synchronously and having perfect symmetry in shape, size and appearance; and

a power supply unit (9) for providing power supply to the processing and display unit (7) and camera unit (8).

2. The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame (2) is made of plastic.

3. The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame (2) is made of metal.

The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shape of first slot (3) and second slot (3 ') is selected from

- rectangle, triangle, oval, circular and hexagonal shape or,

- any modification in rectangular, triangular, oval, circular and hexagonal shape or,

- any other shape to serve the purpose of covering the eyes of user.

The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holding mean comprise two arms (6,6') being connected to the first slot (3) and second slot (3') and rested on ears of the user.

The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holding mean comprise a head band like structure helping to hold the frame (2) in such a way that first slot (3)and second slot (3') shall be positioned in front of normal eye and disfigured eye of the user respectively.

The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the camera unit (8) is fixed on left side top corner (3a) or right side top corner (3b) of periphery of the first slot of the frame.

The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising protruded portion (3 c) on periphery of the first slot of the frame and camera unit (8) is fixed on the protruded portion.

9. The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the camera unit (8) is fixed on periphery of the first slot (3) or fixed on surface of lens (4) or fixed within the lens (4) or fixed on the protruded portion (3c) on the slot (3).

10. The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the processing and display unit (7) comprises high resolution LCD monitor.

1 1. The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the processing and display unit (7) comprises high resolution LED monitor.

12. The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power supply unit (9) comprises rechargeable battery.

13. The eyewear (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power supply unit (9) comprises button battery.