Therapeutic device for pain management and vision

US9943401B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Eugene de Juan, Jr. · San Francisco, US
• Cary J. Reich · Los Gatos, US
• Stephen Boyd · Murrieta, US
• Yair Alster · Menlo Park, US
• David Sierra · San Jose, US
• Hanson S. Gifford, III · Woodside, US
• Jose D. Alejandro · Menlo Park, US
• Richard L. Lindstrom · Wayzata, US
• K. Angela Macfarlane · Menlo Park, US
• Douglas Sutton · Pacifica, US
• John A. Scholl · San Ramon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 6, 2009
• Grant date: Apr 17, 2018
• Expiry date: Dec 30, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02C7/047
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A therapeutic lens for the treatment of an epithelial defect comprises a layer of therapeutic material disposed over the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane to inhibit water flow from the tear liquid to the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane, such that corneal deturgescence can be restored to decrease corneal swelling and light scattering. The layer may cover and protect nerve fibers to decrease pain. The layer may comprise an index of refraction to inhibit light scatter from an anterior surface of the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane. The lens may comprise a curved anterior surface that provides functional vision for the patient when the epithelium regenerates. The layer of therapeutic material can be positioned on the eye in many ways, for example with a spray that is cured to adhere the layer to the exposed surface of the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane.