Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090024117 | Eye therapy system - A system for applying therapy to an eye selectively applies coolant to the corneal surface to minimize heat-related damage to the corneal surface during thermokeratoplasty. Embodiments may include an energy source, a conducting element, a coolant supply, and at least one coolant delivery element. The conducting element is operably connected to the energy source and extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The conducting element directs energy from the energy source to the distal end, which is positionable at the eye. The coolant delivery elements are in communication with the coolant supply and are operable to deliver a micro-controlled pulse of coolant to the distal end. | 01-22-2009 |
20090069798 | EYE THERAPY SYSTEM - A system for applying therapy to an eye selectively applies coolant to the corneal surface to minimize heat-related damage to the corneal surface during thermokeratoplasty. Embodiments may include an energy source, a conducting element, a coolant supply, and a coolant delivery system. The conducting element is operably connected to the energy source and extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The conducting element directs energy from the energy source to the distal end, which is positionable at the eye. The coolant delivery system is in communication with the coolant supply and is operable to deliver a micro-controlled pulse of coolant to the distal end. | 03-12-2009 |
20090149842 | Eye therapy system - Heat is generated in corneal fibrils in a cornea of an eye according to a selected pattern. The heat causes the corneal fibrils corresponding to the selected pattern to transition from a first structure to a second structure. The second structure provides a desired reshaping of the cornea. A cross-linking agent is then activated in the region of corneal fibrils according to the selected pattern. The cross-linking agent prevents the corneal fibrils from changing from the second structure. Thus, embodiments stabilize corneal tissue and improve its biomechanical strength after desired structural changes have been achieved in the corneal tissue. Accordingly, the embodiments help to preserve the desired reshaping of the cornea. | 06-11-2009 |
20090187173 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESHAPING AN EYE FEATURE - A system for applying therapy to an eye includes an energy source and a conducting element operably connected to the energy source and configured to direct energy from the energy source to an application end of the conducting element. The application end includes an eye contact portion configured to apply the energy to an eye feature and provides a reshaping mold to reshape the eye feature as the eye feature responds to the application of the energy. The eye contact portion may have a concave curvature and may be positioned in direct contact with the eye feature. In addition, the eye feature may be the cornea of the eye. In a particular embodiment, the energy source is an electrical energy source, the conducting element comprises an outer electrode and an inner electrode separated by a gap, and the eye contact portion is positioned on the inner electrode. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187178 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING AN EYE THERAPY DEVICE - A system for aligning an eye therapy instrument over a selected area or feature of an eye provides an attachment element that is removably attached to a surface of an eye. A receiving element is coupled to the attachment element and movable relative to the attachment element. The receiving element includes a coupling element configured to operably couple an eye therapy instrument to the receiving element and adjustably move the eye therapy instrument into a selected position with respect to the attachment element. The system makes adjustments to ensure accurate delivery of treatment from the eye therapy device to areas of the eye. In one embodiment, the receiving element allows lateral adjustments to be made along one or more axes. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving element allows angular or rotational adjustments to be made about one or more axes. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187184 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESHAPING AN EYE FEATURE - A system for applying therapy to an eye includes an applicator having a conducting element configured to direct energy from an energy source to an application end of the conducting element, where the application end has an eye contact portion. A positioning system receives the applicator and positions the eye contact portion in stable engagement with the surface of an eye. In some embodiments, the conducting element is disposed within a housing for the applicator and an adjustment system is employed to move the conducting element relative to the housing. The adjustment system enables controlled movement of the conducting element and the eye contact portion against the corneal surface. In particular embodiments, sufficient contact between the applicator and the cornea is determined by causing applanation of the cornea. In other embodiments, a physical measurement device, such as a strain gauge, is employed to determine when sufficient contact has been established. | 07-23-2009 |
20090209954 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESHAPING AN EYE FEATURE - A system for applying therapy to an eye includes an applicator having a conducting element configured to direct energy from an energy source to an application end of the conducting element, where the application end has at least one eye contact portion. A positioning system positions the at least one eye contact portion in stable engagement with the eye surface. The conducting element is disposed within a housing for the applicator and at least one adjustment system is employed to move the conducting element relative to the housing. The at least one adjustment system enables controlled movement of the conducting element and the at least one eye contact portion against the corneal surface. In particular embodiments, sufficient contact between the applicator and the cornea is determined by causing applanation of the cornea. In other embodiments, at least one measurement device is employed to determine when sufficient contact has been established. | 08-20-2009 |
20090275936 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING THERAPY TO AN EYE USING ENERGY CONDUCTION - Thermokeratoplasty is applied to achieve a customized reshaping of a cornea, especially, for the treatment of astigmatism. Energy is applied to the cornea in a customized pattern using a specific configuration of two conductors. In one embodiment, an outer conductor and an outer conductor are separated by a gap. When a conducting element is applied to the corneal surface the area of the cornea at the periphery of the inner conductor is subject to an energy pattern with substantially the same shape and dimension as the gap between the inner and outer conductors. The inner and outer conductors may be positioned and shaped to form a gap having any desirable size and/or shape, including non-annular and asymmetrical shapes. The gap may be configured by altering the spatial relationships between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, by altering the size, shape, and/or position of the inner and/or outer conductors, or by forming one or more indentations or protrusions in or on the inner conductor and/or the outer conductor. Additionally or alternatively, energy is applied to the cornea in a customized pattern defined by a specific arrangement of one or more dielectric materials providing varying impedance. | 11-05-2009 |
20100076423 | EYE THERAPY SYSTEM - The cornea is reshaped in multiple steps according to varying amounts of energy in varying patterns and/or at varying locations to achieve a customized reshaping of the cornea to address the specific needs of an individual patient. The varying amounts of energy may be applied via one or more conducting elements, which include an outer conductor and an inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor, a distal end of the outer conductor and the inner conductor defining the varying patterns. For example, one step may form a substantially circular lesion to flatten a first portion of the cornea to treat presbyopia, while another step may form a substantially circular and concentric lesion having a greater diameter to steepen a second portion of the cornea to treat hyperopia. Advantageously, continuous transitional regions are formed relative to the reshaped portions to provide vision for intermediate distances. | 03-25-2010 |
20100094197 | EYE THERAPY SYSTEM - In a system for stabilizing a pattern of structural changes in corneal fibrils, an eye treatment system causes corneal fibrils of a cornea of an eye to transition from a first structure to a second structure. An application device applies a cross-linking element to the corneal fibrils. An activating device applies an initiating element to the corneal fibrils and activates the cross-linking element. The cross-linking element causes cross-linking in the corneal fibrils to preserve the second structure of the corneal fibrils. Another application device may apply a cross-linking breaker to the corneal fibrils. The cross-linking breaker halts or reverses at least partially the cross-linking in the corneal fibrils. Another activating device applies an initiating element to the corneal fibrils and activates the cross-linking breaker. Advantageously, the cross-linking breaker provides greater control over the amount and progress of cross-linking that occurs in the corneal fibrils. | 04-15-2010 |
20100094280 | EYE THERAPY SYSTEM - A system includes a conducting element that conducts energy from an energy source to apply therapy to an eye. The system includes a covering configured to be removably attached to the conducting element. The covering has an interface surface that is positionable at an eye. At least a portion of the interface surface includes one or more dielectric materials. Energy is deliverable to the eye through the interface surface. In one aspect, the covering provides an electrical insulator to minimize the concentration of electrical current in the area of contact with the eye. In another aspect, the covering allows the eye to be cooled during the application of energy without directly applying coolant to the eye. In another aspect, the covering includes a dielectric layer that may provide varying impedances that allow different patterns for energy delivery. In another aspect, the sheath promotes hygienic use of the conducting element. | 04-15-2010 |
20100185192 | EYE THERAPY SYSTEM - Systems and methods improve operation of an applicator that delivers heat-generating energy to an eye as a part of an eye therapy. For example, reflected power may be measured to determine whether sufficient contact has been established between the applicator and the eye for accurate and precise delivery of energy to the eye. In addition, at least one of forward and reflected power may be measured to monitor the application of coolant pulses that control the generation of heat in the eye when the applicator delivers energy to the eye. Further, the forward and reflected power may be measured to determine an efficiency of energy transfer or an impedance mismatch. Based on the efficiency of energy transfer or the impedance mismatch, an adjustable parameter of a tuning element may be modified. | 07-22-2010 |
20100280509 | Eye Therapy System - An electrical energy applicator directs electrical energy from the electrical energy source to a distal end, which positionable at a surface of an eye. The energy conducting applicator includes a first conductor and a second conductor separated by a gap. The first conductor has a first contact surface at the distal end, and the second conductor has a second contact surface at the distal end. The first conductor and/or the second conductor has a length that is adjustable by a biasing element. The first contact surface of the first conductor is movable relative to the second contact surface of the second conductor. The first contact surface and the second contact surface are adjustably positionable simultaneously against the surface of the eye to deliver energy to the eye according to a pattern defined by the first contact surface, the second contact surface, and the gap. | 11-04-2010 |
20100290668 | LONG DISTANCE MULTIMODAL BIOMETRIC SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for multimodal biometric identification has a first imaging system that detects one or more subjects in a first field of view, including a targeted subject having a first biometric characteristic and a second biometric characteristic; a second imaging system that captures a first image of the first biometric characteristic according to first photons, where the first biometric characteristic is positioned in a second field of view smaller than the first field of view, and the first image includes first data for biometric identification; a third imaging system that captures a second image of the second biometric characteristic according to second photons, where the second biometric characteristic is positioned in a third field of view which is smaller than the first and second fields of view, and the second image includes second data for biometric identification. At least one active illumination source emits the second photons. | 11-18-2010 |
20110118654 | Eye Therapy - Embodiments apply a cross-linking agent to a region of corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent improves the ability of the corneal tissue to resist undesired structural changes. For example, the cross-linking agent may be Riboflavin or Rose Bengal, and the initiating element may be photoactivating light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. In these embodiments, the photoactivating light initiates cross-linking activity by irradiating the applied cross-linking agent to release reactive oxygen radicals in the corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent acts as a sensitizer to convert O | 05-19-2011 |
20110118716 | System and Method for Stabilizing Corneal Tissue After Treatment - Systems and methods stabilize corneal tissue after treatment of the corneal tissue. For example, thermokeratoplasty may be applied to the corneal tissue to address disorders associated with abnormal shaping of the cornea. To stabilize the desired structural changes caused by the treatment, embodiments apply ophthalmic formulations that help to inhibit wound healing. Wound healing may occur in response to the application of the treatment and may produce further structural changes that mitigate or alter the desired effects of the treatment. | 05-19-2011 |
20110237999 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLYING AND MONITORING EYE THERAPY - Devices and approaches for activating cross-linking within corneal tissue to stabilize and strengthen the corneal tissue following an eye therapy treatment. A feedback system is provided to acquire measurements and pass feedback information to a controller. The feedback system may include an interferometer system, a corneal polarimetry system, or other configurations for monitoring cross-linking activity within the cornea. The controller is adapted to analyze the feedback information and adjust treatment to the eye based on the information. Aspects of the feedback system may also be used to monitor and diagnose features of the eye | 09-29-2011 |
20110285836 | Multimodal Ocular Biometric System - A multimodal biometric identification system captures and processes images of both the iris and the retina for biometric identification. Another multimodal ocular system captures and processes images of the iris and/or the from both eyes of a subject. Biometrics based on data provided by these systems are more accurate and robust than using biometrics that include data from only the iris or only the retina from a single eye. An exemplary embodiment emits photons to the iris and the retina of both eyes, an iris image sensor that captures an image of the iris when the iris reflects the emitted light, a retina image sensor that captures an image of the retina when the retina reflects the emitted light, and a controller that controls the iris and the retina illumination sources, where the captured image of the iris and the captured image of the retina contain biometric data. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288466 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACTIVATING CROSS-LINKING IN AN EYE - Devices and approaches for activating cross-linking within at least one eye component of an eye to stabilize and strengthen corneal tissue or other tissues of the eye. Cross-linking is activated within the at least one eye component by conveying a cross-linking agent to regions of the at least one eye component and then activating the cross-linking agent by delivering an initiating element to the at least one eye component. Approaches disclosed herein allow for precisely controlling the three dimensional region of strengthened tissue by conveying the cross-linking agent to regions of the at least one eye component. Approaches allow for conveying the cross-linking agent to a depth below the corneal surface such that cross-linking is activated below the corneal surface. | 11-24-2011 |
20120022319 | Systems and Methods For Reducing Gastric Volume - Systems and methods maintain a fold, e.g., an intussusception, formed in a portion of the stomach wall. In one example, a system includes a holding device that is positioned at least partially in a stomach and receives a portion of a wall of the stomach. The holding device includes a first section connected to a second section. The holding device is operable to move the second section relative to the first section into a position in which a cavity is defined between the first section and the second section. The cavity receives the portion of the wall of the stomach. The system includes a securing device that is positionable around the second section while the portion of the stomach wall is received by the cavity. The securing device is operable to provide a force around the second section to maintain the portion of the stomach wall stably in the cavity. | 01-26-2012 |
20120200689 | LONG DISTANCE MULTIMODAL BIOMETRIC SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for multimodal biometric identification has a first imaging system that detects one or more subjects in a first field of view, including a targeted subject having a first biometric characteristic and a second biometric characteristic; a second imaging system that captures a first image of the first biometric characteristic according to first photons, where the first biometric characteristic is positioned in a second field of view smaller than the first field of view, and the first image includes first data for biometric identification; a third imaging system that captures a second image of the second biometric characteristic according to second photons, where the second biometric characteristic is positioned in a third field of view which is smaller than the first and second fields of view, and the second image includes second data for biometric identification. At least one active illumination source emits the second photons. | 08-09-2012 |
20120215155 | CONTROLLED CROSS-LINKING INITIATION AND CORNEAL TOPOGRAPHY FEEDBACK SYSTEMS FOR DIRECTING CROSS-LINKING - Devices and approaches for activating cross-linking within corneal tissue to stabilize and strengthen the corneal tissue following an eye therapy treatment. A feedback system is provided to acquire measurements and pass feedback information to a controller. The feedback system may include an interferometer system, a corneal polarimetry system, or other configurations for monitoring cross-linking activity within the cornea. The controller is adapted to analyze the feedback information and adjust treatment to the eye based on the information. Aspects of the feedback system may also be used to monitor and diagnose features of the eye. Methods of activating cross-linking according to information provided by a feedback system in order to improve accuracy and safety of a cross-linking therapy are also provided. | 08-23-2012 |
20120283621 | STERILIZING APPLICATION OF CROSS-LINKING AGENT - A method for treating an eye includes applying, to an outer protective layer of an area of an eye, one or more initial doses of a cross-linking agent that acts as a photosensitizer. The method also includes delivering, from a light source, one or more initial doses of ultraviolet light to the area of the eye. The cross-linking agent increases absorption of the ultraviolet light by the area of the eye, and the absorption of the ultraviolet light sterilizes the area of the eye before the outer protective layer is penetrated. Additionally, the method includes penetrating the outer protective layer of the eye to provide access to an area below the outer protective layer. Moreover, the method includes applying a treatment to the eye via the access provided by cutting the outer protective layer. In some embodiments, the cross-linking agent is Riboflavin, and the treatment is LASIK surgery. | 11-08-2012 |
20120289886 | CONTROLLED APPLICATION OF CROSS-LINKING AGENT - Devices and approaches for activating cross-linking within at least one eye component of an eye to stabilize and strengthen corneal tissue or other tissues of the eye. Cross-linking is activated within the at least one eye component by conveying a cross-linking agent to regions of the at least one eye component and then activating the cross-linking agent by delivering an initiating element to the at least one eye component. Approaches disclosed herein allow for precisely controlling the three dimensional region of strengthened tissue by conveying the cross-linking agent to regions of the at least one eye component. Approaches allow for conveying the cross-linking agent to a depth below the corneal surface such that cross-linking is activated below the corneal surface. | 11-15-2012 |
20120303008 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RESHAPING AN EYE FEATURE - Systems and methods include a cutting instrument that creates incisions in selected areas of the cornea; an eye therapy system that applies reshaping forces to the cornea; and a controller that determines the selected areas of the cornea for the incisions and the reshaping forces from the eye therapy system, such that the reshaping forces and the incisions combine to achieve corrective reshaping of the cornea. Other systems and methods include measuring an eye to determine a required amount of reshaping of a cornea; determining one or more doses of cross-linking agent and one or more corresponding doses of photoactivating light according to the required amount of reshaping; applying the cross-linking agent to the cornea; and delivering, from a light source, the photoactivating light to the area of the eye, the photoactivating light combining with the cross-linking agent to induce the corrective reshaping of the cornea. | 11-29-2012 |
20120310083 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING TIME BASED PHOTO ACTIVE AGENT DELIVERY OR PHOTO ACTIVE MARKER PRESENCE - Devices and approaches for monitoring time based photo active agent delivery or photo active marker presence in an eye. A monitoring system is provided for measuring the presence of a photo active marker by illuminating the eye so as to excite the photo-active marker and then observing characteristic emission from the photo active marker. Example systems incorporate Scheimpflug optical systems or slit lamp optical systems to observe cross sectional images of an eye to monitor instantaneous distribution, diffusion pattern, and rate of uptake of a photo active agent applied to an eye. Systems and methods further allow for utilizing the monitored distribution of photo active agent in the eye as feedback for a cross-linking system. | 12-06-2012 |
20130060187 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING WITH PULSED LIGHT - A method for controlling activation of Riboflavin applied to an eye includes applying the Riboflavin to a selected region of a cornea of the eye and initiating cross-linking activity in the selected region by activating the Riboflavin with pulsed light illumination. The pulsed light illumination has an irradiance, dose, and an on/off duty cycle. The irradiance, the dose, and the on/off duty cycle are adjusted in response to a determination of photochemical kinetic pathways for Riboflavin cross-linking activity and to control photochemical efficiency. | 03-07-2013 |
20130072852 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PATHOGENIC INFECTION - An internal anatomic target that is infected by pathogenic microorganisms is treated using an applicator configured for delivering a therapeutic solution thereto and an UV light-emitting device transmits UV light thereon. | 03-21-2013 |
20130085370 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLYING AND MONITORING EYE THERAPY - In systems and methods for generating cross-linking activity in an eye, a feedback system monitors a biomechanical strength of the eye in response to the photoactivation of a cross-linking agent applied to an eye. The feedback system includes a perturbation system that applies a force to the eye and a characterization system that determines an effect of the force on the eye. The effect of the force provides an indicator of the biomechanical strength of the eye. The characterization system determines the effect of the force on the eye by measuring an amount of deformation caused by the force or a rate of recovery from the deformation. | 04-04-2013 |
20130131664 | Eye Therapy System - A system for applying therapy to an eye selectively applies coolant to the corneal surface to minimize heat-related damage to the corneal surface during thermokeratoplasty. Embodiments may include an energy source, a conducting element, a coolant supply, and a coolant delivery system. The conducting element is operably connected to the energy source and extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The conducting element directs energy from the energy source to the distal end, which is positionable at the eye. The coolant delivery system is in communication with the coolant supply and is operable to deliver a micro-controlled pulse of coolant to the distal end. | 05-23-2013 |
20130141560 | MULTIMODAL OCULAR BIOMETRIC SYSTEM - A multimodal biometric identification system captures and processes images of both the iris and the retina for biometric identification. Another multimodal ocular system captures and processes images of the iris and/or the from both eyes of a subject. Biometrics based on data provided by these systems are more accurate and robust than using biometrics that include data from only the iris or only the retina from a single eye. An exemplary embodiment emits photons to the iris and the retina of both eyes, an iris image sensor that captures an image of the iris when the iris reflects the emitted light, a retina image sensor that captures an image of the retina when the retina reflects the emitted light, and a controller that controls the iris and the retina illumination sources, where the captured image of the iris and the captured image of the retina contain biometric data. | 06-06-2013 |
20130190737 | APPLICATION OF ENERGY IN MEDICAL TREATMENTS - Embodiments apply light energy in medical treatments. To enhance or control the effect of the light energy, embodiments apply the light energy after tissue has been treated, e.g., with a photosensitizing agent. For example, embodiments may treat target tissue with riboflavin before exposure to ultraviolet light. For example, a system for cataract surgery includes a removal system configured to remove a first lens from an eye, wherein a capsular bag remains in the eye after removal of the first lens. The system includes an application system configured to treat lenticular epithelial cells in the capsular bag with the photosensitizing agent. The system includes a delivery system with a light source and an optical device. The optical device delivers light to the treated lenticular epithelial cells. Energy from the light destroys the lenticular epithelial cells in the capsular bag to reduce the growth of epithelial cells that cause posterior capsule opacification. | 07-25-2013 |
20130245536 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING WITH PULSED LIGHT - A method for controlling activation of a cross-linking agent applied to an eye includes applying the cross-linking agent to a selected region of a cornea of the eye and initiating cross-linking activity in the selected region by activating the cross-linking agent with pulsed light illumination. The pulsed light illumination has a selectable wavelength, irradiance, dose, and on/off duty cycle. The wavelength, the irradiance, the dose, and the on/off duty cycle are adjusted in response to a determination of photochemical kinetic pathways for cross-linking activity and to control photochemical efficiency, depth of cross-linking, and density of cross-linking. | 09-19-2013 |
20130274549 | ENDOSCOPES ENHANCED WITH PATHOGENIC TREATMENT - Various endoscopes are integrated with an applicator configured for delivering a therapeutic solution to an internal anatomic target that may be infected by pathogenic microorganisms and a UV light-emitting device transmitting UV light thereto. | 10-17-2013 |
20140024997 | Eye Therapy System - Embodiments apply a cross-linking agent to a region of corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent improves the ability of the corneal tissue to resist undesired structural changes. For example, the cross-linking agent may be Riboflavin or Rose Bengal, and the initiating element may be photoactivating light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. In these embodiments, the photoactivating light initiates cross-linking activity by irradiating the applied cross-linking agent to release reactive oxygen radicals in the corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent acts as a sensitizer to convert O | 01-23-2014 |
20140025049 | Eye Therapy System - Heat is generated in corneal fibrils in a cornea of an eye according to a selected pattern. The heat causes the corneal fibrils corresponding to the selected pattern to transition from a first structure to a second structure. The second structure provides a desired reshaping of the cornea. A cross-linking agent is then activated in the region of corneal fibrils according to the selected pattern. The cross-linking agent prevents the corneal fibrils from changing from the second structure. Thus, embodiments stabilize corneal tissue and improve its biomechanical strength after desired structural changes have been achieved in the corneal tissue. Accordingly, the embodiments help to preserve the desired reshaping of the cornea. | 01-23-2014 |
20140066835 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING WITH PULSED LIGHT - Systems and methods for treating an eye select locations for making incisions in areas of the cornea according to astigmatic keratotomy or radial keratotomy, make incisions in the selected areas of the cornea, apply a cross-linking agent to the selected areas of the cornea, and deliver photoactivating light from a light source to the selected areas of the cornea to initiate cross-linking activity in the selected areas of the cornea. | 03-06-2014 |
20140113009 | CONTROLLED APPLICATION OF CROSS-LINKING AGENT - According to aspects of the present disclosure, a kit for transepithelial delivery of a cross-linking agent to a cornea includes a first vessel containing an initial formulation that includes a cross-linking agent and a first active ingredient configured to open corneal epithelial tight junctions when applied to a cornea and one or more second vessels each containing a respective secondary formulation that includes the cross-linking agent for application to the cornea after the initial formulation is applied to the cornea. | 04-24-2014 |
20140264980 | CORNEAL IMPLANT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an implant for correcting vision impairment is disclosed. The implant is made from a donor corneal tissue sized and shaped to provide a predetermined refractive correction and reshaping of a cornea. The donor corneal tissue includes a posterior surface and an anterior surface. The posterior surface has a surface profile that is configured to generally correspond to a shape of an implantation site of the cornea. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276361 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING GLAUCOMA - A glaucoma treatment system includes: a cannula body configured to be positioned in an area of Schlemm's canal; an illumination guide extending along the cannula body; at least one drug source coupled to the cannula body; a cross-linking agent source coupled to the cannula body; and an illumination source coupled to the illumination guide. The at least one drug source includes a drug that promotes outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork and into Schlemm's canal. The cannula body delivers the drug from the at least one drug source to the area of Schlemm's canal, and in response to changes in the outflow of aqueous humor, delivers the cross-linking agent to the area of Schlemm's canal. The illumination guide delivers photo-activating light from the illumination source to the area of Schlemm's canal. The photo-activating light activates the cross-linking agent, thereby stabilizing changes in the area of Schlemm's canal. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277431 | TREATMENTS OF EXTRACELLULAR MATRICES OF THE EYE - System and methods for a corrective eye procedure include at least one application device configured to be positioned at a selected area of an eye (e.g., equatorial sclera, posterior sclera, cornea, etc.). The at least one device includes at least one channel and at least one illumination guide. A cross-linking agent source is coupled to the at least one channel. An illumination source is coupled to the at least one illumination guide. The at least one device delivers the cross-linking agent to the selected area of the eye. The at least one device delivers photo-activating light from the illumination source to the selected area of the eye after the cross-linking agent has been delivered. The photo-activating light includes one or more doses necessary for activating the cross-linking agent and for activating TGF-β isoforms to improve health of extracellular matrices in the selected area of the eye. | 09-18-2014 |
20140320819 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING LIGHT IN EYE TREATMENTS - A system for applying a treatment to an eye includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a contact element having an open end and a closed end, and a light source disposed within the housing and configured to direct light toward the open end. The contact element is coupled to the first end of the housing at the closed end. The open end is configured to be positioned at an eye. | 10-30-2014 |
20140343480 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPOSITIONS FOR CROSS-LINKING - Various agents and additives for cross-linking treatments are identified in disclosed studies. The characteristics of the various agents and additives may be advantageously employed in formulations applied in cross-linking treatments of the eye. In some embodiments, riboflavin is combined with Iron(II) to enhance the cross-linking activity generated by the riboflavin. In other embodiments, cross-linking treatments employ an Iron(II) solution in combination with a hydrogen peroxide pre-soak. In yet other embodiments, 2,3-butanedione is employed to increase the efficacy of corneal cross-linking with a photosensitizer, such as riboflavin. In further embodiments, folic acid is employed in combination with a photosensitizer, such as riboflavin, to enhance cross-linking activity. In yet further embodiments, 2,3-butanedione, folic acid, a quinoxaline, a quinoline, dibucaine, Methotrexate, menadione, or a derivative thereof is applied as a cross-linking agent. | 11-20-2014 |
20140368792 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING BIOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE EYE FOR APPLYING TREATMENT - A system for determining biomechanical properties of corneal tissue includes a light source configured to provide an incident light and a confocal microscopy system configured to scan the incident light across a plurality of cross-sections of corneal tissue. The incident light is reflected by the corneal tissue as scattered light. The system also includes a filter or attenuating device configured to block or attenuate the Rayleigh peak frequency of the scattered light, a spectrometer configured to receive the scattered light and process frequency characteristics of the received scattered light to determine a Brillouin frequency shift in response to the Rayleigh peak frequency being blocked or attenuated by the filter or attenuating device, and a processor configured to generate a three-dimensional profile of the corneal tissue according to the determined Brillouin frequency shift. The three-dimensional profile provides an indicator of one or more biomechanical properties of the corneal tissue. | 12-18-2014 |
20140368793 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING BIOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE EYE FOR APPLYING TREATMENT - A system for determining biomechanical properties of corneal tissue includes a light source configured to provide an incident light and a confocal microscopy system configured to scan the incident light across a plurality of cross-sections of corneal tissue. The incident light is reflected by the corneal tissue as scattered light. The system also includes a filter or attenuating device configured to block or attenuate the Rayleigh peak frequency of the scattered light, a spectrometer configured to receive the scattered light and process frequency characteristics of the received scattered light to determine a Brillouin frequency shift in response to the Rayleigh peak frequency being blocked or attenuated by the filter or attenuating device, and a processor configured to determine a three-dimensional profile of the corneal tissue according to the determined Brillouin frequency shift. The three-dimensional profile provides an indicator of one or more biomechanical properties of the corneal tissue. | 12-18-2014 |
20150025440 | Eye Therapy System - Embodiments apply a cross-linking agent to a region of corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent improves the ability of the corneal tissue to resist undesired structural changes. For example, the cross-linking agent may be Riboflavin or Rose Bengal, and the initiating element may be photoactivating light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. In these embodiments, the photoactivating light initiates cross-linking activity by irradiating the applied cross-linking agent to release reactive oxygen radicals in the corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent acts as a sensitizer to convert O | 01-22-2015 |