Glaucoma treatment method

• US 20050165385A1
• Filed: 01/24/2005
• Published: 07/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SOLX, Inc.
• Original Assignee: SOLX, Inc.
• Inventors: Simon, Gabriel
• Granted Patent: US 7,282,046 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/4
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/20 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00868 Ciliary muscles or trabecular meshwork
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00891 Glaucoma
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00781 Apparatus for modifying intraocular pressure, e.g. for glaucoma treatment drainage implants in general A61M27/002
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/008 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00802 for photoablation

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system of treating intraocular pressure. Laser light is directed to the ciliary region of the target eye. The light stimulates the ciliary region and ablates debris lodged therein. An immune response may be triggered by the stimulation of the ciliary body. Intraocular pressure is reduced by the increase in aqueous flow from the anterior chamber in the eye permitted by the resultant removal of debris blocking the uveo-scleral outflow pathway.

Claims

1. A method for treatment of intraocular pressure in a mammalian eye, said method comprising:

Directing a laser light to a ciliary region of said eye;

Stimulating said ciliary region;

Ablating debris lodged in said ciliary region.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said laser light has a depth penetration not less than 50 μ

m.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein said laser light has a depth penetration not less than 70 μ

m.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein said laser light has a depth penetration not less than 200 μ

m.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising targeting a ciliary trabeculum of said ciliary region with said laser light.

6. The method according to claim 5 further comprising evoking an immune response.

7. The method according to claim 6 wherein said immune response comprises the activation of cytokines and macrophages.

8. The method according to claim 5 further comprising goniscopically applying said laser light to said ciliary trabeculum.

9. The method according to claim 1 further comprising targeting a ciliary body disposed within said ciliary region.

10. The method according to claim 9 further comprising evoking an immune response.

11. The method according to claim 10 wherein said immune response comprises the activation of cytokines and macrophages.

12. The method according to claim 9 further comprising compressing a sclera of said eye with a laser delivery device.

13. The method according to claim 9 further comprising transmitting said laser light through a sclera of said eye.

14. The method according to claim 13 further comprising treating a plurality of points on said sclera.

15. The method according to claim 1 wherein said laser light has a wavelength greater than 600 nm.

16. The method according to claim 1 wherein said laser light has a wavelength in the range of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

17. The method according to claim 1 wherein said laser light is generated by a titanium sapphire laser.

18. A system for the treatment of intraocular pressure in mammalian eyes, said system comprising:

a laser generator producing a laser light having a tissue penetration range of greater that 50 μ

m; and

a laser delivery device coupled to said laser, whereby said laser light targets a ciliary body of said eye.

19. The system according to claim 18 further comprising a contact ring disposed around an anterior chamber of said eye whereby said laser light is delivered to a plurality of target points simultaneously.

20. The system according to claim 18 wherein said device is configured to directly contact a sclera of said eye.

21. A method for trans-scleral ciliaryplasty, said method comprising:

compressing a sclera of a patient'"'"'s eye proximal to a ciliary region of said eye;

directing a beam of laser light through said sclera into said ciliary region; and

initiating an immune response.

22. The method according to claim 21 wherein said laser has a wavelength in the range of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

23. The method according to claim 21 wherein said laser is a titanium sapphire laser.

24. The method according to claim 21 wherein said immune response comprises excitation of cytokines and macrophages.