CONTACT LENS FOR INCREASING TEAR PRODUCTION

• US 20160114172A1
• Filed: 10/22/2015
• Published: 04/28/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Oculeve Incorporated (Abbvie Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Oculeve Incorporated (Abbvie Incorporated)
• Inventors: LOUDIN, James Donald, HAMILTON, Daniel N., DORAISWAMY, Anand, ACKERMANN, Douglas Michael, FRANKE, Manfred
• Granted Patent: US 9,764,150 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36046 of the eye
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3606 adapted for a particular treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36121 Production of neurotransmitters; Modulation of genes expression
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00038 Production of contact lenses
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00826 with energy receptors for wireless energy transmission

Abstract

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for increasing tear production by stimulating the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. In some variations, the devices may be in the form of a contact lens. The contact lens may comprise a lens body and a stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip is embedded in the lens body. An external power source wirelessly transmits energy to the stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip may convert the energy to an electric waveform to stimulate the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. Stimulation may activate the lacrimal reflex to increase tear production. The devices and systems for increasing tear production may be used in methods of treating dry eye, reducing the symptoms of tired eye, increasing comfort for contact lens wearers, and extending the number of years a contact lens user can wear contacts. Also described are methods of manufacturing a contact lens.

Claims

1. A system for increasing tear production in an eye of a subject, the system comprising:

a device configured for placement on a cornea, or in a subconjunctiva of the eye, wherein the device comprises a stimulator chip configured to stimulate the cornea or a conjunctiva of the eye; and

an external power source for transmitting energy wirelessly to the stimulator chip to activate the stimulator chip.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the external power source comprises a laser diode.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the laser diode produces light comprising wavelengths between approximately 880 nm and 930 nm.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the external power source comprises an infrared light-emitting diode.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the external power source comprises an optical modifier to produce non-collimated light.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the stimulator chip comprises a photodiode.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a contact lens comprising a lens body, and wherein the stimulator chip is embedded in the lens body.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the lens body is a corrective lens.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the lens body has a zero power.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the lens body has a posterior surface configured to contact the conjunctiva of the eye, and the stimulator chip is embedded in the lens body within 20 microns of the posterior surface.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the stimulator chip is embedded in a portion of the lens body that is configured to be in front of an iris of the eye when the device is placed on the cornea of the eye.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the contact lens comprises a counterweight located approximately 180 degrees from the stimulator chip.

13. A method of increasing tear production in a subject, comprising:

transmitting energy wirelessly from an external power source to a stimulator chip, wherein the stimulator chip is located in a subconjunctival space of an eye of the subject or is embedded in a contact lens worn by the subject; and

delivering a stimulus from the stimulator chip to a conjunctiva or a cornea of the eye to produce tears.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the stimulator chip comprises a photodiode, and the external power source comprises a light source.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the light source comprises a laser diode.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the light source comprises an infrared light-emitting diode.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising moving the eye to expose the photodiode to the light source.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the stimulator chip is within an implantable device located in the subconjunctival space of the eye.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the implantable device is secured in the subconjunctival space of the eye by one or more anchors.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises periodically replacing the implantable device by removing the implantable device from a first location and placing a new implantable device in a second location.