Binocular indirect ophthalmoscope

• US 5,940,166 A
• Filed: 09/12/1997
• Issued: 08/17/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Joel A. Miller
• Original Assignee: Joel A. Miller
• Inventors: Miller, Joel A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dang, Hung Xuan
• Application Number:
  US08/928,949
• Time in Patent Office: 704 Days
• Field of Search: 351/221, 351/205, 351/214, 351/200, 351/246, 128/645, 128/395, 128/398
• US Class Current: 351/221
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/132 in binocular arrangement
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 25/004 having binocular arrangement
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/002 Mounting on the human body

Abstract

A binocular indirect ophthalmoscope is disclosed having a housing with a pair of eyepieces. The housing itself is removably secured to the head of the user, typically an ophthalmologist. An optical system is contained within the housing for reflecting light along a viewing axis through each of the eyepieces. An illumination system is also provided for directing an illuminating light beam along an illumination axis. This illumination system includes a source of light remote from the housing and an optical fiber which optically couples the light source to the housing. The remote location of the light source reduces the weight of the ophthalmoscope and eliminates dangerous overheating of the headpiece.

Claims

1. A binocular indirect ophthalmoscope comprising:

a housing having a pair of eyepieces,

means for removably securing said housing to a head of a user,

an optical system contained in said housing for reflecting light along a viewing axis to each of said eyepieces,

an illumination system for directing an illuminating light beam along an illumination axis, said illumination system comprising a source of light remote from said housing, means for optically coupling said light source to said housing, and means in said housing for directing said light source along said illumination axis, and

a pair of telescopic loupes secured to said housing so that one loupe is adjacent each eyepiece, said loupes being optically isolated from said optical system.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said optical coupling means comprises an optical fiber.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said light source comprises a laser.

4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said light source comprises a halogen light source.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said directing means comprises a mirror aligned with said illumination axis.

6. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said directing means comprises a pair of mirrors, one mirror aligned with each eyepiece, and a prism contained in said housing between said mirrors.