Intraocular pressure monitoring/measuring apparatus and method

• US 6,193,656 B1
• Filed: 02/08/1999
• Issued: 02/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lee Birchansky, Robert E. Jeffries
• Original Assignee: Lee Birchansky, Robert E. Jeffries
• Inventors: Birchansky, Lee, Jeffries, Robert E.
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Connor, Cary
• Assistant Examiner(s): MARMOR II, CHARLES ALAN
• Application Number:
  US09/246,379
• Time in Patent Office: 750 Days
• Field of Search: 600/383, 600/398, 600/399, 600/400, 600/402, 600/547, 600/552, 600/561, 623/4, 623/6, 623/4.1, 623/6.11
• US Class Current: 600/398
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/16 for measuring intraocular pressure, e.g. tonometers
• 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: G01L 9/002 Optical excitation or measuring

Abstract

An apparatus and method of monitoring/measuring intraocular pressure in an eye includes a miniature pressure sensor having an attachment for connecting the miniature pressure sensor to the iris of the eye or an intraocular lens. The miniature pressure sensor is preferably a Polysilicon Resonant Transducer (PRT).

Claims

1. An apparatus capable of monitoring intraocular pressure in an eye having internal tissue comprising a polysilicon resonant transducer having an attachment to connect the transducer to the internal tissue of the eye.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transducer is encased in a material which is bio-compatible with the eye.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attachment includes an encasement with holes therethrough for suturing the apparatus to the internal tissue of the eye.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attachment is a clamp for holding the transducer in the eye.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attachment is a prolene barb for attaching the transducer to the iris.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transducer is encased in a material made of silicone.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transducer is encased in a material made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transducer is encased in a material made of an acrylic polymer.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal tissue is the iris on the anterior chamber side of the eye.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal tissue is the iris on the posterior chamber side of the eye.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an intraocular lens, wherein the transducer is attached to the intraocular lens.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transducer is small enough to allow implantation in the eye without impeding eye function.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intraocular pressure is measured by irradiating the transducer with electromagnetic energy.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the electromagnetic energy is provided by a light source.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the light source is a laser.

16. An apparatus capable of monitoring intraocular pressure in an eye having internal tissue, comprising:

an energy source disposed external to the eye; and

a polysilicon resonant transducer having an attachment to connect the transducer to the internal tissue of the eye,

wherein upon activating the transducer by the energy source, the miniature pressure sensor monitors the intraocular pressure in the eye.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the energy source is a laser source.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the energy source is an electromagnetic source.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising an intraocular lens, wherein the transducer is attached to the intraocular lens.

20. A method of monitoring intraocular pressure in an eye having a polysilicon resonant transducer attached inside of the eye, comprising activating the transducer with an energy source to measure the pressure in the eye.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the energy source is an electromagnetic energy source.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the energy source is a light source.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the light source is a laser.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the transducer is attached with a clamp, a suture or a prolene barb.