System and method for reshaping an eye feature
First Claim
1. A system for applying therapy to an eye, the system comprising:
- an applicator including a conducting element configured to direct energy from an energy source to an application end of the conducting element, the conducting element including an outer conductor and an inner conductor separated by a gap, the application end having an eye contact portion;
a positioning system configured to receive the applicator and position the eye contact portion in engagement against a surface of an eye, the engagement creating a contact pressure between the eye contact portion and a feature of the eye, and the applicator being configured to direct energy to the eye according to the engagement; and
a coupling system including;
a measurement device operable to measure the contact pressure between the eye contact portion and the feature of the eye and generate a first signal indicative of the measured contact pressure,a controller configured to receive, from the measurement device, the first signal indicative of the measured contact pressure between the eye contact portion, analyze the first signal, and generate a second signal based on the analysis of the first signal, andan electromechanical adjustment system configured to move, relative to the positioning system, the outer conductor and the inner conductor within the positioning system in response to the second signal received from the controller.
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Accused Products
Abstract
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.
133 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A system for applying therapy to an eye, the system comprising:
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an applicator including a conducting element configured to direct energy from an energy source to an application end of the conducting element, the conducting element including an outer conductor and an inner conductor separated by a gap, the application end having an eye contact portion; a positioning system configured to receive the applicator and position the eye contact portion in engagement against a surface of an eye, the engagement creating a contact pressure between the eye contact portion and a feature of the eye, and the applicator being configured to direct energy to the eye according to the engagement; and a coupling system including; a measurement device operable to measure the contact pressure between the eye contact portion and the feature of the eye and generate a first signal indicative of the measured contact pressure, a controller configured to receive, from the measurement device, the first signal indicative of the measured contact pressure between the eye contact portion, analyze the first signal, and generate a second signal based on the analysis of the first signal, and an electromechanical adjustment system configured to move, relative to the positioning system, the outer conductor and the inner conductor within the positioning system in response to the second signal received from the controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for applying therapy to an eye, the method comprising:
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attaching a positioning system to a surface of an eye, the positioning system having an aperture providing access to a feature of the eye within the aperture; coupling a conducting element to the positioning system such that the conducting element is received in the aperture of the positioning system and positioned relative to the feature of the eye, the conducting element being operably connected to an energy source, the conducting element having an application end for directing energy to the eye, the application end having an eye contact portion; with the conducting element coupled to the positioning system, moving the conducting element in at least a first direction relative to the positioning system, the first direction being generally perpendicular to an axis of the aperture; measuring, using a measurement device, an amount of contact between the eye contact portion and the feature of the eye; providing a first signal indicative of the measured amount of contact to a controller; providing a second signal from the controller to an adjustment system based on the first signal; moving the eye contact portion in a second direction relative to the positioning system, using the adjustment system controlled by the controller, based on the second signal, the second direction being generally parallel to the axis of the aperture; and directing energy from the energy source to the feature of the eye via the application end. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification