Contact lens for increasing tear production
First Claim
1. A system for increasing tear production in an eye of a subject, the system comprising:
- a device configured for placement on a cornea, the device comprising;
a contact lens comprising a lens body;
a stimulator chip embedded in the lens body and configured to stimulate the cornea or a conjunctiva of the eye, wherein the stimulator chip comprises an integrated circuit; and
a counterweight embedded in the lens body, wherein the counterweight is non-stimulating and is configured to balance a mass of the stimulator chip, such that the contact lens is rotationally unstable; and
an external power source for transmitting energy wirelessly to the stimulator chip to activate the stimulator chip.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
246 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system for increasing tear production in an eye of a subject, the system comprising:
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a device configured for placement on a cornea, the device comprising; a contact lens comprising a lens body; a stimulator chip embedded in the lens body and configured to stimulate the cornea or a conjunctiva of the eye, wherein the stimulator chip comprises an integrated circuit; and a counterweight embedded in the lens body, wherein the counterweight is non-stimulating and is configured to balance a mass of the stimulator chip, such that the contact lens is rotationally unstable; and an external power source for transmitting energy wirelessly to the stimulator chip to activate the stimulator chip. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of increasing tear production in a subject, comprising:
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transmitting energy wirelessly from an external power source to a stimulator chip, wherein the stimulator chip and a counterweight are embedded in a contact lens worn by the subject, wherein the counterweight is non-stimulating and is configured to balance a mass of the stimulator chip, such that the contact lens is rotationally unstable, and wherein the stimulator chip comprises a photodiode and an electrical contact in communication with the photodiode through a via; and delivering a stimulus from the stimulator chip to a conjunctiva or a cornea of the eye to produce tears. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for increasing tear production in an eye of a subject, the system comprising:
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a device configured for placement on a cornea, wherein the device comprises; a contact lens comprising a lens body; a stimulator chip embedded in the lens body and configured to stimulate the cornea or a conjunctiva of the eye, wherein the stimulator chip comprises a photodiode and an electrical contact in communication with the photodiode through a via; and a counterweight embedded in the lens body, wherein the counterweight is non-stimulating and is configured to balance a mass of the stimulator chip, such that the contact lens is rotationally unstable; and an external power source for transmitting energy wirelessly to the stimulator chip to activate the stimulator chip. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification