Ophthalmic device

Abstract

Ophthalmic device (1) for in vivo application on the eyeball of an eye (14), in particular a human eye (14), comprising: - a ring body (2) with an outer circumferential surface (3) coaxial to its central axis (M), wherein a first end face (4) of the ring body (2) is designed for placing the ring body (2) on the eyeball, in particular in the area of ​​the iris when the eyelids (17) are open; and - a handle element (5) that is operatively coupled or can be coupled to the ring body (2) for handling the ophthalmic device (1); and - one or more under-engaging tabs (6) which project radially outwards at the frontal end (4) of the ring body (2) with respect to the central axis (M), and are designed to engage an eyelid margin (17) of the eye (15) when the ring body (2) is placed on it.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an ophthalmic device.

[0002] The ophthalmic device is intended in particular for use in the treatment or therapy of the eye, for example glaucoma, and especially for use in combination with a light applicator, in particular a laser applicator, for the treatment or therapy of the eye.

[0003] Glaucoma is a serious eye disease in which damage to the retina can lead to partial or complete blindness. A common cause of glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure. Elevated intraocular pressure can occur, for example, when the drainage channel for aqueous humor is narrowed in the area of ​​the ciliary muscles and trabecular meshwork, or when there is too much aqueous humor without adequate pressure equalization.

[0004] Eye treatment devices are now known in which the flow channel is widened again and / or the ciliary muscle is partially destroyed by means of laser light radiated through the cornea, thereby improving the outflow of aqueous humor, for example a so-called cyclophotocoagulation using continuous high-intensity laser light from the infrared spectrum.

[0005] EP 3 160 379 B1 discloses a treatment probe or applicator for treating a part of the eye, comprising an elongated body defining a handle with a proximal end and a distal end, and a solid contact element connected to the distal end of the elongated body. The contact element includes a convex contact surface for contact with the surface of the eye. The probe further includes a treatment fiber extending within the elongated body, from the distal end of which laser light is emitted for treatment. The distal end of the treatment fiber terminates at the convex contact surface and is laterally supported all around by the surrounding solid material of the contact element. This treatment probe is used, in particular, to treat glaucoma.

[0006] WO 2018 / 152020 A1 describes a laser-based ophthalmic treatment device with a laser light source for therapeutic laser light and an eye mask for positioning on the eye. In the ophthalmic treatment device described in WO 2018 / 152020 A1, the mask body is irradiated during glaucoma treatment by the laser light source, which is positioned at a distance from the mask. The mask body acts like an irradiation grating and has numerous openings. During treatment, the mask body is irradiated, and light striking the mask body outside the openings is reflected. Only the light striking the openings can pass through the mask and produce a therapeutic effect in the eye.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing an alternative ophthalmic device, in particular for use in the treatment or therapy of the eye with light, especially laser light, which is particularly easy to handle. The alternative ophthalmic device is intended to be particularly applicable to the treatment of glaucoma.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Further embodiments and configurations according to the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] According to one embodiment, an ophthalmic device (or ophthalmic mask) is provided for in vivo application to the eyeball of an eye, in particular a human eye. The ophthalmic device (hereinafter also referred to as "device") comprises a ring body, in particular a mask body designed as a ring body or a mask body in the form of a ring body. The ring body has an outer circumferential surface coaxial with its central axis.

[0010] The central axis is understood in particular to be a straight reference axis of the ring body, to which an inner and outer surface of the ring body run coaxially, and around which the ring body is rotationally symmetric.

[0011] A first end of the ring body at the front, in particular an end of the ring body oriented in the axial direction of the central axis, is designed for, in particular directly or immediately, placing the ring body on the eyeball, in particular on the cornea of ​​the eye, for example and preferably in the area of ​​the iris with the eyelids open.

[0012] Specifically, the ring body can be designed such that the first end face has a contact area, surface, or line with a diameter larger than the diameter of the iris of the eye being treated, for example, such that the contact area, when placed on the eye, lies within the region of the ciliary muscle and / or the trabecular meshwork. With appropriate positioning, the trabecular meshwork can then be treated with laser pulses, for example, using a laser applicator guided and held by the ring body.

[0013] The device further comprises a handle element for handling the device that is operationally coupled (or: functionally connected) or coupling (or: functionally connectable) to the ring body.

[0014] The device further comprises one or more gripping tabs (or: gripping tongues, or gripping wings) which project radially outwards from the front end of the ring body with respect to the central axis. The gripping tabs (hereinafter also referred to simply as "tabs") are designed and configured to grip the eyelid margin of the eye when the ring body is in place. The tabs can be, for example, flat and / or planar in the radial and circumferential directions. The projection of the tab beyond the front end or beyond the outer circumferential surface of the ring body in the radial direction can, for example, be in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, in particular several millimeters, especially 2, 3, 4, or 5 mm.

[0015] The tabs can therefore be designed so that, when the ring body is placed on the eye, e.g., concentrically to the iris, one underside rests on the eye, while the other upper side, facing away from it, is in contact with the eyelid or eyelid margin and engages the eyelid or eyelid margin. For example, the ring body can be placed on the eye in such a way that the eyelids can be held back by the interaction of the tab(s) and the outer circumferential surface of the ring body. The ring body and the tab(s) thus form a kind of eyelid speculum, which is integrated into the device and therefore allows for easy handling. In particular, no separate speculum is required.

[0016] Regarding the phrase "one or more grasping tabs," it should be noted that in some embodiments, exactly one tab (particularly of the type of flange) may be present, encircling the ring body. In other embodiments, two or more tabs may be present, for example, on opposite sides of the ring body and / or evenly distributed around its circumference. Both the eyelids of the eye on either side of the ring body can be held in place by a single circumferential tab (or flange) as well as by several separately arranged tabs.

[0017] According to preferred embodiments, the gripping tabs define (or form) one (e.g., in the case of a circumferential tab) or several (e.g., in the case of multiple tabs) lid-holding grooves (or lid-holding pockets) that are open outwards with respect to the central axis. Each lid-holding groove can be bounded by the outer circumferential surface of the ring body on one side and by a surface of one or more gripping tabs that is directly opposite the outer circumferential surface on the other. In other words, the lid-holding groove can be bounded by the outer circumferential surface of the ring body and the surface of the tab that faces directly towards the outer circumferential surface (in this application, the upper surface facing away from the eye). The transition area between the aforementioned surface of the tab and the outer circumferential surface is preferably concave."Directly opposite" means, in particular, that no further components or elements of the ring body or the tab are located or arranged in the angle between the surface of the tab and the outer circumferential surface of the ring body. In certain embodiments, the outer circumferential surface and the surface of the tab facing it form an acute angle, for example, in the range of 20 to 85 degrees, or 30 to 85 degrees, particularly at approximately 80 degrees. A groove- or pocket-like contour of the eyelid retention groove(s) is preferably open to the outside (and, moreover, particularly also in the circumferential direction). Based on the eyelid retention grooves, good penetration of the eyelid margin can be achieved and a reliable retention function ensured. In the base of the eyelid retention groove, i.e.,At the transition from the outer circumferential surface to the tab, the outer circumferential surface can curve into the surface of the tab directly opposite it. Following this curvature, the tab can extend essentially straight outwards, for example over a length in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, in particular 1 mm to 3 mm, or over a length of approximately 1.1 mm to 1.5 mm, in particular approximately 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm. The tab can be rounded at its radially outer end.

[0018] According to certain embodiments, the ring body is frustoconical in shape. Particularly in such embodiments, the eyelid retention groove(s) can have a radially outwardly open V- or U-shaped cross-section in radial sections with respect to the central axis (i.e., with respect to the section planes containing the central axis).

[0019] Depending on the embodiment, one or more gripping tabs may be formed integrally with the ring body. For example, the ring body or the device consisting of the ring body, tabs and / or grip element may be manufactured using injection molding or additive manufacturing methods.

[0020] According to the embodiment, one or more gripping tabs are flush with the end face of the ring body. This allows, in particular, a smooth, edge-free contact surface for placement on the eye. Specifically, the contour of the contact surface, formed especially by the first end face of the ring body and / or the side of the tab(s) facing away from the ring body, can be adapted to the contour of the eye being treated.

[0021] In some embodiments, a radially outer edge of the tab, relative to the central axis, projects axially forward from the front end of the ring body, or, viewed axially, extends beyond the front end. The surface of the tab that comes into contact with the eye can extend obliquely outwards from the front end of the ring body. This also allows for a contact surface contour adapted to the curvature of the eyeball.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the device comprises exactly two gripping tabs. The two tabs can project radially from opposite sides of the ring body, i.e., from sides facing away from each other. Advantageously, the central axes of the tabs, running perpendicular to and through the central axis of the ring body, are collinear. This means, in particular, that the central axes of the tabs lie on a line passing through the central axis of the ring body, and the extent of each tab on both sides of this line is the same. With multiple tabs, especially with exactly two, the shape of the tabs, particularly with regard to their circumferential and / or radial extent, can be the same or different.

[0023] According to advantageous embodiments, the central axes of the tabs can be perpendicular to an axial plane of the handle element, which contains the central axis of the ring body and a longitudinal axis of the handle element. In particular, the handle element and the tabs can be arranged such that, in a two-dimensional projection of the device parallel to the central axis of the ring body, the projection of the longitudinal axis of the handle element in the projection plane is perpendicular to the projection of the central axes of the tabs in the projection plane. This arrangement results in comparatively good handling when treating the eye using a laser applicator. This is especially true insofar as the device can be placed on the eye in such a way that the lid retention grooves, which are, for example, offset from each other by 180 degrees, engage with the upper and lower eyelids, and the handle element is directed laterally away from the eye.

[0024] According to various embodiments, the handle element can be arranged centrally between the gripping tabs in the circumferential direction of the ring body. For example, the handle element can be arranged such that it is equidistant from the center axes of the tabs nearest in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the tabs are arranged with equal spacing in the circumferential direction of the ring body.

[0025] According to certain embodiments, the under-engaging tab extends circumferentially around the ring body with respect to the central axis over an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 80 degrees, in particular from 55 degrees to 65 degrees, for example over an angle of approximately 60 degrees. Or, put another way, the endpoints of the tab located circumferentially around the ring body with respect to the central axis of the ring body can define an opening angle in the range of 45 degrees to 80 degrees.

[0026] According to various embodiments, the device further comprises a guide body inserted coaxially to the central axis of the ring body and rotatably mounted on the ring body about the central axis. The guide body is designed to guide a laser applicator for treating the eye with laser light, in particular laser pulses. The guide body has at least one receiving recess extending towards the first end face, for example, a bore, a blind hole, or a through hole, for the releasable insertion of a free (or distal) end of an optical fiber of the laser applicator. The receiving recess is designed, in particular, such that the free end inserted into the receiving recess can be guided by the guide body along a circular path described by the receiving recess when the guide body is rotated within the ring body.For example, the guide body mounted in the ring can be rotated around the ring's central axis using the light guide inserted in the receiving mount as a manipulator. Based on the rotation of the guide body and thus the light guide, the distal end of the light guide can be positioned at predetermined locations on the eye, such as in the ciliary body, along the circular path near its first end face. The respective area can then be treated by applying laser light or laser pulses. Therefore, the guide body makes it possible to selectively treat the eyeball or its components at defined points along the circular path described by the receiving mount when the guide body is rotated, using laser light or laser pulses.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the ring body has an inner circumferential surface that tapers conically towards the first end face and is concentric with the central axis of the ring body. The guide body can have an outer circumferential surface that tapers conically towards the first end face and is concentric with the central axis of the ring body. The outer circumferential surface of the guide body can abut the conically tapered inner circumferential surface. This allows the guide body to be rotated relative to the ring body, which in the application is stationary on the eye. Advantageously, the inner circumferential surface of the ring body and the outer circumferential surface of the guide body form a sliding and guiding bearing for rotation of the guide body relative to the ring body about the central axis.

[0028] According to embodiments, the ophthalmic device further comprises a light applicator, in particular a laser applicator, with a light guide which has a free distal end, the shape of which, in particular with regard to diameter, is adapted to the shape or geometry of the receiving pocket(s).

[0029] According to embodiments, the ophthalmic device further comprises a light source, in particular a laser light source, preferably an Nd:YAG laser source, more preferably a diode laser source and / or pulsed laser source, which is connected or connectable to the light applicator via a connecting line, wherein light generated by the light source, for example pulsed light, can be coupled into the light guide for emission at the distal end via the connecting line.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the handle element is rod-shaped and extends beyond a second end facing away from the first end. Preferably, the handle element is inclined with respect to the central axis of the ring body and a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the ring body, in particular such that a spoon-like inclined arrangement is formed between the handle element and the ring body. In the application where the ring body is placed on the eye, the handle element is thus relatively easy to grasp on the side facing away from the eye. Such a handle element is advantageous, for example, with regard to handling in connection with a movement, in particular a rotational movement of the guide body by the light guide (or laser applicator) as a manipulator.

[0031] Preferably, a longitudinal axis of the handle element is arranged at an angle of 20 degrees to 60 degrees, preferably 30 degrees to 45 degrees, and in particular at an angle of about 40 degrees, relative to the central axis of the ring body.

[0032] Depending on the embodiment, the handle element can extend from the outer circumferential surface of the ring body. In some embodiments, the ring body and the handle element can be formed as a single piece. It is also possible for the handle element to be attached (or fastened) to the outer circumferential surface of the ring body by a material-fit or force-fit connection.

[0033] According to the embodiments, the ring body and the handle element, and optionally the guide body, are made of a plastic material and / or metal. Therefore, possible materials for the components of the ophthalmic device (handle element, ring body with tabs, guide body) include, in particular, plastic materials, metals, and composite materials, e.g., made of plastic and metal.

[0034] According to advantageous embodiments, each or all of the interlocking tabs are mirror-symmetric with respect to a radial plane containing the central axis of the ring body. The tab can be configured such that the distance between mirror-symmetrical endpoints of the tab, measured perpendicular to the radial plane or perpendicular to the central axis of the ring body, decreases continuously in the radial direction from the ring body. Alternatively, embodiments are possible in which the distance between mirror-symmetrical endpoints of the tab, measured perpendicular to the radial plane, initially remains constant or initially increases and then decreases in the radial direction from the ring body. In some embodiments, the tabs can be configured in pairs with point symmetry about the central axis of the ring body.

[0035] Depending on the embodiment, the thickness of the gripping tab, measured parallel to the central axis, can decrease radially towards the outside and preferably be rounded at the radially outer end.

[0036] The aforementioned geometric designs of the flap allow, on the one hand, for a gentle grasping and threading of the flap between the eyeball or between the cornea and eyelid, and on the other hand offer advantageous retention functions.

[0037] In the aforementioned ophthalmic device, the ring body can be understood as a support element, the first end of which can be placed directly (or immediately) onto the eyeball, particularly onto the cornea, for example, essentially concentrically to the pupil. The handle can be designed as a stem-like grip and can be used by a user to hold and / or press the ring body against the eyeball. It is specifically intended that the support element allows a user, for example, a treating physician, to place the first end of the ring body directly onto the eye, particularly onto the cornea in the area of ​​the pupil, and hold it in position.

[0038] The mounting surface of the guide body can be understood as a holding or fixing element for the light guide and may, for example, be designed in the form of a channel. The channel can be open at both ends or designed in the form of a blind hole.

[0039] The guide body is rotatably mounted on the ring body, in particular so that it can slide, and the receiving seat can be moved relative to the ring body along a predetermined path, specifically a circular path. In various embodiments, the guide body can have exactly two receiving seats, e.g., on opposite sides of the guide body, or more than two receiving seats, which can be arranged, for example, uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction.

[0040] When the free (or distal) end of the laser light guide of the laser applicator is inserted into the receiving socket, this end can be moved along a circular path by rotating the guide body. Along this circular path, laser light can be applied continuously or selectively to the eye or parts thereof via the laser light guide. For example, if the diameter of the ring body and the guide body are configured so that the circular path, when the ring body is in place, covers the area of ​​the ciliary muscle of the eye, the ciliary muscle can be stimulated with laser light. During laser treatment of the ciliary muscle, it contracts, thereby improving the outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork and thus reducing intraocular pressure for the treatment of glaucoma.Similarly, the proposed device makes it possible to apply laser light to other parts of the eye for other purposes.

[0041] Depending on the embodiment, the device can be designed in two parts or in three parts. In a two-part embodiment with two, in particular separate, components, the ring body with handle element can form a first component, and the guide body a second component. Here, the ring body and the handle element can, for example, be formed in one piece and / or be connected to each other, for example by a material bond, such that the ring body and the handle element cannot be separated from each other without damage. In a three-part embodiment, the device can have three components: i) handle element, ii) ring body, and iii) guide body, whereby the handle element can, for example, be detachably attached to the ring body.

[0042] The guide body can be detachably attached to the ring body, in particular detachably without damage, preferably in a captive manner, or coupled to the ring body or (interchangeably) couplingable. The guide body can be coupled to the ring body, for example, by a snap-fit ​​connection, wherein, for example, the inner circumferential surface of the ring body can have a snap ridge or a snap cam and the outer circumferential surface of the guide body can have a corresponding snap groove (or vice versa). Corresponding snap elements can additionally also serve as guide elements for the rotation of the guide body.

[0043] Depending on the embodiment, the ophthalmic device can comprise a set consisting of, on the one hand, the ring body with a handle element and, on the other hand, one or more guide bodies. The guide bodies can differ with respect to the circumferential position of the guide seat(s), the radial position of the receiving seat(s), the number of receiving seats, and the orientation or inclination of the receiving seats relative to the central axis of the guide body, and can be designed, for example, for different eye sizes and / or treatment positions on the eye.

[0044] The device, in particular the ring body and the guide body(s), can preferably be configured in such a way that the path (circular path) described by the receiving seat during rotation in or on the ring body is essentially concentric to the eye axis or visual axis of the eye, or that the path is adapted to the structure of the eye and the position of the components to be treated.

[0045] In some designs, the ring body is curved into a ring-like ridge at its first end. This ring-like contour can, for example, be torus-shaped at the first end, perhaps projecting. Such a contour allows for gentle contact with the cornea.

[0046] Depending on the design, the receiving area can be configured as a channel. This channel can be, for example, open at both ends or shaped like a blind hole, extending, for instance, towards the first end face in the configuration coupled with the ring body. In the case of a blind hole, the channel can be closed at the first end face by a bottom transparent to the applied (laser) light. The channel can be configured, for example, with regard to diameter and / or length, such that the free end of the optical fiber can be inserted into it and that light can be applied to the eyeball or parts thereof via the inserted free end of the optical fiber. With an optical fiber of a laser applicator inserted, the guide body can be rotated relative to the ring body, for example, by moving the laser applicator guided by the guide body.On the side furthest from the first end face, the receiving seat or its opening can be shaped so that the free end of the optical fiber can be easily inserted from this side. For example, the edge of the opening can be curved or widened outwards in a funnel shape.

[0047] According to certain embodiments, the ring body and the guide body are flush at least at the second end face of the ring body, which is opposite the first end face. In the area of ​​the first end face, the guide body can be set back from the ring body, such that when the device is placed on the eye, the guide body does not touch the eye, particularly when the guide body is rotating.

[0048] Depending on the embodiment, the receiving position can be configured and designed such that the free end of the light guide is inclined at a predetermined angle to the central axis of the guide body or to the central axis of the conical surfaces of the guide body. An inclination angle is preferably in the range of 35 degrees to 45 degrees, particularly approximately or substantially 40 degrees. Such angles are especially suitable for irradiating the ciliary muscle in connection with glaucoma treatment. Treatment of an eye may involve positioning the support body on the eyeball, for example, such that the central axis of the support body coincides with the axis of the eye. By rotating the guide body relative to the ring body, the receiving position can, for example, be aligned with the ciliary muscle.The ciliary muscle, or similarly other components of the eye, can then be stimulated with laser light, especially laser pulses, through the cornea of ​​the eye.

[0049] The guide body can, for example, be arranged such that the receiving seat, when rotated in the ring body, describes a circular path with a diameter between 15 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 17 and 19 mm, in particular about 18.75 mm.

[0050] One of the diameters of the receiving seat can be in the range between 0.3 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.55 mm, and in particular around 0.48 mm.

[0051] Depending on the embodiment, the (conical) guide body (excluding tabs) can have a minimum outer diameter in the range of 15 mm to 25 mm, particularly 18 mm to 22 mm, especially approximately 18.75 mm or approximately 21.4 mm, and a maximum outer diameter in the range of 25 mm to 40 mm, particularly approximately 27.59 mm. The ring body can be dimensioned accordingly so that the guide body can be inserted into the ring body. The guide body as a whole can be funnel-shaped or conically shaped, for example, like a truncated cone.

[0052] Depending on the design, the ring body can be funnel-shaped, for example with a frustoconical outer surface.

[0053] The length of the handle element can range from 50 mm to 80 mm. The minimum outer diameter of the ring body can range from 15 mm to 20 mm. The maximum outer diameter can range from 25 mm to 33 mm. The height of the support body, measured parallel to the central axis, can range from 5 mm to 8 mm, specifically approximately 6.8 mm to 7 mm.

[0054] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. Particular reference is made to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 an isometric representation of an ophthalmic device according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 a front view of the device Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a side view of the device Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a view of the device according to Fig. 1 from the bottom; Fig. 5 a view of the device according to Fig. 1 from the top; Fig. 6 Enlarged representation of a ring body according to the illustration Fig. 2; Fig. 7 Enlarged view of the ring body according to the illustration Fig. 4; Fig. 8 a cross-section through the device with a laser applicator mounted in a receiving seat; and Fig. 9 a cross-section of the device in an application for the treatment of the eye.

[0055] Corresponding parts and elements are, unless otherwise indicated, identified by the same reference symbols in the figures. Scales may vary between figures.

[0056] Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric representation of an ophthalmic device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0057] The ophthalmic device 1 for in vivo application on the eyeball of an eye, hereinafter also referred to as device 1, comprises, according to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a funnel-shaped ring body 2 with an outer circumferential surface 3 coaxial to its central axis M. A first end face 4 ( Fig. 2, Fig. 4) of the ring body 2 is designed for direct or immediate placement of the ring body 2 on the eyeball of the eye, for example in the area of ​​the iris with open eyelids.

[0058] The device 1 further comprises a handle element 5 operatively coupled to the ring body 2 for handling the ophthalmic device 2.

[0059] In the example shown, the device 1 further comprises two gripping tabs 6 (in Fig. In Figure 1, only one of the grasping tabs is visible; hereafter, the grasping tabs are also referred to simply as tabs. The tabs 6 project radially outwards from the frontal end 4 of the ring body 2 with respect to the central axis M. Specifically, the tabs 6 project radially from the frontal end 4 and extend in the circumferential direction U of the ring body 2 over a certain circumference. The tabs 6 are designed and configured to grasp the eyelid margin of the eye when the ring body 2 is placed on the eye (see, for example, Figure 1). Fig. 9).

[0060] As seen from the front view of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the under-engaging tabs 6 each define an eyelid retention groove 7 (or: eyelid retention pocket 7) that is open outwards with respect to the central axis M. Each eyelid retention groove 7 is bounded on the one hand by the outer circumferential surface 3 of the ring body 2 and on the other hand by a surface 8 of the respective tab 6 that is directly opposite the outer circumferential surface 3.

[0061] In the application of device 1, it is applied to the eyeball, specifically to a part in Fig. 2 schematically indicated cornea 9 of the eye between the upper and lower eyelids (in Fig. (2 not shown) is placed on the cornea 9, whereby the first end 4 of the ring body 2 and the contact surfaces of the tabs 6 located at the end 4 can rest on the cornea 9. The tabs 6 are tapered radially outwards in a wedge shape and rounded at the radial distal end. Thus, the tabs 6 extending on both sides of the ring body 2 can engage a respective eyelid, which is held in place by the respective lid retention groove 8.

[0062] Out of Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3, which shows a side view of the device 1, shows that the ring body 2 is frustoconical, i.e., it has a frustoconical outer surface. Specifically, the ring body has a frustoconical outer contour with a funnel-shaped inner contour. The outer circumferential surface 3 and the opposite surface 8 of each tab 6 form an acute angle and create the eyelid retention groove 7. The eyelid retention grooves 7, as shown in Fig. 2, which can be removed, reveal V- or U-shaped cross-sections open radially outwards in radial sections with respect to the central axis M. These eyelid retention grooves 7 can accordingly accommodate the eyelid margins.

[0063] The tabs 6 are formed integrally with the ring body 2 in the embodiment shown.

[0064] As especially from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, which shows an enlarged representation of the ring body 2 according to the illustration Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the tabs 6 are flush with the end face 4 of the ring body 2, in particular such that the ring body 2 transitions seamlessly into the tabs 6 at the end face 4. As further shown from Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, a radially outer edge of the tab 6, relative to the central axis M, extends slightly axially beyond the anterior end 4 of the ring body 2. This means that a radially distal end of the tab 6, in particular a bearing surface or bearing line formed at this distal end, is spaced axially from the anterior end 4 of the ring body 2 along the central axis M. The tabs 6 are shaped such that a bearing surface corresponding to the curvature of the eye is formed on the underside of the device 1, which is to be placed on the eye. In this context, it is advantageous if the radially distal ends of the tabs 6 rest on the cornea of ​​the eye in the application, so that the eyelids can slide over the tabs 6.A projection D of the radially distal ends of the tabs 6, measured parallel to the central axis M, can, for example, be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, particularly in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0065] As can be seen from the view of device 1 according to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4 (i.e., on the side of the device 1 that is to be placed on the eye), the tabs 6 project radially on opposite sides of the ring body 2. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 4 are central axes ZA of the tabs 6 perpendicular to and passing through the central axis M of the ring body, collinear, i.e. the central axes ZA are arranged offset by 180 degrees with respect to the central axis M.

[0066] Out of Fig. 4 It is further evident that the central axes ZA of the tabs 6 are perpendicular to both the central axis M of the ring body 2 and to an axial plane of the handle element 5 which contains both the longitudinal axis L of the handle element and the central axis M of the ring body 2.

[0067] Both from Fig. 4 as well as from Fig. Figure 5, which shows a view of the device 1 from above, shows that the handle element 5 is arranged centrally between the tabs 6 in the circumferential direction U of the ring body 2.

[0068] Such an arrangement enables particularly advantageous handling of the device 1 in the application case.

[0069] As especially from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the tabs 6 extend in the circumferential direction U of the ring body 2 with respect to the central axis M over an angle a in the range of 45 degrees to 80 degrees, for example over an angle of about 60 degrees.

[0070] In embodiments, each of the tabs 6 can be oriented with respect to a radial plane RE containing the central axis M of the ring body 2, for example one defined by the Fig. The radial plane RE running along the central axis ZA and the central axis M shown in the 4 shown lines must be mirror-symmetric.

[0071] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 7, the tabs 6 are, individually, mirror-symmetrical. Regarding the one in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the tabs 6 differ, particularly with respect to their radial and circumferential contours. In some embodiments, the contours of the tabs 6 are essentially the same, for example, point-symmetric about the central axis M. Other shapes of the tabs 6 are also possible, such as butterfly-shaped with respect to the central axes ZA or the radial plane RE, etc.

[0072] For the in Fig. The tabs shown in 7 show 6, which indicate that for the in Fig. 7. The upper tab 6 has a distance d1 measured perpendicular to the radial plane RE between mirror-symmetrical edge points of the tab 6, starting from the ring body 2, which decreases continuously in the radial direction. A distance measured on the outer circumference of the ring body 2 can, for example, be in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm, particularly around 10 mm. For the in Fig. The lower tab 6 has a distance d2, measured perpendicular to the radial plane RE, between mirror-symmetrical endpoints of the tab 6 extending from the ring body 2 in the radial direction RE. This distance initially increases and then decreases. It is also possible that the distance d1 or d2 initially remains constant and then decreases. With these shapes, suitable geometries, in particular radii of curvature, can be implemented at the tabs at their radially outer ends located in the circumferential direction U for gripping the eyelid. It should be noted in this context that tabs that are not mirror-symmetrical with respect to the radial planes can also be implemented.Ends of the tab 6 located in the circumferential direction U can initially extend in a straight line from the outer circumference of the ring body 2, for example over a length in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm, in particular in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm, in order to then curve into an outer edge of the tab 6 located in the radial direction.

[0073] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the thickness of the tab 6, measured parallel to the central axis M, decreases radially outwards and is rounded at its outermost radial end. This also facilitates the overlapping of the respective eyelid.

[0074] From a synthesis of Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. In particular, it follows that the handle element 5 is rod-shaped and extends over a second end face 10 facing away from the first end face 4 ( Fig. 3) extends beyond. The longitudinal axis L of the handle element 5 is arranged at an angle b to the central axis M of the ring body 2 in the range of 20 degrees to 60 degrees, preferably from 30 degrees to 45 degrees, and in particular at an angle of about 40 degrees.

[0075] The device 1 shown in the figures comprises, as in particular in Fig. Figure 8 shows a guide body 11 inserted coaxially to the central axis M in the ring body 2 and rotatably mounted on the ring body 2 about the central axis M. The guide body 11 is designed to guide a laser applicator 12 (shown only schematically).

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide body 11 has two receiving seats 13 extending towards the first end face 4 for the detachable insertion of a free end of a light guide 14 of the laser applicator 11.

[0077] The receiving seat 13 is designed in the funnel-shaped conical guide body 10 such that the free end of the optical fiber 14 inserted into the receiving seat 13 can be guided by the guide body 11 along a circular path with respect to the central axis M. With appropriate positioning of the free end of the optical fiber 14, laser light R (especially in the form of laser pulses) can be applied to the eye 15 or to components of the eye 15.

[0078] As especially from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the ring body 2 of the illustrated embodiment has an inner circumferential surface that tapers conically towards the first end face 4 and is concentric with the central axis M. The guide body 11 has an outer circumferential surface that tapers conically towards the first end face 4 and is concentric with the central axis M. The outer circumferential surface rests against the conically tapered inner circumferential surface, with the inner circumferential surface of the ring body 2 and the outer circumferential surface of the guide body 11 forming a sliding and guiding bearing for rotation of the guide body 11 relative to the ring body 2 about the central axis M. This allows the laser light guide 14 to be moved through the guide body 11 to defined positions of the eye 15, where the laser light R can be selectively applied.

[0079] As can be seen from the figures, the guide body 11 is also designed as a ring body, with the guide body 11 being inserted into the ring body 2 from the second end face 10. A central opening 16 ( Fig. 4, Fig. 5) designed to facilitate positioning on the eye 15, for example, approximately concentric to the iris or pupil. A radially outer end of the tab 6 can be spaced from the inner circumference of the opening 16 by a distance of 2.5 mm to 5 mm, in particular 3 mm to 4 mm, and especially approximately 3.5 mm to 3.7 mm. The opening 16 can have an inner diameter in the range of 15 mm to 25 mm, in particular 17 mm to 19 mm, for example approximately 18.6 mm.

[0080] The receiving seats 13 are arranged as shown in the figures, offset from each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction U. It is also possible that there is only one receiving seat, or that there are more than two receiving seats 13, which may, for example, be evenly distributed in the circumferential direction U.

[0081] The angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes of the receiving seats 13 to the central axis M can, for example, be 40 degrees, and can vary depending on the design of the guide body 11 and the conical geometry of the ring body 2 and the guide body 11, for example in the range of 20 degrees to 80 degrees, preferably from 30 degrees to 45 degrees. This angle of inclination can, for example, correspond approximately to the angle of inclination b of the handle element 5 and / or the angle of inclination of the outer circumferential surface 3 or the inner circumferential surface with respect to the central axis M of the ring body 2.

[0082] The guide body 11 can be easily rotated relative to the ring body 2 by means of the sliding bearing, acting as a manipulator for the light guide 14. Thus, the laser light guide 14 can be easily moved to defined positions by being guided through the guide body 11. The device 1 is particularly suitable for the treatment of glaucoma, and also for other applications.

[0083] Fig. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 1 in an application for treating the eye 15. The device 1 is placed on the cornea 9 of the eye 15, with the tabs 6 engaging the (only schematically indicated) eyelids 17, which in turn are held in the lid retention grooves 7. Using the light guide 14 of the laser applicator 12, which is inserted into the receiving seat 13, and more precisely based on the laser light R emitted by the light guide 14, an eye treatment can then be performed, for example, by positioning the light guide 14 in the area of ​​the ciliary muscles 18 by rotating and positioning the guide body 11 and then illuminating these muscles with laser light R. Fig. Reference symbol 9 refers to the schematically represented eye lens, 19.

[0084] With the proposed device, eye treatment can be carried out relatively easily, since on the one hand no additional eyelid speculum is required, and on the other hand the grasping tabs 6, when the ring body 2 is placed on the eye 15, grasp the eyelids 17, in particular the eyelid margins, almost automatically, and in conjunction with the outer circumferential surface 3 of the ring body 2, the eyelids 17 can be held in place by means of a self-fixing intervention through the formation of the lid retention grooves 7 as retention pockets.

[0085] Overall, it appears that the ophthalmic device, which forms an ophthalmic instrument, can be used advantageously for eye treatment with light or laser light, for example in the treatment of glaucoma, is easy to handle, and / or is comparatively easy and / or inexpensive to manufacture. Reference symbol list 1 ophthalmic device 2 ring bodies 3 Outer circumferential surface (ring body 2) 4 first end face 5 handle element 6 Undercut tab (tab) 7. Lid retention groove / lid retention pocket 8 Area (at tab 6) 9 Cornea (eye) 10 second end face 11 guide bodies 12 Laser applicator 13 Recording seat 14 fiber optic cables 15 Eye 16 Breakthrough 17 Eyelid 18 ciliary muscles 19 Eye lens a, b angles d1, d2 distance ZA Central axis (Length 6) L Longitudinal axis (handle element 5) M Central axis (ring body 2) RE radial plane R laser light U circumferential direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 160 379 B1

[0005] WO 2018 / 152020 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Ophthalmic device (1) for in vivo application on the eyeball of an eye (14), in particular a human eye (14), comprising: - a ring body (2) with an outer circumferential surface (3) coaxial to its central axis (M), wherein a first end face (4) of the ring body (2) is designed for placing the ring body (2) on the eyeball, in particular in the area of ​​the iris when the eyelids (17) are open; and - a handle element (5) that is operatively coupled or can be coupled to the ring body (2) for handling the ophthalmic device (1); and - one or more under-engaging tabs (6) which project radially outwards at the frontal end (4) of the ring body (2) with respect to the central axis (M), and are designed to engage an eyelid margin (17) of the eye (15) when the ring body (2) is placed on it. [2] Ophthalmic device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the gripping tabs (6) define one or more lid retention grooves (7) open outwards with respect to the central axis (M), wherein each lid retention groove (7) is bounded by the outer circumferential surface (3) of the ring body (2) on the one hand and a surface (8) of one of the one or more gripping tabs (6) directly opposite the outer circumferential surface (3) on the other hand. [3] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring body (2) is frustoconical in shape, and wherein, depending on claim 2, the lid retention groove (7) has a V- or U-shaped cross-section in radial sections with respect to the central axis (M) that is open radially outwards. [4] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more gripping tabs (6) are formed integrally with the ring body (2). [5] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more gripping tabs (6) are flush with the end face (4) of the ring body (2). [6] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a radially outer edge of the gripping tab (6) with respect to the central axis (M) projects axially relative to the end face (4) of the ring body (2). [7] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising exactly two gripping tabs (6) which project radially on opposite sides of the ring body (6), wherein, preferably, central axes (ZA) of the gripping tabs (6) extending perpendicular to and through the central axis (M) of the ring body (2) are collinear, and wherein, further preferably, the central axes (ZA) of the gripping tabs (6) are perpendicular to an axial plane of the handle element (5) containing the central axis (M) of the ring body (2) and a longitudinal axis (L) of the handle element (5). [8] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the grip element (5) is arranged centrally between the gripping tabs (6) in the circumferential direction of the ring body (2). [9] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping tab (6) extends in the circumferential direction (U) of the ring body (2) with respect to the central axis (M) over an angle (a) in the range of 45 degrees to 80 degrees, in particular from 55 degrees to 65 degrees, preferably over an angle of about 60 degrees. [10] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide body (11) inserted into the ring body (2) coaxially to the central axis (M) and rotatably mounted on the ring body (2) about the central axis (M) for guiding a laser applicator (12), wherein the guide body (11) has at least one receiving seat (13) extending in the direction of the first end face (4) for releasably inserting a free end of a light guide (14) of the laser applicator (14), such that the free end of the light guide (14) inserted into the receiving seat (13) can be guided by the guide body (11) in a circular motion with respect to the central axis (M), wherein the device (1) optionally further comprises the laser applicator (12). [11] Ophthalmic device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the ring body (2) has an inner circumferential surface that tapers conically towards the first end face (4) and is concentric to the central axis (M), and the guide body (11) has an outer circumferential surface that tapers conically towards the first end face (4) and is concentric to the central axis (M), which rests against the conically tapered inner circumferential surface, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the ring body (2) and the outer circumferential surface of the guide body (11) form a sliding and guiding bearing for a rotation of the guide body (11) relative to the ring body (2) about the central axis (M). [12] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle element (5) is rod-shaped and extends beyond a second end face (10) facing away from the first end face (4), wherein a longitudinal axis (L) of the handle element (5) is arranged inclined relative to the central axis (M) of the ring body (2) at an angle (b) in the range of 20 degrees to 60 degrees, preferably from 30 degrees to 45 degrees, in particular at an angle of about 40 degrees. [13] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the handle element (5) extends from the outer circumferential surface (3) of the ring body (2); and / or wherein the ring body (2) and the handle element (5) are formed in one piece, or wherein the handle element (5) is attached to the outer circumferential surface (3) of the ring body (2) by a material or force-fit connection. [14] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the ring body (2) and the handle element (5), and optionally the guide body (11) according to claim 10, are made of a plastic material and / or of metal. [15] Ophthalmic device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the gripping tab (6) is mirror-symmetric with respect to a radial plane containing the central axis (M) of the ring body (2), and wherein a distance (d1) of mirror-symmetric edge points of the gripping tab (6) measured perpendicular to the radial plane decreases continuously in the radial direction starting from the ring body (6), or wherein a distance (d2) measured perpendicular to the radial plane between mirror-symmetric edge points of the gripping tab (6) starting from the ring body (2) initially remains constant or initially increases and then decreases in the radial direction; and / or wherein a thickness (D) of the gripping tab (6) measured parallel to the central axis (M) decreases outwards in the radial direction and is preferably rounded at the radially outer end.

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