Concave mirror optimized for horizontal ophthalmic spray devices with on-axis light-guided user alignment

Abstract

The goal is to improve alignment of the eye dropper with the eye. The eye sprayer includes a spray nozzle having a nozzle axis. The spray nozzle is configured to generate an eye spray. The eye sprayer also includes a concave mirror having an opening configured to allow delivery of the eye spray from the spray nozzle. The eye sprayer further includes a light emitter configured to generate a visible light beam directed from the mirror along the nozzle axis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 394,645, filed August 3, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to an eye spray device for self-application of a mist or droplets to a user's eye, the device including a concave mirror for viewing the eye and an on-axis light-guided user alignment mechanism. [Background technology]

[0003] Aligning an eye dropper with the eye can be very difficult and tedious. This is typically done on a trial-and-error basis, with the user holding the eye dropper over the eye, applying the drops, and adjusting the position when the drops miss the target. While this may be acceptable for some eye dropper applications, e.g., eye treatment with saline or other over-the-counter medications for dry eyes, ocular redness, etc., it may be unacceptable for medications that are expensive and may require, for example, precise application to the center of the eye.

[0004] Several solutions have been developed for aligning an eyedropper with the eye. For example, some eyedroppers include an additional mirror that allows the user to view their eye while applying the drops. However, this solution is not as simple as it might seem, due to the complexity of allowing the user to properly position the eyedropper relative to the eye while simultaneously being able to view the eyedropper. In many of these devices, the additional mirror requires that the user's view of the mirror be off-axis from the eyedropper nozzle so that the nozzle does not obstruct the user's view. As a result, the user must use some degree of estimation or guesswork when directing the drops to the desired location on the eye. As a result, despite the addition of the mirror, alignment issues remain, and alignment remains difficult for the user. In fact, one might argue that using a mirror is more complicated and error-prone than simply looking directly at the nozzle.

[0005] Existing eye dropper designs are primarily gravity-based, with mirror placement requiring the user to estimate angles and distances to understand where the drops will actually land. Additionally, these mirrors tend to be flat, so that elderly users with presbyopia who have very far (>50 mm) near points within their focal range will experience blurry, out-of-focus images during use.

[0006] It is possible to implement a curved mirror to provide some degree of focal magnification and improved detail. However, this type of mirror tends to be bulky. Elderly patients who must wear scleral contact lenses due to corneal abnormalities may experience weaker accommodation with age, requiring a mirror with higher curvature for high magnification at near distances. The large curvature of the mirror image device allows the virtual image of the eye to be magnified and extended further outward, allowing presbyopic patients to see their own eye in sharp focus. While the image of the eye is focused, it is not optimized for both myopia and hyperopia, and is not optimized for use with an eye dropper. Therefore, the question arises as to what curved mirror focal length is best for a wide variety of myopic and hyperopic users, while at the same time allowing the device to be positioned close enough to effectively apply the eye dropper dose.

[0007] An additional problem with these devices lies in the fact that they are traditionally edge-illuminated with a light ring extending around the mirror. For eyedropper devices that must be placed close to the eye, some form of central illumination is necessary. However, as the device approaches the surface of the eye, the peripheral ring illumination operates at an increasingly oblique angle, and therefore its effectiveness becomes increasingly diminished. For horizontal eyedroppers, the optimal distance between the mirror and the surface of the eye is only about 20-30 mm. As the mirror approaches the eye, higher-power LEDs are required to provide the necessary degree of illumination from the shallower angle between the light ring and the target.

[0008] Horizontal eye sprayers allow the tip of the eye spray nozzle to be centered on a concave mirror. This configuration aids in on-axis alignment of the nozzle relative to the eye. An example of this configuration is shown in now-expired U.S. Patent No. 3,640,274(A) (1969). However, this configuration presents a problem. Configuring the nozzle to protrude from the center of the mirror introduces potential for error. If the nozzle axis of alignment and the mirror optical axis of alignment are misaligned by even a few degrees (e.g., ±4 degrees), the droplets may miss their target. This is especially true in the vertical direction, since the eyelids typically open only about 7 mm. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that the optical axis and spray axis are aligned and parallel. Furthermore, from a reliability standpoint, it is better to position the nozzle behind a hole in the mirror and discharge through the hole. In this way, the nozzle can be at least partially protected from external dust or debris. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The eye sprayer includes a spray nozzle having a nozzle axis. The spray nozzle is configured to generate an eye spray. The eye sprayer also includes a concave mirror having an opening configured to allow delivery of the eye spray from the spray nozzle. The eye sprayer further includes a light emitter configured to generate a visible light beam directed from the mirror along the nozzle axis.

[0010] According to one aspect, the mirror opening can include a series of slits, and the spray nozzle can include a series of nozzles. A nozzle can be positioned at the center of each slit. A light emitter can be configured to generate a light beam emitted through each slit.

[0011] According to another aspect, the eye spray can include at least one of droplets, a mist, and a microsheet of eye drop fluid.

[0012] According to another aspect, the central axis of the mirror and the nozzle axis may be coincident and parallel.

[0013] According to another aspect, the light emitter can be configured to direct light through the spray nozzle along the nozzle axis.

[0014] According to another aspect, the eye sprayer can be configured to allow a user to view their eye at a predetermined working distance, and the eye sprayer can also be configured to align the spray nozzle by aligning an image of their eye with the field of view of a light source superimposed thereon.

[0015] According to another aspect, the mirror can be configured to have a radius of curvature (ROC) configured to produce a magnification that allows a user with myopia or hyperopia / presbyopia to view their eye with the ocular spray positioned at a predetermined working distance.

[0016] According to another aspect, the mirror can have a radius of curvature of 55±2 mm and a working distance of 25 mm. According to another aspect, the mirror can have a radius of curvature of 67±2 mm and a working distance of 30 mm.

[0017] According to another aspect, the mirror may be an interchangeable insert, the radius of curvature of which may be selected to allow for an optimal focus position based on the user's eye prescription.

[0018] According to another aspect, the mirror can have a radius of curvature configured to allow the user to view their eye with sufficient clarity and without blurring, and the user can align the field of view of their eye with the eye sprayer positioned at a predetermined working distance.

[0019] According to another aspect, the mirror can be configured to accommodate users with at least -6D myopia or at least +3D hyperopia / presbyopia.

[0020] According to another aspect, the mirror may be semi-transparent, allowing for an additional light source located behind the mirror to be viewed to aid in alignment.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the mirror can have a translucency of about 30% transmission and about 70% reflection.

[0022] According to another aspect, the light emitter may include a light ring concentric with the mirror and extending around the nozzle.

[0023] According to another aspect, the eye sprayer may also include a proximity sensor configured to determine the proximity of the sprayer to the eye and generate a visual indication that the sprayer is within or outside a predetermined working distance range.

[0024] According to another aspect, the mirror may be translucent and the proximity sensor may detect the proximity of the sprayer to the eye through the mirror.

[0025] According to another aspect, the proximity sensor may include an ultrasonic proximity sensor, a light-based position sensor, or a camera-based position sensor.

[0026] According to another aspect, the opening in the mirror can include a series of slits, and the light emitter can be configured to generate a light beam emitted through each slit. The spray nozzle includes a series of nozzles, a nozzle positioned at the center of each slit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a horizontal ophthalmic spray device according to one configuration example. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a horizontal ocular spray device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a horizontal ocular spray device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of certain components of a horizontal ocular spray device. [Figure 5A] 1 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion of a horizontal ocular spray device. [Figure 5B] 5B illustrates the operation of certain features of the horizontal ocular spray device of FIG. 5A in use. [Figure 5C] 5B illustrates the operation of certain features of the horizontal ocular spray device of FIG. 5A in use. [Figure 5D] 5B illustrates the operation of certain features of the horizontal ocular spray device of FIG. 5A in use. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates factors that can affect the operation of a horizontal ocular spray device. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates factors that can affect the operation of a horizontal ocular spray device. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates the range of adjustment for a user of a horizontal ocular spray device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] 1-3, a horizontal eye spray apparatus or device 10 ("eye sprayer") implements a concave mirror 20 optimized for a horizontal eye spray nozzle 30 with illumination provided by one or more light sources 40, such as LEDs. The nozzle 30 is positioned at the center of the mirror 20 and configured to direct the mist or spray along a central spray axis 32 that is centered on the mirror and extends perpendicular to a plane tangent to the center of the concave mirror. LEDs 40 are arranged in horizontal arrays on either side of the spray axis 32 and are configured to aid in the alignment of the eye sprayer 10 with the eye so that the spray is properly applied. This configuration enables the eye sprayer 10 to direct the mist or spray onto the eye in a repeatable and reliable manner, despite the fact that the angular requirements are quite stringent.

[0029] For example, if the nozzle is positioned approximately 25 mm from the eye and the droplet diameter is 1.5 mm, the variance in aiming the droplet so that it hits the eye without hitting the eyelid is only + / - 2.0 mm. This translates to a very precise angular requirement. To further illustrate this point, assuming the eye spray nozzle 30 is perfectly concentric with the mirror 20, an angular deviation of just arctangent (2 / 30), or + / - 4.5 degrees, means that even with a perfectly centered image of the eye in the concave mirror, the edge of the droplet will hit the eyelid. The angular alignment requirement only becomes more stringent if the user has trouble holding the eyedropper steady or if the mirror is not exactly concentric with the eye in terms of XY lateral displacement. For any particular optical path, mechanical deviations due to angular mirror offset or XY displacement offset can be corrected by the user.

[0030] Proper alignment between the nozzle 30 and the eye is a function of two requirements: 1) the nozzle(s) 30 are the proper distance from the eye, and 2) the nozzle(s) are properly aimed toward a target on the ocular surface. To help achieve these requirements, the light source 40 is configured so that light from the individual LEDs passes directly through the nozzle 30 or a region of the nozzle such that the emitted light is aligned with the central spray axis 32. In this configuration, the geometry of the nozzle(s) 30 can be configured to limit the angular deviation of the light beam passing therethrough. By configuring the light source 40 to work in conjunction with distance / proximity sensing, proper nozzle distance and eyedropper / spray trajectory can be achieved.

[0031] In the exemplary configuration of eye sprayer 10 shown in Figures 1-3, housing 14 supports concave mirror 20 and nozzle 30, with the nozzle located at the center of the mirror and on spray axis 32. The form factor of eye sprayer 10 is exemplary only; alternative designs can be implemented.

[0032] The mirror is configured to extend across a plane defined by the XY axes of the eye sprayer, with the nozzle axis 32 oriented vertically along the Z axis. The nozzle 30 can be configured to deliver eye spray fluid in the form of droplets, a mist, a microsheet, or any other form. While a single nozzle 30 is shown in FIGS. 1-3, the eye sprayer 10 can include multiple nozzles (see, for example, FIG. 4). The nozzle 30 can be positioned flush with the surface of the mirror 20, behind the mirror surface, or protrude from the mirror surface. A flush or rearward position relative to the mirror 20 may be preferred to protect the nozzle 30 and help keep it clean and free of debris.

[0033] The internal components of the eye sprayer 50 are shown schematically in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the nozzles 30 are fluidly connected to a fluid movement device 49 that delivers fluid from a reservoir 52 to the nozzle(s) 30. The fluid movement device 49 can be a pump 50 or an ejector 51. The reservoir 52 can be a disposable cartridge or a refillable chamber. The nozzles 30 can be configured to produce a spray, droplets, or the like, depending on the application. Operation of the fluid movement device 49 can be controlled by a controller 54 that is activated by one or more push buttons 60 to provide battery power 56 to the fluid movement device. The controller 54 can also control operation of the light source 40 and a proximity sensor 62.

[0034] A series of light openings 42 in the mirror 20, in the form of an array of spaced slits, are positioned adjacent either side of the nozzle 30, with the illumination source 40 positioned behind. Other shapes, configurations, and arrangements of light openings can be implemented. A push button 60 can control the operation of the light source 40 and the fluid movement device 49.

[0035] In one exemplary configuration, the fluid movement device 49 can be a pump 50. In this configuration, the pump 50 can be electronically controlled by a controller 54 that provides power to the pump from a battery 56 in response to input from a push button 60. In an alternative configuration, the pump 50 can be manually operated, and the push button 60 for operating the pump is a manually operated mechanical input, such as a trigger. This alternative configuration is similar to a standard spray bottle configuration.

[0036] In another alternative configuration, the fluid movement device 49 may be an ejector 51 including a discharge chamber 53 and an actuator 55. In one exemplary configuration, the actuator 55 may be an electromagnetic actuator, such as a bistable solenoid actuator. The actuator 55 actuates (e.g., pushes) a deformable membrane attached to or formed as a component of the discharge chamber 53. When the actuator 55 is actuated, the membrane flexes and deforms, thereby expelling fluid from the discharge chamber 53, out the ejector 51, and into the nozzle 30. In an exemplary solenoid configuration, this allows the solenoid 55 to push fluid from the discharge chamber 53 out the nozzle 30 when activated, for example, to an extended state. After ejection, the ejector 51 may also be configured to draw fluid back into the discharge chamber 53; for example, the membrane draws new fluid from the reservoir 52 into the discharge chamber in response to the actuator / solenoid 55 returning to a contracted state.

[0037] In the exemplary configuration shown in FIGS. 1-3, the nozzle 30 is centrally located, with two slits 42 on either side allowing their associated illumination sources 40 to shine through the slits. Another exemplary configuration is shown in FIG. 5A. In the exemplary configuration of FIG. 5A, one or more nozzles 30, along with their associated light sources 40, may be provided in the slit 42 itself. The configuration of FIG. 4 provides an array of nozzles 30 capable of producing a uniform spray in a highly controlled shape or pattern, such as an elliptical pattern. In this configuration, the illumination sources 40 are aligned with the nozzles 30, and the light beams they generate shine on-axis with the spray without any offset or parallax. In fact, this configuration may be particularly advantageous in that the offset between the light beams and the spray axes of their associated nozzles 30 can be zero. As a result of the nozzle axes being aligned with the corresponding light beam axes, the spray pattern produced by the ophthalmic sprayer 10 is precise and faithful to the light beams, and therefore, as described below, alignment based on the light beams results in precise spray application to the eye.

[0038] The light source 40 can be configured to indicate the appropriate close / far position of the eye sprayer 10 relative to the eye. To do so, the eye sprayer 10 can include a proximity sensor 62 for sensing the distance between the sprayer and the user's eye. In this case, the light source can be configured to provide position feedback to the user. For example, a red light can be used to indicate when the distance between the nozzle 30 and the eye is too far or too close, and a green light can be used to indicate when the distance between the nozzle and the eye is optimized for directing droplets or spray from the nozzle into the eye.

[0039] In the exemplary configuration of Figure 5A, the light opening 42 can be configured to limit or control the direction in which light is emitted or passes through. The concave mirror 20 is configured to cover the area surrounding the light opening 42. The area covered by the mirror also covers the location where the ophthalmic spray nozzle 30 is located. The mirror 20 includes a nozzle opening through which droplets or a spray mist can be directed. These can be, for example, a centrally located portion of the light opening 42 in an array located at the center of the concave mirror 20.

[0040] 5B-5D, during operation of the eye sprayer 10, the user sees an image of their eye 70 on the mirror 20 and the light source 40 shining through the optical aperture 42. This causes the user to see an optical image 72 superimposed on the surface of the eye 70. Thus, during use, the user can determine through this reflection seen on the mirror 20 whether the eye sprayer 10 is positioned the appropriate distance from their eye (e.g., via the green light) and whether it is too close or too far (e.g., via the red light).

[0041] Additionally, advantageously, the user can also determine whether the nozzle 30 is correctly aimed, i.e., whether the nozzle axis(es) extend to the target location on the eye 70. Typically, the target location will be the center of the eye 70, i.e., the center of the iris / pupil 74. To achieve proper alignment, the user manipulates the position and orientation of the eye sprayer 10 so that the optical image 72 is aligned with the iris / pupil 74. While the optical image 72 may be blurred due to being viewed at close distance, the image of the eye 70 itself can be magnified by the concave mirror 20 and, of course, focused according to the user's visual acuity.

[0042] 5B-5D show how the alignment of the light source 40 with the iris / pupil 74 can be determined by a user. Alignment ensures that the nozzle axis 32 points toward and extends through the iris / pupil 74. Alignment is achieved when the light image 72 is centered and on the iris / pupil 74, as shown in FIG. 5A. FIGS. 5B and 5C show various degrees of alignment error. By utilizing the methods described above, proper alignment using the device can result in a + / - 2 degree alignment.

[0043] The misalignment scenarios shown in Figures 5B and 5C can be caused by various errors, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. Referring to Figure 6A, errors can arise due to rotation about the X-axis or misalignment in the XY plane (i.e., a shift along the Y-axis in Figure 6A). More specifically, a forward (counterclockwise) rotation about the X-axis, generally indicated at 10a, results in an error in the nozzle axis, indicated at 32a. Similarly, a backward (clockwise) rotation about the X-axis, generally indicated at 10b, results in an error in the nozzle axis, indicated at 32b. Additionally, an upward shift in the XY plane along the Y-axis, generally indicated at 10c, results in an error in the nozzle axis, indicated at 32c. Furthermore, a downward shift in the XY plane along the Y-axis, generally indicated at 10d, results in an error in the nozzle axis, indicated at 32d.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 6B, errors can arise due to rotation about the Y axis or misalignment in the XY plane (i.e., a shift along the X axis in FIG. 6B). More specifically, a left (counterclockwise) rotation about the Y axis, generally indicated at 10a, results in an error in the nozzle axis, indicated at 32a. Similarly, a right (clockwise) rotation about the Y axis, generally indicated at 10b, results in an error in the nozzle axis, indicated at 32b. Also, a left (upward in FIG. 6B) shift in the XY plane along the X axis, generally indicated at 10c, results in an error in the nozzle axis, indicated at 32c. Furthermore, a right (downward in FIG. 6B) shift in the XY plane along the X axis, generally indicated at 10d, results in an error in the nozzle axis, indicated at 32d.

[0045] Of course, a combination of the errors shown in Figures 6A and 6B may exist simultaneously, and in either case, position adjustments are performed by the user to 1) align the light image 72 with the iris / pupil 74 as described above, and 2) adjust the working distance of the ocular sprayer 10 relative to the eye 70 to obtain the proper working distance indication, e.g., green light.

[0046] Alternative configuration - semi-transparent mirror In an alternative configuration of the eye sprayer 10, the mirror 20 is translucent (e.g., 30% transmittance, 70% reflectance) to allow the light source 40 to be located behind the mirror and transmit light through the mirror structure. This could, for example, allow the light source 40 to be an LED ring light source concentric with the nozzle axis 32, which would allow the user to superimpose the image of the light ring onto some feature of their eye, such as the edge of the iris or pupil. The use of a translucent mirror could also allow compatibility with other sensors (such as light-based position sensors, camera-based detectors, proximity sensors, etc.) such that the sensor detects signals through the mirror itself, thus eliminating the need for an optical aperture in the mirror.

[0047] User's eye adjustment The physiology of the eye varies from person to person. For example, myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (hyperopia—lifelong or presbyopia—age-related) both affect a user's ability to visualize proper alignment. These issues are exacerbated when considering the use of an eye sprayer, as the use of an eye sprayer prohibits the use of corrective lenses, which interfere with the delivery of the eye spray fluid. As a result, a user may have difficulty seeing the image of their eye in the mirror, which may prevent them from using the eye sprayer. When considering the range of accommodation, i.e., the range over which an eye sprayer can be used, the varying degrees of myopia / presbyopia within the population must be taken into account. This is best visualized in Figure 7.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, a normal eye has a wide range of accommodation from NP to FP. Myopia and hyperopia result in narrower accommodation ranges, with varying degrees of overlap. From this, it is recognized that the accommodation range for affected users can be adjusted via two characteristics: working distance (WD) and the magnification introduced by the curvature of the mirror. By selecting a working distance within the range of distances supported by the nozzle, combined with the magnification generated by the mirror, a wide range of eyes can be accommodated.

[0049] concave mirror curvature The concave curvature of mirror 20 has the effect of magnifying the image at eye 70. Thus, adjusting the curvature of the mirror changes its magnification and simultaneously changes its focal length. The working distance is limited by the configuration of nozzle 30, but is a range rather than a fixed distance, and can be taken into account when designing the mirror.

[0050] Therefore, for the ophthalmic sprayer 10 disclosed herein, the curvature of the concave mirror 20 is advantageously configured to accommodate as large a percentage of the population as possible, which is accomplished by utilizing ray tracing analysis to select the optimal curvature based on the global demographics of both myopic and hyperopic individuals.

[0051] Through implementation of the optical model, simulated conditions / results are determined to evaluate the effectiveness of a particular mirror configuration. By simulating what is projected onto the retina, the mirror radius of curvature (ROC) and mirror working distance are evaluated to determine their effect on users with various degrees of myopia / presbyopia. Various working distances and mirror ROCs are simulated to determine the best combination.

[0052] The mirror ROC is selected so that a user with a given prescription can view a magnified virtual image of their eye on the mirror 20 with the eye sprayer 10 positioned at a distance comfortable for the user's prescription. The eye sprayer can thereby accommodate a wide range of prescriptions. The exact value of the mirror ROC depends on the target eye sprayer working distance range. For example, for a 25 mm working distance, a mirror ROC of 55±2 mm results in a magnification of approximately 8.8x, which can accommodate a range of eyes from -6D myopia to +3D hyperopia. Longer working distances result in a greater optimal ROC and lower magnification. Furthermore, for a 30 mm working distance, a mirror ROC of 67±2 mm results in a magnification of approximately 7.3x, which can also accommodate a range of eyes from -6D myopia to +3D hyperopia. Additionally, simulations show that the amount of image blur present for the above parameters of users with various prescriptions at these working distances is not detrimental enough to prevent use of the eye sprayer 10. Nevertheless, the eye sprayer 10 can be configured so that the mirror 20 is interchangeable, and is supplied with a variety of mirrors configured for different corrective lens prescription classes. A user can select and install the mirror 20 that best suits their prescription. Thus, the eye sprayer 10 can be optimized for that particular user.

[0053] Because the image of the eye is greatly magnified by the mirror 20, alignment can be simple and intuitive, even when image blurring is present. In fact, it can be adapted for use with more severe cases of myopia / hyperopia outside the ranges indicated above. Thus, it can accommodate users with myopia of -7D or greater, or hyperopia of +4D or greater. In other words, despite increased image blurring in these more severe cases, the user can still achieve proper alignment and effectively use the eye sprayer.

[0054] From the above description, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes, and modifications. These and other such improvements, changes, and modifications within the skill of those skilled in the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An eye spray device comprising: a spray nozzle having a nozzle shaft and configured to generate an ophthalmic spray; a concave mirror having an opening configured to allow the delivery ocular spray from the spray nozzle; a light emitter configured to generate a visible light beam directed from the mirror along the nozzle axis; An eye sprayer comprising:

2. 10. The ophthalmic sprayer of claim 1, wherein the opening in the mirror comprises a series of slits, the spray nozzle comprises a series of nozzles, a nozzle positioned at the center of each slit, and the light emitter is configured to generate a light beam emitted through each slit.

3. The eye sprayer of claim 1 , wherein the eye spray comprises at least one of droplets, a mist, and a microsheet of eye drop fluid.

4. 2. The eye sprayer of claim 1, wherein the central axis of the mirror and the nozzle axis are coincident and parallel.

5. The ophthalmic sprayer of claim 1 , wherein the light emitter is configured to direct the light through the spray nozzle along the nozzle axis.

6. 10. The eye sprayer of claim 1, wherein the eye sprayer is configured to allow the user to view their eye at a predetermined working distance and align the spray nozzle by aligning an image of their eye with the field of view of a light source superimposed thereon.

7. 7. The eye sprayer of claim 6, wherein the mirror has a radius of curvature (ROC) configured to generate a magnification that allows a user with myopia or hyperopia / presbyopia to view their eye with the eye sprayer positioned at a predetermined working distance.

8. 8. The eye sprayer of claim 7, wherein the mirror has a radius of curvature of 55±2 mm and a working distance of 25 mm.

9. 8. The eye sprayer of claim 7, wherein the mirror has a radius of curvature of 67±2 mm and a working distance of 30 mm.

10. 8. The eye sprayer of claim 7, wherein the mirror is a replaceable insert whose radius of curvature is selected to allow for an optimal focus position based on the user's eye prescription.

11. 8. The eye sprayer of claim 7, wherein the mirror has a radius of curvature configured to allow the user to view their eye with sufficient clarity and without blurring, allowing the user to align the field of view of their eye with the eye sprayer positioned at a predetermined working distance.

12. 12. The ophthalmic sprayer of claim 11, wherein the mirror is configured to accommodate a user with at least -6D myopia or at least +3D hyperopia / presbyopia.

13. 10. The eye sprayer of claim 1, wherein the mirror is translucent to allow for viewing of an additional light source located behind the mirror to aid in alignment.

14. 14. The eye sprayer of claim 13, wherein the mirror has a translucency of about 30% transmission and about 70% reflection.

15. 14. The ophthalmic spray of claim 13, wherein the light emitter comprises a light ring concentric with the mirror and extending around the nozzle.

16. 10. The ophthalmic sprayer of claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor configured to determine the proximity of the sprayer to the eye and to generate a visual indication that the sprayer is within or outside a predetermined working distance range.

17. 17. The eye sprayer of claim 16, wherein the mirror is translucent and the proximity sensor detects the proximity of the sprayer to the eye through the mirror.

18. 17. The ophthalmic spray of claim 16, wherein the proximity sensor comprises an ultrasonic proximity sensor, a light-based position sensor, or a camera-based position sensor.

19. The ophthalmic sprayer of claim 1 , wherein the opening in the mirror comprises a series of slits, and the light emitter is configured to generate a light beam emitted through each slit.

20. 20. The ophthalmic sprayer of claim 19, wherein the spray nozzle comprises a series of nozzles, one positioned in the center of each slit.

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