Eye shields for using in optical treatment systems

Abstract

An eye shield comprising a corneal protector having a central disk of a material, which at least partially blocks treatment energy, and of a diameter to cover the cornea of the eye. The eye shield further comprising a ring surrounding the central disk, configured to cover a limbus of the eye, which comprises one of, a transparent material or a series of uniform holes. A system further comprises with an eye shield and an energy treatment device, and a computer processor configured to: implement a tracking algorithm to determine a position of the eye shield with respect to the limbus employing the at least one sensor, and disable the energy treatment if the algorithm determines that the position of the eye shield with respect to the limbus is not aligned.

Description

[0001] EYE SHIELDS FOR USING IN OPTICAL TREATMENT SYSTEMS

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 552,152, filed on February 11, 2024, entitled “EYE SHIELDS FOR USING IN OPTICAL TREATMENT SYSTEMS” the contents of which are all incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] The present invention relates to eye shields for protecting the eye during treatments of the eye and systems including the same.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0007]

[0003] Treatments of various eye conditions with energy, such as lasers, are currently available. In some cases, a physician holds a light directing device by hand, such as a gonio lens in front of the patient’s eye and activates a laser beam that is directed towards the eye to treat an eye condition. This activation of a laser beam may be susceptible to inadvertently targeted undesired locations in the eye.

[0008] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009]

[0004] In one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an eye shield, or more particularly an ocular shield, for protecting portions of the eye during energy treatment of the eye or any part of the eye, such as the limbus, the eye shield having a structure adapted to: be securely retained on an ocular surface of the eye so as to optically shield at least part of the ocular surface, against the energy treatment, such that part of the limbus of the eye is exposed to the treatment beam, while the cornea and everything posterior to the cornea is protected and the eye shield is further configured to keep the eyelids of the eye open to an extent so as to keep the limbus of the eye in optical path of an energy beam irradiated towards the eye during the energy treatment of the eye and particularly treatment of the limbus.

[0010]

[0005] In some embodiments, the eye shield comprises a first portion adapted to be retained on and conform to the ocular surface beneath it and a second portion extending on at least two sides from the first portion and adapted to keep the eyelids open.

[0011]

[0006] In some embodiments, the first portion is totally opaque to the optical beam of the energy treatment and has a size such that it extends up to the limbus of the eye.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first portion extends beyond the limbus of the eye wherein part of the first portion that is aligned with the limbus is at least partially transparent to the optical beam of the energy treatment.

[0012]

[0008] In some embodiments, the part of the first portion that is aligned with the limbus and comprises one or more apertures allowing transmitting the energy beam to respective parts of the limbus. In some embodiments, at least the first portion is made from a flexible material allowing the eye shield to conform to the shape of the ocular surface beneath it.

[0013]

[0009] In some embodiments, the first portion is formed as a contoured concave disk shaped to meet the shape of the ocular surface beneath it.

[0014]

[0010] In some embodiments, the first portion is formed as a contoured concave disk shaped to be anterior to the ocular surface. In some embodiments, the second portion is formed as two flanges extending on opposite sides of the first portion.

[0015]

[0011] In some embodiments, the eye shield comprises one or more parts adapted to provide controlled lubrication drops, to the ocular surface during the energy treatment. The lubrication drops may be biocompatible artificial tears, i.e. eye drops used to keep an eye moist, such as saline. In some embodiments, the eye shield comprises one or more compartments adapted to store lubrication drops to be controllably delivered to the ocular surface during the energy treatment. In some embodiments, the eye shield comprises one or more liquid inlets adapted to communicate with one or more external sources of lubrication drops, to controllably provide lubrication to the ocular surface during the energy treatment.

[0012] In another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an eye shield for protecting the cornea and all the tissues posterior to the cornea during energy treatment of the limbus, the eye shield having a structure adapted to: be securely retained on an ocular surface of the eye so as to optically shield the cornea and all the tissues posterior to the cornea, against the energy treatment, apart from at least part of the limbus of the eye, and provide controlled lubrication drops to the ocular surface during the energy treatment.

[0016]

[0013] In some embodiments, the eye shield comprises one or more liquid inlets adapted to communicate with one or more external sources of lubrication drops, to controllably provide moisture to the ocular surface during the energy treatment.

[0017]

[0014] In some embodiments, the eye shield extends beyond the limbus of the eye wherein a first part of the eye shield that is aligned with the limbus is at least partially transparent to the energy treatment and a second part of the eye shield that is not aligned with the limbus is totally opaque to the energy treatment.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first part of the eye shield that is aligned with the limbus and is at least partially transparent to the energy treatment comprises one or more apertures allowing transmitting the energy beam to respective parts of the limbus. In some embodiments, the eye shield is made from a flexible material allowing the eye shield to conform to the shape of the ocular surface beneath it.

[0018]

[0016] In another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an eye shield for protecting the eye or the cornea and all the tissues posterior to the cornea during energy treatment of the eye, the eye shield is configured to be mounted at predetermined distances, along Z axis, between an ocular surface of the eye and an energy beam source, such that it conceals at least part of the ocular surface or the cornea and all the tissues posterior to the cornea apart from at least part of the limbus of the eye with respect to the energy beam source.

[0019]

[0017] In another aspect, the eye shield comprises at least one sensor configured to provide sensing data indicative of position of the eye shield in X and Y axes with respect to the ocular surface. In some embodiments, the eye shield comprises at least four sensors of the at least one sensor being located at four respective corners with respect to the eye shield. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is configured to provide the sensing data being indicative of a relative position between the eye shield and a color region of the ocular surface. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is configured to provide the sensing data being indicative of a relative position between the eye shield and a sclera region of the ocular surface.

[0020]

[0018] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is configured to provide the sensing data being indicative of a relative position between the eye shield and an iris region of the ocular surface. In some embodiments, the eye shield is movable in X or Y axes based on the sensing data to maintain the at least part of the limbus in optical view of the energy beam source.

[0021]

[0019] In another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an eye energy treatment system for treating one or more conditions of the eye, the system comprising one of the abovedescribed eye shields.

[0022]

[0020] In another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an energy treatment system for treating the limbus of the eye, the system comprising one of the above-described eye shields.

[0021] In a final aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is a system comprising: an eye shield having a corneal protector with a central disk of a material, which at least partially blocks treatment energy, and of a diameter to cover the cornea of an eye; an energy treatment device having a treatment beam and an aiming beam; a processor. The processor is configured to: receive, from an image sensor, an image of an eye with the eye shield on the eye and an aiming beam fired on the eye; analyze the image to determine if the aiming beam is on a limbus area of the eye; analyze the image to determine if the eye shield is correctly on the eye with the central disc covering the cornea of the eye; enable the treatment beam of the energy treatment device if the determination is that the aiming beam is on a limbus area of the eye and the central disc of the eye shield is correctly on the cornea and therefore treating the limbus. The processor is further configured to: receive an image form the image sensor after a user treats the limbus; and store a treatment location on the limbus based on the image received after the user treats the limbus.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]

[0022] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art one or more illustrative embodiments.

[0025]

[0023] FIGS, la- lb depict an eye and its structure.

[0026]

[0024] FIGS. Ic-lg illustrate eye shields with structure to support eyelids, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0027]

[0025] FIGS. 2a-2c and 3a-3d depict eye shields according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0028]

[0026] FIGS. 4a-4d depict eye shields with sensors and proper placement on the eye according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0029]

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a system for eye treatment according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0030]

[0028] FIG. 6 is a flow chart for an algorithm for treating an eye according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032]

[0029] Reference is made to Fig. la, illustrating a schematic of a human eye 10 used to facilitate understanding of the presently disclosed subject matter. As shown, the eye schematic 10, specifically the ocular surface as used herein, includes the sclera tissue 12 which is the white tissue surrounding the iris 16 as seen in the front view, the pupil 18 which is the hole in the middle through which the visible light enters the eye towards the retina, and the limbus 14 that forms a ring between the iris and the sclera. As seen in Fig. lb is a side schematic of a human eye, where the cornea 17 is visible. In some embodiments of the presently disclosed system, the shields described below are configured to prevent treatment energy from entering the cornea and all the tissues posterior to the cornea.

[0033]

[0030] In the presently disclosed subj ect matter, the focus is given to energy treatments that target internal organs of the eye residing near / behind the limbus region, therefore the plurality of eye shields described below are shaped to expose at least part of the limbus. However, the person skilled in the art will readily understand that the presently disclosed subject matter may not be limited to this plurality of configurations only and the invention features can be applied in other different ways to expose other parts of the ocular surface.

[0034]

[0031] One example of an eye condition treated by energy treatment, in which the eye shields and the system described below may be used, is open angle glaucoma (OAG), a chronic condition due to impairment or clogging of the trabecular meshwork (TM). An impaired TM delays or even prevents the normal physiological process of removing excess fluids from the eye. As a result, the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) may rise and cause gradual degeneration of the optic nerve, eventually resulting in loss of visual field and blindness. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser procedure used to unclog a clogged TM and involves irradiating at least part of the TM with a laser beam.

[0035]

[0032] The TM is located at the junction between the iris and the cornea and behind the limbus, at an angle called the irido-corneal angle or the filtration angle. The cells in the TM contain melanosomes which are packed with melanin chromophores that efficiently absorb light with a wavelength of about 532 nm. SLT stimulates the cells of the TM and restores its draining functions. Consequently, the intraocular pressure decreases back to controlled levels, and loss of vision is prevented.

[0036]

[0033] Reference is made to Figs. Ic-g illustrating five non-limiting embodiments of an eye shield or ocular shield 100, for protecting the cornea and all the tissues posterior to the cornea during energy treatment of the eye, shielding at least part of the ocular surface and keeping the eyelids open during the treatment. In the non-limiting examples of Figs. Ic-g, the eye shield 100 includes a first central (or main) disk 101c adapted to be securely retained on an ocular surface of the eye and made from a material that optically shields at least part of the ocular surface, against the energy treatment. The central disk 101c is configured to shield the cornea and all the tissues posterior to the cornea. More details will be discussed further below (Figs. 2a-c).

[0037]

[0034] The eye shield 100 also includes a peripheral part lOlp adapted to keep the eyelids of the eye open to an extent so as to keep the limbus of the eye in optical path of an energy beam irradiated towards the limbus of the eye during the energy treatment of the eye. In other words, the peripheral part functions as an eye speculum. Typically, as shown in all examples, the peripheral part includes two sub-parts for engaging with the upper and lower eyelids respectively. The sub-parts are adapted to be inserted below the upper and lower eyelids and prevent the eyelids from closing, such that the user can perform the procedure without holding the eyelids of the patient’s eye by hand, or by using an external eyelid speculum which may interfere with the optical path towards the regions intended for treatment.

[0038]

[0035] The peripheral part lOlp may be integral with the central disk 101c or both can be configured to be connectable / attachable to each other. In some embodiments, the attached peripheral part 101p2 is directly connected to the central disk, such as the example of Fig. 1c. In Figs. 1c, Id, If and 1g, the peripheral part lOlp is attached (either integral or by connection) to the central disk through one or more links. In some embodiments, and as shown in Fig. 1c, each of the upper and lower sub-parts is connected via two links 102a to the central disk. In Fig. Id, each of the upper and lower sub-parts is connected via a single link 102b to the central disk. The link(s) may be flexible enabling different positioning of the peripheral sub-parts to increase effectiveness as well as adaptability for the patient. The sub-parts may be connected to the central disk in any suitable configuration.

[0039]

[0036] The peripheral part may have different shapes that may increase the comfort and convenience for different patients with different eye or eyelid sizes or shapes. For example, as shown in Figs. If and 1g, each U-shaped peripheral sub-part 101p3 substantially has a U-shape such as to envelop the eyelids and such as to distribute the forces exerted by the eyelids along its surfaces, see 101p3 on Fig. 3d.

[0040]

[0037] Fig. 1g illustrates an eye shield, as in Fig. If, having the U-shaped peripheral sub-parts, in addition to a user projecting handle 104 that can aid in positioning the eye shield and removing it after the treatment is finished.

[0041]

[0038] In some embodiments, the eye shield, particularly the central disk, is a thin flexible element of a thickness in the range of 0.1 to 1.1 mm, the thickness depends on the material(s) used. The eye shield can be made of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, Polyhema, Thermoplastic elastomer, Thermoset polymer, Rubber, Silicon, Plastic, or any combination thereof including use of coating such as Parylene.

[0039] Referring to Figs. 2a-c, different non-limiting examples of the central disk are shown. In some embodiments, the central disk is a contoured concave disk. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Fig. 2a, the central disk is round and uniform, its shape is concave (curving inward) on the side facing the eye and convex (curving outward) on the opposite side. The diameter of the central disk is in the range of about 11.5-12.5 mm, such that it covers the cornea of the eye, but not the limbus, which is exposed and located just externally to the edge of the central disk.

[0042]

[0040] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Fig. 2b, the central disk is round, its shape is concave (curving inward) on the side facing the eye and convex (curving outward) on the opposite side. As shown, the central disk includes a peripheral section lOlcpl near its external edge that includes a series of apertures / holes. The ring of peripheral apertures enables transmittance of the energy beam there through. In this case, the diameter of the central disk is in a range of 13 - 14 mm, such that it covers the cornea of the eye, and the limbus may be partially revealed through the apertures / holes. The diameters of these holes may be in the range of laser spot size or larger (e.g., for a laser spot size of 400 microns, the diameter of the holes may be in the range of 400-800 microns).

[0043]

[0041] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Fig. 2c, the central disk is round, its shape is concave (curving inward) on the side facing the eye and convex (curving outward) on the opposite side. As shown, the central disk includes a transparent peripheral section 101cp2 forming a ring close to the external edge of the central disk. The transparent peripheral section 101cp2 is made from a material that is transparent, totally or partially, to the energy beam. In this case, the diameter of the central disk is in the range of 13 - 14 mm, such that the inner part is opaque to the energy beam and covers the cornea of the eye, while the transparent ring overlays the limbus enabling the transmittance of the energy beams towards the limbus. The width of the transparent ring may be in the range of 400-800 microns.

[0044]

[0042] As appreciated, the central disk shown in the non-limiting examples of Figs, la-e utilizes the configuration of Fig. 2c for the central disk.

[0045]

[0043] Reference is made to Figs. 3a-b, illustrating non-limiting embodiments of an eye shield 200 configured for protecting the eye during energy treatment of the eye. Similar to eye shield 100 above, the eye shield 200 has a structure adapted to be securely retained on an ocular surface of the eye so as to optically shield the cornea and all the tissues posterior to the cornea, against the energy treatment, apart from at least part of the limbus of the eye. In addition, the eye shield 200 may have a structure adapted to provide controlled lubrication to the ocular surface during the energy treatment. It is known that opening the eye for a prolonged period of a few minutes causes inconvenience and pain resulting from dryness, necessitating a person to blink a few times each minute to keep the ocular surface moist. In some embodiments, the eye shield 200 moistens or lubricates the ocular surface during energy treatments that may last for at least a few minutes.

[0046]

[0044] Two non-limiting examples of the eye shield 200 are shown. Fig. 3a shows an eye shield 200A that includes a central opaque part 201c and a surrounding transparent part 201cp configured for alignment with the limbus region. The eye shield 200A may include two liquid inlets or ports 202A and 202B that are adapted to be communicatively connected with one or more external sources of lubrication drops, to provide moisture to the ocular surface during the energy treatment. In some embodiments, the liquid inlets are located in the central disk 201c. As shown, for example, two tubes 203 A and 203B are provided to connect between the ports 202A and 202B and the one or more external lubrication drop sources.

[0047]

[0045] In some embodiments, not shown, the tubes are integrated with and extend from the liquid inlets. In some embodiments, and as shown in Fig.3c an eye shield 100, as seen Fig.lg further comprises a tube 206 connected to the integrated speculum eyelid holders 101p3 and partially located between the speculum and the central disc. The tube 206 that is partially located between the speculum and the central disc further comprises a plurality of apertures 205a and 205b to spread the lubricating drops along the area around the eye shield 101c.

[0048]

[0046] In some embodiments, the eye shield is part of an eye energy treatment system 1000 for treating one or more conditions of the eye, specifically the limbus of the eye, as illustrated in Fig. 5. The system 1000 may include one of the above-described eye shields 100 or 200 configured to be retained on the ocular surface of the eye of the patient 20, or the eye shield 300 configured to be located at predetermined distances between the optical light source and the ocular surface of the patient’s eye. In some embodiments, the system includes a camera 1005 and a computer processor 1006 having a display interface. In some embodiments, the camera 1005 continuously captures images of the ocular surface of the patient’s eye, and displays it in real time. In some embodiments, camera 1005 continuously captures images of the patient’s eye and ocular surface while the eye shield is on the patient’s eye and sends these images to the computer processor 1006.

[0049]

[0047] The computer processor further comprises an image processor that may then analyze the images, in real time, to determine if the eye shield is in the proper place and that it is safe to continue treatment with treatment energy such as a laser. In some embodiments, an image tracking algorithm of the image processor always tracks the position of the limbus and the central disk of the eye shield. If the limbus is aligned around the central disk and the cornea is covered by the central disk, the image processor may determine that an energy treatment can occur. If the image processor detects that the central disk is not in the proper position on the eye, and in some embodiments, the computer processor disables the energy treatment beam such as a laser. In some embodiments, the central disk of the eye shield is white, and the image processor analyzes if the white central disk is surrounded by the grey of the limbus. In some embodiments, markings of different shapes or letters are employed on the eye shield such that the markings (not shown) are used by the image processor to determine if the eye shield is in the correct position. In some embodiments, and when a transparent ring is part of the eye shield, markings (not shown) are placed on four corners of the transparent ring and guide the image processor to determine if the eye shield is in the correct position.

[0050]

[0048] By way of specific example, the eye shields and the system described herein may be used for a direct SLT procedure which involves accessing the TM cells within the filtration angle from outside of the patient’s eye. The patient has the eye shield on the eye protecting the cornea and all the tissues posterior to the cornea and the user directs the laser beam to the boundary between the cornea and the sclera, at the limbus. The laser beam fires at and through the limbus which stimulates the cells of the TM and restores its draining function. This procedure does not utilize a gonioscopy lens which is commonly used to direct the laser beams towards the TM. Therefore, without a gonioscopy lens, the direct laser exposes the eye or cornea to the risks of the laser. Accordingly, utilizing the eye shield on the eye and the system of the present invention ensures safe operation.

[0051]

[0049] In another non-limiting embodiment, the correct position of the eye shield on the eye is determined by a tracking algorithm that tracks sensors on the transparent ring of the eye shield. Reference is made to Figs. 4a-4d eye shield 300 that may be used to protect the eye during energy treatment of the eye or more particularly the limbus, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter. The eye shield 300 may be configured to be mounted at predetermined distance from the ocular surface of the eye that is between an ocular surface of the eye and an energy beam source, i.e. the eye shield 300 does not contact the ocular surface of the eye. By way of non-limiting example, the eye shield 300 can be mounted on a holder that is attached to the patient, e.g. the patient’s head, or to a laser treatment device used to treat the eye condition. The eye shield 300 is adapted to conceal at least part of the ocular surface that is the cornea apart from at least part of the limbus of the eye with respect to the energy beam source.

[0050] The eye shield 300 includes sensors that send data to the computer processor may be adapted to detect that the eye shield is in the proper position with respect to the ocular surface and no misalignment has occurred. There may be at least one sensor configured to provide sensing data to the computer processor indicative of position of the eye shield in X and Y axes with respect to the ocular surface. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor generates data indicative of its spatial location with respect to a detector located at a fixed spatial location. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor generates data indicative of color of light hitting the sensor surface along a predetermined path. In this example, the eye shield 300 has a similar structure as the central disk 101c of shield 100 illustrated in Fig. 2c, i.e. having an inner part / central disk 301 that is substantially opaque or opaque to the energy treatment beam and an outer ring 302 that is transparent to the energy beam.

[0052]

[0051] In some embodiments, there are a plurality of sensors on the eye shield. By way of a non-limiting example, four sensors 310A-D are provided on the outer ring 302 and located at four respective corners with respect to the eye shield. Two of the sensors 310A and 310C are located opposite each other, e.g. on top and bottom of the eye shield (Y axis), and another two of the sensors 310B and 310D are located opposite each other, e.g. on right and left sides of the eye shield (X axis). The computer processor is configured to use the data of the four sensors to determine alignment of the eye shield with respect to the ocular surface. For example, each sensor is configured to provide the sensing data being indicative of a relative position between the eye shield and a color region of the ocular surface. As seen in Fig. 4B, the eye shield is aligned with the cornea and limbus such that the central disk / opaque part 301 covers the cornea and the transparent part is aligned with the limbus. The four sensors generate sensing data indicative of color of the limbus with which they are aligned.

[0053]

[0052] In the non-limiting example of Fig. 4c, the limbus 14 is represented by a grey circle and the sensor 310B generates sensing data indicative of color different than white (iris or limbus region) and is different than the sensing data generated by sensor 310D which is indicative of white color (sclera). Sensors 310A and 310C both generate similar sensing data, indicative of color, meaning that the eye shield is basically aligned in Y axis and is not aligned in X axis. Therefore, the computer processor of the system will recognize that eye shield is not in the proper position and will disable the energy treatment.

[0054]

[0053] In the non-limiting example of Fig. 4d, the limbus 14 and the outputs from the sensors 310Aand 310C are different, and since the output of sensor 310C is indicative of white color (sclera), then it is understood that the eye shield is not in its proper position. In some embodiments, the computer processor of the system will disable the energy treatment, based on the eye shield not being the proper position.

[0055]

[0054] In some embodiments, when the eye shield 300 is used, the computer processor implements a tracking algorithm that tracks the position of the eye shield with respect to the limbus at all times. It is noted that the sensing data can be generated at a specific frequency or continuously to enable aligning the eye shield continuously with each movement of the eye, i.e. movement of the ocular surface.

[0056]

[0055] Reference is made to Fig. 6, and a flowchart of the algorithm to determine if the energy treatment is enabled or disabled. In 601, an image is received by a processor or an image processor, from an image sensor or camera, the image is one of an eye shield on an eye with an aiming beam fired at the eye. In 603, the processor analyzes the eye shield position over the cornea of an eye. In 605, the processor analyzes the aiming beam position on the eye. In 607, a determination is made by the processor if the aiming beam is on a limbus area and the eye shield is correctly on the cornea. In 609, if the determination is the aiming beam is on a limbus area and the eye shield is correctly on the cornea, then the energy treatment is enabled. Then in step 613, and after the user fires the energy treatment, the processor stores the treatment pulse position in relation to the eye image. The user then continues to 601, to fire the energy treatment on another area of the limbus. In 611, if the determination is the aiming beam is not on the limbus area and the eye shield is not correctly on the cornea, then the energy treatment is disabled. The user is instructed to fix the aiming beam and eye shield and try from 601 again.

[0057]

[0056] Further reference is made to Fig. 5, the system 1000 may include an energy treatment source, such as a laser beam 1002, integrated in a slit lamp device that includes a pair of binoculars 1003 by which a user 11 visualizes at least a revealed part of the patient’s ocular surface, usually the limbus while the eye shield is located on or at a distance from the ocular surface. In some embodiments, an illumination tower 1004 includes the illumination light source, which may be a light-emitting diode (LED) or similar illumination source. In some embodiments, a user 11 presses on a trigger button 1007, when ready to fire the energy treatment 1009 is delivered to intended parts of the ocular surface, such as the limbus. In some embodiments, an illumination beam 1008 is used to illuminate the patient’s eye. In some embodiments, the illumination beam is a single light beam. In some embodiments, the illumination light beam is a dual light beam that converges in the treatment plane. In some embodiments, there are a plurality of illumination light beams. In some embodiments, an aiming beam 1010 indicates to the user 11 where the energy treatment, when fired, is planned to hit the patient’s eye. In some embodiments, the user repeats the irradiation of the limbus until at least half of the whole circumference of the limbus is treated. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that the user fires a series of laser pulses in a manual way. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that the user fires a series of laser pulses in a semi-automated way, such as a scanner laser.

[0057] Throughout the specification, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment” and “in some embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in another embodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

[0058]

[0058] The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0059]

[0059] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An eye shield comprising a corneal protector having a central disk of a material, which at least partially blocks treatment energy, and of a diameter to cover the cornea of the eye.

2. The eye shield of claim 1, further comprising a ring surrounding the central disk, configured to cover a limbus of the eye, which comprises one of,(i) a transparent material; or(ii) a series of uniform holes.

3. The eye shield of claim 1, further comprising an integrated eyelid speculum.

4. The eye shield of claim 3, further comprising a tube located between a speculum and the central disc, wherein the tube further comprises a plurality of apertures configured to spread lubricating drops along the area around the central disk.

5. The eye shield of claim 4, wherein the lubricating drops are biocompatible artificial tears.

6. The eye shield of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor configured to provide sensing data indicative of position of the eye shield in X and Y axes with respect to the cornea and the limbus of the eye.

7. The eye shield of claim 6, wherein the at least one sensor generates data indicative of color of light received by a sensor surface.

8. The eye shield of claim 6, wherein the eye shield is a device in a system, and the system further comprises an energy treatment device and a computer processor configured to: a. implement a tracking algorithm to determine a position of the eye shield with respect to the limbus employing the at least one sensor, and b. disable the energy treatment if the algorithm determines that the position of the eye shield with respect to the limbus is not aligned.

9. A system comprising:an eye shield having a corneal protector with a central disk of a material, which at least partially blocks treatment energy, and of a diameter to cover the cornea of an eye; an energy treatment device having a treatment beam and an aiming beam, a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: receive, from an image sensor, an image of an eye with the eye shield on the eye and an aiming beam fired on the eye; analyze the image to determine if the aiming beam is on a limbus area of the eye; analyze the image to determine if the eye shield is correctly on the eye with the central disc covering the cornea of the eye; enable the treatment beam of the energy treatment device if the determination is that the aiming beam is on a limbus area of the eye and the central disc of the eye shield is correctly on the cornea and therefore treating the limbus.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive an image form the image sensor after a user treats the limbus; and store a treatment location on the limbus based on the image received after the user treats the limbus.

Images