Hand-mounted mirror-assisted contact lens placement device and method

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices that assist a contact lens wearer in placing a contact lens on the eye. The devices are stable when mounted on a hand and contain a reflective surface so the lens wearer does not have to rely on external mirrors or other reflective devices. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the contact lens placement devices to place contact lenses on the eye.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1Hand-Mounted Mirror-Assisted Contact Lens Placement Device and MethodRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 695,879, filed September 18, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Contact lenses are small ophthalmic devices. The process of learning how to correctly insert and remove contact lenses can be cumbersome and time consuming and may require many rounds of trial and error. New wearers must overcome this barrier to adapt successfully to wearing contact lenses, and many quit trying and go back to wearing glasses. Placement usually involves getting the contact lens out of a small package and into the right orientation on the tip of a wearer's finger, and then gently moving the finger towards the eye until the surface of the lens adheres to the eye. Wearers may use mirrors or other tools to assist during placement of a contact lens over their eye. However, many of these mirrors or other tools have not been useful or effective in assisting new wearers. There is a need for improved tools and methods to assist users in inserting and removing contact lenses.SUMMARY

[0003] Disclosed herein is a contact lens placement device comprising a body, the body comprising a perch configured to support an index finger of a wearer, a first sleeve configured to receive a first finger of the wearer, and a reflective surface configured to create a reflected image.

[0004] Further disclosed herein is a contact lens placement device comprising a body, the body comprising a first sleeve configured to receive a first finger of a wearer, a second sleeve configured to receive a second finger of the wearer, and a reflective surface configured to create a reflected image of a third finger of the wearer.

[0005] Also disclosed herein is a method for placing a contact lens onto a surface of an eye of a wearer, the method comprising placing the contact lens onto an index finger surface of an index finger of the wearer, inserting a middle finger into a first sleeve of a contact placement device, inserting a ring finger into a second sleeve of the contact placement device, adjusting a pitch angle of a reflective surface of the contact placement device to align a mainAttorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1 focal axis with the eye, and causing relative rotation of the contact placement device to assist in placing the contact lens on the surface of the eye.

[0006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In that regard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some examples of the present disclosure and should not be used to limit or define the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1A is a front view of an example contact placement device.

[0009] FIG. IB is a side view of an example contact placement device.

[0010] FIG. 1C is a top view of an example contact placement device.

[0011] FIG. ID is a top view of an example contact placement device showing movement of various components.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a front view of fingers engaging with a contact placement device.

[0013] FIG. 2B is a side view of fingers engaging with a contact placement device.

[0014] FIG. 3A is a diagram of a wearer preparing to place a contact lens using a contact placement device.

[0015] FIG. 3B is a diagram of a wearer placing a contact lens using a contact placement device.

[0016] FIG. 3C is a diagram of a wearer shortly after placing a contact lens using a contact placement device.

[0017] FIG. 3D is a diagram of a wearer with a closed eye over a contact lens.

[0018] FIG. 3E is a diagram of a wearer with a contact lens using a contact placement device.

[0019] FIG. 3D is a diagram of a wearer confirming placement of a contact lens using a contact placement device.Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1

[0020] FIG. 3F is a diagram of a wearer confirming placement of a contact lens using a contact placement device.

[0021] FIG. 4A is a diagram of a wearer preparing to place a contact lens using a contact placement device.

[0022] FIG. 4B is a diagram of a wearer placing a contact lens using a contact placement device.

[0023] FIG. 4C is a diagram of a wearer shortly after placing a contact lens using a contact placement device.

[0024] FIG. 4D is a diagram of a wearer with a closed eye over a contact lens.

[0025] FIG. 5A is a diagram of a contact placement device swiveling in various positions.

[0026] FIG. 5B is a diagram of a contact placement device swiveling in various positions.

[0027] FIG. 6A is a diagram of an isometric front side view of an example of contact placement device.

[0028] FIG. 6B is a diagram of an isometric back side view of an example of contact placement device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In general, this application discloses a device for aiding the placement of a contact lens onto the surface of a wearer's eye. The device enables a user to have improved visibility to and stabilization of their hand and eye while placing the contact lens onto the surface of their eye.

[0027] Conventionally, to place a contact lens onto the surface of an eye, a wearer (i) orients the contact lens concave-side-up on one of their fingers, (ii) uses their other hand to hold their bottom eyelid open, and (iii) places the contact lens onto the surface of their eye. Most wearers use a general-purpose mirror to aid in the placement of contact lenses onto the surface of their eyes. Usually, such mirrors are wall-mounted in bathrooms or behind a countertop, and at a greater distance from the wearer than is ideal for inserting and removing contact lenses. As the wearer likely has poor eyesight until the lenses are inserted, the wearer will often lean over the countertop to get closer to the mirror to gain a better view of their eye.Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1Often such positioning moves a wearer out of ideal lighting conditions, reducing the wearer's visibility when placing the lens. Consequently, when attempting this delicate process, a wearer is forced to take on an uncomfortable and unstable position (e.g., leaning over and pressing against a countertop) with both hands occupied and obstructed vision. Wearers inserting lenes from this position often focus on the contact lens instead of the image of their eye in the mirror which can result in unwanted blinking and contact lens insertion failure.

[0028] Further, beginners face several additional challenges when learning to place a contact lens onto the surface of their eye. Often, beginners do not have an understanding of the nuances and particularities of the lens placement process (e.g., how to balance the contact lens, how to hold their eyelid, where to look, etc.). Most dauntingly, beginners must gain comfort touching their eyes — suppressing their instinctive reaction to close their eye when an object approaches and overcoming an innate fear of foreign objects contacting their eyes (i.e., ommetaphobia or "poke-a-phobia"). These obstacles often cause beginners to become frustrated and agitated, leading a sizable number of beginners to simply give up on contact lenses altogether.

[0029] A contact placement device is disclosed that provides wearers improved visibility and stabilization when placing a contact lens onto the surface of their eye. Specifically, the contact placement device can provide a magnified mirror and allow the wearer to brace their hand against their face, thereby greatly reducing unwanted relative motion between the contact lens and their eye. Consequently, the wearer may pivot the contact lens onto the surface of their eye in a steady and controllable maneuver. This approach obviates the need for the wearer to suspend the contact lens in free space, eliminating undesirable hand movements relative to their eye, and provides a method of placement to wearers who lack fine motor skills or sufficient hand-eye coordination.

[0030] Accordingly, by providing a more controllable placement method and removing common sources of error, the placement process may be made less stressful, less annoying, and allow new wearers an easier and quicker path to learn the contact lens placement process. Other advantages may include, in some examples, specialized magnification tailored to an individual wearer, adjustability of a reflection angle, optimum placement of a focal point relative to the wearer, and multiple anchor points to stabilize the lens and the reflective surface.

[0031] FIG. 1A is a front view of an example contact placement device. FIG. IB is a side view of an example contact placement device. FIG. 1C is a top view of an example contactAttorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1 placement device. FIG. ID is a top view of an example contact placement device showing movement of various components.

[0032] Referring now to these FIGs. 1A-1D, the contact placement device 100 is an apparatus that may be used to aid the placement of a contact lens 248 onto the surface of a wearer's eye 246. The contact placement device 100 may include body 102 affixed to housing 124 via arm 118. Each of these components is described below.

[0033] Body 102 is a structural component of contact placement device 100 and may form first sleeve 106, second sleeve 108, perch 110, and / or other structural components. Body 102 may be constructed using any suitable material, including (without limitation) plastic, metal, wood, rigid fiber or paper, composite materials, or any combination thereof. Body 102 may be rigid, semi-rigid, and / or flexible. Body 102 allows a wearer to physically interface with contact placement device 100 and consequently position reflective surface 128 at an appropriate distance from the wearer's eye 246. As a non-limiting example, surface of body 102 may be adapted to accommodate insertion of a wearer's fingers (e.g., middle finger 256, ring finger 258, etc.) into contact placement device 100 via sleeves (e.g., first sleeve 106, second sleeve 108, etc.) and / or otherwise configured to stabilize contact placement device 100 during contact lens 248 placement. Body 102 may include support surface(s) 116 (e.g., on the bottom face as depicted in FIG. IB) for another finger (e.g., the wearer's pinky finger 260). Further, body 102 may include planar surface 104 disposed on a side of body 102 from which arm 118 protrudes. Instead of, or in addition to, one or more rigid contoured structures, body 102 may include a flexible and / or tightening strap, buckle, glove, or other suitable structure for affixing to a wearer's hand 250. While FIGs. 1A-1D depicts body 102 with a rectangular component, other configurations are possible. As a non-limiting example, the rectangular portion of body 102 may be another shape, or may be removed entirely (e.g., arm 118 may be connected directly to the rear of first sleeve 106).

[0034] Planar surface 104 is a surface of body 102 which may be disposed on a side of body 102 from which arm 118 protrudes and / or a side of body 102 opposite one or more sleeve(s) (e.g., first sleeve 106, second sleeve 108).

[0035] A sleeve (e.g., first sleeve 106, second sleeve 108) is a structural component of body 102 which may be formed to receive (i.e., allow for the insertion of) of a wearer's finger. A sleeve may be partially open (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. IB) or closed (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B). As depicted in the example of FIGs. 1A-1D, contactAttorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1 placement device 100 may include first sleeve 106 and second sleeve 108 which may correspond to a wearer's middle finger 256 and ring finger 258, respectively (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B). Specifically, a sleeve may be designed to substantially circumscribe a wearer's finger to removably affix contact placement device 100 to a wearer's hand 250. Consequently, contact placement device 100 is stabilized with respect to a wearer's hand 250 allowing for the ability to hold reflective surface 128 and contact lens 248 simultaneously. A sleeve may instead comprise a flexible strap, a fastener strap (e.g., with hook-and-loop textures, buttons, buckles), a single sleeve capable of fitting multiple (e.g., two or more) fingers, and / or any other structure capable of affixing contact placement device 100 to a wearer's hand 250.

[0036] Perch 110 is a structural component of body 102 which may be used to support one or more of wearer's finger(s) (e.g., index finger 252). Perch 110 may be disposed on a "top" side of body 102 such that when a wearer places their index finger 252 on perch 110, their index finger 252 may be (at least partially) visible in reflective surface 128. Perch 110 may have a concave surface to accommodate the outer contours of a finger. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, perch 110 may have a reduced width with respect to a width of first sleeve 106 and / or second sleeve 108. Consequently, due to the reduced width of perch 110, perch 110 may rotate (e.g., swivel, pivot, tilt) to form perch angle(s) 114 that are not 90 degrees with respect to arm 118. In the example depicted in FIG. ID, perch 110 is rotated at a perch angle 114 and offset (from its center) from a centerline 140 of contact placement device 100. The example shown in FIG. ID may be more ideal for a right-handed wearer. However, a mirrored version of contact placement device 100 (as depicted in FIG. ID) may be manufactured, or an ambidextrous version may be constructed to accommodate the use of either of the wearer's hands 250 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1C).

[0037] Perch axis 112 is an axis which extends along a center of and through the distal ends of perch 110 (e.g., in a direction a wearer's index finger 252 may rest on perch 110). Perch 110 may swivel causing perch axis 112 to not be parallel to first sleeve 106 and / or second sleeve 108.

[0038] Perch angle 114 is an angle between perch axis 112 and centerline 140. Perch angle 114 may be, for example, greater than or less than 90 degrees from centerline 140. In one or more embodiments, perch angle 114 may range anywhere as low as 45 degrees to as high as 136 degrees.Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1

[0039] Support surface 116 is a surface of body 102 which may form an underside of body 102. Support surface 116 may be located near where a wearer's pinky finger 260 may naturally fall when using contact placement device 100. Alternatively, if body 102 does not include second sleeve 108, body 102 may be made shorter such that support surface 116 may be disposed nearer first sleeve 106, allowing the wearer's ring finger 258 to engage support surface 116. Support surface 116 may interact with any finger of hand 250.

[0040] Arm 118 is a structural component of contact placement device 100 which may affix body 102 to housing 124. Arm 118 may pivot at one or more distal ends (e.g., via joint 136 and / or additional joint 244). Arm 118 may have arm length 120 corresponding to the distance between the distal ends of arm 118 (e.g., where arm 118 connects to body 102 and housing 124) measured along arm axis 122. Contact placement device 100 may be constructed without arm 118, such as by having housing 124 directly attached to body 102 (e.g., via joint 136, or fixed).

[0041] Arm length 120 is a distance and / or length of arm 118. Arm length 120 may be measured from a point where arm 118 is affixed to body 102 up to joint 136. Arm length 120 may be measured as the distance from joint 136 to additional joint 244 (when present). Arm length 120 may be optimized for most wearers (e.g., at about 2.5 centimeters (cm)) to provide an ideal distance between reflective surface 128 and the wearer's index finger 252 or eye 246 (e.g., to align with a focal point of reflective surface 128).

[0042] Arm axis 122 is an axis which may extend along a center of and through the distal ends of arm 118. Arm axis 122 is orthogonal (i.e., perpendicular) to planar surface 104, regardless of the orientation of arm 118 (e.g., arm 118 may not necessarily be aligned with arm axis 122 if additional joint 244 is disposed at an angle other than 180 degrees).

[0043] Housing 124 is a structural component of contact placement device 100 which may define housing axis 126 and include reflective surface 128, switch 132, and transparent casing 134. Housing 124 may be affixed to body 102 via arm 118, or directly mounted to body 102 without an intervening component. A purpose of housing 124 is to provide a protective shell for reflective surface 128 and may further contain one or more electrical components (e.g., LEDs, wires, batteries, switch 132, etc.).

[0044] Housing axis 126 is an axis which may extend along a center of and through the distal ends of housing 124 (e.g., from joint 136 through a center of housing 124 to theAttorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1 opposing end of housing 124). Housing axis 126 is orthogonal (i.e., perpendicular) to main focal axis 130.

[0045] Reflective surface 128 is a component of housing 124 and / or contact placement device 100. Reflective surface 128 may be constructed from any material sufficiently reflective to allow a wearer to view their own eye 246 (e.g., mirrored glass, polished metal, etc.) as a reflected image. Reflective surface 128 may have a flat or curved profile (e.g., parabolic, polynomial, curvilinear, etc.) which provides a magnification of the reflected image (e.g., at a focal point). For example, a reflected image may be magnified by xl.5, x2, x3, x5, xlO, or any ranges therebetween, to provide a wearer with an enlarged view of contact lens 248 and their eye 246. The amount of magnification may be based on and tailored to a particular wearer, such as an amount of refractive power corresponding to a prescription (e.g., -1.0 diopters, + 2.5 diopters, etc.). As a non-limiting example, a wearer may be given a specialized contact placement device 100 with reflective surface 128 corresponding to a strength of their contact lens 248. Refractive power associated with reflective surface 128 may range, for example, from about -12 diopters to about 12 diopters, or any ranges therebetween. The reflective surface may have no magnification. Reflective surface 128 may create a main focal axis 130 extending orthogonally from reflective surface 128.

[0046] Main focal axis 130 is an axis which may extend orthogonally from reflective surface 128. If reflective surface 128 is flat (or relatively flat), reflective surface 128 may be viewed along multiple axes which are orthogonal to (but not centered on) reflective surface 128, any of which may be considered main focal axis 130. Where reflective surface 128 is curved, main focal axis 130 may extend from a center of the curved surface and intersect at a focal point (a point at which some portion of light reflected off of reflective surface 128 is focused). Depending on the curvature of reflective surface 128, the focal point is disposed at a fixed distance on main focal axis 130 (from reflective surface 128).

[0047] Switch 132 is a component of housing 124 which may enable a user of contact placement device 100 to activate one or more electrical components attached to or embedded in housing 124. Switch 132 may be an electromechanical device which may be toggled into an "on" or "off" position corresponding to a "closed" or "open" electrical circuit (respectively) controlled by switch 132. As a non-limiting example, one or more light-emitting diode(s) (LEDs) may be disposed within housing 124, where switch 132 is configured to control the electrical power provided to the light source(s) (e.g., LEDs). Switch 132 may be of any type,Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1 including a toggle switch with binary physical states (e.g., a slider that "snaps" between on / off, a spring-loaded cam push button like on a retractable pen, etc.), a momentary toggle switch (e.g., a spring-loaded push button like an elevator button), or an "analog" slider (e.g., a potentiometer, a brightness wheel, etc.) which throttles the power provided to the electrical components to intermediate values between "on" and "off". Further, additional electronic components (wires, batteries, integrated circuits) may be disposed in housing 124 and electrically coupled to switch 132.

[0048] Transparent casing 134 is an outer surface of housing 124 which allows for lights to traverse (i.e., "pass") therethrough. One or more light source(s) (e.g., LEDs) are disposed within housing 124 and may produce light ("emitted light") to a wearer through transparent casing 134. Transparent casing 134 may be constructed from any suitable transparent (e.g., pellucid, clear) and / or translucent (e.g., diaphanous, light scattering / diffusing) material (e.g., silicone gel, transparent or translucent plastic, etc.). Transparent casing 134 may have a slight to moderate opacity to diffuse and soften the brightness and / or intensity of emitted light produced by light source(s) within housing 124 (so as not to cause discomfort to the wearer when viewing reflective surface 128).

[0049] Joint 136 is structure of contact placement device 100 which may pivotably affix housing 124 to arm 118. Joint 136 may allow for housing 124 to swivel 468 (with respect to body 102) to change pitch angle 138 and / or yaw angle 142. While FIG. IB shows joint 136 as a single axis swivel joint, joint 136 may take any form of suitable joint. Yaw angle 142 (e.g., see FIG. ID) may also be adjustable, such as where joint 136 comprises a ball and socket joint. Non-limiting examples of joint 136 include ball and socket joint(s), swivel joint(s), articulation joint(s), hinge(s), a gimbal, and / or another mechanism allowing for pivoting, rotating, and / or swiveling in one or more planes. Joint 136 may be manually actuated (e.g., by applying pressure, twisting, pushing, etc.) or automatically actuated (e.g., via a motor, hydraulics, etc.).

[0050] Pitch angle 138 is an angle between arm axis 122 and housing axis 126. Pitch angle 138 may be adjustable via the pivoting motion of joint 136 (e.g., see swivel 468 in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B). Pitch angle 138 may be between 90 degrees and 170 degrees or any ranges therebetween, for example, about 132 degrees.

[0051] Centerline 140 is any line along a plane that divides any one of body 102, arm 118, and housing 124 into halves. As shown in the example of FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, centerlineAttorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1140 extends through the depth of contact placement device 100 and generally divides (centered) components.

[0052] Yaw angle 142 is an angle between centerline 140 and an axis extending orthogonally from reflective surface 128 and intersecting joint 136. Yaw angle 142 may be adjustable via joint 136.

[0053] FIG. 2A is a front view of fingers engaging with a contact placement device. FIG. 2B is a side view of fingers engaging with a contact placement device.

[0054] Referring now to FIGs. 2A and 2B, additional joint 244 is structure of contact placement device 100 which may pivotably affix arm 118 to body 102. Additional joint 244 may allow for housing 124 to swivel 468 at an additional point (with respect to body 102) to change pitch angle 138 and / or yaw angle 142. Additional joint 244 may take any form of suitable joint, including ball and socket joint(s), swivel joint(s), articulation joint(s), hinge(s), a gimbal, and / or another mechanism allowing for pivoting, rotating, and / or swiveling in one or more planes. Additional joint 244 may be manually actuated (e.g., by applying pressure, twisting, pushing, etc.) or automatically actuated (e.g., via a motor, hydraulics, etc.).

[0055] Eye 246 is a biological organ of a wearer that allows the wearer to sense light. Eye 246 may not have ideal eyesight which may be corrected by contact lens 248.

[0056] Contact lens 248 is an ophthalmic device used to correct the eyesight of eye 246 (e.g., rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens, contact lens, etc.).

[0057] Hand 250 is an appendage of wearer and includes index finger 252, middle finger 256, ring finger 258, pinky finger 260, and thumb 262. A wearer may affix their hand 250 to contact placement device 100 by inserting one or more finger(s) (e.g., middle finger 256, ring finger 258) into one or more sleeve(s) (e.g., first sleeve 106, second sleeve 108). Any finger (index finger 252, middle finger 256, ring finger 258, pinky finger 260, and thumb 262) may be referred to interchangeably as a "first finger", "second finger" "third finger", "fourth finger", or "fifth finger", without respect to actual order.

[0058] Index finger 252 is the second digit of hand 250 and includes index finger surface 254. Index finger 252 may be positioned on perch 110, which allows for greater mobility of index finger 252 (as compared to middle finger 256 or ring finger 258 when contained in first sleeve 106 or second sleeve 108).Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1

[0059] Index finger surface 254 is a surface of an outer side of index finger 252. Index finger surface 254 is disposed on the side of index finger 252 adjacent to thumb 262, and opposite middle finger 256. A contact lens 248 may be placed on index finger surface 254 and used to place contact lens 248 onto the surface of eye 246. Index finger surface 254 may be, for example, a patch of skin off to one side of index finger 252 such that contact lens 248 is substantially perpendicular to a fingernail of index finger 252 (e.g., see FIG. 2B). Other placement locations on an index finger are possible, such as on the tip of a finger, or a region therebetween (such as when perch angle 114 is not equal to 90 degrees). As shown in FIG. 2A, reflective surface 128 provides a clear, and optionally illuminated, reflected image of the contact lens 248 as it rests on index finger surface 254.

[0060] Middle finger 256 and ring finger 258 are the third and fourth digits of hand 250, either or both of which may disposed in first sleeve 106 or second sleeve 108, respectively. Pinky finger 260 is the fifth digit of hand 250 and may rest against support surface(s) 116. Thumb 262 is the first digit of hand 250.

[0061] FIG. 3A is a diagram of a wearer preparing to place a contact lens using a contact placement device. FIG. 3B is a diagram of a wearer placing a contact lens using a contact placement device. FIG. 3C is a diagram of a wearer shortly after placing a contact lens using a contact placement device. FIG. 3D is a diagram of a wearer with a closed eye over a contact lens. FIG. 3E is a diagram of a wearer with contact lens using a contact placement device. FIG. 3F is a diagram of a wearer with contact lens using a contact placement device.

[0062] FIGs. 3A-3F shows one method for a wearer to use contact placement device 100 to place contact lens 248 on their eye 246. Other methods for using contact placement device 100 may be employed. Further, for the purposes of FIGs. 3A-3F, reflective surface 128 is parabolic, creating a focal point at a certain distance (from reflective surface 128) along main focal axis 130. Accordingly, the wearer may move contact placement device 100 (along main focal axis 130) to align the focal point of reflective surface 128 with the pupil of their eye 246.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3A, a wearer may insert their middle finger 256 and ring finger 258 into first sleeve 106 and second sleeve 108, respectively, of contact placement device 100. Further, the wearer may place contact lens 248 on the outer side of their right index finger 252 (e.g., index finger surface 254) and may position their right hand 250 near their face such that the wearer's eye 246 is facing and proximate to reflective surface 128 (e.g.,Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1 less than 20 centimeters). If necessary or desired, the wearer may adjust pitch angle 138 of housing 124 to align main focal axis 130 with the pupil of their eye 246.

[0064] A wearer may place a contact lens 248 on index finger surface 254 then insert their middle finger 256 and ring finger 258 into first sleeve 106 and second sleeve 108, respectively. The wearer may rest their index finger 252 on perch 110, while supporting contact lens 248. While looking at a reflection of contact lens 248 through reflective surface 128, the wearer may then rest their hand 250 on their face. Once in position, a wearer may cause eyelid motion 364 by pulling down their lower eyelid (e.g., with their other, unused hand) to expose a greater surface area of eye 246. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for the wearer to hold contact lens 248 in free space during placement on eye 246.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3B, the wearer may cause their index finger 252 to undergo index finger rotation 365. By rotating their index finger 252, contact lens 248 (resting on index finger surface 254) rotates with their finger. If the wearer's eye 246 is sufficiently proximate to their index finger 252 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B), contact lens 248 may become very close to (or begin to contact) their eye 246.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3C, a wearer continues index finger rotation 365 until contact lens 248 is placed onto the surface of their eye 246. A wearer may additionally move index finger 252 laterally towards their eye 246 to provide additional movement of contact lens 248, as needed. That is, as a non-limiting example, a wearer may raise index finger 252 from perch 110 to manipulate the position of contact lens 248. This may be performed while hand 250 rests against the wearer's face, for example, with some part of thumb 262 (e.g., the tip of thumb 262, at thumb's carpometacarpal joint, at thumb's metacarpophalangeal joint, or at thumb's interphalangeal joint) rested against a cheek or cheek bone. Further, contact lens 248 may be placed on an area of eye 246 that is largely "white" (e.g., mostly outside of the pupil and cornea).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3D, after placing contact lens 248 onto the surface of their eye 246, a wearer may close their eye 246 (e.g., moving their upper and lower eyelids to cover the surface of their eye 246). By closing their eye 246, contact lens 248 may slide across the surface of eye 246 and center around the pupil and cornea of eye 246.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3E and FIG. 3F, a wearer may open their eye 246 and inspect the location of contact lens 248 using contact placement device 100. Using reflective surfaceAttorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1128 of contact placement device 100, the wearer may easily inspect the location of contact lens 248 and ensure proper placement.

[0069] FIG. 4A is a diagram of a wearer preparing to place a contact lens using a contact placement device. FIG. 4B is a diagram of a wearer placing a contact lens using a contact placement device. FIG. 4C is a diagram of a wearer shortly after placing a contact lens using a contact placement device. FIG. 4D is a diagram of a wearer with a closed eye over a contact lens.

[0070] FIGs. 4A-4D shows an alternative method for a wearer to use contact placement device 100 to place contact lens 248 on their eye 246. Other methods for using contact placement device 100 may be employed. Further, for the purposes of FIGs. 4A-4D, reflective surface 128 is parabolic, creating a focal point at a certain distance (from reflective surface 128) along main focal axis 130. Accordingly, the wearer may move contact placement device 100 (along main focal axis 130) to align the focal point of reflective surface 128 with the pupil of their eye 246.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4 A, a wearer may insert their middle finger 256 and ring finger 258 into first sleeve 106 and second sleeve 108, respectively, of contact placement device 100. Further, the wearer may place contact lens 248 on the outer side of their right index finger 252 (e.g., index finger surface 254) and may position their right hand 250 near their face such that the wearer's eye 246 is facing and proximate to reflective surface 128 (e.g., less than 20 centimeters). If necessary or desired, the wearer may adjust pitch angle 138 of housing 124 to align main focal axis 130 with the pupil of their eye 246.

[0072] A wearer may place a contact lens 248 on index finger surface 254 then insert their middle finger 256 and ring finger 258 into first sleeve 106 and second sleeve 108, respectively. The wearer may rest their index finger 252 on perch 110, while supporting contact lens 248. While looking at a reflection of contact lens 248 through reflective surface 128, the wearer may then rest their hand 250 on their face.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4B, a wearer may cause eyelid motion 364 by pulling down their lower eyelid (e.g., with their other, unused hand) to expose a greater surface area of eye 246. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for the wearer to hold contact lens 248 in free space during placement on eye 246. Further, the wearer may begin to cause contact placement device 100 to undergo relative rotation 466 by tilting their hand 250 and causing contact lens 248 to move closer to their eye 246 (a wearer may additionally or alternatively tilt their faceAttorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1 and eye 246 toward contact placement device 100). Consequently, due to the change in position of reflective surface 128 (with respect to eye 246), the wearer may rotate their pupil upward to continue alignment with main focal axis 130.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4C, a wearer continues relative rotation 466 of contact placement device 100 with respect to their eye 246 until contact lens 248 is placed onto the surface of their eye 246. Further, as wearer continues to focus their eye 246 on reflective surface 128, their pupil continues to shift higher as main focal axis 130 is rotated further upward. Accordingly, contact lens 248 may be placed on an area of eye 246 that is largely "white" (e.g., mostly outside of the pupil and cornea). A wearer may either slightly raise the index finger 252 from perch 110 as needed or roll and / or pivot contact placement device 100 to manipulate the position of contact lens 248. This may be performed while hand 250 rests against the wearer's face, for example, with some part of thumb 262 (e.g., the tip of thumb 262, at thumb's carpometacarpal joint, at thumb's metacarpophalangeal joint, or at thumb's interphalangeal joint) rested against a cheek or cheek bone. In some examples, the wearer may roll and pivot the entire contact placement device 100 during lens placement by about 9-10 millimeters (mm), for example, by gently rotating their wrist while their fingers are inserted in the sleeves of contact placement device 100.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4D, after placing contact lens 248 onto the surface of their eye 246, a wearer may close their eye 246 (e.g., moving their upper and lower eyelids to cover the surface of their eye 246). By closing their eye 246, contact lens 248 may slide across the surface of eye 246 and center around the pupil and cornea of eye 246.

[0076] FIG. 5A is a diagram of a contact placement device swiveling in various positions. FIG. 5B is a diagram of a contact placement device swiveling in various positions.

[0077] Swivel 468 is the rotating motion of housing 124 around joint 136 and / or additional joint 244. Housing 124 may be able to swivel 468 sufficiently far enough to "fold" contact placement device 100 into a more compact overall size. Accordingly, contact placement device 100 may be easier to carry and store, as swivel 468 permits reconfiguring contact placement device 100 into a smaller unit.

[0078] FIG. 6A is a diagram of an isometric front side view of an example of contact placement device. FIG. 6B is a diagram of an isometric back side view of an example of contact placement device.Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1

[0079] FIG. 6 A and FIG. 6B show another example of a contact placement device 100. Contact placement device 100 may comprise one or more sleeves oriented in a plane perpendicular to reflective surface 128 (e.g., first sleeve 106 and second sleeve 108 as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B). Unlike the example shown in FIGs. 1A-5B, FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B contact placement device 100 does not include perch 110. Instead, a wearer may lift their index finger upwards at a sharp angle while middle finger 256 and ring finger 258 are inserted in contact placement device 100. Thumb 262 may similarly be used to stabilize contact placement device 100 against the wearer's face as contact lens 248 is placed on the wearer's eye 246.

[0080] FIG. 6B shows a joint 136 which is a unidirectional joint capable of a single degree of rotation. Joint 136 may alternatively comprise a single, or a plurality of joints and may comprise the other types of joints.

[0081] Light emitting diodes (LEDs) 570 may be included in the contact placement device 100, such as disposed within housing 124 and configured to illuminate reflective surface 128. As shown in FIG. 6A, LEDs 570 are directly visible around the front-facing portion of housing 124 circumscribing reflective surface 128.

[0082] Specific cooperative arrangements of the fingers with the contact placement device have been disclosed herein. Wearers may use other finger arrangements, particularly where an index finger may have limited dexterity or mobility. Alternate cooperative finger arrangements are within the scope of the present invention.

[0083] It is impracticable to disclose every possible embodiment of the technology described herein. Potential variations or modifications may be made to the disclosed examples, and such alternatives remain within the scope of the broader technology. Accordingly, the scope should be limited only by the claims. Further, the compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including" various components or steps, the compositions and methods may also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and steps. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an," as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces.

[0084] For further brevity, descriptions of similarly named components may be omitted if a description of that similarly named component exists elsewhere in the application. Accordingly, any component described with respect to a specific figure may be equivalent to one or more similarly named components shown or described in any other figure, and eachAttorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1 component incorporates the description of every similarly named component provided in the application (unless explicitly noted otherwise).

[0085] Embodiments

[0086] 1. A contact lens placement device, comprising a body, the body comprising: a perch configured to support an index finger of a wearer, a first sleeve configured to receive a first finger of the wearer, and a reflective surface configured to create a reflected image.

[0087] 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the body further comprises a second sleeve configured to receive a second finger of the wearer.

[0088] 3. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are configured to stabilize the device when the first finger and the second finger are inserted therein, respectively.

[0089] 4. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the body further comprises a support surface disposed adjacent to the second sleeve, configured to interact with a third finger of the wearer.

[0090] 5. The device of any previous embodiment, further comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprising the reflective surface.

[0091] 6. The device of any previous embodiment, further comprising: an arm, wherein the housing is affixed to the arm; and wherein the body is affixed to the arm.

[0092] 7. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the housing is affixed to the arm via a joint configured to allow swiveling of the housing with respect to the body.

[0093] 8. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the housing further comprises a light source configured to produce emitted light.

[0094] 9. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the housing further comprises a switch configured to control electrical power to the light source.

[0095] 10. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the housing comprises a transparent casing configured to allow the emitted light to pass through the transparent casing.

[0096] 11. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the transparent casing diffuses the emitted light.Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1

[0097] 12. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the reflective surface is curved and configured to create a magnification of the reflected image.

[0098] 13. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the magnification is based on an amount of refractive power corresponding to a contact lens.

[0099] 14. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the reflective surface is configured to create an image of an index finger surface when the perch supports the index finger.

[0100] 15. A contact lens placement device, comprising a body, the body comprising:

[0101] a first sleeve configured to receive a first finger of a wearer, a second sleeve configured to receive a second finger of the wearer, and a reflective surface configured to create a reflected image of a third finger of the wearer.

[0102] 16. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the reflective surface is flat and configured to create the reflected image without a magnification.

[0103] 17. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the reflective surface is curved and configured to create a magnification of the reflected image.

[0104] 18. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the reflective surface creates a main focal axis extending through a center of the reflective surface.

[0105] 19. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the reflective surface creates a focal point at a fixed distance along the main focal axis.

[0106] 20. The device of any previous embodiment, wherein the focal point is configured to align with an eye of the wearer.

[0107] 21. A method for placing a contact lens onto a surface of an eye of a wearer, comprising: placing the contact lens onto an index finger surface of an index finger of the wearer; inserting a middle finger into a first sleeve of a contact placement device; inserting a ring finger into a second sleeve of the contact placement device; adjusting a pitch angle of a reflective surface of the contact placement device to align a main focal axis with the eye; and causing relative rotation of the contact placement device to assist in placing the contact lens on the surface of the eye.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT1CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A contact lens placement device, comprising a body, the body comprising: a perch configured to support an index finger of a wearer, a first sleeve configured to receive a first finger of the wearer, and a reflective surface configured to create a reflected image.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a second sleeve configured to receive a second finger of the wearer.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are configured to stabilize the device when the first finger and the second finger are inserted therein, respectively.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the body further comprises a support surface disposed adjacent to the second sleeve, configured to interact with a third finger of the wearer.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprising the reflective surface.

6. The device of claim 5, further comprising: an arm, wherein the housing is affixed to the arm; and wherein the body is affixed to the arm.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the housing is affixed to the arm via a joint configured to allow swiveling of the housing with respect to the body.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein the housing further comprises a light source configured to produce emitted light.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the housing further comprises a switch configured to control electrical power to the light source.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the housing comprises a transparent casing configured to allow the emitted light to pass through the transparent casing.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the transparent casing diffuses the emitted light.Attorney Docket No.: VTN6167WOPCT112. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reflective surface is curved and configured to create a magnification of the reflected image.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the magnification is based on an amount of refractive power corresponding to a contact lens.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the reflective surface is configured to create an image of an index finger surface when the perch supports the index finger.

15. A contact lens placement device, comprising a body, the body comprising: a first sleeve configured to receive a first finger of a wearer, a second sleeve configured to receive a second finger of the wearer, and a reflective surface configured to create a reflected image of a third finger of the wearer.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the reflective surface is flat and configured to create the reflected image without a magnification.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the reflective surface is curved and configured to create a magnification of the reflected image.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein the reflective surface creates a main focal axis extending through a center of the reflective surface.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the reflective surface creates a focal point at a fixed distance along the main focal axis.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the focal point is configured to align with an eye of the wearer.

21. A method for placing a contact lens onto a surface of an eye of a wearer, comprising: placing the contact lens onto an index finger surface of an index finger of the wearer; inserting a middle finger into a first sleeve of a contact placement device; inserting a ring finger into a second sleeve of the contact placement device; adjusting a pitch angle of a reflective surface of the contact placement device to align a main focal axis with the eye; and causing relative rotation of the contact placement device to assist in placing the contact lens on the surface of the eye.

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