US4570626A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Corneal light shield
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-01-20
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Granted: 1986-02-18
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Expires: 2004-01-20
Abstract
Abstract This invention provides apparatus and method for preventing eye damage, particularly to the retina, resulting from direct exposure of the eye to intense light from a light source during eye surgery. A shield having a diameter less than that of the cornea is placed directly on the cornea, between the light source and the retina. By so doing, this shield prevents damage to the eye, and especially to the retina, to thereby enhance probability and speed of full recovery after eye surgery.
Inventors
- 👤 John L. Norris
- 👤 Lee K. Schwartz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:42
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/04; A61B; A61B90/00; A61B90/04; A61F9/007; A61F9/008; A61F9/009; A61B2090/049; A61F9/0008; A61F9/0017
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
An apparatus for preventing high intensity light burns to the retina of an eye during the illumination and surgery on the eye, the apparatus comprising an opaque shield of diameter less than the diameter of the cornea of the operated upon eye, the shield having a concave contour disposed toward and complementary in shape to the cornea for resting thereon.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
60 words
An apparatus for preventing high intensity light burns to the retina of an eye during the illumination and surgery on the eye, the apparatus comprising an opaque shield of diameter less than the diameter of the cornea of the operated upon eye, the shield having a concave contour disposed toward and complementary in shape to the cornea for resting thereon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including means for manipulating the shield with respect to the cornea.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shield is comprised of a resilient material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shield is fabricated from flexible silicone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shield is fabricated from a hard material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shield is fabricated from hard polymethylmethacrylate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shield is a disc having a diameter ranging from 4 to 13 millimeters.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shield is constructed of shock absorbent material to protect the eye from impact.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including means for eliminating suction when the shield is moved on or away from the cornea.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for eliminating suction comprises a hole provided through the shield, the hole providing fluid communication between the cornea and the atmosphere.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for eliminating suction comprises an inner surface including a serrated portion for providing fluid communication between the cornea and the atmosphere.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
78 words
The method for protecting the retina of an eye from a light source during eye surgery on the protected eye, comprising the steps of: (a) sizing a shield to have a diameter less than that of a cornea; (b) contouring the shield to be complementary to the shape of the cornea; (c) placing the shield on the outside surface of the cornea; and (d) maintaining the shield against the cornea during at least a portion of the surgery.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
78 words
The method for protecting the retina of an eye from a light source during eye surgery on the protected eye, comprising the steps of: (a) sizing a shield to have a diameter less than that of a cornea; (b) contouring the shield to be complementary to the shape of the cornea; (c) placing the shield on the outside surface of the cornea; and (d) maintaining the shield against the cornea during at least a portion of the surgery.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-02-17 | 1989-08-19 | 1990-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-02-17 | 1993-08-19 | 1994-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-02-17 | 1997-08-19 | 1998-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |