The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Apr. 07, 2020

Filed:

Sep. 08, 2017
Applicant:

Oculeve, Inc., South San Francisco, CA (US);

Inventors:

James Donald Loudin, Alhambra, CA (US);

Manfred Franke, Valencia, CA (US);

Daniel N. Hamilton, Napa, CA (US);

Anand Doraiswamy, San Francisco, CA (US);

Douglas Michael Ackermann, Reno, NV (US);

Assignee:

Oculeve, Inc., Madison, NJ (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
A61N 1/36 (2006.01); A61N 1/378 (2006.01); A61N 1/375 (2006.01); B29D 11/00 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
A61N 1/3787 (2013.01); A61N 1/3606 (2013.01); A61N 1/36046 (2013.01); A61N 1/3756 (2013.01); B29D 11/00038 (2013.01); B29D 11/00826 (2013.01); A61N 1/36121 (2013.01);
Abstract

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for increasing tear production by stimulating the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. In some variations, the devices may be in the form of a contact lens. The contact lens may comprise a lens body and a stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip is embedded in the lens body. An external power source wirelessly transmits energy to the stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip may convert the energy to an electric waveform to stimulate the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. Stimulation may activate the lacrimal reflex to increase tear production. The devices and systems for increasing tear production may be used in methods of treating dry eye, reducing the symptoms of tired eye, increasing comfort for contact lens wearers, and extending the number of years a contact lens user can wear contacts. Also described are methods of manufacturing a contact lens.


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