NL2028615B1 - Device, kit and method for ocular administration of fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for administering a fluid to the eye of a user, having the shape of a hollow substantially truncated cone, with a smaller input base and a wider output base, with the input base having a feed opening; the output base having an opening fitting the periocular area of the user; and the wall of the truncated cone being provided with an area that has a different light transmittance. The invention also relates to a kit of such an administering device and an ophthalmic fluid dispenser, as well as to a method of administering for administering a fluid to the eye of a user.

Description

Device, kit and method for ocular administration of fluids The present invention relates to a device for administering a fluid to the eye of a user, having the shape of a hollow substantially truncated cone, with a smaller input base and a wider output base. The invention also relates to a kit of such an administering device and an ophthalmic fluid dispenser, as well as to a method of administering a fluid to the eye of a user.

For medical reasons, but also for instance for stopping itching, limiting redness, anti-allergy, lubrication or tear-replacement, it may be useful or even required to administer fluids of various composition to the eye(s) of a person, such fluids are also referred to as ophthalmic fluids. Examples of medical ophthalmic fluids are numbing drops before surgery, antibiotic drops for treatment of various infections and pressure-lowering drops for treatment of glaucoma, and they may contain for instance steroids, antihistamines, sympathomimetics, beta receptor blockers, parasympathomimetics, parasympatholytics, prostaglandins, nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antifungals, topical anaesthetics and they are often saline. The form of administration of such ophthalmic fluids may vary from a liquid, ointment, gel, mist, aerosol, or any other pumpable form. In the context of this invention, the term “fluid” is thus to be interpreted in such broad sense. Ophthalmic fluids may traditionally administered using an eye dropper; a glass pipette with a rubber bulb, or a single-use pre-loaded sterile plastic applicator. As an alternative also use is made of pump bottle dispensers, spray bottle disperser and spray (metal) cans. For a more controlled feed of the ophthalmic fluid such pump bottle/spray bottle/spray can may be provided with a nozzle that is to be supported by the periocular area (the area around the eye) of the user having the shape of a hollow substantially truncated cone, with a smaller input base and a wider output base. A problem during the administering of the ophthalmic fluid using such a device is that the user may have a problem in keeping the eye lids of the eye to be administered in an opened position during the feed of the ophthalmic fluid, as well as that the position of the eye of the user (the viewing direction) is uncontrolled.

It is therefore a goal of the present invention to provide a device, kit and method for administering a fluid to the eye of a user using a hollow substantially truncated cone, with a smaller input base and a wider output base that are easier in use and enable a more controlled administration of ophthalmic fluid to the eye of a user.

To this end the present invention provides a device for administering a fluid to the eye of a user, having the shape of a hollow substantially truncated cone, with a smaller input base and a wider output base, wherein: the input base comprises a feed opening for connecting to a fluid dispenser; the output base has an opening with a form-fitting rounded shape having a perimeter to fit the periocular area of the user; and the wall of the truncated cone is provided with at least one area that has a different light transmittance compared to the light transmittance of the part of the truncated cone surrounding the different light transmittance area. With such an administering device the position of the eye to be administered with the fluid may automatically focus on the area that has a different light transmittance when the truncated cone is placed over the eye. The user will look into the truncate cone and sees the different lighted area resulting in the eye automatically focussing on that area; in other words: the different lighted area functions as “eye focus point”. This automatic reflex of the eye will result in both the eye lids being opened (because the user is triggered to look to the area) as well as that the position of the eye is in an predictable orientation. Both these effects will support a better and more controlled administration of ophthalmic fluid to the eye of the user; the eye lids will not prevent the input of ophthalmic fluid as they are opened and the location where the ophthalmic fluid will contact the eye is also defined due to the controlled positioning of the eye. By specifying where the different lighted area is located also the orientation of the eye during use of the administration device is secured.

These advantages especially apply for users who find it difficult to administer ophthalmic fluids like eye drops directly into the eye, for example, children and older people. The perimeter of the output base is preferably shaped for surrounding and matching the periocular area of the user, preferably so that the truncated cone seals off the contact of the output base of the truncate cone and the periocular area of the user. A solid sealing prevents any distraction to the eye because of light entering the truncate cone through an opening between the skin of the user and the truncated cone and a solid sealing also prevents an easy outflow of ophthalmic fluids.

In an embodiment of the administering device according to the present invention the wall of the truncated cone may be provided with two areas, or more than two areas, that have a different light transmittance compared to the light transmittance of the parts of the truncated cone surrounding the different light transmittance areas.

Two different lighted areas may be useful to fit the administering device both the left and the right eye.

The location of the different lighted areas may be chosen such that for both eyes there is an optimal position of the lighted areas.

Furthermore plural different lighted areas also may help to control an eye movement (e.g. with an instruction “look from the left area to the right area”) so also the incorporation of the ophthalmic fluid by the eye may be influenced.

What may also be influenced by pressing on the inner corner of the eye after instilling the ophthalmic fluid.

The at least one area that has a different light transmittance compared to the light transmittance of the part of the truncated cone surrounding the different light transmittance area may be more transparent than the part of the truncated cone surrounding the more transparent area.

Such are may for instance be realised by the at least one area that is more transparent being an aperture in the truncated cone or being made of a transparent plastic.

The different lighted area in these embodiment is brighter (lighter) than the environment, at least when there is some ambient light.

The brighter area(s) may simply be realised by applying one or more openings in the truncate cone, but in case the truncate cone is to provide a secluded space the brighter area may also be realised by fabricating the brighter area(s) from a (more) transparent plastic than the environment of the brighter area(s). In yet a different embodiment of the administering device according to the present invention the at least one area that has a different light transmittance compared to the light transmittance of the part of the truncated cone surrounding the different light transmittance area may be less transparent than the part of the truncated cone surrounding the less transparent area.

This may for instance be realised by local adding a light filtering coating (print) so that the different lighted area is darker than the environment of the different lighted area.

This embodiment may be advantageous if a user is high sensitive to light.

The truncated cone may substantially be made out of an opaque or not translucent plastic. Such material choice may be used to realise a required lightening effect and the plastic may be relatively cheap and/or resistant to any influence of the ophthalmic fluid.

In an embodiment of the administering device according to the present invention the feed opening with a seat for connecting to a fluid dispenser of the input base may substantially be perpendicular to the axis of the truncated cone. This enables a positioning of a fluid dispenser more or less parallel to the face of a user which may ergonomically advantageous as will later be illustrated in relation to the figures. For a solid coupling of the administering device and the fluid dispenser during use the seat for connecting to a fluid dispenser may be provided with a coupling for cooperation with a counter coupling of the fluid dispenser. And the feed opening may also be surrounded by a seat for airtight connecting the feed opening of the truncated cone with the fluid dispenser. The present invention also provides a kit of an ophthalmic fluid dispenser and an administering device according to the present invention, wherein the fluid dispenser comprises a fluid container and a coupling jacket which is movable relative to the fluid container and which coupling jacket partially surrounds the fluid container. The coupling jacket may detachable coupled with the input base of the administering device, preferably in line with the input base of the administering device. By moving the fluid container relative to the coupling jacket the fluid dispenser may release a dose of ophthalmic fluid that flows into the truncate cone and from there is administered to the eye. The control of the kit further improves when the coupling jacket of the fluid dispenser is provided with an ergonomic grip for a hand of the user. This may help to give the user a solid grip on the fluid dispenser that enables the user to keep the kit in position against the eye of the user while the fluid container is moved to release a dose of ophthalmic fluid.

To reuse the administering device after a fluid dispenser is emptied the fluid dispenser and the administering device may be detachable connectable. A realisable coupling may also be advantageous for storage and/or transport of the kit of an ophthalmic fluid dispenser and an administering device. For a further improvement of the ergonomics the fluid dispenser and the administering device may be flush connectable.

The present invention also provides a method of administering a fluid to the eye of 5 a user using the administering device according to the present invention. Preferably herein the output base of the administering device is placed against the periocular area of the user such that at least one area of the truncated cone that has a different light transmittance compared to the light transmittance of the part of the truncated cone surrounding this different light transmittance area, is located above the eye of the user such that the eye of the user to be administered with the fluid is guided in an upward positioning. Furthermore preferably upon application of the output base to the eye, the hole lies substantially vertically aligned with the centre of the eye. The user may be inn a comfortable position, either standing, sitting or lying down with the head supported or not. During the administering a fluid to the eye the ophthalmic fluid may be instilled into a space (fornix) created by gently pushing down the lower eye lid with the output base of the truncate cone. In this respected is also noted the output base of the administering device may have a rounded, ovoid or ellipse shape, in case of an ovoid shape with two median concave portions and two elongated convex portions. Such shapes may well fit the periocular area of the user and may be suitable for application to the right or left eye. The present invention will further elucidated with reference to the non-limitative embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein shows: figure 1 a perspective view on an administering device according to the present invention and an ophthalmic fluid dispenser in a detached state; figure 2A a side view on the administering device and a part of the ophthalmic fluid dispenser as shown in figure 1, in a detached state; figure 2B a side view on the administering device and a part of the ophthalmic fluid dispenser as shown in figure 1, in an assembled state figure 2C a side view on the administering device and a part of the ophthalmic fluid dispenser as shown in figure 2B in the assembled state, but rotated over 90°;

figure 3 a partial cross-section through the administering device and a part of the ophthalmic fluid dispenser as shown in the figures 2B and 2C in an active state; figure 4A a view on the administering device and a part of the ophthalmic fluid dispenser according to the present invention in a hand held situation; figure 4B a view on the administering device and a part of the ophthalmic fluid dispenser as shown in figure 4A according to the present invention in an active state, and figures 5A and 5B perspective views on an alternative embodiment of an assembled administering device and ophthalmic fluid dispenser according to the present invention.

Figure 1 a perspective view on an administering device 1 according to the present invention and a part of an ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2, wherein the administering device 1 and the ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2 are detached from each other.

The administering device 1 has a hollow substantially truncated cone 3, with an input base 4 and an output base 5. The input base 4 has a feed opening (that is not visible in this figure) for connecting to the fluid dispenser 2. Here the fluid dispenser 2, with a the ophthalmic fluid nozzle 6, is provided with a seat 7 that fits the input base 4 of the administering device 1. The output base 5 of the truncated cone 3 has an opening 8 to fit to the area around the eye (periocular area) of a user as will be demonstrated later in figure 3. A circular edge 9 of the output base 5 is rounded for a comfortable use.

Also visible is that the wall 10 of the substantially truncated cone 3 is provided with an aperture 11 that will be perceived by a user when the administering device 1 is placed over an eye.

The aperture 11 will (in a lighted environment) form a brighter {more lighted) area than the part of the truncated cone 3 surrounding the aperture 11. Figure 2A shows the administering device 1 and a part of the ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2 as shown in figure 1 in a side view, again in a detached state.

The administering device 1 and the ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2 are moved towards each other as illustrated by arrow P+. After assembly the administering device 1 and the ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2 are assembled as shown in figure 2B.

The same assembled administering device 1 and the ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2 are represented in figure 2C but here the assembly is rotated over 90° (around a vertical axis) so that the inner side of the truncated cone 3 is shown. This view also shows that the wall 10 of the truncated cone 3 is provided with two apertures 11 which enable the administering device 1 to be used for both the left and the right eye.

Figure 3 shows a partial cross-section through the administering device 1 and a part of the ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2 as shown in the previous figures but now in an active state wherein the administering device 1 is positioned against the periocular area 20 of a user 21. As schematically shown an eye 22 of the user 21 will be turned upwards as the user 21 will automatically be triggered to watch to the aperture 11 (according arrow Pz). Also visible is a spray 23 of ophthalmic fluid that is released by the nozzle 6 of the fluid dispenser 2 just before it reaches the eye 22. For release of the spray 23 of ophthalmic fluid the ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2 comprises two slidable parts; a fluid container 24 and a coupling jacket 25. By pushing onto the bottom 26 of the fluid container 24 the fluid container is partly moved into the coupling jacket 25, which relative movement will result in the release of the spray 23 of ophthalmic fluid. Figure 4A shows the assembled administering device 1 and ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2 according to the present invention in a bottom up hand held situation. The coupling jacket 25 may be ergonomically shaped to fit the palm 30 and fingers 31 of the hand 32 of a user holding the jacket 25. The openings 11 in the truncate cone 3 are situated in an upper position (to fit the use as demonstrated in figure 3). In figure 4B the use of the administering device 1 and ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2 is shown in combination with the face of user 21. By pushing with a thumb 33 onto the bottom 26 of the fluid container 24 the fluid container 24 may be partly moved downwards while the coupling jacket 25 remans in a stationary position, this relative movement will result in the release of the spray 23 of ophthalmic fluid (as shown in figure 3).

Figures 5A and 5B show an alternative embodiment of an assembled administering device 40 and ophthalmic fluid dispenser 41, which ophthalmic fluid dispenser 41 comprises two slidable parts; a fluid container 42 and a coupling jacket 43. The coupling jacket 43 has a finger rest 44. This embodiment of assembled administering device 40 and ophthalmic fluid dispenser 41 may be used in an upright position e.g. by placing two fingers on the finger rest 44 and by pushing onto the bottom 45 of the fluid container 42. By doing so the fluid container 42 may be partly moved into the coupling jacket 43, which relative movement will result in the release of a spray of ophthalmic fluid.

As this alternative embodiment of an assembled administering device 40 and ophthalmic fluid dispenser 41 is used in a reverse orientation than the assembled administering device 1 and ophthalmic fluid dispenser 2 shown in figures 4A and 4B, now an opening 46 in a truncated cone 47 is located on the opposite side compared to the side wherein the apertures 11 are located in in the truncated cone 3 as shown in the previous figures.

Claims (15)

Conclusions CLAIMS 1. A device for administering a fluid to the eye of a user, in the form of a hollow substantially truncated cone, having a smaller input base and a wider output base, wherein: - the input base comprises a supply opening for connection to a fluid dispenser; - the outlet base has an opening with a form-fitting rounded shape with a perimeter that fits the area around the eyelids of the user; and - the wall of the truncated cone is provided with at least one region which has a different light transmittance compared to the light transmittance of the part of the truncated cone surrounding the differently translucent region. 2. An administration device according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall of the truncated cone is provided with two, or more than two, regions which have a different light transmittance compared to the light transmittance of the parts of the truncated cone containing the different light transmittances. surrounding areas. 3. Administration device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one area having a different light transmittance than the light transmittance of the part of the truncated cone surrounding the differently translucent area is more transparent than the part of the truncated cone around the more transparent area. The delivery device according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one area which is more transparent is an opening in the frustum. The administration device according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one area which is more transparent is made of a plastic. Administration device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one area having a different light transmittance than the light transmittance of the part of the truncated cone surrounding the different light transmitting area is less transparent than the part of the truncated cone. cone around the less transparent area. 7. An administering device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the truncated cone is substantially manufactured from an opaque or opaque plastic. 8. An administering device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply opening with a seat for connection to a fluid dispenser of the input base is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the truncated cone. 9. Administering device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the seat for connection to a fluid dispenser is provided with a coupling for co-action with a counter-coupling of the fluid dispenser. 10. Set of an administering device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims and an ophthalmic fluid dispenser, characterized in that the fluid dispenser comprises a fluid container and a coupling jacket which is displaceable relative to the fluid container and which partially surrounds the fluid container. 11. An ophthalmic set according to claim 10, characterized in that the coupling jacket of the fluid dispenser is connected in line with the input base of the administering device. 12. An ophthalmic set according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the coupling jacket of the fluid dispenser is provided with an ergonomic handle for a hand of the user. 13. An ophthalmic set according to any one of claims 10 - 12, characterized in that the fluid dispenser and the administering device can be releasably coupled. 14. A dental set according to any one of claims 10 - 13, characterized in that the fluid dispenser and the administering device can be connected in a continuous transition. A method of administering a fluid to the eye of a user, characterized by using the administering device according to any one of claims 1-9. A method of administering a fluid to a user's eye according to claim 15, characterized in that the output base of the delivery device is placed against the area around the user's eyelids such that at least one region of the truncated cone which has a different light transmittance compared to the light transmittance of the portion of the frustum surrounding this differentially translucent area located above the user's eye such that the eye of the user into which the fluid is to be administered is in an upward position led.