Scleral lens with attached tube

Abstract

Means for scientifically supervised use when treating severe injuries and infections of the human eye. It enables a doctor or his nurse to administer a regulable but constant instillation of an antibiotic solution, chemotherapeutic agents, steroids or like solutions to the corneal area of the eyeball. A molded shield is conformingly superimposed on the eyeball and embodies a centralized concavo-convex corneal lens surrounded by a rim-like annulus which resides conformingly atop the sclera. Flexible tubing delivers the solution from a solution feeding bottle to the annulus in a manner that the eyeball is continuously lavaged while the over-all shield "floats" atop the constantly existing film of fluid.

What is claimed as new is as follows: 
     
       1. Means for scientifically supervised use when the user is called upon to administer a manually controlled but a constant instillation of an antibiotic, chemotherapeutic agent, steroid or a like medicated solution to and for confining the same to the corneal area of a patient's eyeball comprising: a one piece precision-molded cup-like eye shield designed and adapted to be conformingly fitted upon exterior surface portions of a patient's eyeball between said surface and the coacting eyelids, said shield embodying a centralized concavo-convex lens which is registrable with and is adapted to conformingly span the cornea of the eyeball, and also embodying an annular concave rim portion marginally encompassing said lens and adapted to conformingly overlie the sclera of said eyeball, a prescribed length of flexible tubing having one end communicatively connected to an intake orifice provided in a predetermined portion of said shield and its opposite end free for coordinating communication with a discharge end of a second length of tubing which is adapted to supply a medicated solution from a suitable source of supply, said free end being provided with an adapter, said adapter comprising a rigid hollow needle-like stem open at its ends, one open end being fitted communicatively into the bore of said free end, the other open end having a communicating socket member, said socket member being designed and adapted to receive the aforementioned discharge end. .Iadd. 2. Apparatus for administering a continuously flowing supply of a liquid medicated solution to at least the corneal portion of a patient's eyeball, comprising: a cup-like eye shield having a concave inner face of predetermined size and shape to overlie the frontal portion of the eyeball and having a smooth peripheral margin adapted to initially engage corresponding marginal portions of the eyeball;   the outer surface of the shield being adapted to contact the inner surfaces of the eyelids and maintain them separated from the eyeball;   the shield being provided with an inlet port extending therethrough to define a flow path for entry of liquid between the shield and the eyeball;   a length of flexible tubing having one end connected with the inlet port and an opposite end free for connection to the discharge end of a second length of tubing which is adapted to supply a medicated liquid from a suitable source of supply;   said free end being provided with an adapter; and   said adapter comprising a rigid hollow needle-like stem open at its ends, one open end being fitted communicatively into the bore of said free end, the other open end having a communicating socket member, said socket member being designed and adapted to receive the aforementioned discharge end. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 3. A method of administering a continuously flowing supply of a liquid medicated solution to at least the corneal portion of a patient's eyeball, comprising:   providing a cup-like eye shield having only an inlet port therethrough and otherwise being imperforate and having a concave inner face with a smooth peripheral margin;   positioning the shield between the eyeball and the eyelids with the inner face overlying the frontal portion of the eyeball and with at least the margin releasably engaging corresponding marginal portions of the eyeball and with the outer face in contact with the inner surfaces of the eyelids to maintain them out of engagement with the eyeball;   transmitting medicated liquid through the inlet port to the inner face of the shield and the eyeball; and   continuously applying hydraulic pressure to the liquid over a prolonged period of time at a pressure level sufficient to force the margin out of contact with the eyeball and maintain a continuous flow of liquid over substantially the entire surface of the eyeball and out between the   
     
     
        eyeball and the margin of the shield. .Iaddend..Iadd. 4.  A method as claimed in claim 3, further including: placing the patient in a generally prone attitude facing upward so that the liquid flows more uniformly over the eyeball;   providing a reservoir containing the medicated liquid;   connecting the reservoir to the inlet port with a length of tubing; and   supporting the reservoir at a level above the patient sufficient to produce by gravity the amount of hydraulic pressure necessary to initiate and maintain the flow of liquid between the eyeball and the shield and out between the eyeball and the peripheral margin of the shield. .Iaddend.