TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is an instrument and a method for keeping an eye open according to the preambles of the independent claims presented further below. The invention especially relates to a new manner of facilitating different procedures directed at an eye, such as inserting and removing contact lenses or examining and treating eyes. PRIOR ART

The use of contact lenses is common. There is however a large number of contact lens users, who have significant difficulties in putting the lenses in their eyes. Many who wish to use contact lenses give up already after the first use instruction, because the blinking reflex of the eye is too strong. There are also many contact lens users, who would wish to use lenses more often, but putting lenses in the eye and removing them is too difficult. There are corresponding problems with putting in eye drops.

In different procedures directed at an eye, performed by both opticians and ophthalmologists, there is a need for more efficient and easy ways of keeping an eye open. Many examinations directed at an eye are difficult to perform.

Hygiene is important in procedures directed at an eye. When doing procedures directed at an eye, it is however often difficult to avoid touching the eye or the eyelids by hand or with instruments.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to reduce or even eliminate the above- mentioned problems appearing in prior art.

One object of the present invention is to achieve an inexpensive and simple instrument for keeping an eye open, which is easy to use and keep clean. One object of the present invention is to make the use of contact lenses easier.

One object of the present invention is to shorten the time used for example for use instruction for contact lenses done at an optician's store.

One object of the present invention is to achieve new, even better ways of handling contact lenses and performing eye examinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve among others the objects mentioned above, the instrument and method for keeping an eye open and other objects of the invention are characterized by what is presented in the characterizing parts of the enclosed independent claims. The embodiments and advantages mentioned in this text relate, where applicable, to the instrument as well as to the method according to the invention, even if this is not always specifically mentioned.

A typical instrument according to the invention for keeping an eye open comprises - a shaft, for example for holding the instrument, and thereto connected

- first and second opening arches for holding the upper and lower eyelid, which opening arches have a bottom meant to be against a user's skin, i.e. the upper and lower eyelid.

Typically the opening arches are

- arranged, with regards to their size and shape, to be able to be at least partly fitted inside the eye socket and to be supported against the bones of the eye socket,

- arranged, with regards to the surface of the bottom meant to be against the skin, to be detachably adherent to the upper and lower eyelid, for example suitably sticky or coarse.

Thus the instrument is arranged to stay in the eye socket at least somewhat on its own and to simultaneously keep the upper and lower eyelid open. In a typical method according to the invention for keeping an eye open with an instrument, the upper and lower eyelids are kept open by means of the first and second opening arches of the instrument placed on them. The method comprises

- placing the opening arches at least partly inside the eye socket of the instrument user and supporting them against the bones of the eye socket,

- attaching the opening arches in a detachable manner to the upper and lower eyelid, by means of the suitably detachably adherent material of the surface of the bottom of the opening arches meant to be against the skin, whereby the instrument stays in the eye socket at least somewhat on its own.

An instrument according to the invention can be used in the method according to the invention. A typical instrument according to the invention is pushed onto the upper and lower eyelids, at least partly inside the eye socket, kind of like a monocle. Thus the instrument is set partly inside the eye socket, being supported against the bones surrounding the eye socket. With the aid of the instrument the eyelids can be stretched open, whereby the eye is made more visible and procedures are thus easier. The friction between the surface of the instrument and the user's skin helps the instrument stay in its place. When the instrument is in place, it is very difficult to blink the eyelids. The invention stays in the eye socket at least somewhat on its own and thus frees both hands of for example a contact lens inserter or at least one of the hands for handling a contact lens or other procedures. Because the instrument stays in its place well, injuries do not easily occur when using the invention. The invention does not typically stretch the eyelids after it has been placed in the eye, because the opening arches do not typically open larger than the height of the eye socket. Use of the invention is pleasant, because the instrument has the shape, size and curvature of the eye socket. The pleasantness is also increased by the fact that the edges of the opening arches and the ends of the arches can be shaped to be rounded or so that they barely attach to the eyelids. The fact that the instrument stays in the eye socket at least somewhat on its own means that it is possible to get the instrument to stay in its place on its own. The staying in place depends among other on the skin quality and the structure of the eye socket. In some cases the instrument stays well in its place on its own at least for a while, for example some seconds, such as over 1 second, over 5 seconds or over 30 seconds. In some cases the instrument stays well in its place on its own even for long times. Sometimes it may be necessary to support the instrument by hand or to set it in its place again. For example the instrument shaft can be held with one hand at least occasionally, while the other hand is free to operate.

In some embodiments of the invention the client can hold the instrument shaft while a doctor, optician or other person performs a procedure.

It has thus now been found that the eye can be kept open with a simple instrument being supported against the bones of the eye socket. The instrument's opening arches can easily be formed to be so adherent on the part meant to be against the skin that the instrument stays in the eye socket on its own.

The invention makes it easier to perform procedures directed at an eye in situations, where the eye should stay open and when the blinking reflex is a disadvantage. The invention is suitable for use for example in the following procedures: inserting a contact lens into an eye, removing a contact lens from an eye, examining an eye, dosing eye medicine such as eye drops, removing eyelashes, treating blocked meibomian glands.

The invention makes it easier to use contact lenses. Many who have stopped using contact lenses or who wish to increase their use of lenses will benefit from this invention. Teaching the use of contact lenses becomes easier and the time used for teaching is shortened. The invention makes eye examination easier for example in an ophthalmologist's profession. Some users sometimes experience vigorous unintentional movement of the eye or head. Use of the instrument according to the invention helps keep the head and eye in place. One embodiment of the invention comprises acting in the following manner:

- the user's eyelids are stretched open, for example using fingers,

- the instrument is set into place so that the opening arches are set at least partly inside the user's eye socket,

- the instrument adheres detachably to the eyelids,

- the opening arches are supported at least partly against the bones of the eye socket, and press the eyelids against the bones,

- the instrument stays in the eye socket and keeps the eyelids in approximately the same position that they are stretched to. The instrument's opening arches can form a round or elliptical or otherwise ringlike structure, which typically fits the shape of the eye socket. The diameter of the ring formed by the opening arches in the vertical direction of the eye can for example be 3-4 cm, or about 3.5 cm. The diameter of the ring formed by the opening arches in the lateral direction of the eye is typically slightly larger that in the vertical direction, for example be 3-5 cm, 3.5-4 cm or about 3.5 cm or about 4 cm. The thickness of the opening arch, i.e. the depth outward from the user's eye, or the width and height of a cross section of the arch can be for example 0.4-0.6 cm, 0.4-0.8 cm or about 0.5 cm. The size of the instrument can be formed to be suitable to the size of each eye and eye socket.

The opening arches can have different thicknesses in different parts. For example, if the opening arches form a ring which is open in its end away from the shaft, the arches can taper off toward the open end. It is usually good for the opening arches to be relatively wide and thick, because then there is more adhesive surface to the user's skin. In one embodiment of the invention the opening arches are formed from a flexible material, so that they bend when they are pushed toward each other. Thus the same instrument can be fitted into eye sockets of different sizes and shapes. In one embodiment of the invention the opening arches are formed from a flexible material, so that they bend when they are pushed toward each other, but strive to return to their original shape by means of spring force.

In one embodiment of the invention the opening arches are attached to the shaft by their first end and the second ends of the opening arches are apart from each other. The opening arches can thus form an open ring shaped approximately like a letter U. A distance of for example 0.5-1 .5 cm or about 1 cm can remain between the second ends. Such opening arches are easier to bend when setting the instrument in its place, so the instrument is easier to use. The same instrument can also be made to fit better in eyes of different shapes and sizes.

In one embodiment of the invention the material of the bottom meant to be against the user's skin is plastic, such as thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, low-density polyethylene (PE-LD) or high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) or silicone. In one embodiment of the invention the entire instrument is made from one of the above-mentioned materials. Said materials can easily be manufactured to be suitably sticky, so that the instrument stays in the eye socket. Said materials are also easy to keep clean and they feel pleasant against the skin. The instrument or the material of the bottom meant to be against the user's skin can also be some other material.

In one embodiment of the invention the entire instrument is one single piece. Such an instrument can be manufactured for example in a mould or by 3D printing. An instrument formed from one piece to be seamless is easy to form to be easy to clean and durable. It is also inexpensive to manufacture.

In one embodiment of the invention the shaft and the opening arches form an angle A at their juncture, which angle is larger than 90 degrees, 90-150, 100-130 or 100-1 10 degrees. The angle A can be defined as an angle between two planes. These planes can be defined for example as follows. A first imaginary plane is drawn, which is tangential to the bottoms of the opening arches, i.e. the surfaces meant to be against the eyes. The first plane can thus be thought of as a surface, on which the instrument can be placed, in a way supported by its opening arches. A second plane is drawn to run along the surface of the instrument shaft. This surface is thus typically the rear surface of the shaft, which is away from the opening arches. It is also possible to draw the second plane along the front surface of the shaft, which is toward the opening arches. It can be said that the second plane is in the general direction of the shaft. The angle A can be defined as the angle between said first and second plane, which cross each other. By holding on to such a shaft, it is easy to push the instrument toward the user's eye, i.e. into the eye socket. The shaft set at an angle can be placed either toward the user's nose or away from the user's nose. The position of the instrument can thus be selected according to the situation. A suitable angle makes the use of the instrument easier.

In one embodiment of the invention the bottoms of the opening arches are curved, following the shape of the eye and eye socket.

In one embodiment of the invention the edges of the opening arches are rounded. In one embodiment of the invention there is a recess in the shaft for the user's finger. In one embodiment of the invention the length of the shaft is 4-6 cm. In one embodiment of the invention the length of the opening arches is 4-6 cm. Suitable measurements and shapes increase the use comfort of the instrument.

In one embodiment of the invention the opening arches are each others' mirror images, symmetrical. In one embodiment of the invention the entire instrument is symmetrical in relation to a plane running through the shaft. Thus the instrument is equally suited both for handling the left and right eye. In one embodiment of the invention the material of the instrument, for example its surface material, contains a disinfecting agent, such as silver or copper. This promotes the hygiene of the instrument. A case can be manufactured for cleaning and storing the instrument, which case has a liquid-proof space for the instrument. The case comprises a lid or the like, with which the case can be tightly closed. The case or its surface can comprise a disinfecting agent, such as silver or copper. The same substances can be used for cleaning the instrument as are used for cleaning contact lenses.

In one embodiment of the invention the instrument comprises a contact lens removal device arranged onto the shaft in a fixed or detachable manner. In one embodiment of the invention the contact lens removal device comprises flexible protrusions, which are arranged as pincers for grabbing the contact lens. In one embodiment of the invention the contact lens removal device comprises a sweeping point arranged on the shaft, which is arranged to be suitable for touching a contact lens inside an eye. In one embodiment the end of the instrument shaft is used for sweeping the contact lens toward the lower eyelid, against which the contact lens folds, whereafter it is easy to remove the contact lens from the eye. The contact lens removal device, such as flexible protrusions and/or a sweeping point, can be the same piece and/or material as the rest of the shaft. A contact lens removal device manufactured from a suitably flexible and/or eye-safe material makes easier the safe use of contact lenses. In one embodiment of the invention a storage space for storing contact lenses and/or contact lens fluid has been arranged onto the instrument shaft. The storage space can for example be a recess, a container, holder or fastener, where one or more contact lenses or contact lens fluid packets or other contact lens care devices or conditioners can be placed. The storage space can comprise a fixed container for fluids. The storage space can comprise a fluid dosing device. The storage space makes easier the safe use of contact lenses. The storage space makes the instrument a versatile contact lens handling device. The instrument can function as a convenient storage and care device for contact lenses and utensils for example during trips.

In one embodiment of the invention an eye examination device is attached in a fixed or detachable manner to the instrument, for example to its shaft. The instrument or shaft can have an attaching device, such as a quick connector or a socket which can be tightened, to which the examination device can be attached in a detachable and/or replaceable manner. The eye examination device to be attached to the instrument can for example be a mirror, a light, a camera filming the eye or eye ground, a microscope, a tonometer, a magnifying lens, a medicine administration device, an autorefractometer or a keratoscope. The examination device's position and/or distance in relation to the rest of the instrument or the user can be adjustable as desired. The examination device can produce information about the properties of the eye.

In one embodiment of the invention the instrument comprises a handling device for the information about the eye properties and/or a data transfer device for handling data produced by the eye examination device. The data transfer device can send information from the instrument to a data network and/or a computer, for example for storing or diagnosis. The examination devices and the equipment they need are known as such, and their function is not presented further in this publication.

In one embodiment of the invention a mirror has been attached to the instrument shaft in a fixed or detachable manner, via which mirror the instrument user can look at her own eye. The mirror helps the user for example in putting a contact lens in place or removing it. The mirror's position and/or distance in relation to the rest of the instrument or the user can be adjustable as desired.

In one embodiment of the invention a light, for example a LED light, is attached to the instrument shaft in a fixed or detachable manner. The light helps the user for example in putting a contact lens in place or removing it. The light's position and/or distance in relation to the rest of the instrument 1 or the user can be adjustable as desired. The light is suited for use for example in an instrument, which also has the above-mentioned mirror or eye examination device.

In one embodiment of the invention the instrument is placed in the eye so that the instrument shaft is set against the user's nose or nose bridge. The shaft can on its surface which is away from the opening arches be suitably adherent or the shaft can comprise a particular holding point meant to be detachably placed against the user's nose. The shaft of the instrument is thus attached to the skin of the user's nose in a suitable and detachable manner, whereby the friction between the skin and the shaft or the holding point of the shaft keeps the instrument in place. At the same time the shaft is against the nose and thus not in the way, not impeding handling of the eye or contact lens or examining the eye. Such an instrument stays in its place better, even on its own. Handling or examining a contact lens or eye becomes easy and safe.

The invention makes it possible for the instrument to stay in place even better and to handle the eye or contact lens in an unhindered manner. The eye examination device, mirror, light, or other additional device possibly attached to the shaft, stays well in its place, making working safe and high-quality.

In one embodiment of the invention the instrument is used with glasses. The instrument is then put in place, but the glasses can be kept on. This can well be done, especially if the instrument shaft is against the user's nose. It is often good if glasses can be used at the same time as the instrument. This is true for example if a user has debris in her eye or a large refractive error and she needs to look at her eye in the mirror.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the enclosed schematic drawing, in which

Figures 1 -4 show an instrument according to the invention from different directions and

Figures 5-9 show examples of the use of the instrument according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES OF THE FIGURES

For the sake of clarity, some corresponding parts in different figures and embodiments have the same reference numerals.

Figures 1 -9 show an instrument 1 according to the invention for keeping an eye open. The instrument comprises a shaft 2 for holding the instrument, and a thereto connected first opening arch 3 and second opening arch 4 for holding the upper and lower eyelid. The opening arches have a bottom 5 meant to be against the user's skin, i.e. the upper and lower eyelids. With regard to their size and shape, the opening arches fit at least partly inside the eye socket and to be supported against the bones of the eye socket. At least the surface of the bottom 5 meant to be against the skin is of a material which adheres in a detachable manner to the upper and lower eyelid. Thus the instrument, set in its place, stays in the eye socket at least nearly on its own and simultaneously holds open the upper and lower eyelid. The shaft 2 and the opening arches 3, 4 form angles A1 and A2 at their juncture. The bottoms 5 of the opening arches 3, 4 are curved, following the shape of the eye and eye socket. A recess 10 for a user's finger has been formed on the surface 19 of the rear part of the shaft.

Figure 2 shows angles A1 and A2, i.e. two alternatives for defining the angle between the shaft 2 and the opening arches 3 and 4. In the example of the figure the angle A1 is just over 120 degrees and A2 is just under 120 degrees. The angle A1 is defined as follows. A first imaginary plane P1 is drawn, which is tangential to the bottoms 5 of the opening arches. The first plane P1 can thus be thought of as the surface, on which the instrument can in a way be placed, supported by its opening arches 3 and 4. A second plane P2 is drawn to run along the rear surface 19 of the instrument shaft. It is also possible to draw the second plane along the front surface 18 of the shaft, which is toward the opening arches. It can be said that the second plane is in the general direction of the shaft. Planes P1 and P2 are perpendicular to the view shown in Figure 2. In other words, planes P1 and P2 are seen as lines in the side view of the instrument shown in Figure 2. The angle A1 is the angle between said planes P1 and P2.

The angle A2 is defined the same way as A1 , but A2 is the angle formed in the juncture between the front surface 18 of the shaft, which is toward the opening arches, and the upper surfaces 23 of the opening arches.

The opening arches 3, 4 are attached to the shaft by their first end 6, 7 and the second ends 8, 9 of the opening arches are apart from each other. A distance of about 1 cm remains between them. The opening arches 3, 4 are formed from a flexible material, so that they bend when they are pushed toward each other, but strive to return to their place by means of spring force. This way they can be fitted into eye sockets of different shapes. The entire instrument is formed from one piece and is for example of polypropylene or silicone.

Figure 5 shows an example of the use of the instrument 1 . An eye 1 1 is kept open with the aid of the invention, so that the opening arches 3 and 4 are pushed toward each other so much that they can be placed on the upper eyelid 12 and the lower eyelid 13, at least partly inside the eye socket. When the opening arches 3 and 4 are let go, they strive, by means of spring force, to return to their original shape, and are thus supported via the skin of the eyelids 12 and 13 on the bones of the eye socket. The material of the surface of the bottom 5 of the opening arches is suitable sticky, and it adheres to the eyelids 12 and 13 in a detachable manner. Thus the instrument 1 stays in the eye socket at least nearly on its own. When the instrument is no longer needed, it usually detaches easily. If necessary, the opening arches can again be pressed slightly against each other, whereby the instrument 1 can more easily be removed from the eye and the eye can again be closed.

Figure 6 shows an example of the use of the instrument 1 . Flexible protrusions 14 and 15 have been formed in the instrument shaft 2, in its end that is away from the opening arches 3 and 4. The protrusions and the rest of the shaft 2 are one and the same piece and material. The user can bend the protrusions 14 and 15 by pressing them toward each other with his fingers. Thus the protrusions 14 and 15 form pliers. The pliers can for example be used for grabbing a contact lens or debris in the eye.

Figure 7 shows an example of the use of the instrument 1 . A sweeping point 16 has been formed in the instrument shaft 2, in its end that is away from the opening arches 3 and 4. The sweeping point 16 is used for sweeping the contact lens toward the lower eyelid, against which the contact lens folds, whereafter it is easy to remove the contact lens from the eye. The contact lens sweeping point 16 and the shaft 2 are one and the same piece and material.

Figure 8 shows an example of the use of the instrument 1 . The instrument 1 is in its place partly in the eye socket and keeps the eyelids 12, 13 in place, i.e. the eye 1 1 open. The shaft 2 is placed toward the user's nose 17 and against the skin of the nose 17. Thus the holding point of the shaft, i.e. the suitably sticky surface 19 of the rear part of the shaft, which is away from the opening arches 3 and 4, is adhered to the skin of the nose 17. The instrument 1 stays well in its place.

Figure 9 shows an example of the use of the instrument 1 . An additional device 20, i.e. a mirror 21 and a frame 22 surrounding it, has been connected to the instrument shaft in a fixed manner. The frame 22 can be one and the same piece and/or the same material as the shaft 2. Via the mirror 21 the instrument user can look at her own eye 1 1 . The mirror 21 helps the user for example in putting a contact lens in place or removing it. In the example of Figure 9 the surface 19 of the rear side of the shaft 2 is supported against the nose 17.

In Figure 9 the additional device 20 is shown as one piece with the instrument shaft 2. The additional device 20 and the instrument 1 can be separate from each other. The additional device can be detachable from and re-attachable to the shaft 2 and the rest of the instrument. A dotted line has been marked in the figure in point 24. This is an example of the point, where an attaching device, such as a connector, could be placed between the shaft 2 and the detachable instrument 20. The invention may comprise adjustment means for the position of the additional device, for example hinge means, by means of which the additional device 20 can be set in a desired position in relation to the instrument 1 and/or the user's eye 1 1 .

It is clear that the additional device 20 can also be something else than a mirror. The additional device can for example comprise some eye examination device and computer equipment it needs for data processing, data transfer means or an electric current device such as a battery.

It is not intended to limit the invention to the presented examples, but the claim scope is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims present some preferred embodiments of the invention.