EYE SHIELD STRIP-AID METHOD AND DEVICES

The embodiments disclose an eye protector apparatus with an adhesive strip having an oval center body with an oval opening and a first tab protruding outward from the oval center body and a second tab protruding outward from the oval center body. Also, an eye shield is included that has an inner oval shape portion having at least two different sized holes to allow visibility and ventilation to an eye and configured to fit within the oval center body. The eye shield further includes first and second flexible tabs on opposites sides of the eye shield. The adhesive strip further includes a backside adhesive coating along a perimeter edge the oval opening configured to adhere the eye shield to the adhesive strip. Also, each of the first and second tabs have first adhesive portions configured to adhere respectively to the first and second flexible tabs of the eye shield and wherein the first and second tabs each have hypoallergenic lower adhesive portions configured to adhere respectively to the eyebrow of the user and the cheek of the user.

BACKGROUND

The use of an eye shield, post-eye surgery, is required by all doctors who perform cataracts and most any other type of eye surgery globally. An eye shield is typically held in place over the patient eye using a medical-grade tape. The shield fits over either the left or the right eye. It is a cumbersome process/method for the patient to place the eye shield against one's face over the eye area and also place two or more strips of medical tape, in order to hold the shield in place when leaving the surgical procedure. The eye shield is also required to be placed over the patient's eye while sleeping.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

General Overview

It should be noted that the descriptions that follow, for example, in terms of an eye shield strip-aid method and devices are described for illustrative purposes and the underlying system can apply to any number and multiple types of eye shield devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, the eye shield strip-aid method and devices can be configured using a plurality of non-woven materials for blending with skin colors and tones. The eye shield strip-aid method and devices can be configured to include sensors to detect bacteria and blood and can be configured to include a range of infection preventative treatments incorporated with the non-woven material and adhesives using the present invention.

Certain terminology is used for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, words such as “front side” and “backside” merely describe the configuration as shown in the figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in two directions and the terminology therefore should be understood as encompassing such variations, unless specified otherwise.

The invention relates to a narrow part of the human body, mainly the eye, and how the invention can assist the consumer/patient to secure an eye shield more easily, over one's eye. The use of an eye shield, post-eye surgery, is required by all doctors who perform cataract surgery and most any other type of eye surgery globally. The drawings show one type of eye shield for illustrative purposes only that include the typical air flow sight holes incorporated in post-surgery eye shields. It is to be understood that the invention is useable on any eye shield and provides the same functions and elements on any eye shield.

The largest demographic of patients that require cataract eye surgery, along with all other types of eye surgery are people who are mature and generally over 60 years of age. As the global population continues to live longer in both the industrial and the emerging countries of the world, the volume of cataract surgery and other eye surgery will increase. This increase will occur more rapidly in areas of the world like Asia where there are tens of millions of people entering the middle class that will require eye surgery of all types.

The volume of these medical procedures will have a direct correlation to the countries' ecosystems and how those countries manage the world around them. Regions of the world that are plagued with dangerous ecosystems for humans, are especially more likely to experience higher volumes of eye-related medical problems requiring surgery.

In general, the invention includes an eye protector apparatus with an adhesive strip having an oval center body with an oval opening and a first tab protruding outward from the oval center body forming a first longitudinal terminus of the adhesive strip at a first end and a second tab protruding outward from the oval center body forming a second longitudinal terminus of the adhesive strip at a second end. Also, an eye shield is included that has an inner oval shape portion having at least two different sized holes to allow visibility and ventilation to an eye and configured to fit within the oval center body. The eye shield further includes first and second flexible tabs on opposites sides of the eye shield, wherein the first flexible tab is configured to rest on an eyebrow of a user and the second flexible tab is configured to rest on a cheek of the user. The adhesive strip further includes a backside adhesive coating along a perimeter edge the oval opening configured to adhere the eye shield to the adhesive strip. In addition, the first and second tabs each have first adhesive portions configured to adhere respectively to the first and second flexible tabs of the eye shield and wherein the first and second tabs each have hypoallergenic lower adhesive portions configured to adhere respectively to the eyebrow of the user and the cheek of the user.

FIG.1shows for illustrative purposes only an example of an overview of the eye shield strip-aid of one embodiment.FIG.1shows an eye shield strip-aid100configured to attach an eye shield110covering a patient's eye after eye surgery. The eye shield strip-aid100includes a strip-aid with adhesive120to securely hold the eye shield110in position. The strip-aid with adhesive120includes an open section to leave eye shield110sight holes unblocked allowing the patient to see through the eye shield110. In one embodiment, the eye shield can further include a removable clear waterproof film configured to temporarily cover the holes when the person is bathing or showing.

The strip-aid with adhesive120provides an improved method to secure the eye shield over one's eye after surgery, in place of just using a medical grade tape. The strip-aid with adhesive120firmly adheres to the eye shield110substrate to maintain the eye shield110position on the patient face. The strip-aid with adhesive120fits any eye shield over either the left or the right eye. The strip-aid with adhesive120also attaches the extended terminuses to an eyebrow area at one end and facial skin of the cheek at the opposite end of the strip-aid with adhesive120. The adhesive is a medical-grade adhesive that includes anti-bacterial and antibiotic material to aid in preventing infection.

The strip-aid with adhesive120will eliminate a cumbersome process/method for one to place the eye shield against one's face over the eye area and also place two or more strips of medical tape, in order to hold the shield in place when leaving the surgical procedure. The eye shield is also required in a post-surgical eye operation to be placed over one's eye while sleeping, for at least seven (7) days.

FIG.1shows the eye shield contains an oval, inner egg shape portion of the substrate. The flexible molded part of the substrate is the portion of the product that rests on the epidermis of the eyebrow area at one end and facial skin of the cheek at the opposite end. This flexible molded hypoallergenic portion of the eye shield allows this shield to be comfortable and medically safe for all patients. The inner egg shape portion of the substrate contains two different size holes that allows for the flow of air to the eye along with the ability to see through the various holes.

In another embodiment, the invention may be made to appear the same size and shape but contain small square holes in the egg shape portion of the substrate. This embodiment allows the eye shield strip-aid100to be used to cover an industrial eye accident that may occur within a factory, plant, or on a job-site by a contract or full-time employee.

Accordingly, in yet another embodiment a reduction or enlargement of the size of the eye shield strip-aid100can be fitted onto the eye of a small child or a young adult. The eye shield strip-aid100sized for a small child can include character images familiar to small children to help parents and health care providers with the emotional impact of eye surgery performed on the small child. The characters may resemble animated characters seen on children's television shows and other images, for example, butterflies, koalas, and other images children enjoy.

In another embodiment, the eye shield strip-aid100generally has been invented for use by humans. The same combinations of these elements are applicable to pets of all kinds that may require a medically approved eye cover patch. Accordingly, we intend to cover all such modifications, additions, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention of one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.2Ashows for illustrative purposes only an example of the strip-aid positioning for applying of one embodiment.FIG.2Ashows an eye shield strip-aid100used to secure an eye shield110over a patient eye post-eye surgery. The patient can lower the strip-aid to eye shield200to secure the eye shield strip-aid100to the eye shield substrate prior to placing the eye shield over the eye of one embodiment.

Strip-Aid Applied to Eye Shield:

FIG.2Bshows for illustrative purposes only an example of a strip-aid applied to the eye shield of one embodiment.FIG.2Bshows the eye shield strip-aid100attached to the eye shield110. The eye shield strip-aid100adhesive provides secure adherence to the eye shield substrate side wall and extended terminuses210. The eye shield strip-aid100extends beyond the extended terminuses to provide adherence to user skin220of one embodiment.

FIG.3Ashows for illustrative purposes only an example of a strip-aid one-piece non-woven material exterior surface of one embodiment.FIG.3Ashows the eye shield strip-aid100with a strip-aid one-piece non-woven material exterior surface300. The strip-aid one-piece non-woven material exterior surface300when attached to the eye shield110ofFIG.1eliminates the patient from having to place two or more strips of medical tape while keeping the eye shield110ofFIG.1properly positioned against one's face over the eye area of one embodiment.

FIG.3Bshows for illustrative purposes only an example of strip-aid three-piece release liners of one embodiment.FIG.3Bshows a backside view of the eye shield strip-aid100. The backside of the eye shield strip-aid100shows three release liners that are covering the adhesive until the patient is ready to apply the eye shield strip-aid100to the eye shield110ofFIG.1. An eye shield first release liner330is easily peeled-off first to attach the eye shield strip-aid100to the substrate of the eye shield110ofFIG.1. A second terminus release liner310is easily peeled-off to expose the adhesive. A third terminus release liner320is easily peeled-off to expose the adhesive. The second terminus release liner310and third terminus release liner320are then removed to allow adherence to the eye shield110ofFIG.1over the affected eye to the patient face eyebrow area at one end and facial skin of the cheek at the opposite end. This final step will complete the task allowing the patient to fit the eye shield over their eye without the help of another person. The adhesive strip having an oval center body with an oval opening and a first tab protruding outward from the oval center body forming a first longitudinal terminus of the adhesive strip at a first end and a second tab protruding outward from the oval center body forming a second longitudinal terminus of the adhesive strip at a second end of one embodiment.

Eye Shield Front Side with Sight Holes:

FIG.4Ashows for illustrative purposes only an example of an eye shield front side with sight holes of one embodiment.FIG.4Ashows the eye shield110ofFIG.1in a view of an eye shield substrate front side400. The front side view shows the air flow sight holes410. These holes allow a patient to see through the holes while also allowing airflow to enter through the same small holes. The oval-shaped opening in the eye shield strip-aid100provides unobstructed sight through the air flow sight holes410. The oval-shaped opening in the eye shield strip-aid100allows maintaining airflow to the eye while wearing the eye shield110ofFIG.1. The substrate contains two different size holes that allow for the flow of air to the eye along with the ability to see through the various holes of one embodiment.

Eye Shield Backside with Sight Holes:

FIG.4Bshows for illustrative purposes only an example of an eye shield backside with sight holes of one embodiment.FIG.4Bshows a backside view430of the eye shield110ofFIG.1. The eye shield substrate420back side view430illustrates the air flow sight holes410are open through the eye shield substrate420. The oval-shaped opening in the eye shield strip-aid100allows an unobstructed clear view for the patient through the air flow sight holes410. The first and second tabs each having a first adhesive portions configured to adhere respectively to the first and second flexible tabs of the eye shield and wherein the first and second tabs each having hypoallergenic lower adhesive portions configured to adhere respectively to the eyebrow of the user and the check of the user of one embodiment.

Post-Op Patient Wearing the Eye Shield Strip-Aid:

FIG.5shows for illustrative purposes only an example of a post-op patient wearing the eye shield strip-aid of one embodiment.FIG.5shows an eye surgery post-op patient500wearing the eye shield strip-aid100keeping the eye shield110properly positioned over the affected eye. The eye shield strip-aid100easily adheres to the eye shield110to fit over either the left or the right eye. The eye shield strip-aid100includes easy instructions on how to remove all three (3) release liners from off the backside of the eye shield strip-aid100. For example the instructions may include the following steps including Step one: Remove center adhesive strip release liner off the eye shield strip-aid and place on eye shield. The instructions recommend placing the eye shield on a clean table/counter for this task. Step two: Remove bottom adhesive strip release liner off the eye shield strip-aid and secure to ones cheek area. User must make sure the placement of the eye shield is placed over ones post-op eye fully. Step three: Remove top adhesive strip release liner off the eye shield strip-aid and placed securely onto ones forehead. The eye shield further includes first and second flexible tabs on opposite sides of the eye shield, wherein the first flexible tab is configured to rest on an eyebrow of a user and the second flexible tab is configured to rest on a cheek of the user of one embodiment.

The instructions are short and easy to follow relieving the patient of the cumbersome process to place the eye shield against one's face over the eye area. The eye shield strip-aid100replaces placing two or more strips of medical tape to hold the eye shield in place. This task is cumbersome at best even for patients that have good dexterity when using their hands. The eye shield strip-aid100is for use by homeowners, hospitals caregivers, industrial and manufacturing facilities, government agencies, (i.e., military persons), public, private, tech schools, colleges, and universities worldwide in their sports programs and in their Sick/Health Rooms of one embodiment.

Eye Shield Flexible Molded Substrate Extension:

FIG.6Ashows for illustrative purposes only an example of an eye shield flexible molded substrate extension of one embodiment.FIG.6Ashows the eye shield strip-aid100positioned over the eye shield110and two flexible molded substrate extension600projections. The eye shield strip-aid100is made with a non-woven material that is of medical-grade quality. The non-woven material includes a medical grade flexible non-woven material that is flesh colored. In another embodiment the eye shield strip-aid100is made using a medical grade flexible fabric that is flesh colored. The flesh coloring is provided in various colors and tones to match a majority of skin tones covering a diverse population.

The medical grade flexible non-woven material easily conforms to the shape of the strip-aid eyebrow area at one end and facial skin of the cheek at the opposite end epidermis section610on both sides. Both the flexible non-woven material and the medical grade flexible fabric are hypoallergenic, strong, and tear-resistant but not ridged, allowing the eye shield strip-aid100to fit precisely over the top side of the eye shield. The eye shield strip-aid100fits perfectly leaving the eye shield air flow and sight holes open while securing the eye shield with the least amount of trouble by the patient. The eye shield has an inner oval shape portion having at least two different sized holes to allow visibility and ventilation to an eye and configured to fit within the oval center body of one embodiment.

Strip-Aid Eyebrow and Cheek Area Epidermis Section:

FIG.6Bshows for illustrative purposes only an example of a strip-aid eyebrow and cheek area epidermis section of one embodiment.FIG.6Bshows the eye shield strip-aid100adhered to the eye shield110. The strip-aid eyebrow and cheek area epidermis section610has the flexibility to adhere to the eye shield110substrate contours. The strip-aid eyebrow and cheek area epidermis section610flexibilities allows the patient to press the extended terminuses against the eyebrow and cheek area for full adherence to the contours of the facial eyebrow and cheek shapes of one embodiment. The eye shield can further include a third flexible section in between the first and second sections, wherein the third flexible section is configured to rest near a temple of a user. The adhesive strip further includes a backside adhesive coating along a perimeter edge the oval opening configured to adhere the adhesive strip to the eye shield of one embodiment.

FIG.7Ashows for illustrative purposes only an example of the smart strip-aid front view of one embodiment.FIG.7Ashows a smart strip-aid100in a front view700. The smart strip-aid100is made in one embodiment with a non-woven material710that blends into the skin color and tones720of the patient. The skin color and tones are varying to match a majority of a diverse population. The non-woven materials710is treated with anti-bacterial722, sunblock724, and antibiotic726materials to aid in infection prevention of one embodiment.

FIG.7Bshows for illustrative purposes only an example of the smart strip-aid back view of one embodiment.FIG.7Bshows the smart strip-aid100in a back view702. A medical grade adhesive730on the backside of the non-woven material710is easily removable740, sterile742(such as a material with a sterile barrier), and hypoallergenic744. In one embodiment, the smart strip-aid100can easily be removed using an alcohol pad to release the adhesive. In one embodiment, the smart strip-aid100includes a sensor to detect blood and send an alert to the user's smartphone750. In another embodiment, the smart strip-aid100includes a sensor to detect bacteria and send an alert to the user's smartphone760. The smart strip-aid100aids both the patient and eye surgeon in post-operative monitoring of the patient's condition and infection prevention of one embodiment.

Smart Strip-Aid Sensors and Mobile Application:

FIG.8shows a block diagram of an overview of smart strip-aid sensors and mobile application of one embodiment.FIG.8shows the smart strip-aid700with the sensor to detect blood and send an alert to the user's smartphone750and the sensor to detect bacteria and send an alert to the user's smartphone760. The sensors are wirelessly coupled to a mobile application800. The sensors coupled to the smart strip-aid are located in proximity and attached to the eye shield110placed on the user840. A user840mobile device850with an installation of a smart strip-aid700mobile application852in one embodiment receives alerts of, for example, the presence of blood and/or bacteria. The user alert authorized medical provider880automatically receives the alerts and can advise the user on how to proceed.

The user can schedule a change of strip-aid860per medical instructions. The schedule change of strip-aid860is displayed by the mobile application852on the mobile device850for example on a calendar864. A mobile device850speaker874can sound an audible alarm862and, for example, a verbal message with text-to-voice capability. An alarm862can also display870color-coded alerts to identify detected material872including blood and bacteria of one embodiment.

FIG.9Ashows for illustrative purposes only an example of a smart strip-aid shower eye guard of one embodiment.FIG.9Ashows a waterproof transparent sight hole covering900. The waterproof transparent sight hole covering900is a smart strip-aid shower eye guard902to protect the post-op eye from contamination while the patient is showering. The smart strip-aid shower eye guard902includes a waterproof transparent backside adhesive strip910. The waterproof transparent backside adhesive strip910is a coating of low-adherent adhesive that can be securely attached for 24 hours but is easily removed without dislodging the smart strip-aid100ofFIG.1from the eye shield110ofFIG.1. The patient can pull either waterproof transparent peel-off tab920to remove the smart strip-aid shower eye guard902of one embodiment.

Smart Strip-Aid Shower Eye Guard Attached to Smart Strip-Aid:

FIG.9Bshows for illustrative purposes only an example of a smart strip-aid shower eye guard attached to a smart strip-aid of one embodiment.FIG.9Bshows the eye shield substrate front side400with the eye shield strip-aid100attached to the eye shield110. The waterproof transparent sight hole covering900is clear and allows a patient continuous vision through the air flow sight holes410. A waterproof transparent sight hole covering backside adhesive strip910is used to temporarily attach the waterproof transparent sight hole covering900over the air flow sight holes410while a patient showers.

The waterproof transparent sight hole covering900prevents shower water from passing through the air flow sight holes410and potentially contaminating the recent eye surgery area. The patient after showering can pull either of the two waterproof transparent peel-off tabs920to remove the waterproof transparent sight hole covering900. The waterproof transparent sight hole covering backside adhesive strip910has a sensitive skin adhesive that is easily peeled-off without pulling on the eye shield strip-aid100and dislodging it from the eye shield110of one embodiment.

FIG.10Ashows for illustrative purposes only an example of a smart strip-aid pad of one embodiment.FIG.10Ashows a smart strip-aid sterile pad1000. The smart strip-aid sterile pad1000on one side has a coating of a low adherent adhesive for easy removal from tender eye area skin1010. The smart strip-aid sterile pad1000is in one embodiment the pad is medical grade sterile conforming gauze with at least 3 plies impregnated with an antibiotic and antiseptic treatment1020to prevent infection. In another embodiment, the pad can be a nonwoven gauze sponge impregnated with an antibiotic and antiseptic treatment1020. The smart strip-aid sterile pad1000provides a soft cushion against the patient skin from the substrate of the eye shield110ofFIG.1. The adhesive backing helps prevent external contamination from entering the surgery area of one embodiment.

FIG.10Bshows for illustrative purposes only an example of a smart strip-aid pad position of one embodiment.FIG.10Bshows the smart strip-aid sterile pad1000against the patient skin to cushion the eye shield110attached by the eye shield strip-aid100. The smart strip-aid sterile pad1000low adherent adhesive allows the patient to remove the pad without sticking to the tender eye area skin. The low adherent adhesive adherence will keep the pad in place even when wet until it is painlessly removed without sticking to the sensitive eye area skin. The impregnated antibiotic and antiseptic treatment of the smart strip-aid sterile pad1000protects against infection of one embodiment.