Abstract:
A contact lens with a conductive outer shell (one electrode of a two-electrode electrophoresis device) and a preferably soft, preferably disposable contact lens for contacting a patient&#39;s eye, assists in delivering dilation drops or other medicaments to a patient&#39;s eye. Advantageously, the lens is used with a relatively small hand-held power source. Electrophoresis can be used to help deliver dilation drops more rapidly, regardless of the delivery apparatus used for the electrophoresis.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/160,106, filed 24 Sep. 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,411, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable 
   REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
   Not applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to pupil dilation and constriction procedures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for using electrophoresis to deliver pupil dilation and constriction agents. 
   2. General Background of the Invention 
   Every individual should have at least one dilated eye examination every 2–3 years in adulthood. Many individuals with various eye problems such as macular degeneration, diabetes, threat of detached retina or history of detached retina as well as many other conditions require repeated dilated eye examinations. Dilated eye examinations typically require patients to wait several minutes after application of a dilator drug before the eye is sufficiently dilated for a dilated eye examination to occur. 
   Electrophoresis is an electrochemical process in which colloidal particles or molecules with a net electric charge migrate in a solution under the influence of an electric current. It is also sometimes called iontophoresis or cataphoresis. Electrophoresis is sometimes used now by others to deliver vitamins (such as Vitamin C) and antibiotics efficiently. 
   The present inventor understands that National Public Radio recently reported that tracers placed on tsetse flies and honey bees were powered with light-power-driven transmitters. 
   The following patents are incorporated herein by reference: 
                                                       U.S. Pat. Nos.:   5,498,521   5,192,665   5,522,864               5,174,304   2,525,381;                        
EP325,201; Fr. 641,745; Germ. 1489708.
 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,525,381 discloses a contact lens type electrode holder. This electrode holder is used during ionic medication treatment of a patient&#39;s eye. The electrode itself has a relatively small surface area. The patent mentions “penicillin or other medicaments”. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,174,304 and 5,222,864, Fr. Pat. No. 641,745, Germ. Pat. No. 1,489,708, and EP Pat. Office Publication No. 325,201 disclose electrodes for contacting eyeballs. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,521 discloses the use of a contact lens electrode placed on a topically anesthetized cornea after dilation of the pupils (see column 17, lines 13–16). 
   Also incorporated by reference are the following references:
     Sarraf, David, et al., “The role of iontophoresis in ocular drug delivery”,  Journal of Ocular Pharmacology , vol. 10, no. 1: 69–81 (1994);   Pirch, James H., et al., “A role for acetylcholine in conditioning-related responses of rat frontal cortex neurons: microintophoretic evidence”,  Brain Research,  586 (1992) 19–26;   Behar-Cohen, Francine F., et al., “Iontophoresis of Dexamethasone in the Treatment of Endotoxin-Induced-Uveitis in Rats”,  Exp. Eye Res ., (1997) 65, 533–545;   Yoshizumi, Marc O., et al., “Determination of Ocular Toxicity in Multiple Applications of Foscarnet Iontophoresis”,  Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics , (1997), 13:6, pp. 529–536;   Bradshaw, C. M., et al., “A Procedure for Comparing the Mobilities of Unlabeled Drugs Used in Microelectrophoresis Experiments”,  Journal of Pharmacological Methods,  5, 67–73 (1981);   McBrien, Neville A., et al., “Experimental Myopia in a Diurnal Mammal ( Sciurus Carolinensis ) With No Accommodative Ability”,  Journal of Physiology , (1993), 469, pp. 427–441.   

   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided is a dilation enhancer apparatus and method. 
   The dilation enhancer apparatus of the present invention is a hand held electrophoretic device using a contact lens type delivery system to provide rapid clinically useful dilation of the pupil of the eye. Other clinical applications may be useful. 
   The present invention comprises a contact lens with a conductive outer shell (one electrode of a two-electrode electrophoresis device) and a preferably soft, preferably disposable contact lens (made of a material such as polyfilcon, e.g. ocufilcon) for contacting a patient&#39;s eye. The present invention also comprises apparatus including the contact lens with the conductive outer shell and a relatively small hand-held power source. The present invention also comprises a method of using electrophoresis to help deliver dilation drops more rapidly, regardless of the means used for the electrophoresis. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the power supply apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in use on a patient; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the earlobe clamp apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3A  is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the contact lens electrode apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3B  is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the contact lens electrode apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-section of a light-driven iontophoretic unit with drug carrying soft contact lens placed on a patient&#39;s eye (in actual use the photovoltaic contact lens  141  would touch the soft contact lens  142 ); 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of a light-driven iontophoretic unit with drug carrying soft contact lens; and 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-section of a light-driven iontophoretic unit with drug carrying soft contact lens. 
   

   
     
       
             
           
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               PARTS LIST 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
               10 
               dilation enhancer of the present invention 
             
             
               20 
               hand-held iontophoretic power source (dilation enhancer power 
             
             
                 
               supply) 
             
             
               21 
               positive wire electrode (to eye) 
             
             
               22 
               negative wire electrode (to ear) 
             
             
               23 
               “on/off” switch (starter, reset) 
             
             
               24 
               battery with 1 milliamp output 
             
             
               25 
               battery access cover 
             
             
               26 
               “on” light and elapsed timer 
             
             
               27 
               positive receptacle 
             
             
               28 
               negative receptacle 
             
             
               29 
               timer with automatic one minute shutoff 
             
             
               31 
               reference electrode (conductive comfortable earlobe clamp with 
             
             
                 
               conductive padding) 
             
             
               40 
               conductive composite contact lens structure 
             
             
               41 
               conductive shell preferably made of metal or other suitable 
             
             
                 
               material (such as plastic) (reusable, sterilizable) 
             
             
               42 
               preferably disposable soft contact lens (polymer type) 
             
             
               50 
               patient&#39;s eye 
             
             
               51 
               patient&#39;s ear 
             
             
               52 
               patient&#39;s limbus 
             
             
               54 
               patient&#39;s cornea 
             
             
               55 
               patient&#39;s sclera 
             
             
               56 
               patient&#39;s iris 
             
             
               110 
               dilation enhancer of the present invention 
             
             
               120 
               flexible light-activated iontophoretic power source (dilation 
             
             
                 
               enhancer power supply - commercially available) 
             
             
               121 
               positive electrode 
             
             
               122 
               negative electrode 
             
             
               140 
               conductive composite contact lens structure 
             
             
               141 
               photovoltaic contact lens (preferably made of polymacon-type 
             
             
                 
               material or other suitable material) (preferably reusable and 
             
             
                 
               sterilizable) 
             
             
               142 
               preferably disposable soft contact lens (polymer type) presoaked 
             
             
                 
               with a dilation drug or dilation reversal drug 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present technique consists of topically applying one or more eye drops of particular compounds that either stimulate the dilator muscle of the iris or paralyze the constricting sphincter muscle of the iris to produce pupillary dilation. The usual time is at least 20 minutes and may be considerably longer in order to achieve clinically useful dilation to promote examination. 
   The dilation enhancer  10  of the present invention uses a novel contact delivery system operated through a hand-held iontophoretic power source  20  to deliver efficacious amounts of dilating drugs across the cornea of the eye  50  to bathe the iris of the eye  50  very rapidly achieving a rapid, complete, clinically useful dilation. 
   The same technique can be used with other compounds to produce a reversal of the dilation much more rapidly than by the prior technique of topical drop application. 
   Description of the Device: 
   In the present invention, iontophoresis employs a current flow at low amperage from a positive electrode across tissues enhanced by the presence of a reference electrode  31  clamped onto the patient&#39;s ear  51 . 
   The power supply  20  is constructed with internal regulation such that there is a steady output of a predetermined (preferably one milliamp) current. The current is delivered through wire electrodes  21 ,  22  to a conductive contact lens  40 . Conductive composite contact lens structure  40  includes a conductive shell  41  preferably made of metal or other suitable material (such as plastic) and preferably reusable and sterilizable, having a diameter appropriate for a patient&#39;s eye (such as about 10 mm) and a preferably disposable soft contact lens  42  which fits in the conductive shell  41  and has a similar diameter (such as about 11 mm). 
   The hand held device has an “on/off” switch  23 . It is preferably battery  24  powered. 
   Example of Operation of the Device: 
   After the patient is informed of what sensations to expect, a single topical anesthetic drop is applied to each eye. 
   The electrophoretic composite contact lens structure  40  is charged with one drop each of 2.5% Phenylephrine and 1% Tropicamide. The composite contact lens structure  40  is applied corneal surface down to the cornea with the patient&#39;s lids supported open. The current is switched on and the composite contact lens structure  40  left in place for a period of 90 seconds. At the end of the 90 seconds, the composite contact lens structure  40  is removed. The eye is observed for another 60 seconds and should show substantial if not full dilation. If less than optimal dilation is achieved, the process can be repeated. 
   The same sequence is carried out for the other eye. 
   At the end of examination, a dilation reversing drop is used to charge the contact lens corneal side. Electrophoresis is again switched on for a period of 90 seconds. The patient then receives an artificial tear drop and should be comfortably ready to be discharged from the office or other venue. 
   Possible Risks and Benefits: 
   Using the current of one milliamp, no corneal surface or stroma problems have been noted. 
   The direction of the current across the cornea and the wide spread area of application of the current minimizes the likelihood of any tissue damage and keeps the electrophoretic current away from other tissues such as ciliary body and retina. 
   The major benefit of the device is allowing the patient to undergo a dilated examination within a very short time after concluding any undilated examination, eliminating the protracted wait for dilation to occur. The technique also provides wider dilation than is achievable even by repeated drop application. 
   The apparatus of the present invention can also be used for corneal antibiotic or other drug delivery. 
   The device of the present invention may also be useful for preliminary testing of responsiveness to antiocular hypotensive drugs, currently now a laborious process for practitioner and patient involving repeat visits spaced out over weeks of time. 
   Experiments to prove efficacy of the present invention: 
   Purpose: 
   To determine the pupillary dilation efficacy of Iontophoresis vs. Topical Application of: a) Phenylephrine 2.5% and b) Tropicamide 1%. Also to determine the dilation reversal efficacy of RevEyes and Pilocarpine 2%. 
   Methods: 
   Experiment I—4 Rabbits Used 
   
       
       1) Drug added by applying one drop to right eye then observing pupillary changes at 0, 2 minutes, 5 minutes and 10 minutes. 
       2) Drug to other eye added by electrophoresis at 4 mA for 2 minutes. Pupillary changes monitored as above.
 
Experiment II—4 Rabbits Used
 
       1) One drop added and pupillary changes monitored at 0, 2 minutes, 5 minutes and 10 minutes. 
       2) To the other eye Phenylephrine electrophoresis at 1 mA for 2 minutes. Pupillary changes monitored as above.
 
Experiment III—4 Rabbits Used
 
       1) Both eyes subjected to electrophoresis of Phenylephrine or Tropicamide at 1 mA for 2 minutes. 
       A) One eye received 1 drop of RevEyes or Pilocarpine and pupillary changes monitored. 
       B) Other eye electrophoresis of RevEyes or Pilocarpine at 1 mA for 2 minutes.
 
NOTE: Addition of RevEyes or Pilocarpine by drop; small changes seen at 10 minutes; at 20 minutes pupils were more nearly normal by still about 6 mm (“normal” is about 4 mm).
 
Pupil dilation was observed at 2 minutes with electrophoresis of Phenylephrine at 4 mA or 1 mA. The 1 mA was most comfortable for the animal. There was no increase in heavy breathing or heart rate as with 4 mA. Addition of drop application did not fully dilate pupils until the 10 minute time point and pupil was still not fully dilated until 20 minutes.
 
     
  
   
     
       
             
             
           
             
             
             
             
             
             
           
             
             
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
               Pupil diameter (mm) at: 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               0 time 
               2 min. 
               5 min. 
               10 min. 
               20 min. 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
         
             
               2.5% 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
             
             
               Phenylephrine 
             
             
               Drop 
               4 
               4 
               5 
               8 
             
             
               Electro. 
               4 
               8 
               8 
               10 
             
             
               RevEyes 
             
             
               Drop 
               9 
               9 
               9 
               9 
               9 
             
             
               Electro. 
               10 
               9 
               9 
               8 
               6 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   It may be possible to use wireless technology to produce the current used in the present invention. The advantage of doing so would be in minimizing the wires around the patients&#39; eyes. Apparatus  110  uses wireless technology to produce the current used in the present invention. 
     FIG. 4  shows the patient&#39;s eye  50 , which includes the limbus  52 , cornea  54 , sclera  55 , and iris  56 . Dilation enhancer apparatus  110 , shown in  FIG. 4  on the eye  50 , includes a conductive composite contact lens structure  140 , which in turn includes a photovoltaic contact lens  141  (preferably made of polymacon-type material or other suitable material (and preferably reusable, sterilizable)) and a preferably disposable soft contact lens  142  (polymer type), preferably presoaked with a dilation drug or dilation reversal drug. Photovoltaic contact lens  141  includes thereon or therein a flexible light-activated iontophoretic power source  120  (dilation enhancer power supply—commercially available). Power source  120  provides power to a positive electrode  121  on lens  141  and to a negative electrode  122  on lens  141 . 
   In practice, two photovoltaic contact lenses  141 , each having thereon or therein a flexible light-activated iontophoretic power source  120 , a positive electrode  121 , and a negative electrode  122 , are each provided with a lens  142  presoaked with a dilation drug. The apparatus  110  is then placed on a patient&#39;s eyes and then light is shined on the power source  120  for a predetermined period of time (such as 30–60 seconds). This causes the patient&#39;s pupils to dilate. 
   After the patient has been examined, the process is repeated, but each lens  142  in this case is presoaked with a dilation reversal drug. 
   The contact lenses  142  can be standard soft contact lens material lenses (not prescription) soaked with the appropriate drug, one to make the pupil bigger and one to make the pupil smaller. 
   Power source  120  can be light-power-driven electrical wafers (which could be reusable). 
   All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
   The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.