Device and method for monitoring aqueous flow within the eye
AssigneeGMP Vision Solutions, Inc.
InventorsReay Brown, Mary G. Lynch
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Abstract
The present invention provides a device and method for monitoring the flow of aqueous humor within the eye. The invention provides that the aqueous flow rate and/or pattern within the anatomical structures of the eye can be determined by monitoring a traceable component. Such determination provides diagnostic indications of the degree and location of ocular disease associated with aqueous outflow, such as glaucoma, and can further provide post-treatment indications of effectiveness.
Claims21
A method of determining a pattern and extent of aqueous outflow in the eye, comprising monitoring the flow of aqueous humor in an anatomical structure of the eye associated with aqueous humor flow, wherein monitoring the flow of aqueous humor comprises the steps of:
- a) measuring the flow of aqueous humor at a first anatomical structure of the eye associated with aqueous humor flow;
- and
- b) comparing the flow of aqueous humor at the first anatomical structure to the flow of aqueous humor at a second anatomical structure of the eye associated with aqueous humor flow
- to thereby monitor the flow of aqueous humor wherein the flow of aqueous humor is determined relative to observation of a monitored flow of a traceable component.
A method of determining a pattern and extent of aqueous outflow in the eye, comprising monitoring the flow of aqueous humor in an anatomical structure of the eye associated with aqueous humor flow, wherein monitoring the flow of aqueous humor comprises the steps of:
- a) measuring the flow of aqueous humor at a first location in an anatomical structure of the eye associated with aqueous humor flow;
- and
- b) comparing the flow of aqueous humor at the first location in an anatomical structure of the eye to the flow of aqueous humor at a second location in the same anatomical structure of the eye
- wherein the flow of aqueous humor is determined relative to observation of a monitored flow of a traceable component.
A method of determining a pattern and extent of aqueous outflow in the eye, comprising monitoring the flow of aqueous humor in an anatomical structure of the eye associated with aqueous humor flow, wherein monitoring the flow of aqueous humor comprises the steps of:
- a) measuring the flow of aqueous humor at a first location in an anatomical structure of the eye associated with aqueous humor flow;
- and
- b) comparing the flow of aqueous humor at the first location to the flow of aqueous humor at the first location after a period of time,
- wherein the flow of aqueous humor is determined relative to observation of a monitored flow of a traceable component, and wherein the traceable component is administered directly into the anterior chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.