US4401372A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contact lens
Assignee: Syntex USA LLC
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Filing: 1979-12-10
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Granted: 1983-08-30
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Expires: 1999-12-10
Abstract
Abstract This invention concerns a minus prescription hydrogel contact lens that permits oxygen diffusion to the cornea in sufficient quantity to avoid the effects of oxygen deprivation; avoids the physiological complications arising from damage to the bulbar conjunctivia due to compression of the limbal capillaries; and avoids corneal scleral or wetting deficiencies. These advantages are accomplished through a combination of lens design and hydrogel properties.
Inventors
- 👤 William L. Mancini
- 👤 Donald R. Korb
- 👤 Miguel F. Refojo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:04
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02C; G02C7/00; G02C7/02; G02C7/04; A; A61; A61K; A61K9/00; A61K9/20; A61K9/2004; A61K9/2022; A61K9/2027
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
43 words
A soft, supple hydrogel contact lens having a cross-sectional thickness up to 0.15 mm and being of a hydrogel material sufficiently rigid so as not to irreversibly deform during blinking and sufficiently flexible so as to conform to the curvature of the eye.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
43 words
A soft, supple hydrogel contact lens having a cross-sectional thickness up to 0.15 mm and being of a hydrogel material sufficiently rigid so as not to irreversibly deform during blinking and sufficiently flexible so as to conform to the curvature of the eye.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The contact lens of claim 1 wherein said hydrogel material contains water of hydration in an amount of at least 35% by weight of the hydrated contact lens.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The contact lens of claim 1 wherein said hydrogel material contains about 39% to about 43% water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The contact lens of claim 1 wherein said lens is sufficiently tough to resist tearing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The contact lens of claim 1 wherein said lens has a posterior curve, said posterior curve being a monocurve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
A soft, supple hydrogel contact lens having a thin cross-sectional thickness from 0.05 to 0.15 mm and being of a hydrogel material sufficiently rigid so as not to irreversibly deform during blinking and sufficiently flexible so as to conform to the curvature of the eye.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
A soft, supple hydrogel contact lens having a thin cross-sectional thickness from 0.05 to 0.15 mm and being of a hydrogel material sufficiently rigid so as not to irreversibly deform during blinking and sufficiently flexible so as to conform to the curvature of the eye.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The contact lens of claim 6 wherein said hydrogel material contains water of hydration in an amount of at least 35% by weight of the hydrated contact lens.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The contact lens of claim 6 wherein said hydrogel material contains about 39% to about 43% water.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The contact lens of claim 6 wherein said lens is sufficiently tough to resist tearing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The contact lens of claim 6 wherein said lens has a posterior curve, said posterior curve being a monocurve.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
55 words
A soft, supple hydrogel contact lens having a thin cross-sectional thickness from 0.05 to 0.15 mm and being of a hydrogel material sufficiently rigid so as to (a) maintain its shape during use and (b) not irreversibly deform during blinking, such that a constantly changing optical surface does not occur with eye movement and blinking.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
55 words
A soft, supple hydrogel contact lens having a thin cross-sectional thickness from 0.05 to 0.15 mm and being of a hydrogel material sufficiently rigid so as to (a) maintain its shape during use and (b) not irreversibly deform during blinking, such that a constantly changing optical surface does not occur with eye movement and blinking.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The contact lens of claim 11 wherein said hydrogel material contains water of hydration in an amount of at least 35% by weight of the hydrated contact lens.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The contact lens of claim 11 wherein said hydrogel material contains about 39% to about 43% water.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The contact lens of claim 11 wherein said lens is sufficiently tough to resist tearing.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The contact lens of cliam 11 wherein said lens has a posterior curve, said posterior curve being a monocurve.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The contact lens of cliam 11 wherein said lens has a posterior curve, said posterior curve being a monocurve.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
47 words
In the method for treating the eyes of a person by placement of a soft contact lens over an area of the cornea, the improvement which comprises using as the soft contact lens an optically clear hydrophilic hydrogel having a thin cross section up to 0.15 mm.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
47 words
In the method for treating the eyes of a person by placement of a soft contact lens over an area of the cornea, the improvement which comprises using as the soft contact lens an optically clear hydrophilic hydrogel having a thin cross section up to 0.15 mm.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 16 wherein said thin cross section of the hydrophilic hydrogel has a cross-sectional thickness from 0.05 to 0.15 mm.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
85 words
In a method for treating the eyes of a person by placement of a soft contact lens over an area of the cornea, the improvement which comprises using as the soft contact lens an optically clear hydrophilic hydrogel having a thin cross section up to 0.15 mm, said thin section having a flexibility adequate to conform to the cornea, said thin section being sufficiently rigid and tough to maintain the contour of the eye and to resist misshaping and tearing by blinking and eye movement.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
85 words
In a method for treating the eyes of a person by placement of a soft contact lens over an area of the cornea, the improvement which comprises using as the soft contact lens an optically clear hydrophilic hydrogel having a thin cross section up to 0.15 mm, said thin section having a flexibility adequate to conform to the cornea, said thin section being sufficiently rigid and tough to maintain the contour of the eye and to resist misshaping and tearing by blinking and eye movement.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 18 where said thin cross section has a cross-sectional thickness from 0.05 to 0.15 mm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-08-29 | 1987-02-28 | 1987-08-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-08-29 | 1991-02-28 | 1991-08-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-08-29 | 1995-02-28 | 1995-08-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |