Fluid delivery alignment system
Aspects of the invention include a device for fluid delivery to the ocular surface having a self-alignment system. The fluid delivery device includes a fluid package having a reservoir and one or more apertures, an actuator component configured to eject fluid from the reservoir through the one or more apertures and an image-based self-alignment system configured to align fluid ejected through the one or more apertures with a target location on the eye of a user. Also provided are methods of using the devices in fluid delivery applications, as well as a kit that includes components of the devices.
1. A device for self-administration of a fluid to a target location on an eye of a user, the device comprising:
a) a fluid delivery package comprising a reservoir comprising one or more apertures;
b) an electrically driven actuator configured to eject fluid from the reservoir through the one or more apertures onto the target location with a delivery time less than 150 ms; and
c) a concave mirror configured to enable self-alignment of the device with the target location by focusing and centering of an image of the eye observed by the same eye of the user in the concave mirror, wherein the one or more apertures are disposed at corresponding offsets relative to an optical axis of the concave mirror, and wherein the offsets are in a range from 1 mm to 20 mm, wherein the one or more apertures are disposed behind and laterally separated from the concave mirror, and wherein fluid is emitted from the one or more apertures at an angle relative to the optical axis of the concave mirror such that the fluid hits the target location when the device is aligned with the eye of the user.
2. The device according to claim 1 , where the concave mirror comprises an opening through which the fluid is delivered to the target location.
3. The device according to claim 1 , where the concave mirror is spherical.
4. The device according to claim 3 , where the spherical mirror has a focal distance ranging from 10 to 100 mm.
5. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a light source for illumination of the target location.
6. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the device further includes a housing, wherein the housing comprises a cover, and wherein the cover is configurable between an open position, in which the one or more apertures are exposed, and a closed position, in which the one or more apertures are not exposed.
7. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a distance sensor configured to determine a distance between the device and the target location.
8. The device according to claim 7 , wherein the device is configured to provide a signal when the determined distance between the device and the target location is with a predetermined range.
9. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the device further includes a switch configured to control the electrically driven actuator.