Methods and therapeutic optical devices for regulation of astigmatism
In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a therapeutic optical device configured to focus the central retinal image in at least one meridian and focus at least one semi-meridian of the peripheral image field in front of or behind the retina to stimulate eye and/or corneal reshaping to reduce astigmatism. In exemplary embodiments, the device further provides rotational stability.
1. A therapeutic optical device for inducing change in the shape of a meridian of an eye,
wherein said device is configured to reshape the mid peripheral cornea such that an off-axis image field in said meridian is focused in a direction reshaping is preferred, with reference to the retina;
wherein said device is configured to vault the mid peripheral cornea; and
wherein said device is configured to focus a central image field on the retina in all meridians.
2. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 1 , wherein said device is configured to focus a second off-axis image field in a second meridian in a direction reshaping is preferred, with reference to the retina.
3. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 1 , further configured to provide rotational stability.
4. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 1 , wherein said device comprises a central zone and a peripheral zone.
5. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 4 , wherein said peripheral zone has a refractive power different relative to the central zone, wherein said refractive power is selected to focus said off-axis image field in said meridian in said direction reshaping is preferred, with reference to the retina.
6. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 4 , wherein said peripheral zone is comprised of a birefringent material, wherein said birefringent material is selected to focus said off-axis image field in said meridian in said direction reshaping is preferred, with reference to the retina.
7. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 4 , wherein said central zone is spherical.
8. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 4 , wherein said central zone is aspherical.
9. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 4 , wherein said central zone is toric.
10. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 4 , wherein said central zone is multifocal.
11. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 4 , wherein said central zone is rotationally non-symmetrical.
12. A therapeutic optical device,
wherein said device is configured to focus a first off-axis image field in a first meridian on or anterior or posterior to the retina;
wherein said device is configured to focus a second off-axis image field in a second meridian anterior or posterior to said first off-axis image field;
wherein said device is configured to create a wedge of clearance between said device and the mid peripheral cornea; and
wherein said device is configured to focus a central image field on the retina in at least one meridian.
13. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 12 , wherein the device is configured to rest upon the cornea.
14. A therapeutic optical device according to claim 12 , wherein the device is configured for placement within ocular tissue.