Abstract: A method of safely delivering an ophthalmic fluid to an eye, the method including targeting the eye with an ophthalmic fluid misting device and activating an ultrasonic generator to deliver the ophthalmic fluid from the ophthalmic fluid misting device across a space between the misting device and the eye. The method further including maintaining a momentum of the ophthalmic fluid that is insufficient to trigger at least one of the ocular blink reflex and the lacrimation reflex of the eye.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly for use in an ophthalmic fluid delivery device adapted to deliver an ophthalmic fluid in the form of a mist to an ocular region of a patient is provided, wherein the device has a lumen-defining component configured to deliver the fluid from the reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir defining an aperture and a cavity in fluid flow communication with the aperture, a fluid contained in the cavity of the reservoir, and a gasket traversing the aperture. The gasket defines a passage configured to receive a portion of the lumen-defining component and to permit the flow of the fluid from the cavity and through the aperture when the portion of the lumen-defining component is inserted through the passage. The gasket is also configured to substantially prevent the flow of the fluid from the cavity and through the aperture when the portion of the lumen-defining component is not inserted through the passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ophthalmic fluid delivery device adapted to deliver an ophthalmic fluid in the form of a mist to an ocular region of a patient. The ophthalmic fluid delivery device comprises a nozzle defining an aperture through which the ophthalmic fluid can flow and at least one shutter positioned proximate to the aperture of the nozzle. The shutter is mounted for movement with respect to the aperture of the nozzle between an open position permitting flow of the ophthalmic fluid through the aperture of the nozzle and a closed position at least partially covering the aperture. A shutter actuator is positioned proximate to the shutter. The shutter actuator is mounted for movement with respect to the nozzle, and the shutter actuator is coupled to the shutter such that the movement of the shutter actuator moves the shutter between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A fluid atomizer is disclosed. The fluid atomizer comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end. A removable reservoir containing a fluid disposed therein is connected to the body. A discharge plate is disposed at the distal end, wherein the discharge plate includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough. An ultrasonic oscillator is disposed in the body for transmitting the fluid from the reservoir to the discharge plate and through the plurality of openings, wherein transmission of the fluid through the plurality of openings atomizes the fluid.

Abstract: An ophthalmic fluid atomizer including a body having a proximal end and a distal end and a container connected to the body, wherein the container contains an ophthalmic fluid disposed therein. The atomizer further including a discharge plate disposed at the distal end and a wick extending from the container to the discharge plate and transmitting the ophthalmic fluid from the container to the discharge plate via capillary action. Transmission of the ophthalmic fluid across the discharge plate generates a plume of ophthalmic fluid along a direction directly toward the eye, wherein the plume of ophthalmic fluid travels unassisted from the discharge plate to the eye and at the eye has a momentum subliminal to at least one of an ocular blink reflex and a lacrimation reflex of the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic fluid atomizer configured to safely deliver an ophthalmic fluid, the ophthalmic fluid atomizer including a body having a proximal end and a distal end and a reservoir connected to the body, wherein the reservoir contains an ophthalmic fluid disposed therein, wherein the ophthalmic fluid is selected from the group consisting of a decongestant and a tear substitute. The atomizer further includes a discharge plate disposed at the distal end, wherein the discharge plate includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough.

Abstract: An ophthalmic fluid atomizer configured to safely deliver an ophthalmic fluid, the ophthalmic fluid atomizer including a body having a proximal end, a distal end and a keyed surface contour, a reservoir connected to the body within a cavity of the body, wherein the reservoir contains an ophthalmic fluid disposed therein, wherein the keyed surface contour permits insertion of the reservoir into the cavity when the reservoir is in a predetermined orientation and prevents insertion into the cavity when the reservoir is not in the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A method of safely delivering an ophthalmic fluid to an eye, the method including targeting the eye with an ophthalmic fluid misting device and activating an ultrasonic generator to deliver the ophthalmic fluid from the ophthalmic fluid misting device across a space between the misting device and the eye. The method further including maintaining a momentum of the ophthalmic fluid that is insufficient to trigger at least one of the ocular blink reflex and the lacrimation reflex of the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic fluid delivery environment that includes a human eye in an open position and an atomizer having a nozzle aimed at the human eye in the open position, wherein a plume of ophthalmic fluid mist is directed by the nozzle so that the mist is received by the human eye in the open position and the received mist has a momentum that is insufficient to trigger to at least one of an ocular blink reflex and a lacrimation reflex of the human eye that receives the mist.