Patents by Inventor Steve Bacich

Steve Bacich has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11844586
    Abstract: Eyelid illumination systems and methods for imaging meibomian glands for meibomian gland analysis are disclosed. In one embodiment, a patient's eyelid is IR trans-illuminated with an infrared (IR) light. A trans-illumination image of the patient's eyelid is captured, showing meibomian glands in dark outlined areas, whereas non-gland material is shown in light areas. This provides a high contrast image of the meibomian glands that is X-ray-like. The lid trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands can be analyzed to determine to diagnose the meibomian glands in the patient's eyelid. The eyelid may be trans-illuminated by a lid-flipping device configured to grasp and flip the eyelid for imaging the interior surface of the eyelid. Also, an IR surface meibography image of the meibomian glands may also be captured and combined with the trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands to provide a higher contrast image of the meibomian glands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Tearscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Donald R. Korb, Joshua Grenon, Scott Liddle, Steve Bacich, John M. Jans
  • Publication number: 20220022741
    Abstract: Eyelid illumination systems and methods for imaging meibomian glands for meibomian gland analysis are disclosed. In one embodiment, a patient's eyelid is IR trans-illuminated with an infrared (IR) light. A trans-illumination image of the patient's eyelid is captured, showing meibomian glands in dark outlined areas, whereas non-gland material is shown in light areas. This provides a high contrast image of the meibomian glands that is X-ray-like. The lid trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands can be analyzed to determine to diagnose the meibomian glands in the patient's eyelid. The eyelid may be trans-illuminated by a lid-flipping device configured to grasp and flip the eyelid for imaging the interior surface of the eyelid. Also, an IR surface meibography image of the meibomian glands may also be captured and combined with the trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands to provide a higher contrast image of the meibomian glands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Donald R. Korb, Joshua Grenon, Scott Liddle, Steve Bacich, John M. Jans
  • Patent number: 11141065
    Abstract: Eyelid illumination systems and methods for imaging meibomian glands for meibomian gland analysis are disclosed. In one embodiment, a patient's eyelid is IR trans-illuminated with an infrared (IR) light. A trans-illumination image of the patient's eyelid is captured showing meibomian glands in dark outlined areas, whereas non-gland material is shown in light areas. This provides a high contrast image of the meibomian glands that is X-ray like. The lid trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands can be analyzed to determine to diagnose the meibomian glands in the patient's eyelid. The eyelid may be trans-illuminated by a lid-flipping device configured to grasp and flip the eyelid for imaging the interior surface of the eyelid. Also, an IR surface meibography image of the meibomian glands may also be captured and combined with the trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands to provide a higher contrast image of the meibomian glands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Donald R. Korb, Joshua Grenon, Scott Liddle, Steve Bacich, John M. Jans
  • Patent number: 10980413
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms. The apparatus and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms may employ ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices or other imaging and display devices capable of imaging and displaying a picture of a patient's eye during tear film break-up time and blink rate related procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Taer Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Caroline Blackie, Timothy R. Willis, Steve Bacich
  • Patent number: 10842670
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the diagnosis and removal of the devitalized and/or dead cell material formed in the lid margin to attempt to restore a normal lid margin. In this manner, the devitalized and/or dead cell material are removed or the amount present is reduced or no longer present to prevent, reduce, or affect the transport of lipid secreted by the meibomian glands to the tear film to reduce evaporative dry eye and improve dry eye conditions in patients. The diagnosis and removal of devitalized and/or dead cell material may be performed at desired intervals. Patients that suffer from conditions that block meibomian gland orifices, partial, infrequent, or inhibited blinking resulting in reduced lipid secretions from meibomian glands, and/or blockages in meibomian gland channels reducing secretion of lipids through the meibomian gland orifices may require more frequent diagnosis and treatment to remove devitalized and/or dead cell material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Steve Bacich, Caroline Blackie, Stephen M. Grenon
  • Patent number: 10716465
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining contact lens intolerance in contact lens wearer patients based on tear film characteristics analysis and dry eye symptoms are disclosed. In embodiments herein, imaging of the ocular tear film is performed during contact lens wear. An analysis of the image of the ocular tear film is performed to determine one or more tear film characteristics of the ocular tear film. The tear film characteristics can be used to determine the effect or possible effect of contact lens wear on the ocular tear film, and thus be used to determine contact lens intolerance of the patient. The tear film characteristics used to analyze contact lens intolerance based on images of the ocular tear film involving contact lens wear may include dry eye symptoms, including but not limited to tear film (e.g., lipid and/or aqueous) thickness, tear film viscosity, and tear film movement rate in the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Steve Bacich
  • Publication number: 20200060539
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms. The apparatus and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms may employ ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices or other imaging and display devices capable of imaging and displaying a picture of a patient's eye during tear film break-up time and blink rate related procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Caroline Blackie, Timothy R. Willis, Steve Bacich
  • Patent number: 10413174
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms. The apparatus and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms may employ ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices or other imaging and display devices capable of imaging and displaying a picture of a patient's eye during tear film break-up time and blink rate related procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Caroline Blackie, Timothy R. Willis, Steve Bacich
  • Publication number: 20190209014
    Abstract: Eyelid illumination systems and methods for imaging meibomian glands for meibomian gland analysis are disclosed. In one embodiment, a patient's eyelid is IR trans-illuminated with an infrared (IR) light. A trans-illumination image of the patient's eyelid is captured showing meibomian glands in dark outlined areas, whereas non-gland material is shown in light areas. This provides a high contrast image of the meibomian glands that is X-ray like. The lid trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands can be analyzed to determine to diagnose the meibomian glands in the patient's eyelid. The eyelid may be trans-illuminated by a lid-flipping device configured to grasp and flip the eyelid for imaging the interior surface of the eyelid. Also, an IR surface meibography image of the meibomian glands may also be captured and combined with the trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands to provide a higher contrast image of the meibomian glands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Donald R. Korb, Joshua Grenon, Scott Liddle, Steve Bacich, John M. Jans
  • Patent number: 10278587
    Abstract: Eyelid illumination systems and methods for imaging meibomian glands for meibomian gland analysis are disclosed. In one embodiment, a patient's eyelid is IR trans-illuminated with an infrared (IR) light. A trans-illumination image of the patient's eyelid is captured showing meibomian glands in dark outlined areas, whereas non-gland material is shown in light areas. This provides a high contrast image of the meibomian glands that is X-ray like. The lid trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands can be analyzed to determine to diagnose the meibomian glands in the patient's eyelid. The eyelid may be trans-illuminated by a lid-flipping device configured to grasp and flip the eyelid for imaging the interior surface of the eyelid. Also, an IR surface meibography image of the meibomian glands may also be captured and combined with the trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands to provide a higher contrast image of the meibomian glands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Donald R. Korb, Joshua Grenon, Scott Liddle, Steve Bacich, John M. Jans
  • Publication number: 20180177391
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining contact lens intolerance in contact lens wearer patients based on tear film characteristics analysis and dry eye symptoms are disclosed. In embodiments herein, imaging of the ocular tear film is performed during contact lens wear. An analysis of the image of the ocular tear film is performed to determine one or more tear film characteristics of the ocular tear film. The tear film characteristics can be used to determine the effect or possible effect of contact lens wear on the ocular tear film, and thus be used to determine contact lens intolerance of the patient. The tear film characteristics used to analyze contact lens intolerance based on images of the ocular tear film involving contact lens wear may include dry eye symptoms, including but not limited to tear film (e.g., lipid and/or aqueous) thickness, tear film viscosity, and tear film movement rate in the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Steve Bacich
  • Patent number: 9888839
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining contact lens intolerance in contact lens wearer patients based on tear film characteristics analysis and dry eye symptoms are disclosed. In embodiments herein, imaging of the ocular tear film is performed during contact lens wear. An analysis of the image of the ocular tear film is performed to determine one or more tear film characteristics of the ocular tear film. The tear film characteristics can be used to determine the effect or possible effect of contact lens wear on the ocular tear film, and thus be used to determine contact lens intolerance of the patient. The tear film characteristics used to analyze contact lens intolerance based on images of the ocular tear film involving contact lens wear may include dry eye symptoms, including but not limited to tear film (e.g., lipid and/or aqueous) thickness, tear film viscosity, and tear film movement rate in the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Steve Bacich
  • Publication number: 20170245750
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining contact lens intolerance in contact lens wearer patients based on tear film characteristics analysis and dry eye symptoms are disclosed. In embodiments herein, imaging of the ocular tear film is performed during contact lens wear. An analysis of the image of the ocular tear film is performed to determine one or more tear film characteristics of the ocular tear film. The tear film characteristics can be used to determine the effect or possible effect of contact lens wear on the ocular tear film, and thus be used to determine contact lens intolerance of the patient. The tear film characteristics used to analyze contact lens intolerance based on images of the ocular tear film involving contact lens wear may include dry eye symptoms, including but not limited to tear film (e.g., lipid and/or aqueous) thickness, tear film viscosity, and tear film movement rate in the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: TEARSCIENCE, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Steve Bacich
  • Publication number: 20170079525
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms. The apparatus and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms may employ ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices or other imaging and display devices capable of imaging and displaying a picture of a patient's eye during tear film break-up time and blink rate related procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Caroline Blackie, Timothy R. Willis, Steve Bacich
  • Patent number: 9545197
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms. The apparatus and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms may employ ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices or other imaging and display devices capable of imaging and displaying a picture of a patient's eye during tear film break-up time and blink rate related procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Caroline Blackie, Timothy R. Willis, Steve Bacich
  • Publication number: 20150216725
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the diagnosis and removal of the devitalized and/or dead cell material formed in the lid margin to attempt to restore a normal lid margin. In this manner, the devitalized and/or dead cell material are removed or the amount present is reduced or no longer present to prevent, reduce, or affect the transport of lipid secreted by the meibomian glands to the tear film to reduce evaporative dry eye and improve dry eye conditions in patients. The diagnosis and removal of devitalized and/or dead cell material may be performed at desired intervals. Patients that suffer from conditions that block meibomian gland orifices, partial, infrequent, or inhibited blinking resulting in reduced lipid secretions from meibomian glands, and/or blockages in meibomian gland channels reducing secretion of lipids through the meibomian gland orifices may require more frequent diagnosis and treatment to remove devitalized and/or dead cell material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Steve Bacich, Caroline Blackie, Stephen M. Grenon
  • Publication number: 20140330129
    Abstract: Eyelid illumination systems and methods for imaging meibomian glands for meibomian gland analysis are disclosed. In one embodiment, a patient's eyelid is IR trans-illuminated with an infrared (IR) light. A trans-illumination image of the patient's eyelid is captured showing meibomian glands in dark outlined areas, whereas non-gland material is shown in light areas. This provides a high contrast image of the meibomian glands that is X-ray like. The lid trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands can be analyzed to determine to diagnose the meibomian glands in the patient's eyelid. The eyelid may be trans-illuminated by a lid-flipping device configured to grasp and flip the eyelid for imaging the interior surface of the eyelid. Also, an IR surface meibography image of the meibomian glands may also be captured and combined with the trans-illumination image of the meibomian glands to provide a higher contrast image of the meibomian glands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: TEARSCIENCE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Donald R. Korb, Joshua Grenon, Scott Liddle, Steve Bacich
  • Publication number: 20140240671
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining contact lens intolerance in contact lens wearer patients based on tear film characteristics analysis and dry eye symptoms are disclosed. In embodiments herein, imaging of the ocular tear film is performed during contact lens wear. An analysis of the image of the ocular tear film is performed to determine one or more tear film characteristics of the ocular tear film. The tear film characteristics can be used to determine the effect or possible effect of contact lens wear on the ocular tear film, and thus be used to determine contact lens intolerance of the patient. The tear film characteristics used to analyze contact lens intolerance based on images of the ocular tear film involving contact lens wear may include dry eye symptoms, including but not limited to tear film (e.g., lipid and/or aqueous) thickness, tear film viscosity, and tear film movement rate in the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: TEARSCIENCE, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Steve Bacich
  • Publication number: 20140016093
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms. The apparatus and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms may employ ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices or other imaging and display devices capable of imaging and displaying a picture of a patient's eye during tear film break-up time and blink rate related procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Caroline Blackie, Timothy R. Willis, Steve Bacich