Medical Devices

Abstract

The medical device of the present invention includes an ion generating unit that generates positive ions and negative ions by discharge, and is a medical device that prevents or treats cataracts by sending positive ions and negative ions to the surface of the eye.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical device for preventing or treating cataracts. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-162244 filed in Japan on September 5, 2019, and the contents thereof are cited herein. Background Art

[0002] Cataract is a disease in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and causes visual impairment. It is known that cataract develops due to the accumulation of stress on the eyeball (such as ultraviolet stress, oxidative stress, glycation stress, etc.). Many studies have been conducted to prevent or treat cataract.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a cataract prevention food containing collagen peptides. Patent Document 2 describes a pharmaceutical preparation for preventing cataracts containing salicylamide as an active ingredient. Patent Document 3 describes an oral cataract prevention agent containing yeast extract as an active ingredient.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-100612 (published on May 31, 2012)

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-169183 (published on June 29, 2006)

[0008] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2017 / 209336 (published on December 7, 2017) Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] As mentioned above, the development of food or pharmaceutical preparations for preventing cataracts is in progress. On the other hand, the development of methods for preventing or treating cataracts by directly acting on the eye, such as contact with the eye including the affected part of the cataract, is slow. In addition, a device for preventing or treating cataracts has not been developed.

[0011] Therefore, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to realize a new method and apparatus for preventing or treating cataracts.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for preventing or treating cataracts in non-human mammals by delivering positive ions and negative ions to the surface of the eye of the non-human mammal.

[0014] Furthermore, a medical device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an ion generating unit that generates positive ions and negative ions by discharge, and is a medical device that prevents or treats cataracts by sending positive ions and negative ions to the surface of an eye.

[0015] Beneficial Effects

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, cataract can be prevented or treated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of a medical device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the schematic structure of a medical device according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the schematic structure of a medical device according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram showing the schematic structure of a medical device according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.12This is a schematic diagram showing the schematic structure of a medical device according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.13 This is a photograph showing the front side of the experimental device used in Examples.

[0030] Fig.14 This is a photograph showing the upper surface of the experimental device used in Examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] [Implementation Method 1]

[0032] Below, based on Figure 1 Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] Cataract is a disease in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and causes visual impairment. It is believed that cataracts develop due to stress on the eyeball (e.g., ultraviolet stress, oxidative stress, glycation stress, etc.). Examples of ultraviolet stress include irradiation with ultraviolet rays or radiation. Examples of oxidative stress include smoking. Examples of glycation stress include lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.

[0034] (Medical device 10)

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the medical device 10 includes a cover 11 that covers the eyes of a subject, and an ion generator 12 (ion generating unit) provided inside the cover 11. Examples of the subject include mammals such as humans.

[0036] (Hood portion 11)

[0037] The cover 11 is a member for forming a space covering the eyes of the subject. The cover 11 is provided with an opening 14 for inserting the head including the eyes of the subject into the cover 11. By inserting the head of the subject into the cover 11 through the opening 14, the eyes of the subject can be covered by the internal space of the cover 11.

[0038] Then, the high concentration of positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generator 12 described later are filled in the internal space of the cover 11, and the positive ions and negative ions are sent to the surface of the eye. Thus, the high concentration of positive ions and negative ions can act directly on the eye. Then, cataracts can be prevented or the affected part of cataracts can be treated.

[0039] Although Figure 1The shape of the cover 11 is roughly hemispherical, but as long as the internal space of the cover 11 can be used to cover the eyes of the subject, its shape is not particularly limited. The size of the cover 11 is not particularly limited as long as the internal space of the cover 11 can be used to cover the eyes of the subject. For example, the cover 11 can cover a part of the subject's head or the entire head of the subject. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the material of the cover 11 as long as it does not affect the filling of the internal space of the cover 11 with positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generator 12 described later. Examples of the material of the cover 11 include resins and the like.

[0040] (Ion generator 12)

[0041] The ion generator 12 is a component that generates positive ions and negative ions. The ion generator 12 includes a positive ion generating unit (not shown), a negative ion generating unit (not shown), and a voltage supply unit (not shown). The voltage supply unit supplies voltage to the positive ion generating unit and the negative ion generating unit. The positive ion generating unit and the negative ion generating unit each include an induction electrode (not shown) and a needle-shaped discharge electrode 13. The discharge electrode 13 is provided to protrude from the ion generator 12 to the internal space of the cover 11. Figure 1 In the figure, for convenience of illustration, only the discharge electrode 13 of one ion generating portion is shown.

[0042] In the positive ion generating section, by applying a positive voltage from the voltage supply section, water molecules in the atmosphere (air) are electrolyzed in the plasma region generated by the discharge. Then, hydrogen ions H are mainly generated. + Then, by condensing water molecules in the air into the generated hydrogen ions H + Around the positive cluster ion H + (H2O) m (m is an arbitrary integer).

[0043] In the negative ion generating unit, a negative voltage is applied from the voltage supply unit, and oxygen molecules in the atmosphere (air) are electrolyzed in the plasma region generated by the discharge. Then, oxygen ions O2 are mainly generated. - Then, water molecules in the air are condensed around the generated oxygen ions O2- to form negative cluster ions O2 - (H2O) n (n is an arbitrary integer).

[0044] In addition, by making the positive cluster ions H + (H2O) m (m is an arbitrary integer) and the negative cluster ion O2 - (H2O) n(n is an arbitrary integer) to generate active species such as OH radicals (·OH).

[0045] The configuration of the ion generator 12 is merely an example, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a device that can generate positive ions and negative ions of a desired concentration by discharge.

[0046] In order to make it easier for high-concentration positive ions and negative ions to directly act on the eyes of the subject after leaving the plasma region generated by the discharge, the ion generator 12 is arranged inside the cover 11 so as to be close to the eyes.

[0047] In order to allow high concentrations of positive ions and negative ions to act directly on the eyes of the subject, the concentrations of positive ions and negative ions generated by discharge are preferably 500,000 / cm 3 More than 1 million / cm 3 The ion concentration refers to the ion concentration sent out from the ion generator 12 or the ion concentration in the inner space of the cover 11. The ion concentration is the concentration of small ions counted, and the critical mobility in the air is set to 1 cm 2 / V·sec.

[0048] Whether positive ions and negative ions are contained in a specific space can be determined by checking the gas composition using gas quality analysis, gas concentration, color change, odor, luminescence, and sound. The gas quality analysis can be performed using a known mass analyzer, and the gas concentration can be measured using a gas chromatograph or an ion counter. In addition, the color change and odor inspections can be attached to sensory inspections such as visual judgment and olfactory inspections, and colorimeter and odor sensor can also be used. In addition, luminescence and sound inspections can be performed in addition to sensory tests such as visual judgment and auditory inspections, and absorptiophotometers, spectrometers, light sensors, illuminometers, and microphones can also be used.

[0049] [Implementation Method 2]

[0050] Below, based on Figure 2 Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device 20 according to Embodiment 2. For convenience of description, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , the cover portion 21 of the medical device 20 is substantially cylindrical. In addition, a fixing portion 22 is provided on the upper portion of the cover portion 11 .

[0052] One end of the fixing part 22 can be fixed to the upper part of the cover 21, and the other end can be fixed to a wall or a ceiling, etc. By fixing the fixing part 22 to a wall or a ceiling, etc., the subject does not need to support the cover 21, and the burden on the subject can be reduced.

[0053] [Implementation method 3]

[0054] Below, based on Figure 3 Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a medical device 30 according to Embodiment 3. In addition, for the sake of convenience, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted. This embodiment relates to a structure in which a protection portion 31 is added to the medical device 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0055] (Protection Department 31)

[0056] The protection part 31 is a component provided inside the cover part 11 to prevent the discharge electrode 13 of the ion generator 12 from contacting the front part of the subject. The protection part 31 may be provided on a part of the inner surface of the cover part 11 or on the entire surface. As a material of the protection part 31, resin or the like may be cited.

[0057] The protection part 31 is provided with a forehead setting part 32 and a jaw setting part 33. The forehead setting part 32 and the jaw setting part 33 are members for preventing the subject from contacting the discharge electrode 13 of the ion generator 12. In addition, the ion generator 12 is provided between the forehead setting part 32 and the jaw setting part 33.

[0058] The forehead setting part 32 and the jaw setting part 33 are provided so as to protrude from the protection part 31 into the internal space of the cover part 11. According to this structure, when the subject wears the medical device 30, since the forehead and chin of the subject are in contact with the forehead setting part 32 and the jaw setting part 33 respectively, the risk of the subject contacting the needle-shaped discharge electrode 13 of the ion generator 12 can be reduced.

[0059] [Implementation Method 4]

[0060] Below, based on Figure 4 Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device 40 according to Embodiment 4. In addition, for the sake of convenience, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted. This embodiment relates to a configuration in which a protection portion 41 and a blower 43 (air supply portion) are added to the medical device 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0061] (Protection Department 41)

[0062] The protection part 41 is a component provided inside the cover part 11 to prevent the discharge electrode 13 of the ion generator 12 from contacting the front part of the subject. The protection part 41 may be provided on a part of the inner surface of the cover part 11 or on the entire surface. As a material of the protection part 41, resin or the like may be cited.

[0063] The protective part 41 is provided with a head setting part 42, an ion generator setting part 44, and a blower setting part 45. When the subject wears the medical device 40, the head setting part 42 contacts the forehead and other parts of the subject's head. In order to make it easier for the subject's head to be fixed inside the cover part 11, Figure 4 The head setting portion 42 shown is a curved surface. The ion generator setting portion 44 is provided with the ion generator 12. Figure 4 In the structure shown, the ion generator setting part 44 is set near the head setting part 42 so that the ion generator 12 is arranged near the eyes of the subject. In order to reduce the risk of contact between the subject and the needle-shaped discharge electrode 13 of the ion generator 12, the ion generator setting part 44 is set at a position closer to the inner surface side of the cover part 11 than the head setting part 42. The blower 43 described later is set in the blower setting part 45. In order to send the positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generator 12 from the ion generator 12 to the surface of the eyes of the subject, the blower setting part 45 is set near the ion generator setting part 44. In addition, the blower setting part 45 is set at a position closer to the inner surface side of the cover part 11 than the ion generator setting part 44.

[0064] (Blower 43)

[0065] The blower 43 is a component for sending the ions generated by the ion generator 12 to the surface of the eye of the subject. Through the blower 43, an airflow is generated inside the cover 11 for sending the positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generator 12 to the surface of the eye of the subject. Through the generation of this airflow, it is easy to make high-concentration positive ions and negative ions directly act on the eye. The blower 43 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device that generates an airflow for sending the positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generator 12 to the surface of the eye of the subject. In addition, the blower 43 can either send positive ions and negative ions at the same time, or send positive ions and negative ions alternately.

[0066] exist Figure 4In the medical device 40, the air blower 43 is provided in the protection part 41 so that the air blowing surface is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the ion generator 12 having the discharge electrode 13. In addition, the air blower 43 is provided in the protection part 41 so that the arrangement direction of the two discharge electrodes 13 of the ion generator 12 is substantially perpendicular to the air blowing direction. Since the air blowing direction of the air blower 43 is substantially perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the discharge electrodes 13 of the ion generator 12, ion loss caused by the mutual cancellation of positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generator 12 is unlikely to occur.

[0067] [Implementation method 5]

[0068] Below, based on Figure 5 Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device 50 according to Embodiment 5. For convenience of description, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the medical device 50 includes two cover parts 51, two temples 52, and a bridge 53. The bridge 53 is provided between the two cover parts 51 so as to connect the two cover parts 51. The two cover parts 51 are respectively provided with temples 52 on the side opposite to the side connected to the bridge 53. A space is provided inside the cover part 51, and the ion generator 12 is provided inside the space.

[0070] Figure 5 The medical device 50 is configured with two cover parts 51 covering the left eye and the right eye respectively, but in the case of preventing or treating cataracts in one eye, the medical device 50 may have only one cover part 51. When the medical device 50 has only one cover part 51, in order to fix the cover part 51 from both sides of the cover part 51 so as to cover the eyes, a belt may be provided instead of the temples 52.

[0071] Although Figure 5 The shape of the cover 51 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as the inner space of the cover 51 can cover the eyes of the subject.

[0072] The cover 51 is provided with an opening 54 for covering the eyes of the subject in the inner space of the cover 51 on the side in contact with the face of the subject. The opening 54 has an opening area that can cover one eye of the subject. In order to make the cover 51 easily fit tightly on the face of the subject, the opening 54 may also have a sealing member. As the material of the sealing member, rubber and resin can be cited.

[0073] [Implementation Method 6]

[0074] Below, based on Figure 6 Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device 60 according to Embodiment 6. For convenience of description, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, the medical device 60 includes a cover 61 , an ion generator 12 provided inside the cover 61 , and a belt 62 provided on a side surface 63 of the cover 61 .

[0076] The cover 61 is provided with an opening 64 for covering the eyes of the subject in the internal space of the cover 61 on the side in contact with the face of the subject. The opening 64 has an opening area capable of covering both eyes of the subject. In order to uniformly act positive ions and negative ions on both eyes of the subject, the ion generator 12 is provided at the center of the inside of the cover 61.

[0077] The strap 62 is a member for fixing the mask 61 to cover the eyes. The strap 62 may also be provided with an adjustment member so that the length can be adjusted according to the size of the subject's head.

[0078] [Implementation method 7]

[0079] Below, based on Figure 7 Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device 70 according to Embodiment 7. For convenience of description, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0080] like Figure 7 As shown, the medical device 70 includes a cover portion 71 , an ion generator 12 provided inside the cover portion 71 , and a grip portion 72 provided on a side surface of the cover portion 71 .

[0081] The mask 71 is provided with an opening 74 for covering the eyes of the subject in the inner space of the mask 71 on the side in contact with the face of the subject. The opening 74 has an opening area capable of covering the eyes of the subject.

[0082] The grip 72 is a component for the subject to hold the medical device 70 and cover the subject's eyes with the cover 71. The subject holds the grip 72 and brings the opening 74 of the cover 71 into contact with the subject's face, thereby covering the subject's eyes with the internal space of the cover 71. The grip 72 is preferably in a shape that is easy for the subject to hold, and may be, for example, in the shape of a rod.

[0083] [Embodiment 8]

[0084] Below, based on Figure 8 Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device 80 according to Embodiment 8. For convenience of description, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0085] like Figure 8 As shown, the medical device 80 includes an ionizer 12, an ionizer fixing portion 81 fixing the ionizer 12, and a suspension portion 82 suspending the ionizer fixing portion 81 from the ceiling. The discharge electrode 13 protrudes toward the floor from the side opposite to the side of the ionizer 12 fixed to the ionizer fixing portion 81.

[0086] The medical device 80 is set in a space 84. Examples of the space 84 include a living room, a bedroom, a clinic room, and a conference room in a hospital. From the perspective of allowing the high-concentration positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generator 12 to directly act on the eyes of the subject, when using the medical device 80, it is preferred that the space 84 is a substantially closed space.

[0087] In the space 84, a bed 83 is provided in the vertical downward direction of the medical device 80. The subject lies on the bed 83 in a supine position so that the ion generator 12 is located above the subject's eyes. Then, the high-concentration positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generator 12 are sent to the surface of the subject's eyes. Thus, the high-concentration positive ions and negative ions can act directly on the eyes. Then, cataracts can be prevented or the affected part of cataracts can be treated.

[0088] [Implementation Method 9]

[0089] Below, based on Fig. 9 Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described in detail. Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device 90 according to Embodiment 9. For convenience of description, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0090] like Fig. 9 As shown, the medical device 90 includes an ion generator 12, a bed 93, an ion generator fixing portion 91 for fixing the ion generator 12, and a fixing portion 92 for fixing the ion generator fixing portion 91 to the bed 93. The discharge electrode 13 protrudes from the side surface on the opposite side of the ion generator 12 fixed to the ion generator fixing portion 91. In addition, the medical device 90 is provided in a space 94. The example in the space 94 is the same as the example in the space 84.

[0091] exist Fig. 9 In the medical device 90, the bed 93 is a reclining bed. The angle of the bed 93 is adjusted, and the ion generator 12 is provided in front of the eyes of the subject.

[0092] [Implementation 10]

[0093] Below, based on Fig.10 Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described in detail. Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device 100 according to Embodiment 10. In addition, for the sake of convenience, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted. This embodiment relates to a configuration in which a cover fixing unit 101 and a bed 103 are added to the medical device 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0094] like Fig.10 As shown, the medical device 100 further includes a cover fixing portion 101 and a bed 103. The bed 103 is a reclining bed. The cover fixing portion 101 is disposed on the upper portion of the bed 103. Fig.10 In the embodiment, the outer surface of the cover portion 11 is fixed to the cover fixing portion 101 , but the cover portion 11 may be fixed to the bed 103 by fixing the inner surface of the cover portion 11 to the cover fixing portion 101 .

[0095] The subject lies on the bed 103 , and the head including the eyes of the subject is inserted through the opening 14 , so that the eyes are covered by the internal space of the mask 11 .

[0096] [Implementation 11]

[0097] Below, based on Fig.11 Embodiment 11 of the present invention will be described in detail. Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device 110 according to Embodiment 11. For convenience of description, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0098] like Fig.11 As shown, the medical device 110 comprises: a cover portion 111 that covers the entire body of the subject; an ion generator 12 that is disposed inside the cover portion 111; and a head protection component 112 that protects the subject's head.

[0099] The cover 111 is a member for forming a space covering the eyes of the subject by covering the whole body of the subject. An entrance for the subject to enter the inside of the cover 111 may also be provided in the cover 111. The ion generator 12 is provided above the eyes of the subject (the face of the subject) so that the subject can lie in the cover 111 to prevent or treat cataracts.

[0100] The head protection member 112 is disposed near and immediately below the ion generator 12 so that the positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generator 12 can easily act directly on the eyes of the subject. Examples of the head protection member 112 include a pillow.

[0101] [Implementation 12]

[0102] Below, based on Fig.12 Embodiment 12 of the present invention will be described in detail. Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical device 120 according to Embodiment 12. For convenience of description, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0103] like Fig.12 As shown, the medical device 120 includes: a cover 121 that covers the subject; an ion generator 12 that is disposed inside the cover 121; and a head protection component 112 that protects the subject's head.

[0104] The cover 121 is a member for forming a space covering the eyes of the subject by covering a part of the subject or the whole body. An opening 124 is provided on one side of the cover 121. The cover 121 is placed on the bed 123, so that a space is provided inside the cover 121, and the subject enters through the opening 124, so that the eyes of the subject can be covered with the internal space of the cover 121.

[0105] <Method for preventing or treating cataracts in non-human mammals>

[0106] The method for preventing or treating cataracts in non-human mammals according to the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the "method of the present embodiment") causes the surface of the eye of the non-human mammal to emit positive ions and negative ions. Regarding the emission of positive ions and negative ions, the positive ions and negative ions may be emitted simultaneously or alternately. The concentrations of the emitted positive ions and negative ions are preferably 500,000 / cm 3 More than 1 million / cm 3 above.

[0107] Positive ions and negative ions can be generated, for example, by discharge. The discharge can also be performed in the atmosphere. Examples of the positive ions include H + (H2O) m As examples of the above-mentioned negative ions, there can be mentioned positive ions composed of O2 - (H2O) n The negative ions constituted (n is an arbitrary integer).

[0108] In addition, in the method of this embodiment, the eyes of non-human mammals can also be covered, and the covered space is filled with the positive ions and the negative ions. In this case, the concentrations of the positive ions and the negative ions in the covered space are preferably set to 500,000 / cm 3 More preferably, 1 million / cm 3 above.

[0109] Furthermore, the method for preventing or treating cataracts in non-human mammals of this embodiment can allow the positive ions and negative ions generated by discharge to be sent to the surface of the eye of the non-human mammal after leaving the plasma region generated by the discharge, thereby allowing high concentrations of positive ions and negative ions to act directly on the eye of the non-human mammal.

[0110] The method of this embodiment can prevent or treat cataracts in non-human mammals using the above-mentioned medical device.

[0111] Examples of non-human mammals that are the subject of treatment or prevention in the method of this embodiment include cattle, wild boars, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, mice, rats, hamsters, squirrels, rabbits, dogs, cats, ferrets, etc. The non-human mammals may be domestic animals or pet animals, or wild animals.

[0112] [Summarize]

[0113] The method according to the first aspect of the present invention is a method for preventing or treating cataracts in non-human mammals by delivering positive ions and negative ions to the surface of the eye of the non-human mammal.

[0114] According to the above configuration, positive ions and negative ions can act directly on the eyes of non-human mammals, thereby preventing or treating cataracts.

[0115] The method according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1, may cover the eyes of non-human mammals, and fill the covered space with the positive ions and the negative ions.

[0116] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 can be obtained.

[0117] The method according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 1 or 2, may be characterized in that the concentrations of the positive ions and the negative ions are 500,000 / cm 3 above.

[0118] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 can be obtained.

[0119] The medical device 10 according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes an ion generating unit (ion generator 12) that generates positive ions and negative ions by discharge, and is a medical device that prevents or treats cataracts by sending positive ions and negative ions to the surface of the eye.

[0120] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 can be obtained.

[0121] The medical device 10 according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, may further include a cover portion 11 that covers the eye, and the medical device may send the positive ions and the negative ions to the covered space.

[0122] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 can be obtained.

[0123] In the device 10 according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the concentrations of the positive ions and the negative ions may be 500,000 / cm 3 above.

[0124] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 can be obtained.

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of the claims. The embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Moreover, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical methods disclosed in each embodiment.

[0126] [Example]

[0127] [Verification of inhibition of cataract onset]

[0128] It is known that when diabetes develops, glycated stress accumulates in the eyeball, increasing the risk of cataracts. Therefore, the authors tested whether the development of cataracts could be suppressed by allowing positive and negative ions to act on diabetic rats.

[0129] <Experimental Animals>

[0130] The rats were induced to develop type 1 diabetes by administration of streptozotocin, and mice without developing diabetes were used as controls.

[0131] <Experimental setup>

[0132] As an experimental device, we used Fig.13 and Fig.14 Medical device 130 is shown. Fig.13 This is a photo showing the front of the experimental device. Fig.14: is a photograph showing the upper surface of the experimental device. The experimental device (medical device 130) has a plastic cage 131 (width 305mm×length 520mm×height 170mm) and an ion generator 132 mounted on a cover 134 of the cage 131. As the ion generator 132, CKITTA252AKKZ manufactured by Sharp Corporation was used. In addition, a blower (fan) 133 is provided on the upper part of the ion generator 132 so that the generated positive ions and negative ions are filled in the entire cage 131. One rat is raised in each experimental device.

[0133] <Rearing conditions>

[0134] Rats with diabetes were divided into two groups. In one group (diabetes / PCI (+) group), the rats were raised for 6 weeks in an environment where the ion generator 132 generated positive ions and negative ions. During the raising, the positive ion concentration and negative ion concentration in the cage 131 were adjusted to 1 million / cm 3 The ion concentration is measured by directing the suction port of the ion counter toward the upper part of the cage 131 and adjusting it to an appropriate range.

[0135] The other group (diabetes / PCI(-) group) and the control group (healthy / PCI(-) group) were kept in the experimental device for 6 weeks without generating positive and negative ions by the ion generator 132 .

[0136] Three mice were used in the diabetes / PCI(+) group and the diabetes / PCI(-) group, and two mice were used in the healthy / PCI(-) group for verification.

[0137] Each group was given CRF-1 (Oriental Yeast Industry) as feed and tap water as drinking water. The floor mats in the cage 131 were replaced and the water was replenished every 4 days. In addition, body weight was measured, cataract symptoms were observed, and the discharge needle (discharge electrode) of the ion generator 132 was cleaned once a week. The cataract symptoms were observed by observing the degree of whiteness of the eyeball.

[0138] <Results of Cataract Symptom Observation>

[0139] The results of cataract symptom observation in each group are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the symptom confirmation day is expressed as the number of days elapsed from the start of the test.

[0140] [Table 1]

[0141]

[0142]

[0143] Ozone is generated when positive ions and negative ions are generated. According to the original prediction, the onset of cataracts was advanced due to the oxidative stress caused by the generated ozone. However, unexpectedly, the onset of cataracts was suppressed in the diabetes / PCI(+) group compared with the diabetes / PCI(-) group that did not generate positive ions and negative ions. In addition, in a histological study conducted by removing eyeballs from rats at the 7th week from the start of the experiment, the onset of cataracts was suppressed in the diabetes / PCI(+) group compared with the diabetes / PCI(-) group.

[0144] The above results show that the onset of cataracts can be suppressed in a space where positive ions and negative ions are generated.

[0145] Industrial Applicability

[0146] The present invention can be used, for example, for the treatment and research of cataracts.

Claims

1. A medical device, characterized in that: The medical device includes a cover portion covering a head including eyes and an ion generating portion provided inside the cover portion. The ion generating unit has: A positive ion generating unit generates positive ions by discharge; a negative ion generating unit that generates negative ions by discharge; and a voltage supply unit for supplying voltage to the positive ion generating unit and the negative ion generating unit, The medical device further includes a protection portion that contacts the head portion when the head portion is covered by the cover portion, thereby preventing the head portion from contacting the ion generating portion. The positive ion generating part and the negative ion generating part respectively include a needle-shaped discharge electrode, and the needle-shaped discharge electrode is in a state of protruding from the ion generating part toward the surface of the eye toward the internal space covered by the cover part, and the needle-shaped discharge electrode is in a state of being separated from the surface of the eye by the protective part at a certain interval. The positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generating part are discharged by the needle-shaped discharge electrode and sent to the space covered by the cover part to send the positive ions and the negative ions to the surface of the eye to prevent or treat cataracts.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that The concentrations of the positive ions and the negative ions are 500,000 / cm 3 above.

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