Alginate and Polyol Dry Eye Composition for Extended Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dry eye treatments, such as artificial tears, require frequent application and can be inconvenient, with increased viscosity providing only limited duration of relief and sometimes causing discomfort due to sticky sensation, and preservatives can irritate sensitive eyes.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising alginate and a combination of organic acids or their salts, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, and a polyol, which is gentle on the ocular surface, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects and providing extended relief from dry eye symptoms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the viscosity of artificial tears is increased to extend duration of relief, then the product remains in the eye longer, but the solution becomes sticky and uncomfortable for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by incorporating specific polymers (hyaluronic acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol) at controlled concentrations, along with polyols and buffers, to achieve optimal viscosity that extends duration without causing sticky sensation. The formulation balances viscosity enhancement with comfort through precise parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite formulation combining multiple ingredients: polymers for viscosity, polyols for comfort and retention, buffers for pH control, and optional preservatives. This composite approach allows the solution to achieve extended duration of relief while maintaining comfort by distributing functions across multiple components rather than relying on high viscosity alone.
2Reliability
If artificial tears are applied frequently throughout the day to maintain effectiveness, then dry eye symptoms are better managed, but the treatment becomes inconvenient for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The formulation is designed to provide continuous relief through extended duration of action, reducing the frequency of applications needed. The combination of polymers and polyols ensures the solution remains effective and comfortable in the eye for prolonged periods, making the treatment more convenient while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If preservatives are added to artificial tears to allow multiple uses, then the composition can be stored and reused, but preservatives can irritate sensitive eyes with dry eye condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the concentration and type of preservatives used, or alternatively uses preservative-free formulations with proper packaging. The formulation parameters are adjusted to minimize preservative irritation while maintaining composition stability and safety for multiple uses or storage.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If aqueous solutions with water-soluble polymers are used to increase viscosity, then the solutions become less easily shed by the eye, but the duration of relief is still limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple polymers (hyaluronic acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol) with polyols and buffers to create a composite formulation that achieves extended duration of relief. This composite approach allows for more efficient use of polymers, achieving the desired duration without requiring excessive amounts of any single polymer ingredient.
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions for relief, treatment, or prevention of a condition of dry eye comprise alginate, a polyol, and a combinations of at least two organic acids or salts thereof, wherein the compositions have pH in the range from about 5 to about 7.5, at least one of the organic acids or salts thereof has a pKa in the range from and 6 to about 10. m some embodiments, the second organic acid or a salt thereof has a pKa that is no more than 1.5 units less than the pH.