Atomized Tear Film Applicator for Stable Dry Eye Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for dry eye syndrome, such as artificial tear drops, silicone plugs, surgical procedures, and neurostimulation, are inefficient, uncomfortable, costly, or inconvenient, and fail to effectively mimic the natural tear film layers, leading to limited relief and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating and applying biomimicry tear films that mimic the natural tear film layers, comprising a device that atomizes and applies multiple layers of biomimicry tear components, including a lipid, aqueous, and adhesive layer, using an atomizer to create a conformal, stable, and optically transparent tear film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If artificial tear drops are used to increase tear volume, then tear volume is improved, but the treatment fails to mimic natural tear film layers and provides limited relief
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial tear composition is segmented into three distinct layers mimicking natural tear film structure: an outer lipid layer (5-20 μm) to reduce evaporation, a middle aqueous layer (3-7 μm) for hydration, and an inner mucin layer (1-3 μm) for adhesion to the ocular surface. This layered structure provides stable, long-lasting relief by replicating the functional architecture of natural tears.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment uses composite materials comprising phospholipids, cholesterol, fatty acids, mucins, and electrolytes in specific concentrations to recreate the complex composition of natural tear film. This composite approach ensures proper adhesion, stability, and physiological compatibility, overcoming the limitations of simple artificial tear solutions.
2Quantity of substance
If silicone plugs are used to retain tears in the eye, then tear retention is improved, but the plugs cause discomfort and inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for physical silicone plugs by extracting the core function of tear retention through a different mechanism: using a lipid-rich outer layer (5-20 μm) that forms a protective barrier to reduce evaporation and retain tears naturally, eliminating foreign body intrusion and associated inflammation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using artificial silicone materials, the treatment copies the natural lipid layer composition and function, using phospholipids, cholesterol, and fatty acids to create a biocompatible barrier that retains tears without causing discomfort or inflammation.
3Quantity of substance
If surgical procedures are performed to block tear ducts permanently, then tear retention is improved, but the procedures are expensive and may result in complications
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment uses a disposable applicator device that delivers the multi-layer tear film composition in a single application. This non-invasive, temporary solution achieves tear retention without expensive surgical interventions or permanent modifications, allowing for safe and reversible treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical surgical approach of physically blocking tear ducts with a biochemical approach: applying a lipid-rich composition that naturally reduces evaporation and retains tears through molecular barriers, eliminating surgical complexity and risks.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If eye drops or ointments are applied to decrease inflammation, then inflammation is reduced, but excessive liquids result in temporarily blurred vision and stained clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment uses a thin film formulation (total thickness 10-30 μm) that forms a uniform coating on the ocular surface without excessive liquid volume. This thin film approach provides anti-inflammatory benefits while preventing runoff that causes blurred vision or staining, improving convenience compared to traditional liquid eye drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition is designed with local quality variations: the inner mucin layer (1-3 μm) provides adhesion to keep the treatment localized on the eye, the middle aqueous layer delivers anti-inflammatory agents, and the outer lipid layer prevents evaporation. This localized delivery minimizes systemic exposure and clothing contamination.
5Adaptability or versatility
If vectored thermal pulse devices are used to treat clogged Meibomian glands, then gland function is improved, but the treatment is costly and provides limited duration relief
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment applies a pre-formulated multi-layer composition containing phospholipids, cholesterol, and fatty acids that directly replenish Meibomian gland secretions. This preliminary restoration of lipid quality improves gland function and provides sustained relief (multiple days to weeks) without requiring repeated expensive thermal pulse treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the tear film by introducing a controlled lipid layer (5-20 μm) with specific composition ratios, transforming the unstable, evaporative tear film into a stable, long-lasting formulation that maintains Meibomian gland function and provides extended relief.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The biomimicry tear films provide a uniform, stable, and enriched tear film that mimics natural tear functions, improving eye comfort and reducing evaporation, with enhanced lubrication and infection prevention, offering a more effective and convenient treatment for dry eye syndrome.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method for generating and applying biomimicry tear films that mimic the natural tear film layers, comprising a device that atomizes and applies multiple layers of biomimicry tear components
Data Source
AI summary
A device for administering fluid compositions includes a housing having a first end with an opening. The housing includes a compartment, proximate to the first end, that is capable of holding a liquid reservoir that is at least partially filled with a fluid. The device includes an air pump positioned within the housing, at a second end. The device includes an actuator positioned between the compartment and the air pump. The actuator includes an extendible piston that is configured to extend laterally toward the compartment. During device operation, the actuator causes the piston to extend towards the liquid reservoir and exert a force on the liquid reservoir. The force causes the fluid to be expelled from the liquid reservoir at the first end. The air pump is configured to atomize the fluid at the first end as it is expelled from the liquid reservoir.