Carboxy Polymer Dry Eye Composition Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for dry eye, such as artificial tears, require frequent application and have limited duration of effectiveness, leading to inconvenience and incomplete symptom relief, with viscous solutions often being undesirable due to stickiness and short-lasting viscosity.
Innovation Solution
A dry eye composition comprising an aqueous solution of a carboxy-containing polymer with a molecular weight between 90 kDa and 700 kDa and a polyol like glycerin, forming a stiff coil configuration that prolongs eye retention and reduces symptom frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the viscosity of artificial tears is increased to extend duration in the eye, then the product lasts longer, but the solution feels sticky and uncomfortable in the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the carboxy-containing polymer to a specific range (90-700 kDa) and controls the Mark-Houwink constant (0.6-1.5) to achieve optimal viscosity that extends duration without causing stickiness. This precise parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between duration and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines a carboxy-containing polymer with a polyol to create a composite ophthalmic composition. The polyol component works synergistically with the polymer to extend duration of action while maintaining comfort, avoiding the stickiness problem associated with high-viscosity polymer solutions alone.
2Reliability
If artificial tears are applied frequently to maintain effectiveness, then symptom relief is continuous, but the treatment becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves continuous symptom relief by formulating a composition that maintains its therapeutic effect for extended periods in the eye. The controlled viscosity and polymer characteristics ensure the product remains effective throughout the day without requiring frequent reapplication, thus maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the concentration of viscosifying agents is increased to reduce application frequency, then duration of efficacy is extended, but the solution becomes too viscous and sticky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight of the carboxy-containing polymer within a specific range (90-700 kDa) and controls the Mark-Houwink constant (0.6-1.5) to achieve the desired duration of efficacy without excessive viscosity. This parameter optimization allows extended duration of action while avoiding the harmful effects of high concentration viscosifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of carboxy-containing polymer and polyol creates a composite system where the polyol enhances the duration of efficacy without contributing to excessive viscosity or stickiness. This composite approach allows achieving extended duration of action at lower overall concentrations compared to using polymer alone.
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 composition provides extended moisturization and reduced frequency of application, alleviating dry eye symptoms effectively while maintaining eye comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
forming a stiff coil configuration that prolongs eye retention
Implementation Method 2
forming a stiff coil configuration that prolongs eye retention
Implementation Method 3
the carboxy-containing polymer has a molecular weight that is a minimum of about 90 kDa and a maximum of about 700 kDa and has a Mark-Houwink constant that is a minimum of about 0.6 and a maximum of about 1.5
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a composition for treating dry eye comprising, in one embodiment, carboxymethylcellulose and a polyol. Such compositions have been found to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye and remain in the eye for a long period of time.