Ophthalmic Contact Lens with Diffusion Pores for Oxygen Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced ophthalmic devices, particularly those with electroactive components and sealed inserts, often limit oxygen transport to the eye surface due to their impermeable nature, leading to decreased oxygen levels at the cornea.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating diffusion pores within the hard lens element, using oxygen-absorptive materials, and employing passive or active pumping mechanisms to enhance oxygen levels at the eye surface, such as backfilling pores with silicone-containing materials or embedding absorptive materials like hemoglobin or metal organic frameworks, and designing hydrogel skirts with channels to facilitate oxygen diffusion and fluid movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealed inserts and impermeable hard lens elements are used in advanced ophthalmic devices, then device reliability and protection of electroactive components are improved, but oxygen transport to the cornea deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates porous structures within the hard lens element or encapsulation material to enable oxygen diffusion. These pores allow oxygen molecules to pass through the otherwise impermeable material, resolving the contradiction between maintaining device reliability through sealed construction and enabling sufficient oxygen transport to the cornea.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials that combine impermeable components (for device protection) with oxygen-permeable components (for oxygen transport). This may include layered structures or materials with integrated oxygen channels that allow oxygen passage while maintaining the structural integrity and protective function of the sealed insert.
2Strength
If impermeable hard lens elements are used to protect electroactive components, then device protection is improved, but oxygen diffusion to the eye surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hard lens element or encapsulation structure into regions with different permeability properties. Certain areas maintain impermeability for protection, while other areas incorporate pores or channels specifically dedicated to oxygen transport, allowing both functions to coexist without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary oxygen transport mechanism, such as oxygen-permeable membranes or channels, that mediates between the impermeable protective structure and the cornea. This intermediary allows oxygen to pass through while the main protective structure remains sealed and intact.
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
These methods effectively increase oxygen levels at the cornea, ensuring sufficient oxygen supply even with impermeable hard lens elements, thereby maintaining healthy corneal metabolism and function.
Implementation Method 1
diffusion pores within the body of the encapsulated hard lens element allow for oxygen diffusion through the encapsulated hard lens element body
Implementation Method 2
embedding absorptive materials like hemoglobin or metal organic frameworks
Implementation Method 3
designing hydrogel skirts with channels to facilitate oxygen diffusion and fluid movement
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to enhance levels of oxygen in tear fluid under a worn advanced contact lens are described. The contact lens may include an encapsulated hard lens element which is impermeable to fluid flow across its body. The method of enhancement may include creating pores through the hard lens element, creating channels in portions of the contact lens body, including layers of absorptive material, and creating means of moving tear fluid under the contact lens.