Corneal Cross-Linking Device with Interchangeable Moulds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for corneal diseases like keratoconus and glaucoma are inadequate in effectively stabilizing the cornea's curvature and resisting internal eye pressure, often requiring invasive procedures such as ring segment insertion or transplantation, and existing cross-linking methods are limited in their ability to uniformly treat varying corneal curvatures.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmological device comprising a curved mould with apertures, a suction body for creating a partial vacuum, and a UV radiation source is used to apply a photo-sensitizer and shape the cornea to a desired curvature, inducing collagen cross-linking and increasing rigidity, while allowing for interchangeable moulds to accommodate different curvatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cross-linking methods are used, then corneal rigidity is increased, but the ability to uniformly treat varying corneal curvatures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs interchangeable moulds with different curvatures that can be selected and attached to the suction cup based on the specific corneal curvature requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the same base device to effectively treat various corneal shapes and pathologies by simply changing the mould component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the curvature parameter of the mould to match different corneal geometries. By providing moulds with varying curvature radii, the device adapts its treatment parameters to the specific patient's corneal shape, enabling uniform cross-linking across different corneal curvatures.
2Ease of operation
If corrective lenses are used, then visual function is maintained, but corneal scarring and disease progression risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs corneal cross-linking as a preliminary stabilizing treatment to strengthen the corneal structure before visual rehabilitation. By first increasing corneal rigidity through cross-linking, the cornea becomes stable enough to support corrective lenses without further degradation or scarring.
3Stability of the object's composition
If invasive procedures like ring segment insertion or transplantation are performed, then corneal stability is improved, but treatment complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical interventions (ring segment insertion, transplantation) with a photochemical process (cross-linking). Instead of mechanically altering or replacing corneal structures, UV light activates riboflavin to form chemical cross-links between collagen fibers, achieving stabilization through chemical bonding rather than mechanical support.
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 device effectively stabilizes the cornea by shaping and cross-linking collagen fibers, reducing intraocular pressure and preventing further deterioration of keratoconus, and provides a versatile treatment for glaucoma by enhancing corneal rigidity and curvature adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a suction body defining a suction chamber in which a partial vacuum is induced so as to form a partial vacuum within the mould which attracts the cornea onto the moulding surface
Implementation Method 2
a photo-sensitizer such as riboflavin or a riboflavin solution which is applied onto the eye. Such a photo-sensitizer is able, under the influence of photons, to chemically react with the corneal tissue. After the riboflavin has been absorbed by the eye, the eye is exposed to an irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Under the influence of the UV radiation, the photo-sensitizer induces a cross-linking of the collagen fibres
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmological device (10) for the treatment of corneal diseases such as keratocanus and glaucoma, comprises a molding head (12), a suction body (14) and a UV lamp (15). The molding head (12) has a hollow cylindrical configuration and includes a rigid molding lens (18) for shaping the cornea of an eye (11) of a patient. The lens is curved and defines a plurality of apertures therein. The suction body (14) has a hollow cylindrical configuration. The lamp (15) is fitted to the suction body. Molding head (12) and suction body (14) together define a chamber (32) from which air is evacuated so as to induce a partial vacuum within the chamber (32) for attracting the cornea onto the lens (18). A photo-sensitizer is applied to the eye and while the cornea is held against the mold, it is irradiated with UV light by lamp (15) so as to cross-link collagen fibers in the cornea.