Corneal Cross-Linking Light Zoning for Ectatic Disorders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Corneal ectatic disorders, such as keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia, result in corneal weakening and abnormal shape changes, necessitating effective treatments to stabilize and strengthen the cornea.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving precise application of photoactivating light to specified areas of the cornea treated with a cross-linking agent, utilizing a light source and optical elements to deliver treatment zones with varying doses, including higher and lower doses, to target and stabilize ectatic cones and surrounding areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If uniform dose photoactivating light is applied to the entire cornea, then the treatment coverage is comprehensive, but the treatment time is extended and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the corneal treatment area into multiple treatment zones (first treatment zone, second treatment zone, third treatment zone) with different photoactivating light dose levels. This segmentation allows selective treatment of different corneal regions simultaneously, reducing overall treatment time while maintaining comprehensive coverage. The inner boundary of each treatment zone is disposed within the outer boundary of adjacent zones, creating a segmented yet continuous treatment pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different doses of photoactivating light to different treatment zones based on local corneal conditions. The first treatment zone receives a first dose, the second treatment zone receives a second dose (greater than the first), and the third treatment zone receives a third dose (greater than the second). This local quality approach ensures that areas requiring more strengthening receive higher doses, optimizing treatment precision and reducing time compared to uniform dosing.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple treatment zones with different doses are applied, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple independent light delivery channels, each capable of delivering a specific dose to a designated treatment zone. This modular segmentation allows precise control of different doses without requiring a completely complex monolithic system. Each zone's light delivery can be independently controlled through its own optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment zones are nested concentrically within the cornea, with the inner boundary of each treatment zone disposed within the outer boundary of adjacent zones. This nested arrangement simplifies the optical system design by using concentric circular patterns that are easier to generate and control compared to irregular shapes, reducing device complexity while maintaining high treatment precision.
3Strength
If higher dose photoactivating light is applied to ectatic cone areas, then corneal strengthening is enhanced, but risk of side effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies higher doses of photoactivating light (second dose and third dose) specifically to treatment zones that include or surround the ectatic cone areas, while adjacent zones receive lower doses. This localized high-dose application strengthens the weakened corneal tissue precisely where needed, while minimizing exposure of healthy tissue to high doses, thereby reducing the risk of side effects such as epithelial damage or stromal haze.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment plan is predetermined based on pre-treatment assessment of corneal topography and identification of ectatic cone locations. Treatment zones and their corresponding doses are planned in advance, allowing the ectatic areas to be targeted with higher doses only after confirmation of their location and extent. This preliminary planning ensures that high doses are applied only where necessary, minimizing side effects while maximizing corneal strengthening.
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
Enhances corneal strength and stability, allowing for refractive corrections and reducing the time required for cross-linking, while minimizing potential side effects.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to provide a photoactivating light that photoactivates a cross-linking agent applied to an eye
Data Source
AI summary
To treat corneal ectatic disorders, systems and methods can precisely apply photoactivating light to specified areas of a cornea treated with a cross-linking agent. An example system includes a light source that provides a photoactivating light to photoactivate a cross-linking agent applied to an eye. The system includes optical element(s) that transmit the photoactivating light to the eye according to a pattern defined by a plurality of treatment zones. The treatment zones are delivered to different respective areas on the eye. The plurality of treatment zones includes at least a first treatment zone and a second treatment zone. The first treatment zone provides a first dose of the photoactivating light. The second treatment zone provides a second dose of the photoactivating light. The first dose is greater than the second dose. The first treatment zone is disposed within an inner boundary of the second treatment zone.