Corneal Cross-Linking Light Control for Stable Eye Strengthening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for disorders such as keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia are inadequate in effectively stabilizing and strengthening the cornea, leading to undesired shape changes and complications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for cross-linking treatments using a light source to activate a cross-linking agent, such as riboflavin, with precise control over photoactivating light and oxygen delivery to achieve a desired biomechanical change in the cornea, utilizing a photochemical kinetic model to determine optimal treatment parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cross-linking treatments are applied to the cornea, then some strengthening effect is achieved, but the treatment is inadequate in effectively stabilizing and strengthening the cornea, leading to undesired shape changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling multiple treatment parameters including light intensity, light duration, oxygen concentration, and cross-linking agent concentration. The system dynamically adjusts these parameters during treatment to optimize the cross-linking reaction, transforming the inadequate conventional treatment into an effective corneal stabilization process that simultaneously improves strength and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through a controller that receives input relating to the cross-linking agent and treatment parameters, calculates the expected cross-linking amount using photochemical kinetic models, and adjusts treatment parameters in response to achieve the desired biomechanical change. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable corneal stabilization by continuously optimizing the treatment process
2Reliability
If cross-linking treatments are applied after LASIK surgery, then post-LASIK ectasia can be prevented, but the cornea experiences progressive steepening and weakening that requires precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing cross-linking treatment after LASIK surgery to prevent post-LASIK ectasia before it develops. The system proactively strengthens the weakened corneal structure through controlled cross-linking reactions, preventing the progressive steepening and bulging that would otherwise occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to address the specific condition of post-LASIK corneal weakening. The controller adjusts treatment parameters including light intensity, duration, and cross-linking agent concentration to achieve the precise biomechanical changes needed to prevent ectasia while accounting for the already-thinned corneal structure
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, reducing shape changes and complications by precisely controlling cross-linking reactions, allowing for efficient and predictable biomechanical modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to activate cross-linking in at least one selected region of a cornea treated with a cross-linking agent. The light source is configured to deliver photoactivating light to the at least one selected region of the cornea according to a set of parameters
Implementation Method 2
program instructions for determining, from the input, cross-linking resulting from reactions involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) including at least peroxides, superoxides, and hydroxyl radicals
Data Source
AI summary
A system for corneal treatment includes a light source that activates cross-linking in at least one selected region of a cornea treated with a cross-linking agent. The light source delivers photoactivating light to the at least one selected region of the cornea according to a set of parameters. The system includes a controller that receives input relating to the cross-linking agent and the set of parameters. The controller includes computer-readable storage media storing: (A) program instructions for determining cross-linking resulting from reactions involving ROS including at least peroxides, superoxides, and hydroxyl radicals, and (B) program instructions for determining cross-linking from reactions not involving oxygen. The controller executes the program instructions to output a calculated amount of cross-linking in the at least one selected region of the cornea. In response to the calculated amount of cross-linking, the light source adjusts at least one value in the set of parameters.