Corneal Insertion Ring Assembly for Uniform Cross-Linking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional corneal collagen cross-linking methods for preventing corneal deformation due to intraocular pressure suffer from non-uniform cross-linking, blurred vision, and decreased effectiveness over time.

Innovation Solution

A member for intraocular insertion comprising a ring assembly with concentric or elliptical rings of varying sizes, connected by members disposed at equal angles, and optionally featuring auxiliary connection members, is inserted into the cornea to provide structural support and prevent deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional corneal collagen cross-linking is used to strengthen the cornea, then the corneal strength is improved, but the cross-linking is not made quantitatively and uniformly, causing blurred vision and decreased effectiveness over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorneal strengthVSAvoiduniformity of cross-linking
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cornea is divided into multiple discrete treatment zones using a segmented mask with multiple apertures. This segmentation allows UV light to be delivered to specific regions through corresponding apertures, enabling quantitative and uniform cross-linking in each zone while maintaining overall corneal integrity and avoiding blurred vision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mask provides different aperture configurations for different regions of the cornea, allowing localized optimization of cross-linking. Each aperture can be tailored to the specific geometric and mechanical requirements of its corresponding corneal region, achieving uniform cross-linking throughout while adapting to local variations in corneal curvature and thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional corneal collagen cross-linking is applied to prevent corneal deformation, then some corneal stabilization is achieved, but vision becomes blurred after the procedure and bonding force decreases over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorneal stabilityVSAvoidlong-term effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mask is prepared in advance with precisely engineered aperture patterns that correspond to the patient's specific corneal geometry and ectasia pattern. This preliminary customization ensures that when UV light is applied through the mask, the cross-linking is delivered exactly where needed with optimal intensity distribution, achieving both immediate stabilization and long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment planning process incorporates feedback from corneal topography and tomography data to optimize mask aperture design. The mask configuration is adjusted based on measured corneal parameters, ensuring that cross-linking strength and distribution are optimized for each patient's specific condition, thereby improving long-term effectiveness and preventing recurrence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250099228A1Member for intraocular insertion and method for inserting member for intraocular insertion
Publication Date: 2025.03.27 WELLC
  • US20250099228A1 patent drawing
  • US20250099228A1 patent drawing
  • US20250099228A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A member for intraocular insertion and method for inserting a member for intraocular insertion is provided. The member for intraocular insertion comprises a ring assembly enclosing a portion of the cornea and comprising a plurality of rings having the same center, wherein the plurality of rings have the shape of concentric circles with different sizes, and a plurality of connection members for connecting between the plurality of rings, wherein each of the plurality of connection members is disposed apart from an adjacent connection member by the same angle with respect to the center.