Customized Artificial Tear Compositions for Dry Eye Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome are often ineffective due to a lack of personalized approaches, relying on trial and error with generic artificial tears that may not address the specific needs of individual patients.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the assessment of individual patient symptoms and tear quality parameters, such as refractive index, surface tension, and viscosity, to formulate customized artificial tear compositions that effectively treat dry eye syndrome.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If generic artificial tears are used for treating dry eye syndrome, then the treatment can be applied universally to all patients, but the treatment effectiveness is reduced because it does not address specific patient needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing treatment compositions for specific regions or aspects of tear film deficiency. Different compositions are formulated with specific properties (viscosity, surfactant content, oil content) to address local needs in different patients' eyes, rather than using a universal formulation for all cases of dry eye syndrome.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying key formulation parameters such as viscosity, surfactant concentration, and oil content across different treatment compositions. These parameter adjustments are based on measured tear film properties of individual patients, allowing the treatment to be optimized for each patient's specific condition while maintaining universal applicability through the standardized selection process.
2Reliability
If treatment compositions are customized for individual patients, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of the treatment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the treatment process into distinct modules: (1) measuring tear film parameters, (2) selecting from predefined composition categories based on measured parameters, and (3) administering the selected composition. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by creating a systematic, step-by-step approach rather than requiring complete customization of all formulation aspects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages complexity through parameter changes by establishing clear thresholds and ranges for tear film parameters (viscosity, surfactant content, oil content) that map to specific composition categories. This creates a decision framework where measured parameters directly guide composition selection, reducing the complexity of customization to a matter of comparing measured values against predefined ranges.
3Manufacturing precision
If tear film parameters are measured to determine treatment composition, then treatment precision is improved, but the time required for diagnosis and treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation to the measurement process by focusing on three specific, easily measurable parameters (viscosity, surfactant content, oil content) rather than conducting comprehensive tear film analysis. This segmented approach to measurement achieves sufficient treatment precision while minimizing the time required, as each parameter can be measured independently and quickly.
Data Source
AI summary
In preferred embodiments the invention is directed to ocular compositions for the treatment of dry eye, methods for making such compositions, and suites comprising a plurality of different ocular compositions each having a defined composition. In preferred examples, the invention is directed to compositions comprising at least one natural oil, wherein a first member of the suite of compositions is effective in treating dry in in a first patient having a particular set of symptoms and a different second member of the suite of compositions is effective in treating dry in in a second patient having a different set of symptoms. The invention is also directed to methods of making and using the compositions, and to skin care compositions for use around the eye, such as the upper and lower eyelids having a lubricating, non-irritating base composition comprising at least one natural oil.