Disposable Eyelid Tip with Diffuser for Dry Eye Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for dry eyes, particularly those caused by chronic blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, often fail to effectively target the underlying inflammation and secretion issues, leading to incomplete healing and potential damage to ocular surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A disposable/removable tip with a bio-compatible contact surface, capable of delivering light or RF energy to the posterior surface of the eyelid, combined with a thermally insulative shielding extension to prevent energy from reaching sensitive ocular tissues, and a method for Meibomian gland expression using a U-shaped tip to apply energy to both anterior and posterior surfaces of the eyelid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If energy is applied to the posterior surface of the eyelid to treat dry eyes and stimulate gland secretion, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but risk of damage to ocular tissues (cornea, lens, retina) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dispersive element (diffuser) as an intermediary between the light source and the eyelid tissue. This diffuser scatters the light energy across a broader area, reducing the intensity at any single point and preventing focal heating that could damage ocular structures. The diffuser acts as a mediator that maintains treatment effectiveness while eliminating the harmful focal concentration of energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct application of energy in one dimension (focused beam) to distributed application across multiple dimensions by introducing a dispersive element. The light energy is spread across a larger surface area and at different angles, changing the dimensional distribution of energy delivery. This dimensional change ensures adequate treatment of the eyelid tissue while preventing concentration of energy that could reach and damage sensitive ocular structures behind the eyelid.
2Reliability
If light or RF energy is delivered to heat the Meibomian glands to stimulate secretion, then gland function is improved, but risk of overheating and damaging surrounding ocular surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a dispersive element that creates a non-uniform distribution of light energy across the treatment area. The energy density varies locally across the eyelid surface, with higher intensity in areas requiring more treatment and lower intensity in areas closer to sensitive ocular structures. This localized variation in energy quality allows effective gland stimulation while preventing overheating of vulnerable ocular surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispersive element serves as a thermal intermediary that modulates the heat transfer from the light source to the tissue. By scattering the light before it reaches the tissue, the diffuser prevents concentrated thermal energy from reaching and potentially damaging the cornea, lens, and retina, while still delivering sufficient thermal energy to the Meibomian glands to stimulate secretion.
3Ease of operation
If direct light application is used to treat the eyelid, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but risk of direct light entry into the cornea and exposure of eyelashes to energy (causing hair loss) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersive element is positioned between the light source and the eyelid, acting as a protective intermediary. This element scatters the light in multiple directions, preventing direct light paths from reaching the cornea and eyelashes. The intermediary maintains the simplicity of the overall treatment procedure while eliminating the need for complex positioning to avoid direct light exposure to sensitive structures.
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
This approach effectively treats dry eyes by stimulating gland secretion, reducing inflammation, and preventing damage to ocular surfaces, while ensuring safe and comfortable delivery of energy, thereby alleviating symptoms of dry eye and blepharitis.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a light source is for the purpose of generating heat, and causing photomodulation, so as to heat up the area of a Meibomian Gland
Implementation Method 2
the energy source being selected from among light sources, radio frequency (RF) sources and/or ultrasound (US) or other sources
Implementation Method 3
a shielding extension is provided on the extension and includes a thermally insulative material such that energy not absorbed by a target tissue is prevented from reaching ocular tissue located posterior to the eyelid
Implementation Method 4
the energy source being selected from among light sources, radio frequency (RF) sources and/or ultrasound (US) or other sources
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable/removable tip attachable on a distal end of a fiber bundle, allowing transmitting light energy from the fiber bundle to an eyelid and comprising a contact surface made of bio-compatible material, which allows to contact the eyelid and in addition an add-on device, comprising a fiber bundle, having a distal and proximal end, wherein a disposable/removable tip is attachable to the distal end, while the proximal end is connected to an optical coupler, designed for optical and/or energy coupling with a lightguide of a Meibomian gland expression (MGX) treatment device.