Pre-formed Intrastromal Corneal Insert for Keratoconus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intracorneal ring segments are inadequate in treating visual problems caused by Keratoconus and other corneal dystrophies due to insufficient flattening, reshaping, and increased light scattering, leading to halos, glare, and visual distortions when placed near or inside the visual pathway.
Innovation Solution
A pre-formed polymeric insert with a low light scattering design, comprising a full or semi-circular ring or arc-shaped segment made from high-modulus biocompatible polymers, which can be used alone or in multiples to encircle the cornea, with varying dimensions and shapes to minimize light diffraction and reshape the cornea effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional intracorneal ring segments are used to flatten and reshape the cornea, then the corneal structure is strengthened, but light scattering increases causing halos, glare, and visual distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of optical property modification by using materials with refractive indices matched to corneal tissue and designing surface treatments that minimize light scattering. The insert material is selected and engineered to have optical properties that reduce harmful light scattering while maintaining structural support function.
2Shape
If ring segments are placed near or inside the visual pathway to correct corneal deformity, then flattening effect is improved, but visual quality deteriorates due to increased light diffraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform thickness distribution in the insert, with varying refractive indices in different zones. The insert has different optical and mechanical properties in different regions to simultaneously achieve corneal flattening in the visual pathway while minimizing light scattering in the optical zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters by using materials with refractive indices matched to corneal tissue and designing surface treatments that minimize light scattering. The insert material properties are optimized to reduce harmful light scattering while maintaining structural support function.
3Measurement precision
If custom-made hard contact lenses are used for less severe Keratoconus cases, then visual correction is achieved, but patient comfort and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the correction function between the intracorneal insert (providing structural support and corneal reshaping) and the overlying epithelium (providing smooth optical surface). This segmentation eliminates the need for external contact lenses while achieving both visual correction and patient comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert for use in treating Keratoconus and similar dystrophies and methods of using the same. An intrastromal insert of the present invention comprises a biocompatible polymer and may be used to adjust corneal curvature, thereby correcting vision abnormalities caused by disease or other surgical procedures. The insert may be comprised of a circular or semi-circular ring shape or a portion of a ring, or “arc”, encircling the anterior cornea within the frontal circumference of the cornea. The insert may be used in multiples to form complete arcs or to form constructs of varying thicknesses. The insert of the present invention possesses a cross section that results in a low scattering level of light.