Levodopa Antioxidant Eye Drops for Local Myopia Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for myopia, such as optical approaches and pharmaceutical agents, have limited effectiveness and are hindered by adverse effects, while increasing outdoor time is restricted by climate and social factors, necessitating a new therapy to inhibit myopia development or progression.

Innovation Solution

Aqueous formulations of levodopa combined with an antioxidant are administered topically to elevate intraocular dopamine levels, inhibiting myopia progression by penetrating ocular tissues and avoiding systemic dopamine elevation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If oral administration of levodopa is used to elevate dopamine levels, then dopamine levels in the central nervous system are elevated, but systemic distribution causes undesirable elevation in the brain and requires large doses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelevodopa doseVSAvoidsystemic dopamine elevation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the delivery system by using a contact lens that locally delivers levodopa directly to the ocular tissues, separating the treatment site from systemic circulation. This localized delivery achieves high intraocular dopamine levels without requiring large systemic doses that would cause brain elevation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact lens acts as an intermediary device that converts levodopa into dopamine locally within the ocular tissues through enzymatic conversion by dopa decarboxylase present in the eye. This intermediary mechanism allows targeted dopamine generation without systemic administration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If atropine is used to reduce myopia progression, then the rate of myopia progression is reduced, but posttreatment rebound effects and significant short- and long-term adverse effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemyopia progression reductionVSAvoidadverse effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the pharmacological parameter from muscarinic antagonism (atropine) to dopaminergic stimulation (levodopa). This parameter change achieves myopia progression reduction through a different mechanism that does not produce the rebound effects and adverse effects associated with atropine

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The contact lens is designed as a disposable device that is worn for a limited period (typically one day) and then discarded. This short-living approach eliminates the need for long-term pharmacological treatment and associated adverse effects, providing a safe, temporary intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If time spent outdoors in bright light is increased to protect against myopia, then protective effect is achieved, but geographical location and climate restrictions prevent sufficient light levels or exposure time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemyopia protectionVSAvoidgeographical and climate adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential protective factor (dopamine elevation) from its natural source (outdoor bright light exposure) and delivers it directly to the ocular tissues through levodopa administration. This extraction allows myopia protection to be achieved independently of geographical location, climate, or outdoor exposure opportunities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If optical approaches are used to treat myopia, then some long-term effect on myopia progression is achieved, but the effect is limited to no long-term effect and does not prevent onset

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term effectVSAvoidmyopia progression reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact lens copies the protective effect of outdoor light exposure by delivering levodopa that is converted to dopamine, replicating the neurochemical changes that occur during outdoor exposure. This copying mechanism provides reliable long-term protection without requiring actual outdoor exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

The composition effectively inhibits myopia progression by elevating intraocular dopamine levels, offering a safer and more effective alternative to existing treatments with reduced adverse effects.

Implementation Method 1

aqueous formulations of levodopa in combination with an antioxidant can penetrate ocular tissues and significantly elevate intraocular dopamine levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPenetration: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

aqueous formulations of levodopa in combination with an antioxidant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation inhibition: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3442516B1Ophthalmic compositions comprising levodopa, an antioxidant and an aqueous carrier

Publication Date: 2025.11.12 UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA

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AI summary

Disclosed are compositions comprising levodopa and an antioxidant for inhibiting the development or progression of visual disorders inclusive of visual disorders associated with diabetic retinopathy or Parkinson's disease, and myopia.