Microsphere Eye Lubricant for Longer Tear Film Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medicated eye drops provide temporary relief for dry eye symptoms but are quickly washed out by the tear drainage system, failing to maintain effective lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A mixture of microparticles coated with oil and sterile water forms a thermodynamically unstable emulsion that quickly separates upon application, supplemented by microspheres to enhance tear film lubrication and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If medicated eye drops are used to relieve dry eye symptoms, then eye lubrication and hydration are improved, but the effect is lost quickly as they are washed out by the tear drainage system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the lubricating agent by using microparticles (2-60 microns) coated with oil or lubricant. These microparticles are buoyant relative to water and can be suspended in the aqueous layer of the tear film, providing sustained lubrication that is not quickly washed out by the tear drainage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite microparticles consisting of a core material (such as polyethylene wax) coated with oil or lubricant. This composite structure allows the microparticles to provide both structural stability and lubricating function, extending the duration of action while resisting being washed out by tear drainage.
2Ease of operation
If oil and aqueous portion are mixed to form an emulsion for eye administration, then lubrication distribution is improved, but the emulsion is thermodynamically unstable and oil disassociates quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamically unstable emulsion that is designed to separate after application. The oil and aqueous portion are configured to form a thermodynamically unstable emulsion when agitated, which then naturally disassociates with oil rising to the surface. This dynamic behavior allows easy distribution upon application while accepting that the composition will change over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes periodic agitation before application to mix the oil and aqueous portion into an emulsion, followed by natural separation after application. This periodic mixing action ensures proper distribution when needed while allowing the system to return to its separated state, maintaining stability during storage.
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 solution provides sustained lubrication and improved distribution of lubricants and medicaments under the eyelids, reducing dry eye symptoms and enhancing tear film function.
Implementation Method 1
The microparticles are coated with oil or another lubricant
Implementation Method 2
The oil component and the aqueous portion can be configured so that when they are agitated to be mixed they form a thermodynamically unstable emulsion in which the oil is suspended (and not bound) as droplets within the water
Implementation Method 3
at least 50% of the oil disassociates from sterile water within 30 seconds or one or two minutes of being agitated to form the thermodynamically unstable emulsion
Implementation Method 4
The microparticles can be buoyant relative to water, and in particular buoyant relative to an aqueous part of a user's tear film
Data Source
AI summary
A mixture for enhancing eye lubrication comprises a plurality of microspheres having diameters ranging from about 5-40 microns combined with an aqueous component comprising water. The microspheres can be coated with oil. When the mixture is applied to the surface of a user's eyes, the microparticles will enhance lubrication during blinking and partially lift eyelids so that other components of the mixture can be better distributed beneath the eyelids. An oil can be added to the mixture. Preferably the oil is configured so that, when the mixture is agitated, it forms a temporary, thermodynamically unstable emulsion from which the oil quickly disassociates when the mixture is applied to the eye. The oil thus is quickly available to enhance lubrication performance.