Ocular Tissue Cross-Linking Device with Inhomogeneous Radiation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cross-linking therapies for ocular tissues, such as the cornea and sclera, face challenges in achieving targeted and precise biomechanical changes due to complex dependencies between radiation dose, intensity, distribution, and photosensitizer concentration, which can lead to undesired effects and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A device that allows for inhomogeneous distribution of electromagnetic radiation, specifically UV radiation, over the ocular tissue surface, adjusting radiation flux density to achieve desired biomechanical changes by considering the angle of incidence and reflection, using optical elements like neutral density filters, refractive elements, and liquid crystal panels to ensure homogeneous cross-linking across the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If homogeneous radiation distribution is used in cross-linking therapy, then the treatment simplicity is improved, but the manufacturing precision of desired biomechanical changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using optical elements (neutral density filters, refractive elements, liquid crystal panels) to create inhomogeneous radiation flux density distributions across the ocular tissue. This allows different regions of the tissue to receive different radiation doses, enabling precise control over where cross-linking occurs and what biomechanical properties are achieved in each location, thereby resolving the contradiction between treatment simplicity and precision of biomechanical changes.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex optical elements are used to adjust radiation distribution, then the manufacturing precision of cross-linking is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical elements as intermediaries between the radiation source and the ocular tissue. These intermediaries (neutral density filters, refractive elements, liquid crystal panels) modify the radiation flux density distribution without requiring direct complex mechanical or computational control systems, thereby achieving precise cross-linking distribution while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If higher radiation intensity is used to achieve desired cross-linking, then the productivity of treatment is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by spatially distributing the radiation intensity through optical elements. Different regions of the ocular tissue receive optimized radiation doses - sufficient to achieve effective cross-linking where needed, but not excessive to cause tissue damage. This resolves the contradiction by enabling productive treatment while minimizing harmful effects through localized dose control.
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
Enables precise and targeted modification of ocular tissue biomechanical properties, stabilizing the cornea and sclera, reducing bulging, and improving vision without the risks associated with conventional transplants, while ensuring safe and effective treatment by controlling radiation depth and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensitizer introduced into the ocular tissue, the biomechanical properties of the ocular tissue being changed by the crosslinking by means of a photosensitizer introduced into the ocular tissue, with means for radiating the electromagnetic radiation into the Tissue, with the irradiated electromagnetic radiation activating the photosensitizer for cross-linking
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A device for inducing a change in the biomechanical properties of ocular tissue, into which a photosensitizer 14 is introduced, comprises means 18, 20 for irradiating electromagnetic radiation 12' into the tissue, which reacts with the photosensitizer to generate cross-linking. The means for adjustment allow for an inhomogeneous distribution of the radiation flux density in the tissue and an adjustment of the depth of action 16'.