Ocular Electrolysis Device for Continuous Intraocular Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for glaucoma, such as medications and surgeries, are limited by physiologic variations in intraocular pressure, are expensive, and pose risks of complications, making them inaccessible to many and ineffective at controlling pressure throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
An ocular electrolysis device with a diverting tube, electrolysis chamber, pressure sensor, and electrodes that regulate electrolysis based on intraocular pressure to convert aqueous humor into gases, which dissipate, thereby controlling intraocular pressure continuously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If medications are used to lower intraocular pressure, then pressure reduction is achieved during daytime, but the effect dissipates during nocturnal hours when pressure is highest
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic electrolysis cycles activated by pressure sensors to continuously manage intraocular pressure throughout the day and night, replacing the single-dose periodic action of medications with multiple daily electrolysis treatment cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically activates electrolysis when pressure sensors detect elevated intraocular pressure, eliminating the need for patient compliance with medication timing and providing self-regulating continuous pressure management
2Reliability
If pharmacologic and surgical treatments are implemented, then glaucoma management is achieved, but costs increase and accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex surgical mechanical systems with an electrolysis-based chemical process, simplifying the treatment mechanism while maintaining effectiveness and reducing implementation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical-chemical parameters of aqueous humor through electrolysis, transforming it into a gas to reduce volume and pressure, providing a different therapeutic mechanism than traditional medications or surgeries
3Stress or pressure
If traditional glaucoma treatments are applied, then pressure reduction is achieved, but risks of complications such as hypotony and infection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses an intermediary electrolysis chamber and gas-permeable membrane to separate the treatment process from the eye, allowing aqueous humor to be converted to gas outside the eye before dissipation, reducing direct exposure risks
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a disposable or replaceable electrolysis chamber that can be sterilized or replaced, minimizing infection risk from repeated use and eliminating the need for long-term implantation of complex surgical devices
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 device provides continuous control of intraocular pressure, reducing the need for frequent treatments and minimizing complications by converting aqueous humor into gases that dissipate, thus maintaining stable pressure levels.
Implementation Method 1
electrolysis applied in a regulated manner to reduce aqueous humor and control the level of intraocular pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An ocular electrolysis device is described that may include a diverting tube configured for insertion into an eye. The ocular electrolysis device may include an electrolysis chamber mechanically attached to the diverting tube such that aqueous humor from the eye enters the electrolysis chamber through the diverting tube. The ocular electrolysis device may include a pressure sensor located in the electrolysis chamber. The ocular electrolysis device may include a pair of electrodes located in the electrolysis chamber. The ocular electrolysis device may include a controller electrically connected to the pair of the electrodes and the pressure sensor, where the controller regulates electrolysis of the aqueous humor in the electrolysis chamber based on input from the pressure sensor through power levels at the pair of electrodes. Monitored reduction of aqueous humor by electrolysis regulates the control of intraocular pressure.