Ocular Iontophoresis Device Segmented Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ocular iontophoresis devices struggle to simultaneously treat the cornea and sclera effectively due to their differing intrinsic properties, with the cornea imposing limitations on medication delivery and current density.
Innovation Solution
An ocular iontophoresis device with a reservoir and two electrodes, one annular-shaped for the sclera and one disk-shaped for the cornea, allowing independent control of current densities to accommodate the unique properties of each tissue, ensuring safe and effective delivery of medications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electrode is used to treat both cornea and sclera, then the device structure is simple, but the treatment effectiveness is reduced due to different tissue properties requiring different current densities
Solution Approach 1:
The single electrode is divided into two separate electrodes: a first electrode for treating the sclera and a second electrode for treating the cornea. This segmentation allows each electrode to be optimized for its specific target tissue, enabling independent control of current density and treatment parameters to match the distinct physiological properties of each ocular layer.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode is designed with specific local characteristics: the first electrode has parameters optimized for scleral tissue (higher current density tolerance), while the second electrode has parameters optimized for corneal tissue (lower current density tolerance). This local quality differentiation ensures that each tissue receives the appropriate treatment intensity without compromising the other.
2Productivity
If high current density is applied to treat the sclera, then the sclera treatment is effective, but the cornea may be damaged due to its lower current density tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the treatment areas into distinct electrodes, the device can apply high current density through the first electrode to the sclera without exposing the cornea to harmful levels. The second electrode independently controls current density to the cornea at safe levels, preventing tissue damage while maintaining scleral treatment efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode acts as an intermediary that delivers higher current density treatment to the sclera while the second electrode serves as a protective intermediary for the cornea, limiting its exposure to safe current levels. This intermediary arrangement allows aggressive treatment of the sclera without compromising corneal safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low current density is applied to protect the cornea, then the cornea is safe, but the sclera treatment is insufficient due to its higher current density requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented electrode design allows the second electrode to protect the cornea with low current density while the first electrode simultaneously delivers high current density to the sclera for effective treatment. This segmentation resolves the trade-off by enabling both protective and therapeutic functions to operate at their optimal current levels independently.
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 simultaneous and sequential treatment of the cornea and sclera with tailored current densities, enhancing medication delivery while preventing tissue damage, thus improving ocular surface health and medication efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The principle of ocular iontophoresis is applying an electric field to an electrolytic substance containing at least one medication, in order to transport the medication(s) into the body or the organ to be treated, via the biological membranes of the eye.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an ocular iontophoresis device (10) for delivering at least one active substance to an eyeball (100), comprising: - a reservoir (13) configured for receiving at least one active substance, - a wall (11) comprising a circular distal end (14) configured for being positioned on an ocular surface (101) of the eyeball and surrounding the cornea (102) and a part of the sclera (103) of the eyeball (100), - a first electrode (15) configured to be positioned in front of the part of the sclera (103) which is surrounded by the wall when the wall is in place on said ocular surface, said first electrode being configured for delivering a first current density to at least one active substance of the reservoir, - a second electrode (16) configured to be positioned in front of the cornea when the wall is in place on said ocular surface, said second electrode being configured for delivering a second current density to at least one active substance of the reservoir, and - at least one controller (17, 18) for independently controlling said first and second electrodes.