Ocular Laser Therapy System for Collagen Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Laser therapy systems for rejuvenating the eye's sclera and conjunctiva lack precision in stimulating collagen crosslinking and growth, often using broad UVA light beams that are not adapted to the microstructure of collagen, leading to increased cytotoxic effects and inadequate treatment control.
Innovation Solution
A Laser therapy system with a 3D imaging unit and image processing capabilities to detect collagen tissue structure, allowing for focused UVA light application with adaptable patterns that match the orientation and layers of collagen, reducing total UVA light energy and enhancing crosslinking and growth while integrating a second Laser source for varicose vessel disintegration and Laser Needling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If broad UVA light beams are used for collagen crosslinking, then treatment coverage is improved, but precision in stimulating collagen crosslinking and growth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broad UVA light beam into multiple focused light spots arranged in specific patterns (e.g., grids, arrays). Each focused spot targets specific collagen structures individually, allowing precise stimulation of crosslinking while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the collective action of multiple spots. This segmentation enables independent control of each treatment zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different light intensities, wavelengths, or exposure times to different regions of the treatment area based on local collagen characteristics. The system adapts the UVA light parameters to match the specific orientation, density, and layer of collagen in each localized region, optimizing crosslinking precision while maintaining overall treatment coverage.
2Reliability
If high UVA light energy is applied to achieve adequate collagen crosslinking, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but cytotoxic effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UVA light energy selectively to only those areas and structures that require collagen crosslinking, rather than uniformly irradiating the entire treatment area. By using focused light spots targeted at specific collagen bundles and layers, the system achieves adequate crosslinking effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary light exposure that would cause cytotoxic effects in surrounding healthy tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time monitoring of collagen response to UVA light exposure, adjusting the light energy delivery based on feedback signals. This allows the treatment to achieve effective crosslinking while automatically reducing energy input when sufficient crosslinking is detected, thereby minimizing cytotoxic effects from excessive energy application.
3Reliability
If conventional Laser therapy methods are used, then collagen rejuvenation is achieved, but control over treatment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic system where the UVA light spots can be moved, repositioned, and reconfigured in real-time based on the specific collagen architecture being treated. The focused light spots can adapt their positions, patterns, and intensities dynamically during treatment, providing precise control over which collagen structures are targeted and how they are stimulated, unlike static conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the treatment from two-dimensional surface application to three-dimensional volumetric treatment by focusing UVA light at different depths and angles. The system can target collagen structures in multiple layers and orientations within the tissue volume, providing precise spatial control that conventional surface-level Laser therapy cannot achieve.
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 system achieves precise collagen crosslinking and growth with reduced UVA light energy, minimizing cytotoxic effects, and allows for simultaneous treatment of varicose vessels, improving tissue strength and aesthetics, with potential benefits for refractive corrections.
Implementation Method 1
UVA light source (3), which is connected to the optical system (5), wherein the UVA light is controllably deflected and focused on a focus point (13) behind the aperture (8) and in the sclera and/or conjunctiva (21)
Implementation Method 2
another light source (4) being a Laser, generating another light with another wavelength and another intensity, wherein the other light is controllably deflected and focused on the focus point (13) behind the aperture (8) and in the sclera and/or conjunctiva (21)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a Laser therapy system and a method for treatment of a sclera/conjunctiva of an eye, comprising:a dispenser for a photosensitizer agent;a 3D imaging unit;an image processing unit being adapted to recognize the collagen tissue structure and to determine a thickness thereof;a UVA light source being adapted to a crosslinking of the collagen tissue;a second Laser light source being adapted to be absorbed mainly by varicose blood vessels;an optical system for deflecting and focusing the UVA light and the second Laser light on a focus point within the sclera/conjunctiva;a processing and control unit being adapted to determinea target thickness and a thickness deviation;a pattern for an application of the UVA light energy;a UVA light energy to effect a growth of the collagen tissue structure until the target thickness is achieved.