Ophthalmic Composition for Corneal Edema Reduction and Tissue Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmic compositions do not effectively address corneal edema and tissue preservation, particularly in the context of ocular surgeries and contact lens wear, where lubrication, deturgescence, and protection of ocular tissues are critical.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmic composition comprising glycerol, dextran, chondroitin sulfate, and water, optionally with a buffer and tonicity modulating agents, which provides lubrication, deturgescence, and protection to ocular tissues, including a method for preserving corneal tissue by immersion in this solution before implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ophthalmic compositions are used, then basic lubrication is provided, but corneal edema is not effectively reduced and tissue preservation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorneal edema reduction effectivenessVSAvoidcomposition formulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by formulating an ophthalmic composition containing multiple active ingredients: glycerol (0.1-5.0%) as osmotic agent, dextran (0.1-10.0%) as deturgescent agent, and chondroitin sulfate (0.1-5.0%) as protective agent. This multi-component composite formulation synergistically addresses corneal edema reduction and tissue preservation, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-ingredient compositions while maintaining manageable formulation complexity through established pharmaceutical excipients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the concentration ranges of each ingredient to achieve effective corneal edema reduction. Specifically, glycerol at 0.1-5.0% provides osmotic gradient for fluid removal, dextran at 0.1-10.0% enhances deturgescence through molecular size effects, and chondroitin sulfate at 0.1-5.0% offers protective benefits. These parameter optimizations transform basic lubrication into effective edema management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If ophthalmic compositions provide sustained lubrication and protection, then ocular tissue health is supported, but the composition requires multiple ingredients with specific concentration ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of lubrication and protectionVSAvoidnumber of ingredients and concentration specifications
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional ophthalmic composition where each ingredient serves multiple purposes: glycerol provides both lubrication and osmotic deturgescence, dextran contributes to viscosity enhancement and deturgescence, and chondroitin sulfate offers protective and lubricating benefits. This multi-functionality approach extends the duration of action for lubrication and tissue protection while consolidating multiple functions into a single comprehensive formulation rather than requiring separate products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If corneal tissue is preserved through immersion in liquid composition, then successful implantation is facilitated, but the preservation method requires controlled temperature and volume parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue preservation effectivenessVSAvoidoperational complexity of preservation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a standardized corneal preservation protocol using the ophthalmic composition. The method specifies immersing corneal tissue in 50-500 mL of the composition at controlled temperatures (2-25°C) for a defined period before implantation. This preliminary preservation action ensures tissue viability and structural integrity are maintained, facilitating successful implantation while providing clear operational guidelines that balance effectiveness with ease of execution in clinical settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 composition effectively reduces corneal edema, enhances comfort during contact lens wear, and supports ocular tissue health by providing sustained lubrication and protection, facilitating successful ocular surgeries and tissue preservation.

Implementation Method 1

The lubricant is preferably glycerol, although other lubricants may be used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

The deturgescent agent is preferably dextran, although other deturgescent agents may be used including, but not limited to, dextran sulfate, NaCl, dextrose, sucrose, other sugars, and combinations thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOsmotic pressure: Osmotic Pressure

Data Source

PatentUS9233123B1Use of ophthalmic compositions including lubricant, deturgescent agent, and glycosaminoglycan
Publication Date: 2016.01.12 LINDSTROM RICHARD L

AI summary

Ophthalmic compositions including lubricant agent, deturgescent agent, glycosaminoglycan, and water are used to preserve tissue in vitro; for example, ocular tissue, especially a cornea, thereby facilitating subsequent transplant, especially of a complete cornea. Preferably, the ophthalmic composition and tissue are stored at about 0° C. to about 40° C. The ophthalmic solution may be replaced on either a continuous basis or batch exchanged. The volume of ophthalmic solution per individual cornea being preserved would be from about 50 ml to about 500 ml.