Ophthalmic Light Control for Oxygen-Safe Corneal Cross-Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic treatments for strengthening corneal and scleral collagen are inefficient in maintaining oxygen levels during photochemical cross-linking, leading to hypoxic conditions that can damage the eye and limit the effectiveness of collagen cross-linking.
Innovation Solution
The system employs discontinuous, adjustable, and patterned light projection, combined with oxygen and photosensitizer monitoring, to control oxygen consumption and replenishment, using multi-wavelength light sources and optical heads for precise treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous light projection is used for photochemical cross-linking, then treatment efficiency is improved, but oxygen consumption increases leading to hypoxic conditions that damage the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using discontinuous light projection with alternating treatment phases and oxygen replenishment phases. The light source is pulsed or modulated to provide treatment light during treatment phases and allow oxygen replenishment during interruption phases, preventing hypoxic conditions while maintaining effective cross-linking treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light projection adjustable and controllable rather than continuous and fixed. The system dynamically adjusts light intensity, wavelength, and projection timing based on real-time oxygen level monitoring and treatment requirements, optimizing both treatment efficiency and oxygen management.
2Strength
If high intensity light is used for cross-linking, then collagen strengthening is improved, but oxygen depletion accelerates causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring oxygen levels in the eye during treatment and using this information to adjust light intensity and projection parameters. The system continuously measures oxygen concentration and modifies the treatment light characteristics to maintain optimal oxygen levels while achieving effective collagen cross-linking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting multiple light parameters including intensity, wavelength, and duty cycle based on treatment phase and oxygen levels. The system changes these parameters dynamically to balance collagen strengthening effectiveness with oxygen conservation, using lower intensities during oxygen-replenishment phases.
3Reliability
If discontinuous light projection is used to maintain oxygen levels, then eye safety is improved, but treatment duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that oxygen replenishment during light interruption phases is efficient and rapid. The system uses optimized interruption timing and oxygen delivery mechanisms to minimize the duration of non-treatment periods while still achieving adequate oxygen replenishment, thus reducing total treatment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-oxygenating the ocular tissue before initiating high-intensity treatment light and preparing oxygen delivery systems in advance. This preliminary preparation reduces the time needed for oxygen replenishment during treatment phases, thereby shortening overall treatment duration while maintaining safety.
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
This approach enhances collagen cross-linking by maintaining optimal oxygen levels, reducing the risk of eye damage, and allowing customized refractive changes, improving vision correction outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
ophthalmic treatment systems for photochemical corneal and/or scleral collagen cross-linking using riboflavin as a photosensitizer, comprising: a light source device comprising a light source array; at least one optical treatment head operatively coupled to the light source device, and configured to provide at least one treatment light comprising UVA light or a combination of UVA and blue light
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary light source characterized in that the auxiliary light source is configured to be turned on with the at least one treatment light entering a period of discontinued treatment light, wherein the auxiliary light source has a wavelength in the visible light spectrum that is not highly absorbed by riboflavin
Implementation Method 3
photochemical corneal and/or scleral collagen cross-linking using riboflavin as a photosensitizer
Data Source
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AI summary
Ophthalmic treatment systems and methods of using the systems are disclosed. The ophthalmic treatment systems include (a) a light source device; (b) at least one optical treatment head operatively coupled to the light source device, comprising a light source array, and providing at least one treatment light; and (c) a light control device, which (i) provides patterned or discontinuous treatment light projection onto an eye (e.g., the cornea and/or sclera of an eye); or (ii) adjusts intensity of part or all of the light source array, providing adjusted intensity treatment light projection onto an eye (e.g., the cornea and/or sclera of an eye). The at least one treatment light promotes corneal and/or scleral collagen cross-linking.