Ophthalmic Solution UV-A and UV-B Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Repeated exposure to ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation causes eye damage, including conjunctivitis, photokeratitis, and increased sensitivity to UV radiation, leading to potential cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, as the human ocular system lacks tolerance to such exposure.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic solution containing UV-A and UV-B absorbers like avobenzone and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, along with a viscosity building agent, is applied to the eye to absorb UV-A and UV-B radiation and filter out high-energy visible (HEV) light, maintaining a pH between 6.4 and 8.4 and viscosity between 1 and 100 cps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the eye is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, then the ocular system lacks tolerance and develops damage, but applying protective measures is needed to prevent conjunctivitis, photokeratitis, and cataracts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (ophthalmic solution containing UV filters) between the harmful UV radiation and the eye tissues. This mediator absorbs and blocks UV radiation before it can damage the cornea and retina, preventing conjunctivitis, photokeratitis, and cataracts without interfering with normal visual function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful UV radiation into a beneficial effect by using UV-absorbing compounds that transform the harmful energy into harmless forms. The UV filters in the ophthalmic solution absorb UV photons and dissipate the energy as heat or through photoisomerization, turning the harmful radiation into a protective mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cornea is damaged or replaced, then the eye becomes extremely sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, but the retina becomes exposed to harmful radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by administering the UV-absorbing ophthalmic solution before UV exposure can cause damage. This preventive approach ensures that the retina is protected from UV radiation even when the cornea is damaged or replaced, as the filters are present in the aqueous humor and on the ocular surface to block radiation before it reaches sensitive tissues.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If high-energy visible light is absorbed, then oxidative damage to the eye increases, but the lens and retina may show irreversible changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces UV-absorbing compounds as intermediary substances that selectively block harmful wavelengths while allowing beneficial light to pass. These intermediaries are positioned in the aqueous humor and on the ocular surface to intercept UV radiation before it can cause oxidative damage to the lens and retina, preventing irreversible changes.
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 solution effectively absorbs UV-A and UV-B radiation and filters HEV light, reducing eye damage by minimizing exposure to harmful wavelengths, thereby protecting the cornea and retina from UV-induced damage.
Implementation Method 1
the ophthalmic solution comprises a UV-A absorber and a UV-B absorber... to absorb UV-A and UV-B radiation that comes in contact with an eye
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic solution is provided. The ophthalmic solution includes an ultraviolet-A absorber and an ultraviolet-B absorber. The ophthalmic solution has a viscosity of between about 1 and 100 cps. The ophthalmic solution can be used to absorb ultraviolet radiation in the eye.