Ophthalmic Spray Formulation for Dry Eye Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for dry eye, such as artificial tears and cyclosporine A compositions, can be difficult to administer, especially for individuals with physical or visual limitations, and may cause visual blurring due to high viscosity, while lower viscosity options are less effective.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic composition comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), mineral oil, and sterile water is administered as a spray, providing improved viscosity and ease of use, including for those with limitations, and serving as a lubricant and delivery vehicle for therapeutic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher viscosity products are used for more severe forms of dry eye, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but visual blurring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the ophthalmic composition by transforming it from liquid/drop form to aerosol spray form. This parameter change allows the composition to be delivered as fine mist particles that evaporate quickly, providing therapeutic effectiveness without the prolonged visual blurring associated with higher viscosity liquid products.
2Ease of operation
If eye cup or dropper methods are used for self-administration, then treatment can be provided, but difficulty in administration occurs for individuals with physical or visual limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The spray device is designed for self-service administration where the user simply activates the spray mechanism themselves. The aerosol plume automatically targets the eye area, eliminating the need for manual dropper control or eye cup positioning, thereby enabling consistent dosing even for users with physical or visual limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control required by droppers and eye cups with an aerosol delivery system that uses pneumatic principles. The spray mechanism automatically disperses the composition as a plume, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with a simpler pneumatic delivery system that is easier to control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If artificial tears with viscoelastic materials are used, then tear film stabilization is achieved, but limited therapeutic effect occurs due to physical and physiological differences from mucin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the primary viscoelastic agent, combined with other ophthalmically acceptable ingredients. This composite formulation provides tear film stabilization while improving therapeutic effectiveness compared to single-ingredient artificial tears, addressing the limitation of physical and physiological differences from natural mucin.
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 spray formulation enhances adherence to the cornea, improves administration ease, and provides effective lubrication with minimal visual blurring, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including those with physical or visual impairments.
Implementation Method 1
The spray formulation enhances adherence to the cornea
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic composition for administration as a spray to the eye is provided. The ophthalmic composition comprises a lubricant comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), mineral oil, and sterile water. The ophthalmic composition is also configured as a delivery vehicle for administration of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals to the eye. A method of treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca by administering the ophthalmic composition is also provided.