Ophthalmic Stimulator for Temporary Pupil Constriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for improving vision in presbyopia, such as surgical implants and pharmacological treatments, come with risks like inflammation, infection, and permanent pupil constriction, or require frequent medication with side effects, while existing non-pharmacological solutions lack reversibility and control over pupil shape.
Innovation Solution
A system using an irradiation control system, source, and delivery system to apply patterned irradiation to the iris, temporarily constricting the pupil by heating the iris dilator muscle to a specific temperature range, thereby reducing its activity without causing permanent damage, allowing for reversible and controlled vision improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If surgical implants (small aperture corneal inlays, reduced-aperture intraocular lenses) are used to improve vision, then depth of field is increased and near vision is improved, but the risk of inflammation, infection, and permanent displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical implants with a non-contact laser irradiation system. Instead of physically inserting aperture-constraining devices into the eye, the invention uses patterned laser irradiation to temporarily constrict the pupil through thermal effects on the iris dilator muscle, thereby eliminating surgical risks while achieving the same optical effect of increased depth of field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the iris dilator muscle through controlled thermal parameters. By delivering laser irradiation that heats the muscle tissue to a specific temperature range (above physiological temperature but below tissue damage threshold), the muscle function is temporarily altered to cause pupil constriction without permanent structural changes
2Duration of action of moving object
If pharmacological methods (pilocarpine drops) are used to constrict the pupil, then vision is temporarily improved, but frequent instillation is required and side effects such as headaches occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical pharmacological agents with physical laser irradiation. Instead of requiring repeated administration of pilocarpine eye drops, a single or limited number of laser irradiation sessions produce prolonged pupil constriction effects, eliminating the need for frequent patient intervention and avoiding chemical side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic laser irradiation at controlled intervals to achieve sustained pupil constriction. The treatment protocol involves delivering energy in specific temporal patterns that produce lasting effects without requiring continuous or frequent re-application, unlike daily or multiple-times-daily medication schedules
3Duration of action of moving object
If laser cauterization is used to permanently constrict the pupil, then vision improvement is achieved, but the constriction is permanent and iris function is permanently damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the thermal parameters of laser irradiation to achieve temporary rather than permanent effects. By limiting the temperature increase to a specific range and controlling irradiation duration, the muscle function is modulated temporarily without causing irreversible tissue damage, allowing the pupil to return to its original state after a period
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic, reversible system where pupil constriction can be temporarily induced and then naturally reverses. The laser treatment temporarily alters muscle function without permanent structural changes, providing adaptability that allows the eye to adjust over time and offering the possibility of repeated treatments if needed
4Duration of action of moving object
If laser cauterization is used to constrict the pupil, then vision is improved, but the pupil shape becomes irregular and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies laser irradiation to specific localized regions of the iris dilator muscle with precise spatial control. By targeting only the necessary portions of the muscle and using controlled beam patterns, the treatment achieves pupil constriction while maintaining regular, symmetric pupil shape and avoiding the irregular contours that result from uncontrolled cauterization
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 provides a temporary and reversible improvement in vision by reducing pupil diameter, extending depth of focus, while avoiding the risks of surgical implants and medication side effects, with controlled temperature and duration to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
temporarily constricting the pupil by heating the iris dilator muscle to a specific temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic stimulator for temporarily constricting a pupil of an eye comprises an irradiation control system, to generate an irradiation control signal, an irradiation source, coupled to the irradiation control system, to generate an irradiation, and an irradiation delivery system, coupled to the irradiation control system, to receive the irradiation from the irradiation source, and to deliver a patterned irradiation to an iris of the eye, wherein the irradiation control system controls at least one of the irradiation source and the irradiation delivery system with the irradiation control signal so that the patterned irradiation causes a temporary constriction of the pupil of the eye, without causing a permanent constriction of the pupil.