Porous Polymeric Scleral Patch for Myopia Progression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for myopia, particularly high myopia, lack effective methods to halt progression, and existing surgical options are invasive and not approved for myopic progression cessation, posing challenges in managing the increasing global incidence and associated vision-threatening complications.

Innovation Solution

A synthetic ophthalmic device with a porous polymeric structure in the shape of a truncated hemisphere is used to fortify the sclera, providing reinforcement through fibroblast growth and collagen embedding, thereby preventing eye elongation and myopic progression, and can be designed as a non-degradable or biodegradable patch with a posterior anchoring band for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical and pharmacological treatment options are used to slow myopia progression, then progression reduction is achieved with favorable side effect profile, but FDA approval for myopia progression cessation is not obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in slowing myopia progressionVSAvoidlack of FDA approval

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A porous polymeric patch acts as an intermediary device placed on the sclera to physically reinforce the eye wall, mediating between the need for scleral strengthening and the limitations of current approved treatments. The patch serves as a bridge between unapproved but effective methods and regulatory requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a porous polymeric structure that allows tissue ingrowth and integration while providing mechanical reinforcement. The porous nature facilitates fibroblast migration and collagen deposition, enabling the patch to become integrated with the sclera while maintaining its reinforcement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If invasive surgical methods are used to fortify the sclera, then myopic progression cessation may be achieved, but the methods are not approved by FDA and carry higher risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepotential to halt myopia progressionVSAvoidinvasiveness and lack of approval

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin film patch structure that can be non-invasively applied to the sclera. This flexible, thin-film approach replaces invasive surgical methods while achieving the same goal of scleral fortification through a less aggressive, potentially approvable technique.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical surgical procedures with a passive mechanical reinforcement system. Instead of surgically altering the sclera, a pre-fabricated porous patch provides the necessary mechanical support to prevent excessive eye elongation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If a porous polymeric patch is used to fortify the sclera, then scleral strengthening is achieved through fibroblast growth and collagen embedding, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescleral fortificationVSAvoidporous polymeric structure design

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The porous polymeric structure is designed with controlled porosity to facilitate biological integration. The pores allow fibroblasts to migrate into the patch and deposit collagen, naturally strengthening the sclera without requiring complex active components. The porosity itself is the key feature enabling biological reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patch represents a composite structure combining synthetic polymeric material with biological elements (fibroblasts and collagen). This composite approach allows the synthetic portion to provide initial structural support while the biological components progressively strengthen the tissue over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 device effectively strengthens the sclera, reducing myopic progression and associated complications like choroidal neovascularization and macular thinning, offering a non-invasive solution that can slow or halt myopia progression, with potential applications beyond myopia in treating other ocular conditions.

Implementation Method 1

providing reinforcement through fibroblast growth and collagen embedding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFibroblast growth:

Implementation Method 2

providing reinforcement through fibroblast growth and collagen embedding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollagen embedding:

Data Source

PatentUS20220339323A1Graft patch for the treatment of myopia and ophthalmic conditions

Publication Date: 2022.10.27 CORNEAT VISION LTD

AI summary

The invention provides a synthetic ophthalmic device comprising a porous polymeric structure; wherein said structure is in the shape of a truncated hemisphere and uses thereof in the treatment of ophthalmic conditions, diseases and syndromes.