Pressurized Goggle for Intraocular Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glaucoma treatments, primarily eye drop medications and invasive surgeries, face challenges with patient compliance and high complication rates, necessitating a non-invasive method to modify intraocular pressure (IOP).
Innovation Solution
The development of goggles with pressure-altering mechanisms, using a portable or remote pump system, to create a pressure differential that can either increase or decrease IOP by sealing against the eye sockets, allowing for controlled pressure modulation to affect the trabecular meshwork and anterior ciliary veins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eye drop medication is used to treat glaucoma, then intraocular pressure can be reduced, but patient compliance deteriorates due to the need for lifelong daily administration
Solution Approach 1:
The goggle system automatically regulates intraocular pressure through an integrated pump and pressure sensor that continuously monitor and adjust pressure without requiring patient intervention, eliminating the need for daily manual eye drop administration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of manual eye drop administration with an automated electromechanical pressure regulation system that uses a pump, pressure sensor, and control circuit to maintain therapeutic pressure levels
2Reliability
If invasive surgery is performed to modify intraocular pressure, then treatment effectiveness improves, but complication rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The goggle system introduces an external pressure medium (air or gas) as an intermediary to transmit pressure to the eye through a seal, avoiding direct invasive contact with ocular tissues while still achieving effective pressure modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible seal member that conforms to the contour of the eye to create a pressure-tight barrier, allowing external pressure to be transmitted to the eye without penetrating or damaging ocular structures
3Reliability
If eye drop medication is administered, then intraocular pressure can be controlled, but side effects occur affecting eye health
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical pharmacological agents with a purely mechanical pressure regulation system that physically adjusts intraocular pressure through external pressure application, eliminating all medication-related side effects
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 allows for effective IOP modification without invasive therapies, improving patient compliance and reducing morbidity, with potential benefits for glaucoma and related conditions by resuming normal metabolic functions in the optic nerve.
Implementation Method 1
when the means to alter pressure is actuated, a pressure differential from atmospheric pressure can be created and maintained inside the one or more goggle cavities and over one or both of the eyes
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies and methods for modifying an intraocular pressure of a patient's one or both eyes are disclosed. The assemblies and methods can be used to treat, inhibit, or prevent ocular conditions such as glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, optic disc edema, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, zero-gravity induced papilledema, and other optic pressure related conditions. An assembly can include a goggle including at least one cavity, a pump in fluid communication with the at least one cavity, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism can be operatively coupled to the pump and can maintain a target pressure or target pressure range in the at least one cavity, which, when the assembly is worn by a patient, is the area between a patient's eye(s) and wall surfaces of the goggle. Controlling the pressure over the outer surfaces of the patient's eye(s) can drive a desired change in the intraocular pressure of the eye(s).