Pulsed Light Corneal Cross-Linking for Oxygen Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye therapies for reshaping the cornea, such as LASIK and thermokeratoplasty, face challenges in determining and stabilizing the desired reshaping of the cornea effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system for dynamically controlling corneal cross-linking using a pulsed light source with adjustable irradiance, dose, and on/off duty cycle, combined with a delivery device for oxygen, to apply a cross-linking agent like Riboflavin, optimizing parameters for precise corneal stiffening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous light irradiation is used for corneal cross-linking, then cross-linking efficiency is improved, but oxygen depletion occurs leading to reduced treatment precision and potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed light irradiation instead of continuous irradiation. The system delivers light in controlled pulses with specific duty cycles (e.g., 10% to 90% duty cycle), allowing oxygen to replenish during off-periods while maintaining cross-linking efficiency during on-periods. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by enabling high cross-linking rates without sustained oxygen depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts light irradiation parameters including pulse duration, interval, and duty cycle based on real-time oxygen levels and treatment requirements. The system transitions from static continuous irradiation to dynamic pulsed irradiation, adapting the treatment regimen to maintain optimal oxygen concentrations while achieving desired cross-linking outcomes.
2Loss of time
If high irradiance is applied to achieve desired cross-linking, then treatment time is reduced, but control precision over cross-linking amount deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls irradiance levels through pulsed delivery with adjustable parameters (pulse width, frequency, duty cycle). This allows the system to achieve high total energy delivery (reducing treatment time) while maintaining precise control over the cross-linking amount through parameter modulation, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the total light dose into multiple discrete pulses rather than delivering it as a single continuous exposure. This segmentation allows precise control over the cumulative cross-linking effect while reducing total treatment time, as each pulse can be optimized independently and oxygen can replenish between pulses.
3Manufacturing precision
If pulsed light with oxygen delivery is used, then cross-linking precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single system: the light source delivers both the cross-linking irradiation and the pulsing control, while the oxygen delivery system serves both to maintain oxygen levels and enable the pulsed operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex subsystems, mitigating the increase in device complexity while achieving precise cross-linking control.
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
Enhances the stability and strength of corneal tissue by achieving precise and efficient cross-linking, reducing treatment time, and allowing for targeted shape changes in the cornea.
Implementation Method 1
a pulsed light source configured to activate the cross-linking agent
Implementation Method 2
a delivery device configured to provide oxygen to a surface of the cornea
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for controlling activation of Riboflavin applied to an eye includes applying the Riboflavin to a selected region of a cornea of the eye and initiating cross-linking activity in the selected region by activating the Riboflavin with pulsed light illumination. The pulsed light illumination has an irradiance, dose, and an on/off duty cycle. The irradiance, the dose, and the on/off duty cycle are adjusted in response to a determination of photochemical kinetic pathways for Riboflavin cross-linking activity and to control photochemical efficiency.