PVDF Corneal Insert for Reversible Eye Color Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for changing eye color and normalizing iris function are invasive, riskier due to irregular astigmatism caused by non-uniform layer thickness and require invasive procedures for reversibility, such as aspiration of gelatinous slurry from tunnels in the cornea.
Innovation Solution
A preformed, solid, waterproof corneal insert made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with microholes and notches, designed to be positioned in the corneal stroma using femtosecond laser technology, allowing for uniform thickness and reversible insertion without disrupting the corneal refractive ability, and a kit for its application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a gelatinous slurry is inserted into a corneal tunnel to change eye color, then the eye color can be changed, but irregular astigmatism occurs due to non-uniform layer thickness and invasive removal procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film insert (3-5 microns thick) made of flexible material that can be conformally placed in the corneal stroma. The film's flexibility allows it to adapt to the corneal curvature while maintaining uniform thickness, avoiding the irregular astigmatism caused by non-uniform gelatinous slurry layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is pre-formed with precise thickness control (3-5 microns) before insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures uniform layer thickness is achieved without requiring invasive aspiration procedures during or after implantation, unlike the gelatinous slurry method.
2Ease of manufacture
If contact lenses are used to change eye color, then the aesthetic function is improved, but infections and inflammatory reactions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact lens system (which sits on the corneal surface and requires daily handling) with a biocompatible film insert implanted in the corneal stroma. This substitution eliminates the risks associated with contact lens wear (infections, inflammatory reactions) while maintaining the cosmetic eye color change function permanently.
3Ease of operation
If a corneal flap is created to insert an inlay, then the insert can be positioned, but the corneal structure is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary minimal tissue disruption by creating a small pocket in the corneal stroma rather than lifting a large corneal flap. This extraction approach provides sufficient accessibility for insert placement while preserving the overall integrity and stability of the corneal structure.
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 method provides a permanent and reversible means to change eye color, normalizing iris function with minimal invasiveness and avoiding irregular astigmatism, ensuring the corneal refractive ability remains unaffected, and allowing easy replacement or removal of the insert.
Implementation Method 1
The method uses the femtosecond laser technology to create the corneal pocket
Implementation Method 2
improving the ability to absorb radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an intrastromal insert, already preformed, of solid, transparent, impermeable, biocompatible, physiologically inert and chemically resistant material, with notches allowing the passage of metabolites, substances, cells or portions thereof, and drugs, configured to receive printing, which is adapted in the space of the corneal stroma to change the eye color and/or to solve the problem of insufficient pigmentation of the iris. The method and the related component to change, permanently and reversibly, the eye color for aesthetic purposes are described as well.