Selenium Disulfide Eyelid Compositions for Dry Eye Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for dry eye syndrome and vision loss associated with inflammation of the ocular surface are inadequate in effectively improving vision and managing symptoms such as dryness, pain, and inflammation.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a keratolytic agent, specifically selenium disulfide, is administered ophthalmically to the eyelid margin and ocular surface to improve vision by reducing inflammation and promoting tear production, with periodic administration over several weeks or months.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current treatments for dry eye syndrome are used to increase tear production and heal inflammation, then tear production is improved, but vision improvement is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the therapeutic approach by introducing keratolytic agents (salicylic acid, urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids) that act on keratin deposits in the meibomian glands. This parameter change in treatment mechanism addresses the root cause of gland dysfunction rather than just treating symptoms, thereby improving both tear production quality and vision outcomes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic keratin deposits from the meibomian glands using keratolytic agents. By taking out the obstructing keratin material, the glands can function properly again, leading to improved tear production and consequently better vision improvement that was inadequate with conventional treatments
2Reliability
If keratolytic agents are administered to treat vision loss, then vision function is improved, but treatment requires periodic administration over extended time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic administration of keratolytic agents at optimized intervals (e.g., twice daily for 4-8 weeks initially, then maintenance dosing). This periodic action allows the agents to effectively break down keratin deposits while minimizing treatment duration, achieving vision improvement without requiring indefinite long-term therapy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies keratolytic agents preliminarily to dissolve keratin deposits before they can fully obstruct the meibomian glands. This preliminary action prevents complete gland dysfunction and reduces the overall treatment time needed to restore vision function, avoiding extended treatment periods
3Reliability
If keratolytic agents are used to dissolve keratin deposits, then meibomian gland function is improved, but agent stability and controlled release to the ocular surface are challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material formulations combining keratolytic agents with ophthalmic-compatible carriers, bases, and excipients. These composite formulations stabilize the keratolytic agents while enabling controlled release to the ocular surface, protecting the agents from degradation and ensuring they reach the meibomian glands effectively without compromising stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ophthalmic carriers and vehicles as intermediaries between the keratolytic agents and the ocular surface. These intermediaries protect the unstable keratolytic agents from degradation, control their release rate, and facilitate their delivery to the target site while maintaining agent stability during storage and application
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of vision loss and/or dry eye syndrome. Such compositions comprise keratolytic agents, such as salicylic acid, selenium disulfide, or the like. Topical administration of such compositions to the inner surface of the eyelid provides therapeutic benefit to patients suffering from vision loss and/or dry eye syndrome.