Implantable Stimulator Chip for Dry Eye Tear Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for dry eye are ineffective in addressing the underlying issue of insufficient tear production, leading to ocular discomfort and potential serious health deficiencies, with existing solutions failing to substantially improve tear coverage and quality.
Innovation Solution
Devices and systems that electrically stimulate the cornea, conjunctiva, and subconjunctiva using a stimulator chip, which converts wireless energy into an electric waveform to activate reflex pathways and increase tear production, including contact lenses and implantable devices with embedded stimulator chips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to increase tear production, then tear coverage and quality are improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical stimulation methods with electrical stimulation to activate lacrimal glands. Electrical fields are used instead of mechanical compression or chemical agents to stimulate nerve endings and increase tear production, providing a more controllable and effective mechanism for treating dry eye disease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical stimulator as an intermediary device between the external environment and the lacrimal glands. The stimulator converts external energy (wireless power transfer) into localized electrical stimulation at the ocular surface, mediating the effect on tear production while minimizing direct invasiveness.
2Ease of operation
If wireless energy transmission is used to power the stimulator chip, then device portability and ease of use are improved, but energy efficiency and power consumption become critical challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous low-power electrical stimulation through efficient wireless energy transfer. The stimulator chip maintains continuous operation by optimizing the conversion efficiency of wireless energy to electrical stimulation, ensuring sustained tear production without requiring frequent recharging or high power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes energy parameters including frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle of the electrical stimulation to maximize tear production while minimizing power consumption. The wireless power transmission system is tuned to operate at optimal efficiency points, and stimulation parameters are adjusted based on real-time feedback to maintain effectiveness with minimal energy use.
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 solution effectively increases tear production, reducing dry eye symptoms, improving comfort for contact lens wearers, and extending the duration of contact lens use by activating lacrimal and accessory glands, thereby addressing the root cause of dry eye and enhancing ocular health.
Implementation Method 1
a stimulator chip, which converts wireless energy into an electric waveform
Implementation Method 2
electrically stimulate the cornea, conjunctiva, and subconjunctiva to activate reflex pathways and increase tear production
Data Source
AI summary
Described here are devices, systems, and methods for increasing tear production by stimulating the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. In some variations, the devices may be in the form of a contact lens. The contact lens may comprise a lens body and a stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip is embedded in the lens body. An external power source wirelessly transmits energy to the stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip may convert the energy to an electric waveform to stimulate the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. Stimulation may activate the lacrimal reflex to increase tear production. The devices and systems for increasing tear production may be used in methods of treating dry eye, reducing the symptoms of tired eye, increasing comfort for contact lens wearers, and extending the number of years a contact lens user can wear contacts. Also described are methods of manufacturing a contact lens.