Visible Light Photoinitiators for Corneal Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for keratoconus and degenerative myopia are limited by toxicity, pain, and inefficiency, particularly with UV-activated riboflavin treatments, which require epithelial removal and prolonged UV exposure, leading to potential tissue damage and infection risks.
Innovation Solution
A photoinitiator compound activated by visible light is used to crosslink ocular tissues, such as the cornea and sclera, with minimal toxicity and pain, allowing for topical application or injection, and irradiation durations of less than 30 minutes to strengthen tissues and stabilize their shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If UV-activated riboflavin treatment is used to strengthen cornea, then corneal crosslinking is achieved, but epithelial removal is required causing pain and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation wavelength parameter from UV to visible light, and uses alternative photoinitiators (methylene blue, eosin Y, fluorescein) instead of riboflavin. This allows corneal crosslinking to proceed without epithelial removal, eliminating pain and infection risk while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs topical application of photoinitiator dyes that can be easily applied and removed, replacing the need for invasive epithelial removal procedures. The dyes are applied topically, penetrate the cornea, and are then washed away, leaving no residual harm
2Strength
If UV-activated riboflavin treatment is used to strengthen cornea, then corneal crosslinking is achieved, but treatment duration is prolonged to 30 minutes increasing infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light activation parameters from UV wavelength to visible light wavelength (450-650 nm), which allows for shorter treatment durations. The visible light-activated photoinitiators achieve effective crosslinking in significantly less time than UV-activated riboflavin, reducing the 30-minute treatment requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables faster crosslinking by using highly efficient visible light-activated photoinitiators that work more rapidly than UV-activated systems. This 'rushes through' the treatment process, achieving the same therapeutic effect in shorter time and reducing infection risk
3Strength
If UV light is used for corneal crosslinking, then corneal strengthening is achieved, but ocular tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the light wavelength parameter from harmful UV radiation to safe visible light. This parameter change eliminates the risk of UV-induced ocular tissue damage including cataract formation and retinal damage, while still achieving effective corneal crosslinking through alternative photoinitiators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful UV light requirement into a beneficial visible light process. By selecting photoinitiators that activate with visible light instead of UV, the treatment transforms a harmful necessity into a safe and effective procedure that maintains therapeutic benefits without tissue damage risks
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 effectively strengthens ocular tissues, halting the progression of keratoconus and myopia, reducing the need for corneal transplants and minimizing tissue damage, while being safer and more efficient than existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
A photoinitiator compound activated by visible light is used to crosslink ocular tissues
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure concerns altering the mechanical and/or chemical property of a body tissue, particularly an ocular tissue. In specific cases, it concerns altering or stabilizing the shape of the cornea, such as in a subject suffering or at risk for ectasia or keratoconus. In other specific cases, it concerns strengthening the sclera in a subject suffering or at risk for myopia. The invention employs light irradiation of a photoactivatable compound, such as one that applies crosslinking to the tissue, for example.