Light-Sensitizing Particle Composition for Vitreous Floaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for vitreous disorders such as myodesopsia, caused by collagen aggregates in the vitreous body, are invasive, costly, or ineffective, and there is a need for a more efficient and safer method to target and remove these aggregates without causing further complications.
Innovation Solution
A composition of particles with a surface adapted for mobility and binding to collagen aggregates, combined with pulsed laser irradiation, forms vapor nanobubbles to exert a mechanical force, breaking apart the collagen fibers and reducing optical aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Nd:YAG laser treatment is used to treat vitreous opacities, then the treatment is non-invasive, but it has never been definitively shown to be effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces laser-sensitive particles as an intermediary substance injected into the vitreous body. These particles accumulate at collagen aggregates and enhance laser energy absorption, converting the laser treatment from an ineffective direct approach to an effective indirect approach through particle-mediated energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the laser treatment by using particles with specific light absorption characteristics. The particles are designed to absorb laser light at specific wavelengths and convert it to thermal energy, fundamentally changing how the laser interacts with the vitreous opacities.
2Reliability
If vitrectomy is performed to remove vitreous opacities, then the treatment is effective, but it is invasive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic collagen aggregates from the vitreous body by targeting them with laser energy delivered through the retinal surface. Instead of removing the entire vitreous (vitrectomy), the method selectively extracts only the opacifying collagen aggregates, leaving the rest of the vitreous intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical system of vitrectomy with an optical system using laser irradiation. The mechanical action of surgical removal is substituted by optical energy absorption and thermal disruption of collagen aggregates, eliminating the need for invasive surgery.
3Ease of operation
If conventional laser treatment is used, then the laser can reach the vitreous, but it requires high intensity and many pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by injecting laser-sensitive particles into the vitreous body before laser treatment. These particles migrate to and accumulate at collagen aggregates, pre-positioning energy absorption sites before the laser irradiation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the energy absorption function by using particles that replicate the light-absorbing characteristics needed for effective treatment. The particles serve as artificial chromophores that copy the function of natural light-absorbing structures, enabling efficient energy transfer.
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 effectively targets and breaks collagen aggregates regardless of their shape, size, or location, reducing damage to the eye and improving vision by minimizing the number of laser pulses and intensity, thus offering a safer and more effective treatment.
Implementation Method 1
Each particle has a capacity to absorb light within a certain wavelength range and transform this energy into heat
Implementation Method 2
transform this energy into heat, which can cause the water of hydrated biological tissue surrounding the particles to evaporate, resulting in the formation of vapour nanobubbles
Implementation Method 3
forming vapor nanobubbles in the vitreous when introduced therein and being irradiated with radiation such as laser light... The released mechanical force can break collagen fibers apart
Data Source
AI summary
A composition includes particles for use in a method for the treatment of a vitreous disease or a vitreous disorder as a light sensitizing agent. Each particle has a surface selected for or adapted for providing mobility of the particle in the vitreous and for binding to collagen aggregates, such as floaters.