There have also been previous efforts to utilize contact lenses in dealing with dry eye syndrome, such as graphene-coated lenses developed to lessen moisture loss and self-moisturizing lenses stimulated with metal electrodes. These approaches are costly and unwise and might jeopardize client security and convenience.
The TIBI groups approach uses a contact lens style that integrates microchannels to help with tear flow motion and flow so that dry eye can be prevented. This flow can be accomplished by pressure applied by regular eye blinking so that no external devices are required.
In producing their contact lens prototype, the team used a time-saving technique– their lens mold was made from a silicone polymer mix; this permitted for easy removal of the lens cast on it by gently flexing the mold. Previous approaches necessitated a twelve-hour soak in hot water to get rid of the lens. The method led to top quality, smooth microchannels, along with lenses that might be thirty times thinner than previous lenses. A custom-made gadget was utilized to produce tanks at the ends of each microchannel for the inflow and outflow of liquids.
Innovative strategies were likewise used when encapsulating the microchannels in a sandwich-like assembly under a capping lens layer. The preparation of the two lens surface areas for more powerful bonding dehydrated the lenses, causing them to curl.
After rigorously testing their encapsulated microchannel lenses for stability and leakage, the lenses were subjected to a series of experiments utilizing a device that the group designed to imitate a blinking eyelid. This gadget was incorporated with the lens prototype to develop synthetic eyelid pressure on the lens to promote tear circulation.
After numerous experiments, a configuration that showed reliable was microchannels with square cross-sections arrayed in a novel circular pattern on the lens surface area; this worked with the function and curvature of the lens and allowed for maximum liquid flow.
The group showed a proof-of-concept validation of their lens ability to direct tear flow originating from the lens surface to the underside of the lens to combat dry eye syndrome. The group quantified these circulations and established that the flows were driven by low-pressure levels like those from normal eye blinking. Further experiments could be created to test these lenses on animal models and in patients.
” The innovative techniques that our group has actually used bring a possible service for millions of individuals,” stated Ali Khademhosseini, TIBIs Director and CEO. “It is the hope that we might extend our efforts to bring this solution to fruition.”
Recommendation: “A Microfluidic Contact Lens to Address Contact Lens-Induced Dry Eye” by Yangzhi Zhu, Rohollah Nasiri, Elham Davoodi, Shiming Zhang, Sourav Saha, Matthew Linn, Lu Jiang, Reihaneh Haghniaz, Martin C. Hartel, Vadim Jucaud, Mehmet R. Dokmeci, Anna Herland, Ehsan Toyserkani and Ali Khademhosseini, 23 December 2022, Small.DOI: 10.1002/ smll.202207017.
The research study was moneyed by Cooper Vision, Inc
.
Existing treatments for this condition consist of rewetting gels, drops, or lubes, more frequent lens replacement, or modifications in the lens material. In producing their contact lens model, the team made use of a time-saving method– their lens mold was made from a silicone polymer mix; this permitted for simple elimination of the lens cast on it by carefully bending the mold. The approach resulted in premium, smooth microchannels, as well as lenses that might be thirty times thinner than previous lenses. The preparation of the two lens surface areas for stronger bonding dehydrated the lenses, triggering them to curl. The team showed a proof-of-concept validation of their lens ability to assist tear circulation originating from the lens surface to the underside of the lens to combat dry eye syndrome.
Researchers have a contact lens prototype that is specifically created to avoid contact lens-induced dry eye. Credit: Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation
A group from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) has developed a groundbreaking contact lens model focused on combating contact lens-induced dry eye (CLIDE). This innovative lens style assists to relieve CLIDE by promoting tear circulation through normal eye blinking. This development has the potential to alleviate the discomfort, vision problems, and swelling dangers dealt with by millions of contact lens wearers who suffer from CLIDE.
Out of the 140 million people worldwide who wear contact lenses, between 30% to 50% experience CLIDE. CLIDE happens due to an inadequate circulation of tears from the outer surface of the contact lens to the inner surface area, resulting in excessive tear evaporation and the associated signs of CLIDE.
Current treatments for this condition include rewetting gels, lubes, or drops, more frequent lens replacement, or changes in the lens material. In more extreme cases, physical stimulation of the tear glands might be made use of, as well as the use of punctum plugs, devices inserted into tear ducts to obstruct drain.