Thermoelectric device for transpalpebral hypothermia of the anterior segment of the human eyeball

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of the study is to develop the design of a thermoelectric device for transpalpebral hypothermia of the anterior segment of the human eyeball.Method. The design of a TEU for thermal impact on the anterior segment of the human eyeball is described. The device includes an impact tip mated with one surface to the human eyelid, and the opposite surface to the cold surface of the thermo-electric module. The hot surface is in contact with a housing filled with a working substance having a stable melting point ranging from 303 to 330 K. The device is equipped with an adjustable power source with a control unit.Result. Ensuring the required mode of thermal exposure, in which the temperature of the anterior segment of the eyeball is at the level of 283-288 K, can be achieved by using in the device a standard TEM type TV-17-1.4-1.15 produced by Kryotherm LLC (St. Petersburg).Conclusion. The operating power range of the TEU will be within 3-4 W with an average temperature difference between the junctions of 45 K. The supply current is 6-7 A with a power consumption of 13-14 W. The refrigeration coefficient varies from 0.1 to 0.5. The device can be used in the treatment of keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, dystrophic conditions of the cornea, anterior uveitis and non-obscuring corneal opacities.

Keywords

• thermal and transpalpebral effects
• thermoelectric device
• thermoelectric module
• melting substance