Control unit and device for refractive surgery of the eye

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a function of a device (100) which uses a laser beam (4) for refractive surgery on an eye (2). The method comprises deriving at least one parameter of a preparation and / or execution of a method for refractive surgery, wherein the preparation and / or execution of the method is at least partially carried out by the device for refractive surgery using the laser beam (4). The method further comprises analyzing the function of the device (100) in dependence on the derived parameter of the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery. Here, the at least one parameter characterizes one or more of the following properties of the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery: provision of the laser beam (4) by the device (100); action on the eye (2) by means of the device (100); external influence on the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery from outside the device (100); and possibility of other methods for refractive surgery on the eye (2) by action of the laser beam (4) on the eye (2). The invention further relates to a control unit (14) and a device (100) for refractive surgery on an eye (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for monitoring the function of an apparatus (especially one using laser beams) used in refractive surgery of the eye. The invention also relates to a control unit and apparatus for refractive surgery of the eye. The invention is particularly relevant to the field of refractive surgery, and especially preferably to the field of removing the lens through a small incision to correct refractive errors. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, methods for correcting refractive errors through minimally invasive laser correction surgery are known. In this method, the lens is dissected inside the cornea of ​​the eye and then surgically removed through a small incision approximately 2 mm to 4 mm in length. This method was developed by the applicant and is known, for example, as small-incision lens extraction. The applicant provides suitable devices under the name VisuMax.

[0003] To correct refractive errors in the eye in the best possible way, the highest possible precision is required when separating the lens from the cornea using a laser beam. This necessitates properly setting up and adjusting the equipment used in refractive surgery to minimize or even completely eliminate any deviation between the desired correction and the actual refractive correction.

[0004] Therefore, continuous monitoring of the functionality of devices used in refractive surgery is required.

[0005] In the prior art, methods for monitoring machine functionality are generally known to utilize predictive maintenance to monitor the machine's condition or function in this way and identify any maintenance needs in advance. The aim is to reduce downtime due to functional failures or damage, by identifying maintenance needs and performing maintenance before damage or functional failure occurs. Here, one or more measurements directly at or within the machine are typically detected and used to determine maintenance needs and, in this way, prevent machine failure and keep the machine in a state as consistent as possible. Measurements are typically derived using characteristics accessible in the system, such as temperature and / or voltage and / or the power consumption required by the machine (e.g., the machine's motor). These measurements can then be correlated with any problems that arise in the functionality, such as operational failures. For example, under otherwise unchanged operating conditions, increased wear and / or impending operational failures, and the necessity of maintenance to eliminate vulnerabilities, can be inferred from the increasing voltage or power demand over time.

[0006] However, the methods known in the prior art for predictive maintenance are limited to machines that provide appropriate internal and machine-detectable parameters that allow for correlation with problems. Other devices that do not provide, or do not provide, sufficient, appropriate internal and machine-detectable parameters, are therefore unable to be monitored for predictive maintenance using conventional methods. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for monitoring the function of a device used in refractive surgery, the method reliably identifying problems in function and preventing erroneous operation and / or operational failure.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring the function of a device using a laser beam for refractive surgery of the eye. The method includes deriving at least one parameter for the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery, wherein the preparation and / or execution of the method is performed at least in part by means of the device for refractive surgery in the use of a laser beam. Based on the parameter derived from the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery, the method further includes analyzing the function of the device. Here, the at least one parameter characterizes one or more of the following properties of the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery:

[0009] - Provides a laser beam via the device;

[0010] - By utilizing the device on the eye;

[0011] - External influences from outside the device on the preparation and / or execution of methods used in refractive surgery; and

[0012] - Adaptations to other methods of refractive surgery for the eye, which rely on the action of a laser beam on the eye.

[0013] This method is preferably executed (automatically) by a correspondingly configured control unit.

[0014] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a control unit configured to facilitate the execution of the following steps by an apparatus for refractive surgery of the eye in the presence of a laser beam. In a first step, at least one parameter of the preparation and / or execution of a method for refractive surgery is determined, wherein the preparation and / or execution of the method is performed at least in part by means of the apparatus for refractive surgery in the presence of a laser beam. In a second step, the function of the apparatus is analyzed based on the parameter determined by the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery. Here, at least one parameter characterizes one or more of the following properties of the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery:

[0015] - Provides a laser beam via the device;

[0016] - By utilizing the device on the eye;

[0017] - External influences from outside the device on the preparation and / or execution of methods used in refractive surgery; and

[0018] - Adaptations to other methods of refractive surgery for the eye, which rely on the action of a laser beam on the eye.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a device for refractive surgery of the eye, wherein the device includes a control unit according to the invention.

[0020] Monitoring of device function can specifically involve monitoring the function of the device during operation, i.e., during refractive surgery of the eye and / or during its preparation. In other words, monitoring of function can include monitoring during the application of individual or separate refractive surgeries to monitor and / or ensure proper operation and execution of the refractive surgeries via the device. Alternatively or additionally, monitoring of function can include monitoring of a large number of refractive surgeries or applications, and in particular, the collection and / or derivation of statistical data related to the parameters and / or function of the device. In other words, monitoring of function can be implemented in a long-term monitoring manner to identify and / or analyze changes in parameters caused by a large number of refractive surgeries. Particularly preferably, monitoring of function can include monitoring of the function of one, several, and / or all individual or separate refractive surgeries, and can also include long-term monitoring via a large number of refractive surgeries.

[0021] Devices for refractive surgery are preferably configured to correct myopia and / or astigmatism of the eye. The device particularly includes a laser source and / or receives a laser beam from a separate external laser source. The laser source preferably includes or is configured to include an excimer laser and / or a femtosecond laser. The laser beam can preferably be provided as a continuous wave (CW) laser beam or a pulsed laser beam. Particularly preferably, the laser beam is provided as a sequence of femtosecond laser pulses, by means of which holes are used to separate the lens from the surrounding cornea. The device is preferably configured to apply the laser beam to the eye to be treated and preferably separate the lens from the cornea of ​​the eye. The method of refractive surgery preferably also includes, particularly preferably, minimally invasive, surgical removal of the separated lens from the cornea. Surgical removal is preferably performed by a surgeon independently of the device, i.e., without the assistance of the device. Alternatively, the device is preferably also designed to support the surgical removal of the separated lens.

[0022] Here, the parameters for the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery are preferably objective and / or subjectively determinable measurable variables that can be detected before and / or during and / or after the preparation and / or execution of the method, and are directly or indirectly applicable to the analysis of the function of the device.

[0023] Here, the control unit can derive one or more, or even all, parameters. For example, one or more sensors can be provided, connected to the control unit, and the control unit can derive one or more parameters by means of the sensors. The control unit can also be configured to additionally derive other measurements. Preferably, the control unit can have a processor and / or other computing units to enable the method to be executed preferably automatically. The control unit can also be configured to send requests to the user, for example, via a display, to provide numerical values ​​and / or parameters, such as through keyboard input and / or selection on the screen. The latter is particularly suitable for parameters involving the user's subjective perception and which cannot be objectively determined or are difficult to derive using sensors.

[0024] The execution of methods for refractive surgery specifically includes applying a laser beam to the eye using a device. In other words, the execution of the method preferably includes applying a laser beam to the eye. Therefore, the implementation of the method preferably includes separating the lens from the cornea surrounding the eye. The execution of methods for refractive surgery using this device does not necessarily include any subsequent surgical removal of the lens from the eye, but such removal can also be well incorporated into the execution of the method. Furthermore, the execution can also include other optional methodological steps, such as rinsing and / or cleaning the surface of the eye or cornea, which can optionally be performed using the device.

[0025] Preparation of a method for refractive surgery preferably includes positioning or docking the device at the eye to be treated, which enables the application of a laser beam to the eye with the required precision. Preferably, the device can have a contact lens, which allows it to be docked to the eye. The laser beam can then be applied to the eye, preferably via the contact lens. Preparation of the method may also optionally include other steps, such as proper positioning and / or fixation of the patient and / or eye relative to the device, and / or preparation for the eye to which the laser beam is applied. Preferably, preparation also includes calibration and / or adjustment and / or initialization and / or (self)testing of the device, wherein, for example, the positionability of the device and / or laser beam and / or adjustment and / or checking of the power and / or intensity and / or frequency or energy flow of the laser beam are performed.

[0026] The preparation and / or execution of refractive surgery is performed at least in part by means of a device that uses a laser beam, meaning that preparation and / or execution may optionally also include other steps performed without using the device.

[0027] The advantage provided by this invention is that it improves the reliability of devices used in refractive surgery of the eye. This is achieved in particular by providing a method according to the invention for monitoring the function of a device used in refractive surgery, which allows for reliable analysis of the function based on parameters.

[0028] A particular advantage of this invention is its ability to monitor and ensure equipment functionality based on the type of predictive maintenance, even when there may be insufficient, objective, system-internal, and / or mechanically detectable data or measurements, for example, in machines usable under routine, predictable maintenance. However, an advantage of this invention is that equipment functionality can preferably also be analyzed based on parameters relating not only to objective and system-internal measurements. Another advantage of this invention is that it is also preferable to consider parameters that indirectly lead to conclusions about equipment functionality and the corresponding analyses.

[0029] Preferably, the analysis of the device's function based on the derived parameters includes comparing the derived parameters, obtained from the preparation and / or execution of the method used in refractive surgery, with predetermined target values, and evaluating the function of the device used in refractive surgery based on the comparison between the derived parameters and the predetermined target values. For example, functional analysis can be performed based on the deviation between the actual derived parameters and the preset target values. This provides the advantage of being particularly reliable in identifying deviations from the preset target state and particularly accurate in checking the function. For example, the analysis can be performed automatically by the control unit.

[0030] Preferably, the method further includes the execution of measures to improve the functionality of the device. Such measures may include, for example, appropriately and preferably automatically readjusting and / or changing one or more settings of the device to improve functionality. For example, such measures may include automatically increasing or decreasing the power of the laser beam to improve or restore the functionality of the device. Preferably, this can also be implemented independently by the control unit. For this purpose, the control unit may, for example, transmit one or more corresponding instructions to the device. Alternatively, the control unit may, for example, output instructions to the user, thereby initiating the necessary measures.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the method preferably also includes providing instructions regarding the functionality of the equipment. These instructions are preferably available to the user and / or maintenance provider and / or manufacturer of the equipment. For example, the instructions can be output to a screen so that the user can access them during use of the equipment. Alternatively or additionally, the instructions can be transmitted, for example, via a network (such as via the Internet and / or cellular networks) to bring instructions from a remote maintenance provider and / or manufacturer. Preferably, the instructions can contain information related to the functionality of the equipment. Preferably, the instructions can indicate whether a maintenance requirement exists or not, or whether a maintenance requirement is expected at a specific or unspecified point in the future. This provides the advantage of being able to determine maintenance requirements, for example, without specially trained maintenance personnel on-site and preferably without equipment downtime.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the method preferably includes adjusting or altering the operation of the device. This can, for example, include blocking the laser beam and / or shutting down the laser source and / or shutting down the overall device. Preferably, such measures are taken only when particularly serious damage to the function is identified, where, for example, harm to the patient and / or serious damage to the device and / or other objects cannot be ruled out, and / or rapid or even immediate action is required. Here, an exception is preventing the “normal” startup of the device at the start of the corresponding method: for this, there need not be particularly serious damage: a significant deviation from the target value before the “normal” startup of the method preferably prevents the subsequent startup of the method for refractive surgery.

[0033] Preferably, the determination of parameters characterizing the laser beam provided by the device includes determining the condition of the device's contact lens, through which the laser beam can be applied to the eye. For example, the condition of the contact lens can be determined as to whether it is contaminated and / or damaged, affecting its function and the corresponding function of the device. Here, the condition can be determined automatically by the device itself and / or by the user of the device, for example, after appropriate indications and / or instructions preferably provided by the device. This provides the advantage of reliably eliminating damage caused by a defective contact lens.

[0034] Preferably, determining the state of the contact lens involves determining the optical structure in an image of the light radiation passing through the contact lens of the device. This provides the advantage that determining the state of the contact lens in this manner can be performed reliably and automatically. For this purpose, for example, recording and evaluating the optical projection of the light passing through the contact lens can be applied to determine the optical structure in the detected image. Particularly preferably, this can be implemented using hardware already present in the device, without requiring additional hardware for this purpose.

[0035] Preferably, the determination of the optical structure includes determining optical edges in the projection, wherein determining the optical edges preferably includes determining edges extending in a straight line and / or edges extending in a circle. This can be achieved, for example, by using optical filters. For this purpose, high or low spatial frequencies can be isolated or filtered out in the optical path of the projection, and only the remaining spatial frequencies are checked for the presence of edges. Alternatively or additionally, the presence of edges can be determined using electronic image evaluation, for example, by applying appropriate digital filters. The presence of edges extending in a straight line can be, for example, evidence of hair and / or eyelashes adhering to the contact lens. The presence of edges extending in a circle can be, for example, evidence of fat and / or droplets and / or tear residue on the contact lens. The presence of edges can therefore indicate that the contact lens should be cleaned and / or replaced and / or should be indicated for this and / or, in serious cases, the operation of the device should be interrupted. Preferably, the determined parameters can also be provided to the manufacturer of the device and / or the contact lens to facilitate inspection of the manufactured contact lenses and / or individual batches.

[0036] Preferably, the parameters characterizing the effect of the device on the eye include: determining the docking time of the device, especially the contact lens, at the eye and / or determining the number of docking attempts required until the device is successfully docked at the eye. For example, an increase in the number of docking attempts required may indicate patient anxiety and / or technical problems with the device, such as the presence of an incorrect, contaminated, or damaged contact lens. Therefore, the analysis may, for example, suggest that instructing the user to replace and / or clean the contact lens may be advantageous.

[0037] Preferably, the parameters characterizing the effect of the device on the eye are derived by: determining the optical structure appearing in the projection of the laser beam onto the eye during its action, wherein the appearing optical structure preferably includes bright and / or dark spots. For example, the appearing optical structure can indicate the presence and / or absence of interaction between the laser beam and the eye. Thus, preferably, the appearance of bright spots can be a result of scattering centers at the location of the laser beam's interaction with the eye, which can indicate cavitation or bubble formation. Although cavitation is desirable for the effect of the laser beam on the eye, the appearance of bright spots still indicates an excessive degree of cavitation. For example, the power of the laser beam can then be automatically reduced accordingly or an indication of such measures can be provided. Correspondingly, the appearance of dark spots preferably indicates a lack of cavitation and correspondingly leads to an increase in the power of the laser beam or a corresponding indication.

[0038] Preferably, the determination of parameters characterizing the effect of the device on the eye includes determining the structure and / or tissue of the portion of the eye to which the laser beam is applied, and in particular includes determining the uniformity of the structure and / or tissue of the portion of the eye to which the laser beam is applied. For example, deviations from, and particularly reduced uniformity or tissue, from a predetermined uniformity or tissue can be an indication of irregularities in the function of the device. Preferably, this can lead to providing instructions to the user and / or the manufacturer and / or maintenance device of the device.

[0039] Preferably, the derivation of parameters characterizing the external influence of the device on the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery includes deriving the motion curve of at least one part of the device, particularly along the optical axis of the eye, during the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery. Here, for example, the motion curve of the contact lens and / or the element carrying the contact lens can be derived, preferably along the optical axis of the eye or perpendicular to the surface of the eye. Particularly preferably, the motion curve of the device part can be caused by the patient applying force to the part of the device, thereby causing movement of that part. For example, this application of force and / or the resulting motion curve of the device part occurs during the contact lens or device being attached to the eye and / or in the already attached state. As long as the motion curve of the device part is derived, this can, for example, indicate the patient's movement, which in particular can indicate the patient's anxious emotional state. This understanding can preferably make the interruption and / or adaptation of the method advantageous, and / or makes it advantageous to send appropriate instructions to the user of the device to avoid erroneous treatment due to undesirable relative movement of the eye with respect to the device.

[0040] Preferably, the determination of parameters characterizing the external effects of the device on the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery includes determining acoustic background noise before and / or during the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery. The presence of background noise can, for example, indicate a patient's agitated emotional state and / or other unsuitable conditions for the method used to perform the refractive surgery. For example, the presence or occurrence of background noise can indicate an increased risk of mechanical influences, such as vibration and / or impact and / or relative motion between the eye and the device. Therefore, if a background noise level has been determined to deviate significantly from a predetermined target value, adjusting and / or discontinuing the treatment or method can be advantageous. Alternatively or additionally, for example, sending appropriate instructions to the user of the device to indicate the background noise level can be advantageous.

[0041] Preferably, the parameters characterizing the adaptability of other methods of refractive surgery for the eye to the action of a laser beam on the eye include determining the time required for surgical removal of the lens after the laser beam has been applied to the eye. If the device is designed to remove the lens independently and / or automatically, then the time required for this can preferably be determined automatically and / or internally within the system. If the lens is removed in other ways, i.e., not by the device, but manually by the surgeon and / or the user of the device, then the time period required for lens removal can be determined, for example, by the device requesting a report of the required time period from the surgeon and / or the user. For example, the corresponding query can be displayed on a screen. The report of the required time period can, for example, be based on measurement and / or estimation. Preferably, information regarding the removal of the lens and / or other related activities and / or circumstances of the procedure can be queried, such as the difficulty and / or complexity of the lens removal. Preferably, the quality of separation or extraction of the microlens by the laser beam is determined based on the received information regarding the required time period for lens removal. Thus, for example, extending the required time period for lens removal can indicate the improved lens extraction required by means of the laser beam. Such extensions can be derived, for example, in individual cases, i.e., for each individual implementation of the method, compared to a predetermined target value and / or to one or more previously derived values. Alternatively or additionally, statistical analysis can be performed on the time periods required for multiple implementations of the method, a method preferably capable of being correlated with other parameters of the method and / or equipment. In this way, for example, it is possible to identify maintenance required by the system and accordingly, for example, provide instructions to users and / or manufacturers and / or maintenance devices regarding such maintenance needs. Alternatively or additionally, for example, it is possible to provide instructions for training needed or beneficial to users and / or surgeons. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the features and embodiments explained above and below should not only be considered as belonging to this disclosure in their respective combinations, but also that other combinations of multiple features and / or individual features that are technically meaningful to those skilled in the art should be considered as belonging to this disclosure in relation to the monitoring functions of the device.

[0043] The attached diagram shows:

[0044] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a device 100 for refractive surgery of the eye 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1A device 100 for refractive surgery of the eye according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device 100 is configured as a treatment apparatus and is used to perform refractive error correction at a patient's eye 2 using a laser beam in accordance with methods for refractive surgery. For this purpose, the device 100 has a laser or laser source 3 that emits pulsed laser radiation. Here, the pulse duration is, for example, in the femtosecond range, and the laser radiation acts on the cornea of ​​the eye 2 to separate the lens from the surrounding cornea within the cornea.

[0046] Here, the laser beam or treatment beam 4 emitted by laser 3 along optical axis A1 falls onto beam splitter 5, which guides the laser beam 4 onto scanning device 6. Scanning device 6 has two scanning mirrors 7 and 8, which can rotate about mutually orthogonal axes, thereby deflecting the treatment beam 4 two-dimensionally. Adjustable projection optics 9 focus the treatment beam 4 onto or into the eye 2, and thus complement scanning device 6, enabling three-dimensional scanning of the focused laser beam. Projection optics 9 has two lenses 10 and 11.

[0047] Contact lens 12 is positioned downstream of lens 11 and is fixedly connected to lens 11 via bracket H, and thus connected to the optical path of device 100. Contact lens 12 rests against the cornea of ​​eye 2. The optical combination consisting of contact lens 12 and other optical components of device 100 causes the therapeutic beam 4 to be focused at focal point 13 located in the cornea of ​​eye 2.

[0048] The device 100 also includes a control unit 14, which is specifically configured to control the scanning device 6, the laser 3, and the projection optics 9. The control unit 14 is also configured to monitor the functionality of the device and, for this purpose, derive at least one parameter for the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery, and analyze the functionality of the device based on the derived parameter. Although only one control unit is shown in the illustrated embodiment, more control units for performing the aforementioned tasks and / or other tasks can be provided according to other embodiments.

[0049] The control unit 14 preferably determines the position of the focus 13 in the transverse direction to the optical axis A1 (by scanning mirrors 7 and 8) and in the direction of the optical axis A1 (by projection optics 9).

[0050] The control unit 14 also reads out the detector 15, which detects a beam of light backscattered and / or reflected by the cornea, which passes through the contact lens and is then split by the beam splitter 5 as a reflected beam 16. For this purpose, confocal imaging of the backscattered reflected beam 16 can be performed on the detector 15. Therefore, the detector 15 can represent sensors, particularly one or more sensors, connected to the control unit 14 to monitor the functionality of the device.

[0051] The contact lens 12 is coupled to the eye 2 for treatment, and thus the contact lens is preferably placed directly on the eye. According to one embodiment, a liquid can also be disposed between the contact lens 12 and the eye 2 to achieve a suitable transition of refractive index between the contact lens 12 and the eye 2 and thereby minimize reflection and / or other losses of the laser beam and / or reflected beam 16. According to another embodiment, the contact lens 12, preferably an arched contact lens 12 matching the curvature of the cornea of ​​the eye 2, is placed directly on the cornea of ​​the eye 2.

[0052] Since the cornea is placed at the contact lens 12, the eye 2 is positioned relative to the contact lens 12 and therefore relative to the device 100 at a predetermined position. Thus, the focal point 13 is precisely positioned in three dimensions within the cornea by the drive-controlled scanning device 6 and the adjustable projection optics 9, and can also be positioned inside the contact lens 12.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 14 is connected to a motion sensor 17 and an acoustic sensor 18. According to the illustrated embodiment, the motion sensor 18 is arranged at a bracket H, which connects the lens 11 to the contact lens 12 and follows the motion curve of the contact lens, particularly along the optical axis A1 or the optical axis of the eye 2. In this way, the control unit 14 can derive the motion curve of the contact lens as a parameter by means of the motion sensor 17 and use it to analyze the function of the device.

[0054] The control unit can also use the acoustic sensor 18 to derive acoustic background noise as a parameter and use it to analyze the function of the device 100. For example, the acoustic sensor 18 can be arranged such that it can receive acoustic signals or messages primarily at the location where the acoustic signal is estimated to occur. For example, the acoustic sensor 18 can be directed toward the patient's head to reliably identify background noise caused by the patient. Such parameters can, for example, characterize one or more external influences from outside the device on the preparation and / or execution of the refractive surgery procedure. The acoustic sensor 18 can also represent a sensor connected to the control unit 14 for deriving parameters for monitoring the function of the device.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 14 is connected to the display unit 20 (such as a computer monitor). The device 100 is configured to send and receive instructions via the display unit 20, such as instructions sent to the user of the device 100, and / or requests made to the user of the device 100. Thus, by making a corresponding request to the user or surgeon via the display unit 20, and by requiring the user or surgeon to input corresponding values, for example, the time period required for the user or surgeon to remove the lens from the eye 2 can be derived as other parameters. These derived time periods can also be used as parameters to analyze the functionality of the device 100, provided that input is made. Such parameters, for example, can characterize the adaptability of other methods of refractive surgery of the eye to the action of a laser beam on the eye 2.

[0056] Device 100 or control unit 14 can also take into account the reflected beam 16 to derive parameters. The control unit can, for example, use detector 15 for this purpose. Parameters derived in this way can, for example, characterize the laser beam provided by the device. Preferably, the derivation of parameters based on the reflected beam 16 includes determining possible damage and / or contamination of the contact lens 12 and / or other optical components of the device, which affects the function of device 100. Furthermore, parameters characterizing the effect of device 100 on the eye 2 can, for example, be derived in this way. This can, for example, include determining whether a scattering center appears or does not appear at the location where the laser beam 4 acts on the eye 2, for example, by determining bright and / or dark spots in the image of the reflected beam 16.

[0057] The functionality of device 100 can then be analyzed based on the derived parameters. Preferably, the functional analysis can be performed via control unit 14 and / or other components of device 100. Alternatively or additionally, the parameters can preferably be provided by an external device, such as a server, which then performs the analysis and / or monitoring of the device's functionality.

[0058] Particularly preferably, the monitoring of the equipment is carried out through a method involving extensive execution and the collection of statistical data on the resulting parameters. In this way, it is also preferable to identify long-term variations that cannot be determined simply by considering a single procedure or treatment. In this manner, reliable monitoring of the equipment's function is possible.

[0059] Reference number list

[0060] 2. Eyes

[0061] 3. Laser

[0062] 4. Laser beam

[0063] 5 beam splitters

[0064] 6. Scanning device

[0065] 7 Scanning mirror

[0066] 8 Scanning mirror

[0067] 9. Projection Optical Devices

[0068] 10 Lenses

[0069] 11 Lenses

[0070] 12 Contact lenses

[0071] 13 Focus

[0072] 14 Control Unit

[0073] 15 detectors

[0074] 16 reflected beam

[0075] 17. Motion Sensors

[0076] 18 Acoustic Sensors

[0077] 20 display units

[0078] 100 Devices for refractive surgery of the eye

[0079] A1 Optical axis.

Claims

1. A control unit (14) configured to cause a device (100) for refractive surgery of the eye (2) using a laser beam (4) to perform the following steps: - Determine at least one parameter for the preparation and / or execution of the method used in refractive surgery, wherein, The preparation and / or execution of the method are performed at least in part by means of the device (100) used for refractive surgery when using the laser beam (4), wherein the determination of at least one parameter of the laser beam (4) provided by the device (100) includes: determining the state of the contact lens (12) of the device (100), wherein the laser beam (4) is capable of being applied to the eye (2) through the contact lens (12); and - Analyze the function of the device (100) based on the parameters derived from the preparation and / or execution of the method used for refractive surgery; Wherein, the at least one parameter characterizes one or more of the following properties of the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery: - The laser beam (4) is provided by the device (100); -The device (100) is used to act on the eye (2); - External influences from outside the device (100) on the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery; and - Adaptability of the method of refractive surgery of the eye (2) by means of the action of the laser beam (4) on the eye (2).

2. The control unit (14) according to claim 1, wherein, The analysis of the function of the device (100) based on the obtained parameters includes: - Based on the derived parameters, compare the derived parameters of the preparation and / or execution of the method used for refractive surgery with predetermined target values; and - The functionality of the device used for refractive surgery is evaluated based on a comparison of the derived parameters with the predetermined target values.

3. The control unit (14) according to claim 1 further includes one or more of the following steps: - Implement measures to improve the functionality of the device (100); - Provide instructions regarding the functions of the device (100); and - Adjust or change the operation of the device (100).

4. The control unit (14) according to claim 1, wherein, The determination of the state of the contact lens (12) includes: determining the optical structure in an image of the light radiation passing through the contact lens (12) of the device.

5. The control unit (14) according to claim 4, wherein, The determination of the optical structure includes: determining the optical edges in the image.

6. The control unit (14) according to claim 5, wherein, The determination of the optical edge includes: determining an edge extending along a straight line and / or an edge extending along a circle.

7. The control unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The parameters used to monitor the function of the device (100) and characterize its role on the eye (2) include: determining the docking time of the device (100) to the eye (2) and / or determining the number of docking attempts required until the device (100) successfully docks to the eye (2).

8. The control unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The parameters characterizing the effect of the device on the eye (2) and used to monitor the function of the device include: determining the optical structures that appear in the image of the eye (2) during the action of the laser beam (4) on the eye (2).

9. The control unit (14) according to claim 8, wherein, The optical structures that appear include bright spots and / or dark spots.

10. The control unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The determination of parameters characterizing the effect of the device (100) on the eye (2) and used to monitor the function of the device includes: determining the structure and / or tissue of the part of the eye (2) to which the laser beam (4) is applied.

11. The control unit (14) according to claim 10, wherein, The parameters used to monitor the function of the device (100) and characterize the effect of the device on the eye (2) include: determining the uniformity of the structure and / or tissue of the portion of the eye (2) to which the laser beam (4) is applied.

12. The control unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The determination of parameters for monitoring the function of the device (100) that characterize the external influence of the device (100) on the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery includes: determining the motion curve of at least one part of the device (100) during the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery.

13. The control unit (14) according to claim 12, wherein, The determination of parameters for monitoring the function of the device (100) that characterize the external influence of the device (100) on the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery includes: determining the motion curve of at least one portion of the device (100) along the optical axis of the eye during the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery.

14. The control unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The parameters used to monitor the function of the device (100) that characterize the external effects of the device (100) on the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery include: acoustic background noise prior to and / or during the preparation and / or execution of the method for refractive surgery.

15. The control unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The determination of parameters for monitoring the function of the device, which characterize the method of refractive surgery for the eye by means of the action of the laser beam (4) on the eye (2), includes: determining the time required for surgical removal of the lens after the laser beam (4) has been acted on the eye (2).

16. A device (100) for refractive surgery of the eye (2), wherein, The device (100) includes a control unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The device (100) of claim 16 further includes a contact lens (12) designed to establish contact between the device (100) and the eye (2) and to apply the laser beam (4) to the eye (2) through the contact.

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