System, contact device and method for manufacturing contact device

Abstract

This application proposes a system comprising a contact element (40) for fixing the relative geometric position of a patient's eye relative to a laser applicator of an ophthalmic laser treatment system, and a lens element (10) for insertion into the contact element (40), wherein the contact element (40) is designed to receive the lens element (10) at a predetermined location, wherein the lens element (10) has an ocular surface (30) for contacting the patient's eye or for hermetically defining a cavity between the lens element (10) and the patient's eye, wherein the lens element (10) has at least one protruding element (25) for engaging one or more retaining elements (42-47) of the contact element (40) to secure the lens element (10) without adhesive by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. In the contact element (40), the lens element (10) has a lens contact surface (15) constructed on the underside of the protruding element (25) facing the eye surface (30). The lens element (10) and the contact element (40) are designed such that the lens element (10) can be fixed in the contact element (40) by means of a snap-fit ​​connection, such that the lens contact surface (15) is pressed against an elastic compensation element (50) arranged on the fastening surface (49) of the contact element (40) by means of at least one protruding element (25) and a retaining element (42-47) or a plurality of retaining elements (42-47) to reduce the force acting on the lens element (10) by one retaining element (42-47) or a plurality of retaining elements (42-47).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a contact device, and a method for manufacturing the contact device. Background Technology

[0002] In ophthalmic laser treatment systems, contact devices in the form of contact lenses or liquid patient interfaces are used to fix the relative geometric position of the patient's eye with respect to the laser applicator. In the case of contact lenses or liquid patient interfaces, an optically active lens element within the contact device is held in a fixed or predetermined position. Therefore, in the prior art, the lens element is typically fixed to the contact device by means of adhesives.

[0003] The disadvantage of this approach is that the manufacturing process of fixing the lens element within the contact element to create the contact device requires a significant amount of time and manpower, and is technically complex. Furthermore, it necessitates specialized tools and specially trained personnel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of this invention is to demonstrate a system or contact device or a method for manufacturing a contact device that is technically easy to manufacture or implement.

[0005] Specifically, this objective is achieved by a system comprising a contact element for fixing the relative geometric position of a patient's eye relative to a laser applicator of an ophthalmic laser treatment system, and a lens element for insertion into the contact element, wherein the contact element is designed to receive the lens element at a predetermined location, wherein the lens element has an ocular surface for contacting the patient's eye or for hermetically defining a cavity between the lens element and the patient's eye, wherein the lens element has at least one protruding element for engaging one or more retaining elements of the contact element, thereby securing the lens element in the contact element without adhesive by means of a snap-fit ​​connection, wherein the lens element has a lens contact surface constructed on the underside of the protruding element facing the ocular surface, wherein the lens element and the contact element are designed such that the lens element can be secured in the contact element by means of a snap-fit ​​connection, such that the lens contact surface is pressed against an elastic compensating element arranged on a fastening surface of the contact element by means of at least one protruding element and one or more retaining elements to reduce the force acting on the lens element by one or more retaining elements.

[0006] The advantages of this system are that it is technically very easy to manufacture, and the lens element can be inserted or fixed into the contact element in a technically simple manner to form a contact device. To manufacture the contact device, the lens element can be manually inserted and fixed into the contact element using simple, commonly used tools. Automatic insertion or fixing is also feasible. No special tools are required for fixing the lens element to the contact element to manufacture the contact device. Furthermore, the personnel fixing the lens element into the contact element do not need specialized technical training. Therefore, a large number of contact devices comprising contact elements and lens elements inserted or fixed into the contact elements can be manufactured in a very short time. In addition, the space requirement for manufacturing contact devices comprising contact elements and lens elements inserted or fixed into the contact elements is particularly small. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost is low. Moreover, since no adhesive is needed to fix the lens element into the contact element, accidental adhesion between other components or adhesive adhering to undesirable locations is reliably prevented. Changes in the optical properties of the lens element are reliably prevented by the compensating element.

[0007] Specifically, this objective is also achieved by a contact device for fixing the relative geometric position of a patient's eye relative to the laser applicator of an ophthalmic laser treatment system. The contact device includes a contact element and a lens element, wherein the lens element is fixedly connected to the contact element without adhesive by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. The lens element has an ocular surface for contacting the patient's eye or for hermetically defining a cavity between the lens element and the patient's eye. The lens element has at least one protruding element for engaging one or more retaining elements of the contact element, thereby fixing the lens element in the contact element without adhesive by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. The lens element has a lens contact surface constructed on the underside of the protruding element facing the ocular surface. The lens element is fixed in the contact element by means of a snap-fit ​​connection such that the lens contact surface is pressed against an elastic compensating element arranged on the fastening surface of the contact element by means of at least one protruding element and one or more retaining elements, thereby reducing the force exerted on the lens element by one or more retaining elements.

[0008] The advantages of this are that the contact device is technically very easy to manufacture. The lens element, in particular, can be fixed in the contact element in a technically very simple manner. No special or suitable tools are required when manufacturing the contact device. The manufacture of the contact device can be automated or carried out by machine. Personnel who fix the lens element in the contact element do not need any specialized technical training or instruction in the manufacture of the contact device. Therefore, a large number of contact devices comprising a contact element and a lens element placed in or fixed in the contact element can be manufactured in a very short time. Furthermore, the space requirement for manufacturing contact devices comprising a contact element and a lens element placed in or fixed in the contact element is particularly small. In addition, the manufacturing cost is low. Moreover, since no adhesive is needed or used to fix the lens element in the contact element, accidental adhesion between other components or adhesive adhering to undesirable locations is reliably prevented. Changes in the optical properties of the lens element are reliably prevented by the compensating element.

[0009] In particular, this objective is also achieved by a method for manufacturing a contact device for fixing the relative geometric position of a patient's eye with respect to a laser applicator of an ophthalmic laser treatment system, wherein the contact device has a contact element and a lens element, and wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0010] - Provide a contact element with one or more retaining elements;

[0011] - Provides a lens element; wherein the lens element has an ocular surface for contacting a patient's eye or for hermetically defining a cavity between the lens element and the patient's eye, wherein the lens element has at least one protruding element for engaging one or more retaining elements of the contact element, thereby securing the lens element in the contact element adhesive-free by means of a snap-fit ​​connection, wherein the lens element has a lens contact surface constructed on the underside of the at least one protruding element facing the ocular surface; and

[0012] - A lens element is secured to a contact element without adhesive by means of a snap-fit ​​connection, wherein at least one protruding element snaps under one or more retaining elements, such that the lens contact surface is pressed against an elastic compensating element arranged on the fastening surface of the contact element by means of at least one protruding element and one or more retaining elements, thereby reducing the force exerted on the lens element by one or more retaining elements.

[0013] The advantages of this method are its simplicity and rapid implementation. Furthermore, it requires minimal space or location. No specially adapted tools are needed. Personnel performing this method do not require specialized training. Therefore, it can be implemented inexpensively. Changes in the optical properties of the lens element are reliably prevented by the compensating element. Moreover, since no adhesive is used to fix the lens element to the contact element, accidental adhesion between other elements or adhesive adhering to unwanted locations is reliably prevented.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the system, the lens element and the contact element are designed such that the lens element can be fixed within the contact element, allowing the compensation element to be arranged entirely around the optical axis of the lens element. This has the advantage that the resulting forces are distributed particularly evenly across the lens element and the fastening surface. This more reliably prevents negative impacts on the optical properties of the lens element.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the system, the compensating element is designed to airtightly seal the area between the lens contact surface and the fastening surface. This has the advantage that the contact device, which acts as a liquid patient interface seal at this location, or the contact lens that is suctioned across the entire contact surface, can be constructed or manufactured in a technically simple manner. Therefore, the compensating element can simultaneously function as a sealing element. The lens element can be fixed within the contact element such that the compensating element is not arranged entirely around the optical axis of the lens element, and when it is placed on the patient's eye or when it is suctioned to the patient's eye, it substantially seals or substantially airtightly seals the area between the lens contact surface and the fastening surface. For example, by suction at the patient's eye, a portion of the lens contact surface can be substantially sealed or substantially airtightly connected to a portion of the fastening surface in which there is no compensating element. The suction system can compensate for the gaps between the spaced-apart compensating elements.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the contact device, the lens element is fixed within the contact element such that the compensation element is arranged entirely around the optical axis of the lens element. This has the advantage that the forces occurring in the contact device are distributed particularly evenly between the lens element and the fastening surface, and stress is avoided. This more reliably prevents negative impacts on the optical properties of the lens element.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the system or contact device, the lens contact surface extends perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens element. This has the advantage that the forces acting on the lens element can be distributed particularly effectively and over a large area.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the system or contact device, if the lens element is fixed in the contact element, the fastening surface of the contact element extends perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens element. As a result, the generated force can be effectively and extensively transmitted to the contact element through the snap-fit ​​connection. Therefore, this reliably prevents changes in the optical characteristics of the lens element. Furthermore, if the lens contact surface is arranged parallel to the fastening surface, the compensation element can make extensive contact with both the lens contact surface and the fastening surface.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the system or contact device, at least one protruding element of the lens element comprises either a protrusion that substantially completely surrounds the optical axis of the lens element, or at least one protruding element has a plurality of protruding elements spaced apart from each other around the optical axis of the lens. The advantage of a surrounding protrusion is that the lens element, system, or contact device is technically easier to manufacture. Furthermore, in the case of a surrounding protrusion, one or more retaining elements can secure and hold the lens element, particularly over a large area, in a predetermined position. Additionally, in the case of a surrounding protrusion, the lens element can rotate relative to the contact element about the optical axis of the lens element. The advantage of a plurality of spaced-apart protruding elements is that the lens element can be secured or inserted into the contact element in a particularly simple manner.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the system or contact device, if the lens element is fixed in the contact element, the compensation element is designed to be substantially annular in cross-section perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens element. This has the advantage that the compensation element is particularly easy to arrange technically. This reduces manufacturing costs and the time required for manufacturing. Furthermore, forces can be transmitted particularly evenly from the lens element to the compensation element. This even more reliably prevents potential negative impacts on the optical properties of the lens element.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the system or contact device, if the lens element is fixed in the contact element, the contact element includes a plurality of retaining elements, which are arranged, in particular, equidistant from each other around the optical axis of the lens. This has the advantage that the lens element can be inserted into the contact element in a technically simple manner. Furthermore, no significant force is applied to the lens element when it is inserted into the contact element or when the snap-fit ​​connection is established, thereby reliably preventing changes in the optical properties of the lens element when inserted into the contact element.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the system or contact device, one or more retaining elements of the contact element are designed to be flexible, such that they are mechanically movable, allowing at least one protrusion of the lens element to engage beneath one or more retaining elements to form a snap-fit ​​connection. This allows the lens element to be inserted into the contact element in a technically simple manner, particularly manually. Furthermore, only a small force is applied to the lens element during insertion. This reliably prevents (permanent) changes in the optical properties of the lens element.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the system or contact device, the compensating element has markings and / or colors corresponding to the structural type of the contact device. This has the advantage that different structural types of the contact device can be visually distinguished quickly and reliably. Therefore, misuse or incorrect selection of the contact device is reliably avoided. Different structural types of the contact device may, for example, include different lens elements and each include contact elements with the same structure.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the method, the lens contact surface extends perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens element. This has the advantage that the forces acting on the lens element are particularly effective and distributed over a large area.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the method, the contact element comprises a flexible compensating element manufactured by means of a multi-component die-casting method, particularly a two-component die-casting method. This has the advantage that the contact device can be manufactured technically simply, quickly, and inexpensively. Furthermore, no additional working steps are required for arranging the compensating element.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the method, one or more retaining elements of the contact element are mechanically moved, particularly away from the optical axis of the lens element, in the opposite direction, thereby introducing a portion of at least one protrusion of the lens element between one or more retaining elements of the contact element and the fastening surface of the contact element to form a snap-fit ​​connection. This has the advantage that the lens element can be inserted into the contact element in a technically simple manner, particularly manually. Furthermore, only a small force is applied to the lens element during insertion. This reliably prevents (permanent) changes in the optical properties of the lens element.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the method, at least one protruding element of the lens element includes a protrusion that substantially completely surrounds the optical axis of the lens element. This has the advantage that the contact device is technically easier to manufacture. The lens element is also secured and held in a predetermined position by one or more retaining elements, particularly over a large area. Furthermore, rotation of the lens element about its optical axis relative to the contact element does not alter the fixation of the lens element within the contact element.

[0028] It is conceivable that the contact element has one or more gaps, and when the lens element is placed into the contact element, the compensating element is at least partially pressed into the gap, and it can be said that the compensating element can be partially disengaged from the gap. This further reduces the force acting on the lens element.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. The drawings show: Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic side view of an embodiment of the contact device according to the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Detailed view of area II in the middle; and

[0032] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 or Figure 2 A top view of the contact element of the contact device in the diagram.

[0033] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for parts that have the same and same function. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic side view of an embodiment of the contact device 5 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Detailed view of area II in the image. Figure 3 This shows the direction of the light beam from above, i.e., during treatment of the patient's eye. Figure 1 or Figure 2 A top view of the contact element 40 of the contact device 5.

[0035] Contact device 5 is designed to fix the relative geometric position of the patient's eye with respect to the laser applicator of the ophthalmic laser treatment system. Therefore, during laser radiation treatment, contact device 5 fixes the position of the eye relative to the laser radiation. Contact device 5 is, or will be, rigidly / securely fixed to the laser treatment system.

[0036] The contact device 5 includes a lens element 10, which is fixed in or at a predetermined position in the contact element 40 of the contact device 5 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection without adhesive.

[0037] Contact device 5 can be a contact lens retention device (commonly referred to simply as a "contact lens"), wherein the lens element 10 contacts the eye or cornea. Contact device 5 can also be a liquid patient interface, wherein the cavity between the lens element 10 and the patient's eye is filled with a physiological saline solution (buffered saline solution, abbreviated as BSS). The refractive index between the lens element 10 and the patient's eye can be adjusted using the saline solution. A liquid patient interface is particularly useful when focusing laser radiation onto deeper structures within the patient's eye.

[0038] The lens element 10 is fixed or arranged at a predetermined position in the contact element 40 of the contact device 5. This means that the relative position between the lens element 10 and the contact element 40 is essentially unchangeable.

[0039] The lens element 10 is securely inserted into the contact element 40 by means of a snap-fit ​​or locking connection, that is, it is securely connected to or fixed in the contact element 40. The snap-fit ​​connection forms a shape fit.

[0040] The optical axis 20 of the lens element 10 passes centrally through the lens element 10, that is, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 From top to bottom. Figure 3 If the lens element 10 is fixed at a predetermined position in the contact element 40, then the optical axis 20 of the lens element 10 is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0041] To create a snap-fit ​​connection between the lens element 10 and the contact element 40, the lens element 10 has one protruding element 25 (e.g., in the form of a surrounding protrusion) or multiple protruding elements 25. The multiple protruding elements 25 can be designed to be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction around the optical axis 20. For example, the multiple protruding elements 25 can also be equally spaced from each other in a circumferential direction centered on the optical axis 20. Thus, for example, six protruding elements 25 extending at 30° intervals around the entire circle or circumference can each be 30° apart from each other in a circumferential direction. Other configurations of the protruding elements 25 are conceivable.

[0042] The contact element 40 has a truncated conical shape. The contact element 40 has one or more retaining elements 42-47 on its inner side. The retaining element 42 or more retaining elements 42-47 are constructed in the form of a protrusion facing inward or toward the optical axis 20 of the lens element 10.

[0043] The retaining elements 42-47 can be designed to completely surround the optical axis 20 of the lens element 10, that is, to extend along the entire circle surrounding the optical axis 20 of the lens element 10. Alternatively, multiple retaining elements 42-47 can be arranged circumferentially spaced, particularly equally spaced, from each other. Similar to the protruding element 25, the retaining elements 42-47 can each extend along an arc segment (e.g., at 35° of the circumference). Alternatively, three retaining elements 42-47 may also be present, arranged circumferentially offset from each other by 120°.

[0044] Contact element 40 has a fastening surface 49. Lens element 10 has a lens contact surface 15 on the side facing the eye. Lens contact surface 15 may extend perpendicular to the optical axis 20 of lens element 10. Fastening surface 49 may be designed to be perpendicular to the optical axis 20 of lens element 10. If lens element 10 is inserted into contact element 40 and secured by snap-fit ​​connection, lens contact surface 15 and fastening surface 49 extend parallel to each other.

[0045] The lens element 10 is secured in the retaining elements 42-47 without adhesive or with no adhesive. In particular, there is no adhesive between the lens contact surface 15 and the fastening surface 49.

[0046] The lens element 10 is secured in the contact element 40 by introducing or engaging a protruding element 25 or a protruding element of the lens element 10 under one or more retaining elements 42-47. For this purpose, the protruding element 25 or the retaining elements 42-47 can be reversibly moved mechanically. The protruding element 25 and / or the retaining elements 42-47 can be reversibly moved away from or towards the optical axis 20 of the lens element 10. A snap-fit ​​or engaging connection is formed between the lens element 10 and the contact element 40 by introducing one or more protruding elements 25 under one or more retaining elements 42-47. Thus, a form fit is formed between the retaining elements 42-47 and the protruding element 25, which substantially prevents movement of the lens element 10 relative to the contact element 40.

[0047] The protruding element 25 is held between one or more retaining elements 42-47 and the fastening surface 49. The protruding element 25 and the retaining elements 42-47 press the lens contact surface 15 toward the fastening surface 49.

[0048] A resilient compensating element 50 is disposed on the fastening surface 49. The compensating element 50 is designed to be resilient, meaning that the compensating element 50 tends to return to its original shape. The compensating element 50 may include or be made of plastic. For example, the compensating element 50 may be made of rubber-plastic composite.

[0049] It is possible, but not mandatory, to construct a recess or groove in the fastening surface 49 to accommodate a portion of the compensating element 50. In this way, the compensating element 50 can be arranged with particular precision.

[0050] The compensation element 50 can be designed as an annular shape in a cross-section extending perpendicular to the optical axis 20 of the lens element 10. The compensation element 50 can be designed as a ring, similar to an O-ring. Other shapes are also possible. For example, it can be in the shape of a donut.

[0051] The compensation element 50 can be designed to completely surround the optical axis 20 of the lens element 10.

[0052] The compensation element 50 can be designed to be airtight. This allows the area between the lens contact surface 15 and the fastening surface 49 to be airtightly sealed. This is particularly important in the case of liquid patient interfaces, where the cavity defined by the ocular surface 30 of the lens element 10 should be sealed between the lens element 10 and the patient's eye. This is also important in the case of contact elements designed as contact lenses and held in place across the entire contact surface with the eye. However, it is also possible, especially in the case of liquid patient interfaces, for example, to have an additional suction ring at or near the outer circumference of the contact element 40, designed to hold the patient's eye in place for relative fixation of the contact element 40 relative to the patient's eye. In the case of the additional suction ring, the cavity between the lens element 10 and the patient's eye does not need to be airtight, for example.

[0053] It is also conceivable that the compensating element 50 has multiple segments spaced apart from each other, these segments being circumferentially spaced, particularly equidistant, on the circumference of the fastening surface 49. For example, one segment of the compensating element 50 is located at six points on the fastening surface 49. The various segments of the compensating element 50 generally have the same elasticity. In the case of multiple segments of the compensating element 50, or in the case of multiple spaced-apart compensating elements, it is conceivable that the pressure of the lens contact surface 15 relative to the fastening surface 49 forms a tight seal or airtight seal in the area between the lens contact surface 15 and the fastening surface 49.

[0054] The contact element 40 is designed to be at least partially complementary to the lens element 10, particularly making lateral movement—that is, movement perpendicular to the optical axis 20 of the lens element 10—essentially impossible when the lens element 10 is fixedly connected to or secured within the contact element 40 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. Therefore, a tight fit exists in the lateral or sideways direction. Consequently, forces do not always act on the lens element 10 in the lateral or sideways direction.

[0055] However, it is conceivable that an additional compensation element 50 is also arranged laterally between the lens element 10 and the contact element 40. The additional compensation element 50 may extend around the optical axis 20 of the lens element 10 on the entire circle or may consist of only a single circular segment or arc segment.

[0056] The compensation element 50 is sandwiched between the lens contact surface 15 and the fastening surface 49. It is conceivable that the compensation element 50 covers the largest portion of the lens contact surface 15 and / or the fastening surface 49, especially exceeding 90% of the lens contact surface 15.

[0057] The compensation element 50 prevents excessive force from acting on the lens element 10 or generating stress in the lens element 10 that could alter its optical properties. The compensation element 50 also prevents the lens contact surface 15 from directly pressing against the fastening surface 49.

[0058] The compensating element 50 does not include an adhesive and does not have an adhesive function.

[0059] The compensating element 50 is deformed by compression of the lens element 10 or the lens contact surface 15 in the direction of the fastening surface 49. The compensating element 50, due to its elasticity, correspondingly compresses the lens contact surface 15. This prevents movement of the lens element 10 parallel to the optical axis 20. Therefore, the compensating element 50 represents a type of buffer between the lens contact surface 15 and the fastening surface 49, which can absorb the force generated by deformation, thus preventing direct contact from being normally established between the substantially non-deformable lens contact surface 15 and the substantially non-deformable fastening surface 49.

[0060] The contact element 40 with compensation element 50 can be manufactured by die casting. The contact element 40 can be manufactured, in particular, by two-component die casting or 2K die casting. The contact element 40 without compensation element 50 can be composed of or manufactured from a first component, and the compensation element 50 can be composed of or manufactured from a second component, wherein the second component is different from the first component. The second component can comprise, or be, an elastic or flexible plastic or a mixture of plastics.

[0061] The treatment system surface 37, opposite to the ocular surface 30, is designed to be parallel to the ocular surface 30. The treatment system surface 37 contacts the retaining elements 42-47 of the contact element 40. A form fit exists between the treatment system surface 37 and the retaining elements 42-47. The treatment system surface 37... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The middle part cannot move upward because the surface 37 of the treatment system is against the retaining element 42-47 of the contact element 40.

[0062] The treatment system surface 37 can be positioned away from the ocular surface 30. This means... Figure 1 or Figure 2The ocular surface 30 points downwards, while the treatment system surface 37 points upwards or is constructed on the upper side of the protrusion of the lens element 10. The lens contact surface 15 is constructed on the lower side of the protrusion of the lens element 10.

[0063] The lens element 10 is positioned into the contact element 40 to form the contact device 5 by reversibly moving one or more retaining elements 42-47 mechanically. For example, one or more retaining elements 42-47 may be bent laterally or sideways and / or parallel to the optical axis 20 of the lens element 10, so that one or more protruding elements 25 may move below one or more retaining elements 42-47. Subsequently, one or more retaining elements 42-47 move or spring back to their original positions. A form-fitting snap connection is now formed between the lens element 10 and the contact element 40. One or more protruding elements 25 of the lens element 10 are now located between one or more retaining elements 42-47 and the fastening surface 49. A compensating element 50 is arranged between the protruding element 25 and the fastening surface 49.

[0064] It is also conceivable that one or more protruding elements 25 of the lens element 10 are reversibly movable mechanically in order to place the lens element 10 into the contact element 40 and secure it in the contact element 40 by means of a snap-fit ​​or engaging connection.

[0065] The snap-fit ​​connection cannot usually be detached from the contact element 40 without being damaged.

[0066] exist Figure 3 In the middle, the lens element 10 has not yet been placed into the contact element 40.

[0067] The entire contact device 5 may be without adhesive or without adhesive connections.

[0068] The contact device 5 may have an suction channel 60 for suctioning the eye.

[0069] List of reference numerals

[0070] 5. Contact device

[0071] 10 Lens elements

[0072] 15 Lens contact surface

[0073] 20. Optical axis of the lens

[0074] 25 Prominent Components

[0075] 30 Eye surface

[0076] 37. Treatment system surface

[0077] 40 Contact elements

[0078] 42-47 Holding elements

[0079] 49 Fastening surface

[0080] 50 Compensation Components

[0081] 60 Inhalation Channel

Claims

1. System, comprising: a contact element (40) for fixing a relative geometrical position of a patient's eye relative to a laser applicator of an ophthalmological laser treatment system, and a lens element (10) for insertion into the contact element (40), wherein the contact element (40) is designed to accommodate the lens element (10) at a predetermined position, wherein the lens element (10) has an eye surface (30) for contacting the patient's eye or for hermetically defining a cavity between the lens element (10) and the patient's eye, wherein the lens element (10) has at least one protruding element (25) for engaging one or more holding elements (42-47) of the contact element (40) for fixing the lens element (10) in the contact element (40) without adhesive by means of a snap connection, wherein the lens element (10) has a lens contact surface (15) configured on an underside of the protruding element (25) facing the eye surface (30), wherein the lens element (10) and the contact element (40) are designed such that the lens element (10) can be fixed in the contact element (40) by means of the snap connection such that the lens contact surface (15) is pressed against an elastic compensation element (50) arranged on a fastening surface (49) of the contact element (40) by means of the at least one protruding element (25) and by means of the one or more holding elements (42-47) to reduce a force acting on the lens element (10) by the one or more holding elements (42-47).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The lens element (10) and the contact element (40) are designed such that the lens element (10) can be fixed in the contact element (40) such that the compensation element (50) is arranged completely around an optical axis (20) of the lens element (10).

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The compensation element (50) is designed to hermetically seal a region between the lens contact surface (15) and the fastening surface (49).

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, The lens contact surface (15) extends perpendicular to the optical axis (20) of the lens element (10).

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, The fastening surface (49) of the contact element (40) extends perpendicular to the optical axis (20) of the lens element (10) if the lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40).

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one protruding element (25) of the lens element (10) comprises or is a protrusion extending essentially completely around the optical axis (20) of the lens element (10), or the at least one protruding element (25) has a plurality of protruding elements (25) arranged spaced apart from each other around the optical axis (20) of the lens.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein, If the lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40), the compensation element (50) is designed in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis (20) of the lens element (10) substantially as a circular ring.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein, If the lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40), the contact element (40) comprises a plurality of holding elements (42-47) which are arranged at a distance from one another around the optical axis (20) of the lens.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein, If the lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40), the plurality of holding elements (42-47) are arranged at a distance from one another around the optical axis (20) of the lens at equal distances from one another.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein, One holding element (42-47) or a plurality of holding elements (42-47) of the contact element (40) are designed to be flexible, so that one holding element (42-47) or a plurality of holding elements are designed to be movable in a mechanical manner, so that at least one protrusion of the lens element (10) snaps under one holding element (42-47) or a plurality of holding elements (42-47) to form the snap connection.

11. A contact device (5) for fixing a relative geometrical position of a patient's eye with respect to a laser applicator of an ophthalmological laser treatment system, wherein the contact device (5) comprising a contact element (40) and a lens element (10), wherein the lens element (10) is fixedly connected to the contact element (40) without adhesive by means of a snap connection, wherein the lens element (10) has an eye surface (30) for contacting the patient's eye or for hermetically defining a cavity between the lens element (10) and the patient's eye, wherein the lens element (10) has at least one protruding element (25) for engaging one or more holding elements (42-47) of the contact element (40) for fixing the lens element (10) in the contact element (40) without adhesive by means of a snap connection, wherein the lens element (10) has a lens contact surface (15) configured on an underside of the protruding element (25) facing the eye surface (30), wherein the lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40) by means of the snap connection, so that the lens contact surface (15) is pressed by means of the at least one protruding element (25) and by means of one holding element (42-47) or a plurality of holding elements (42-47) against an elastic compensation element (50) arranged on a fastening surface (49) of the contact element (40) for reducing a force acting on the lens element (10) by one holding element (42-47) or a plurality of holding elements (42-47).

12. Contact device (5) according to claim 11, wherein The lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40) so that the compensation element (50) is arranged completely around the optical axis (20) of the lens element (10).

13. The contact device (5) according to claim 11, wherein The lens contact surface (15) extends perpendicularly to an optical axis (20) of the lens element (10).

14. The contact device (5) according to claim 11, wherein If the lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40), the fastening surface (49) of the contact element (40) extends perpendicularly to an optical axis (20) of the lens element (10).

15. The contact device (5) according to claim 11, wherein At least one of the protruding elements (25) of the lens element (10) comprises or is a protrusion which extends substantially completely around the optical axis (20) of the lens element (10), or at least one of the protruding elements (25) has a plurality of protruding elements (25) which are arranged at a distance from one another around the optical axis (20) of the lens.

16. The contact device (5) according to claim 11, wherein If the lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40), the compensation element (50) is designed substantially annular in a cross section perpendicular to an optical axis (20) of the lens element (10).

17. The contact device (5) according to claim 11, wherein If the lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40), the contact element (40) comprises a plurality of holding elements (42-47) which are arranged at a distance from one another around the optical axis (20) of the lens.

18. The contact device (5) according to claim 17, wherein If the lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40), the plurality of holding elements (42-47) are arranged at a distance from one another equidistantly around the optical axis (20) of the lens.

19. The contact device (5) according to claim 11, wherein One of the holding elements (42-47) or the plurality of holding elements (42-47) of the contact element (40) is designed flexible, so that one of the holding elements (42-47) or the plurality of holding elements is designed to be moved mechanically, so that at least one protrusion of the lens element (10) snaps under one of the holding elements (42-47) or the plurality of holding elements (42-47) to form the snap connection.

20. The contact device (5) according to claim 11, wherein The compensation element (50) has a marking and / or a color which corresponds to the respective design version of the contact device (5).

21. A method for manufacturing a contact device (5) for fixing a relative geometrical position of a patient's eye with respect to a laser applicator of an ophthalmological laser treatment system, wherein, The contact device (5) has a contact element (40) and a lens element (10), wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing a contact element (40) having one or a plurality of holding elements (42-47); providing a lens element (10); wherein the lens element (10) has an eye surface (30) for contacting the patient's eye or for hermetically defining a cavity between the lens element (10) and the patient's eye, wherein the lens element (10) has at least one protruding element (25) for engaging one or a plurality of holding elements (42-47) of the contact element (40) to fix the lens element (10) in the contact element (40) without adhesive by means of a snap connection, wherein the lens element (10) has a lens contact surface (15) which is configured on an underside of at least one of the protruding elements (25) facing the eye surface (30); and and The lens element (10) is fixed in the contact element (40) without adhesive by means of a snap connection, wherein at least one of the protruding elements (25) snaps under one of the holding elements (42-47) or a plurality of the holding elements, such that the lens contact surface (15) is pressed by means of at least one of the protruding elements (25) and by means of one of the holding elements (42-47) or a plurality of the holding elements (42-47) towards an elastic compensation element (50) arranged on a fastening surface (49) of the contact element (40) in order to reduce the force acting on the lens element (10) by one of the holding elements (42-47) or a plurality of the holding elements (42-47).

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The contact element (40) comprising the flexible compensation element (50) is produced by means of a multi-component die casting method.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The contact element (40) comprising the flexible compensation element (50) is produced by means of a two-component die casting method.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein, One of the holding elements (42-47) or a plurality of the holding elements of the contact element (40) is reversibly moved mechanically in order to introduce a part of at least one protrusion of the lens element (10) between one of the holding elements (42-47) or a plurality of the holding elements of the contact element (40) and the fastening surface (49) of the contact element (40) in order to form the snap connection.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, One of the holding elements (42-47) or a plurality of the holding elements of the contact element (40) is reversibly moved mechanically away from the optical axis (20) of the lens element (10) in order to introduce a part of at least one protrusion of the lens element (10) between one of the holding elements (42-47) or a plurality of the holding elements of the contact element (40) and the fastening surface (49) of the contact element (40) in order to form the snap connection.

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