Ophthalmic lid speculum with airflow system

Abstract

An ophthalmic eyelid retractor is disclosed, comprising arms, a locking mechanism, and an airflow system. The arms include a first arm and a second arm. Each arm has a retractor shaped to correspond to one of a pair of eyelids of the eye. The retractor is substantially symmetrical about a lateral axis. The locking mechanism is coupled to the arm. The locking mechanism moves the arm to allow the retractor to retract the pair of eyelids and fixes the arm in place to maintain the retraction of the pair of eyelids. The airflow system is coupled to at least one arm and circulates air in an area disposed outward from the surface of the eye.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. PCT / IB2022 / 052394, National Application No. 202280019156.7, filed on March 16, 2022, entitled "Ophthalmic Eyelid Opener with Airflow System". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to ophthalmic devices, and more specifically to ophthalmic eyelid openers with airflow systems. Background Technology

[0003] Laser ablation removes material from a surface by irradiating it with a laser beam. In ophthalmic surgery, excimer lasers can be used to ablate and reshape the cornea to alter its refractive properties. There are different types of refractive surgery techniques. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) involves cutting a corneal flap and then using a laser to ablate the stroma. Laser-assisted optical keratectomy (PRK) is similar to LASIK, but instead of creating a corneal flap, it removes the surface cells of the cornea and allows them to grow back after surgery.

[0004] During laser ablation, ablation products (e.g., tissue particles) typically form an undesirable haze above the ablation area. These ablation products enter the laser beam path, where they undesirably attenuate the intensity of the laser beam. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some embodiments, an ophthalmic eyelid retractor includes arms, a locking mechanism, and an airflow system. The arms include a first arm and a second arm. Each arm has a retractor shaped to correspond to one of a pair of eyelids of the eye. The retractor is substantially symmetrical about a lateral axis. The locking mechanism is coupled to the arm. The locking mechanism moves the arm to allow the retractor to retract the pair of eyelids and holds the arm in place to maintain the retraction of the pair of eyelids. The airflow system is coupled to at least one arm and circulates air in an area disposed outward from the surface of the eye.

[0006] The embodiment may exclude or include one, some, or all of the following features: The airflow system causes air to move as a laminar flow across the surface of the eye in a direction orthogonal to the lateral axis. A suction unit can cause air to move away from the surface of the eye, and / or a blower can cause air to move across the surface of the eye. The airflow system creates a low-pressure region that causes air to move towards the surface of the eye and then away from the surface of the eye. The airflow system may include one or more suction units, wherein each suction unit causes air to move away from the surface of the eye toward one of a plurality of pullers.

[0007] An airflow system generates a rotating airflow that moves air away from a surface away from the eyes. The airflow system may include: a suction machine configured to move air away from the surface of the eyes toward a first retractor among a plurality of retractors; and a blower configured to move air across the surface of the eyes away from a second retractor among a plurality of retractors. The airflow system may also include: a first blower configured to move air across the surface of the eyes away from a first retractor among a plurality of retractors; and a second blower configured to move air across the surface of the eyes away from a second retractor among a plurality of retractors. The airflow system may also include: a first suction machine configured to move air away from the surface of the eyes toward a first retractor among a plurality of retractors; and a second suction machine configured to move air away from the surface of the eyes toward a second retractor among a plurality of retractors.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method for moving air away from the eye includes moving a plurality of arms to allow retractors to retract a pair of eyelids. The arms include a first arm and a second arm, each arm having a retractor shaped to conform to the eyelid. The retractors are substantially symmetrical about a lateral axis. The method further includes: securing the arms in place by a locking mechanism to maintain the retraction of the pair of eyelids; and moving air in a region disposed outward from the surface of the eye by an airflow system coupled to at least one arm.

[0009] The embodiments may exclude or include one, some, or all of the following features: The method includes moving air via a computer-controlled airflow system. The airflow system moves air as a laminar flow across the surface of the eye in a direction orthogonal to the lateral axis. The airflow system generates a low-pressure region that causes air to move towards the surface of the eye and then away from the surface of the eye. The airflow system generates a rotating airflow that causes air to move away from the surface of the eye.

[0010] In some embodiments, an ophthalmic eyelid retractor includes arms, a locking mechanism, an airflow system, and a computer. The arms include a first arm and a second arm. Each arm has a retractor shaped to correspond to one of a pair of eyelids of the eye. The retractor is substantially symmetrical about a lateral axis. The locking mechanism is coupled to the arms. The locking mechanism moves the arms to allow the retractor to retract the pair of eyelids and holds the arms in place to maintain the retraction of the pair of eyelids. The airflow system is coupled to at least one arm and moves air in a region disposed outward from the surface of the eye. The airflow system includes: one or more suction units, each of which moves air away from the surface of the eye; and one or more blowers, each of which moves air across the surface of the eye. The computer can control the airflow system to: move air as a laminar flow across the surface of the eye in a direction orthogonal to the lateral axis; generate a low-pressure region that moves air toward the surface of the eye and then away from the surface of the eye; and generate a rotating airflow that moves air away from the surface of the eye.

[0011] The embodiments may exclude or include one, some, or all of the following features: One or more suction machines include: a first suction machine configured to move air away from the surface of the eye toward a first retractor among a plurality of retractors; and a second suction machine configured to move air away from the surface of the eye toward a second retractor among a plurality of retractors. One or more blowers include: a first blower configured to move air across the surface of the eye away from the first retractor among a plurality of retractors; and a second blower configured to move air across the surface of the eye away from the second retractor among a plurality of retractors. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 Examples of ophthalmic eyelid openers according to certain embodiments are shown;

[0013] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C It shows that it can be used with Figure 1 An example of an airflow system that uses ophthalmic eyelid openers to make air move as a laminar flow.

[0014] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It shows that it can be used with Figure 1 An example of an airflow system that generates a low-pressure area and is used in conjunction with an ophthalmic eyelid opener;

[0015] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C It shows that it can be used with Figure 1 Examples of airflow systems that generate rotating airflow, used in conjunction with ophthalmic eyelid openers; and

[0016] Figure 5 It shows that it can be used with Figure 1 An example of an airflow method used in conjunction with an ophthalmic eyelid opener. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Example embodiments of the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are now illustrated in detail with reference to the specification and accompanying drawings. The specification and drawings are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit the claims to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings and disclosed in the specification. Although the drawings present possible embodiments, they are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be simplified, exaggerated, removed, or partially cut out to better illustrate the embodiments.

[0018] During laser ablation, ablation products (e.g., tissue particles) typically form an undesirable haze above the ablation area. These ablation products enter the laser beam path, where they undesirably attenuate the intensity of the laser beam. Some embodiments address this problem.

[0019] Figure 1 An example of an ophthalmic eyelid retractor 10 according to certain embodiments is shown. In this example, the ophthalmic eyelid retractor 10 includes arms 20 (20a, 20b) connected as shown, a locking mechanism 22, and an airflow system 24. Each arm 20 has a retractor 25 (25a, 25b) shaped to conform to one of the eyelids of the eye. The locking mechanism 22 moves the arm 20 to allow the retractor 25 to retract the eyelid, and then locks the arm 20 in place to maintain the retraction. The airflow system 24 includes one or more airflow devices disposed outward from the surface of the eye that move air. The airflow moves the ablation product away from the eye to reduce unwanted attenuation of the laser beam. In some embodiments, a computer 12 may instruct the airflow system 24 to move the air.

[0020] Turning to this example, the ophthalmic eyelid retractor 10 has an arm 20 with retractors 25 (25a, 25b). The arm 20 and retractors 25 comprise materials sufficiently robust to retract the eyelid, such as metal or plastic. The size and shape of the retractors 25 are determined to conform to the eyelid, and the retractors 25 may be substantially symmetrical about a lateral axis 14. The retractors 25 may have a curved or hook-like shape in a direction substantially orthogonal to the lateral axis 14, wherein the curved or hook-like shape engages the eyelid to move the eyelid away from the eye. The retractors 25 may have a straight or curved shape in a direction substantially parallel to the lateral axis 14. In the example shown, the retractor 24 has a curved shape in a direction substantially orthogonal to the lateral axis 14 and a straight shape in a direction substantially parallel to the lateral axis 14. The locking mechanism 22 includes any suitable component, such as a screw or spring, that moves the arm 20 and secures it in place.

[0021] Airflow system 24 includes one or more airflow devices disposed outward from the surface of the eye, which move air. An airflow device is a means of moving air in any suitable direction. For example, a blower (e.g., a fan) typically moves air away from the blower, while a suction machine typically moves air towards the suction machine. In some embodiments, a blower moves (or blows) air across the surface of the eye, and a suction machine moves (or draws) air away from the surface.

[0022] Airflow devices can use any suitable technology to move air. For example, an airflow device can use a conventional fan to move air. A conventional fan can be a device with rotating blades that generate airflow. As another example, a Dyson bladeless fan with a base and a ring can be used. The base can have an impeller with (asymmetrical or symmetrical) fins (e.g., a mixed-flow impeller) that draws air into the fan. As the impeller increases the air pressure, the air is forced in and through the ring. The airflow through the ring creates a low-pressure area, which causes surrounding air to be entrained and follow the airflow.

[0023] As another example, airflow devices can utilize techniques based on the Venturi effect to move air. Examples of such Venturi airflow devices include air jets, Venturi pumps, and vacuum jets. In a Venturi airflow device, the working fluid flows through a tube whose cross-section first narrows and then widens. The fluid exits at high speed, creating a low-pressure region that generates a vacuum. In some cases, the outer tube narrows into a mixing section where the high-speed working fluid mixes with another fluid drawn in by the vacuum, thus giving the fluid to be ejected sufficient velocity. Other suitable techniques can be used, such as airflow devices that use jet engine technology or utilize differences in temperature and / or humidity to move air.

[0024] Airflow system 24 can move air to produce any suitable airflow pattern. An airflow pattern describes a relatively uniform movement of air. Examples of airflow patterns include laminar flow across the eye (laminar flow pattern), flow away from the eye that creates a low-pressure area at the eye (low-pressure pattern), and rotating flow that moves air away from the eye (rotating pattern).

[0025] In some embodiments, computer 12 can control airflow system 24 to move air. In embodiments, the computer can control how airflow devices (e.g., blowers or suction machines) move air to generate airflow patterns. For example, the computer can send instructions to the device about when to move air, how much air to move, and / or how fast to move air to generate airflow patterns.

[0026] Figures 2A to 2C It shows that it can be used with Figure 1 An example of an airflow system 24 used in conjunction with an ophthalmic eyelid opener 10, which moves air as a laminar flow 40. The laminar flow 40 moves across the surface 26 of the eye 28 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the lateral axis 14. Figure 2A This is a top view of the airflow system 24, and Figure 2B This is a side view of the airflow system 24.

[0027] In the example shown, the airflow system 24 includes a blower 32 coupled to a retractor 25a and / or a suction unit 30 coupled to a retractor 25b. The blower 32 blows air across the surface 26 of the eye 28 away from the retractor 25a. The suction unit 30 draws air away from the surface 26 of the eye 28 toward the retractor 25b. As the blower 32 blows air and the suction unit 30 draws air, a laminar flow 40 across the surface 26 of the eye 28 and orthogonal to the lateral axis 14 causes the suction product 42 to move away from the eye 28. In other examples, the laminar flow 40 may be at a non-orthogonal angle to the lateral axis 14, for example, an angle in the range of 40 to 90 degrees, such as 40 to 50 degrees, 50 to 70 degrees, and / or 70 to 90 degrees.

[0028] Figure 2C This is a side view of the airflow system 24 including spacers 34 (34a, 34b). Spacers 34 can be used to adjust the distance between the blower 32 and the suction unit 30 and the surface 26 of the eye 28, which changes the distance between the laminar flow 40 and the surface 26. The distance between the laminar flow 40 and the surface 26 can be increased to reduce the drying effect of the laminar flow 40 on the eye 28.

[0029] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It shows that it can be used with Figure 1An example of an airflow system 24 that generates a low-pressure region 50 in a low-pressure pattern, used in conjunction with an ophthalmic eyelid speculum 10. In this example, the airflow system 24 moves air 40 and ablation products 42 toward the surface 26 of the eye 28 and then away from the center 27 of the eye 28. Figure 3A This is a top view of the airflow system 24, and Figure 3B This is a side view of the airflow system 24.

[0030] In the illustrated example, the airflow system 24 includes one or two suction units 30 coupled to a retractor 25. Each suction unit 30 draws air away from the surface 26 of the eye 28 toward its associated retractor 25. In some embodiments, only one retractor 25 has an associated suction unit 30. In other embodiments, both retractors 25 have associated suction units 30. In these embodiments, a first suction unit draws air away from the surface 26 of the eye 28 toward a first retractor, and a second suction unit draws air away from the surface 26 of the eye 28 toward a second retractor. The resulting airflow creates a low-pressure region 50 that causes air 40 to move toward the surface 26 of the eye 28, and then the airflow device moves the air 40 away from the center 27 of the eye 28.

[0031] Figures 4A to 4C It shows that it can be used with Figure 1 An example of an airflow system 24 that generates a rotating air motion 52 in conjunction with an ophthalmic eyelid speculum 10. The rotating air motion 52 causes air 40 and ablation products 42 to move away from the surface 26 of the eye 28. Figure 4A This is a top view of the airflow system 24, and Figure 4B This is a side view of the airflow system 24. Figure 4C An example of a rotational flow angle of 60° (60a to 60d) is shown.

[0032] Go to Figure 4C The rotational flow angle 60 is an airflow angle that can generate rotational air motion 52. In the example shown, airflow at two or more angles 60 can generate rotational air motion 52. Typically, the rotational flow angle 60 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the lateral axis 14. Examples of the rotational flow angle 60 can have values ​​in the range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees relative to the lateral axis 14 (e.g., values ​​in the range of 10 degrees to 35 degrees, 35 degrees to 55 degrees, and / or 55 degrees to 80 degrees). A blower can move air at angles 60a, 60d (e.g., blowing), and a suction machine can move air at angles 60b, 60c (e.g., suction).

[0033] Go to Figure 4A and Figure 4BIn some embodiments, the airflow system 24 includes one or more airflow devices (e.g., a blower 32 and / or a suction machine 30) that move air 40 in a rotational direction. Any suitable combination of airflow devices that generate rotational airflow at the eye 28 can be used. In the example shown, the airflow system 24 includes a blower 32 coupled to a retractor 25a and a suction machine 30 coupled to a retractor 25b. The blower 32 blows air across the surface 26 of the eye 28 away from the retractor 25a at a rotational flow angle 60a. The suction machine 30 draws air away from the surface 26 of the eye 28 toward the retractor 25b at a rotational flow angle 60b.

[0034] Other suitable combinations of airflow devices that generate air rotational motion at the eye 28 can be used. For example, the airflow system 24 may include a first blower 32 connected to the retractor 25a and a second blower 32 connected to the retractor 25b. The first blower 32 causes air to move away from the retractor 25a across the surface 26 of the eye 28 at a rotational flow angle 60a, and the second blower 32 causes air to move away from the second retractor 25b across the surface 26 of the eye 28 at a rotational flow angle 60d.

[0035] As another example, the airflow system 24 may include a first suction unit 30 connected to the retractor 25a and a second suction unit 30 connected to the retractor 25b. The first suction unit 30 moves air away from the surface 26 of the eye 28 toward the retractor 25a at a rotational flow angle 60c, and the second suction unit 30 moves air away from the surface 26 of the eye 28 toward the retractor 25b at a rotational flow angle 60b.

[0036] Figure 5 It shows that it can be used with Figure 1 An example of an airflow method used in conjunction with an ophthalmic eyelid speculum. In some embodiments, computer 12 can perform the method, and the method can be performed to remove ablation products during ophthalmic surgery.

[0037] The method begins at step 110, where computer 12 determines an airflow pattern. The airflow pattern can be, for example, laminar flow, low pressure, rotation, or other suitable patterns. In some embodiments, computer 12 can determine the pattern based on, for example, user input or predetermined settings. For example, certain patterns can be selected for certain surgical procedures.

[0038] In step 112, computer 12 controls airflow system 24 to generate an airflow pattern. The next step depends on the determined airflow pattern. For a laminar flow pattern, the method proceeds to step 114 to generate the laminar flow pattern. (See reference...) Figures 2A to 2C An example of generating a laminar flow mode is described. For the low-pressure mode, the method proceeds to step 116 to generate the low-pressure mode. (See reference...) Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example of generating a low-pressure mode is described. For the rotational mode, the method proceeds to step 114 to generate the rotational mode. (See reference...) Figures 4A to 4C An example of generating a rotation pattern is described.

[0039] The airflow procedure may end at step 120. For example, the ablation process in ophthalmic surgery may be completing, and therefore removal of the ablation product may no longer be necessary. If the airflow procedure has not ended, the method returns to step 112 to continue controlling the airflow system 24 to generate an airflow pattern. If the airflow procedure is about to end, the method ends.

[0040] Components of the systems and devices disclosed herein (such as computer 12) may include interfaces, logic, and / or memory, any of which may include computer hardware and / or software. Interfaces may receive input to and / or send output from components, and are typically used to exchange information between, for example, software, hardware, peripherals, users, and combinations thereof. User interfaces (e.g., graphical user interfaces (GUIs)) are types of interfaces that a user can use to interact with a computer. Examples of user interfaces include displays, touchscreens, keyboards, mice, gesture sensors, microphones, and speakers.

[0041] Logic can perform operations on components. Logic may include one or more electronic devices that process data (e.g., execute instructions to generate outputs from inputs). Examples of such electronic devices include computers, processors, microprocessors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs)), and computer chips. Logic may include computer software that encodes instructions executable by electronic devices to perform operations. Examples of computer software include computer programs, application programs, and operating systems.

[0042] Memory can store information and may include tangible, computer-readable, and / or computer-executable storage media. Examples of memory include computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., optical disc (CD) or digital video or universal disc (DVD)), databases, network storage devices (e.g., servers), and / or other computer-readable media. Specific embodiments may relate to memory encoded with computer software.

[0043] Although this disclosure is described based on certain embodiments, modifications to these embodiments (such as alterations, substitutions, additions, omissions, and / or other modifications) will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, modifications can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, modifications can be made to the systems and devices disclosed herein. The components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separate, or the operation of the systems and devices may be performed by more or fewer components or other components, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. As another example, modifications can be made to the methods disclosed herein. These methods may include more or fewer steps or other steps, and these steps may be performed in any suitable order, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0044] To aid the Patent Office and the reader in understanding the claims, the applicant does not intend for any claim or claim element to invoke 35 USC §112(f) unless the terms “means for…” or “steps for…” are expressly used in a particular claim. The applicant understands that the use of any other terms within the claims (e.g., “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “building,” “device,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,” or “controller”) refers to structures known to a person skilled in the art and is not intended to invoke 35 USC §112(f).

Claims

1. An ophthalmic eyelid retractor, the ophthalmic eyelid retractor comprising: Multiple arms, including a first arm and a second arm, each arm having a retractor whose shape is defined to correspond to one of a pair of eyelids of the eye; A locking mechanism, which is coupled to the arm and configured to: Move the arm to allow the retractor to retract the pair of eyelids; and Secure the arm in place to maintain the retraction of the pair of eyelids; as well as An airflow system, connected to at least one of the plurality of arms, is configured to cause air to move in a laminar flow across the surface of the eye in a region extending outward from the surface of the eye, wherein the laminar flow is generally along the direction from the first eyelid to the second eyelid of the pair of eyelids.

2. The ophthalmic eyelid retractor as described in claim 1, wherein, The height of the laminar flow relative to the surface of the eye is adjustable.

3. The ophthalmic eyelid retractor of claim 2 further includes a spacer located between the at least one arm and the airflow system for raising the height of the laminar flow relative to the surface of the eye.

4. The ophthalmic eyelid retractor as described in claim 1, wherein the airflow system comprises: A suction machine configured to move the air away from the surface of the eye.

5. The ophthalmic eyelid opener as claimed in claim 4, wherein the suction device is connected to the second arm near the second eyelid.

6. The ophthalmic eyelid retractor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the airflow system comprises: A blower configured to move the air across the surface of the eye.

7. The ophthalmic eyelid opener as claimed in claim 6, wherein the blower is connected to the first arm near the first eyelid.

8. The ophthalmic eyelid retractor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the airflow system comprises: A suction device configured to move the air away from the surface of the eye; as well as A blower configured to move the air across the surface of the eye.

9. The ophthalmic eyelid opener of claim 8, wherein the blower is connected to the first arm near the first eyelid, and the suction device is connected to the second arm near the second eyelid.

10. The ophthalmic eyelid retractor as described in claim 1, wherein, The airflow system is further configured to cause the air to move away from the surface of the eye as a rotating airflow, and is capable of switching between laminar and rotating airflow.

11. The ophthalmic eyelid retractor as described in claim 1, wherein, The airflow system is further configured to generate a low-pressure region that causes the air to move toward the surface of the eye and then away from the surface of the eye, and the airflow system is capable of switching between laminar flow and generating a low-pressure region.

12. A method for moving air away from the surface of the eye, the method comprising: Multiple arms are moved to allow multiple retractors to retract a pair of eyelids, the multiple arms including a first arm and a second arm, each arm having one of the multiple retractors, the shape of the retractor being determined to correspond to one of the pair of eyelids of the eye; The arm is secured in place by a locking mechanism to maintain the retraction of the pair of eyelids; as well as Air is moved in a region extending outward from the surface of the eye by an airflow system coupled to at least one arm. The air moves in a laminar flow, which causes the air to move across the surface of the eye, wherein the laminar flow is generally along the direction from the first eyelid to the second eyelid of the pair of eyelids.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The airflow system is controlled by a computer to move the air.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The computer is configured to change the airflow system from laminar airflow to rotating airflow, which causes air to move outward away from the surface of the eye.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein, The computer is configured to change the airflow system from laminar airflow to low-pressure generated airflow, which causes the air to move away from the surface of the eye.

16. An ophthalmic eyelid retractor, the ophthalmic eyelid retractor comprising: Multiple arms, including a first arm and a second arm, each arm having a retractor whose shape is defined to correspond to one of a pair of eyelids of the eye; A locking mechanism, which is coupled to the arm and configured to: Move the arm to allow the retractor to retract the pair of eyelids; and Secure the arm in place to maintain the retraction of the pair of eyelids; An airflow system, connected to at least one of the plurality of arms, the airflow system being configured to move air in a region extending outward from the surface of the eye, the airflow system comprising: One or more suction devices, each suction device being configured to move the air away from the surface of the eye; and One or more blowers, each blower configured to move the air across the surface of the eye; and Computer, the computer is configured to: Determine the airflow pattern; and The airflow system is controlled to generate a determined airflow pattern, the airflow pattern including at least one of the following: Laminar flow across the surface of the eye; The low-pressure region that causes the air to move toward and away from the surface of the eye; and A rotating airflow that causes the air to move away from the surface of the eye.

17. The ophthalmic eyelid retractor of claim 16, wherein the one or more blowers comprise: A first suction device, configured to move the air away from the surface of the eye toward the first retractor in the retractor; as well as A second suction device is configured to move the air away from the surface of the eye toward the second retractor in the retractor.

18. The ophthalmic eyelid retractor of claim 16, wherein the one or more blowers comprise: A first blower, the first blower being configured to cause the air to move away from the first retractor in the retractor across the surface of the eye; as well as A second blower is configured to cause the air to move away from the second retractor in the retractor across the surface of the eye.

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