Ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus

Abstract

To enable an operator to appropriately recognize a function assigned to an operation switch that is about to be operated.SOLUTION: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus for irradiating a tissue of the patient's eye with a treatment laser beam includes: a main body part in which an irradiation optical system for irradiating the patient's eye with the treatment laser beam is disposed; an eyepiece part which observes an observation image of the patient's eye; a base part on which the main body part and the eyepiece part are mounted; an operation switch for setting operating conditions of the ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus, the operation switch being disposed on at least one of a joystick used for moving the main body part and a base part near the joystick; contact detection means which detects contact of the fingers of an operator with the operation switch; and reporting means which reports a function assigned to the operation switch to an interior of a visual field of the eyepiece part or by sound on the basis of the detection result of the contact detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic laser treatment device that irradiates therapeutic laser light onto tissue of a patient's eye. [Background technology]

[0002] In an ophthalmic laser treatment device, the surgeon uses the eyepiece to magnify and observe the tissue of the patient's eye, moves the main body in which the laser irradiation optical system is arranged, by operating a joystick, relative to the tissue of the patient's eye to align it, and then irradiates the tissue with the treatment laser light. When irradiating the treatment laser light, the surgeon sets various operating conditions of the device (energy of the treatment laser light, amount of the aiming light, etc.). For example, switches for setting the operating conditions of the device are often arranged on a switch panel or a control box that is separate from the device body. In this case, the surgeon has to move his or her eye away from the eyepiece to check the switches arranged on the control box or the like and operate the switches, which is inconvenient.

[0003] To address this problem, a device has been proposed in which a switch for setting the device's operating conditions is arranged on a joystick (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Some functions related to the device's operating conditions are assigned to the operation switches of this device, and the assignment of these functions is made changeable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-280666 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when using the device of Patent Document 1, if the surgeon does not correctly recognize the functions assigned to the operation switches, he or she may not be able to set appropriate operating conditions, which may result in the surgeon having to redo operations such as operating the operation switches, which may impose a burden on the surgeon.

[0006] In view of the above-described conventional techniques, the present disclosure has as its technical object to provide an ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus that enables an operator to properly recognize a function assigned to an operation switch that the operator is about to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to the present disclosure is an ophthalmic laser treatment device that irradiates therapeutic laser light to the tissue of a patient's eye, and is characterized in that it comprises a main body in which an irradiation optical system that irradiates the patient's eye with therapeutic laser light is arranged, an eyepiece for observing an image of the patient's eye, a base on which the main body and the eyepiece are mounted, an operation switch for setting operating conditions of the ophthalmic laser treatment device, the operation switch being arranged on at least one of a joystick for moving the main body and the base near the joystick, a contact detection means for detecting contact of the operator's finger with the operation switch, and an alarm means for notifying the function assigned to the operation switch within the field of view of the eyepiece or by sound based on the detection result by the contact detection means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of an ophthalmic laser treatment device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the optical system of the ophthalmic laser treatment device. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an optical system of an ophthalmic laser treatment device as viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation switch. [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of an operation switch constituted by a sheet switch. [Figure 6] 13 is an example of a setting screen in YAG mode. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a screen for setting an allocation function to a first switch. [Figure 8] This is an example of a switch function that is notified within the field of view of the eyepiece. [Figure 9] Placed on the joystick [Figure 10] This is an example of the setting screen in SLT mode. [Figure 11] 13 is an example of a screen for setting or confirming the functions to be assigned to the operation switches in SLT mode. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating another example of the contact detection means. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which operation switches are arranged on a joystick. [Figure 14] This is an example of a switch function that is notified within the field of view of the eyepiece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [overview] Hereinafter, one exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the items grouped in <> below can be used independently or in conjunction with each other.

[0010] An ophthalmic laser treatment device (e.g., the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1) irradiates treatment laser light to tissue of a patient's eye. For example, the ophthalmic laser treatment device includes a main body (e.g., the main body 3), an eyepiece (e.g., the eyepiece 46), a base (e.g., the base 4), an operation switch (e.g., the operation switch 72), a contact detection means (e.g., the touch sensor 74), and a notification means (e.g., the internal display unit 50, the control unit 60). For example, the ophthalmic laser treatment device may include a joystick (e.g., the joystick 5).

[0011] For example, the ophthalmic laser treatment device may include an operating condition setting unit (e.g., a control box 6). For example, the ophthalmic laser treatment device may include an internal display unit (e.g., an internal display unit 50). For example, the ophthalmic laser treatment device may include a switch function setting means (e.g., an external display unit 7, a control unit 60). Also, for example, the ophthalmic laser treatment device may include an operating condition setting unit (e.g., an external display unit 7, a control unit 60). For example, the ophthalmic laser treatment device may include a treatment mode selection means (e.g., a mode selection switch 112).

[0012] For example, the ophthalmic laser treatment device may include a control unit (e.g., control unit 60). For example, the control unit is responsible for various controls of the ophthalmic laser treatment device. For example, the control unit may also control the notification means. The control unit may also control the operating condition setting unit. The control unit may also control the switch function setting means.

[0013] <Main unit, eyepiece, base, joystick> For example, the main body has an irradiation optical system (e.g., a laser irradiation optical system 10) arranged therein for irradiating a patient's eye with a treatment laser beam. For example, the main body has an observation optical system (e.g., an observation optical system 40) arranged therein as an example of an observation means for allowing an operator to observe the patient's eye.

[0014] For example, the eyepiece is used to observe an image of a patient's eye. For example, the eyepiece includes an eyepiece (for example, eyepiece 46a) and constitutes a part of the observation means.

[0015] For example, the internal display unit is provided in the observation means and displays an image to the surgeon via the eyepiece. For example, the internal display unit may include a display (e.g., display 53). The internal display unit functions as a so-called head-up display (HUD).

[0016] For example, the base unit is equipped with a main unit and an eyepiece unit. For example, a joystick is disposed on the base unit. For example, the joystick is held by the surgeon's hand and used to move the main unit. For example, by operating the joystick, the main unit is changed in the up-down direction (Y direction), left-right direction (X direction), and front-back direction (Z direction) with respect to the patient's eye.

[0017] <Operation condition setting unit> For example, the operating condition setting unit is used to set various operating conditions for the ophthalmic laser treatment device separately from the operation switches. For example, the operating condition setting unit may have an external display unit (e.g., external display unit 7) and display setting information for various operating conditions on the external display unit. The operating conditions set by the operating switches are reflected on the external display unit. This allows the surgeon to check and recognize the operating conditions set by the operating switches on the external display unit of the operating condition setting unit even if he or she takes his or her eye away from the eyepiece.

[0018] <Treatment mode selection means> For example, the treatment mode selection means is capable of selecting a first treatment mode (eg, YAG mode) and a second treatment mode (eg, SLT mode) different from the first treatment mode.

[0019] <Operation switch> For example, the operation switch is used to set the operating conditions of the ophthalmic laser treatment device. For example, the operating conditions of the ophthalmic laser treatment device may include the irradiation conditions of the treatment laser light by the irradiation optical system. Furthermore, when the irradiation optical system includes an optical system that irradiates the aiming light, the operating conditions of the ophthalmic laser treatment device may include the irradiation conditions of the aiming light.

[0020] For example, the operation switch may be disposed on at least one of the joystick and the base. For example, the operation switch may be disposed on the base around the joystick. This allows the surgeon to reach the operation switch without having to move the hand significantly by releasing the joystick held by the other hand even when the surgeon is holding a contact lens in one hand, making it easier to find the switch and operate it. In other words, the surgeon can touch and operate the operation switch without having to move the hand holding the joystick significantly.

[0021] Also, for example, when the operation switch is disposed on the base, it may be disposed near the joystick. For example, near the joystick may be a position closer to the joystick than the operating condition setting unit. This allows the operation switch to be operated more easily with the fingers of the hand holding the joystick than by operating the operating condition setting unit. Also, since there is no need to reach out to the operating condition setting unit, the burden on the surgeon is reduced.

[0022] For example, the operation switch may have a shape that allows the surgeon to recognize its position by touch with the fingers. This allows the surgeon to recognize the position of the operation switch while looking through the eyepiece, without looking directly at the switch, and to operate the switch appropriately. For example, the shape that allows the surgeon to recognize it by touch with the fingers may be an uneven shape. For example, the operation switch may be configured as a sheet switch. For example, the operation switch may be configured as an embossed panel. For example, the operation switch may be configured as a push switch.

[0023] <Switch function setting means> For example, the switch function setting means is used to changeably set the functions assigned to the operation switches. For example, when the operation switch is composed of a plurality of operation switches, the switch function setting means allows the switch signals of the operation switches to be set to different functions.

[0024] For example, when a treatment mode selection means is provided, the function assigned to the operation switch may be changed to a different function between the first treatment mode and the second treatment mode. This change to a different function may be performed by a switch function setting means. In this way, even though the operation switch is commonly used in each treatment mode, the function assigned to the operation switch according to each treatment mode can be appropriately used.

[0025] <Contact detection means> For example, the contact detection means detects the contact of the operator's finger with the operation switch. For example, the contact detection means may detect that the finger has contacted the operation switch before a switch signal of a function assigned to the operation switch is input. For example, the contact detection means may be a capacitive touch sensor or a resistive pressure sensor. The contact detection means may also be an ultrasonic or optical (infrared) type. For example, when the operation switch is configured as a sheet switch, the touch sensor may be disposed under the surface sheet of the sheet switch. For example, the contact detection means may include detection when the finger comes close to the operation switch in addition to detection when the finger directly touches the operation switch. In this case, for example, a touch sensor disposed close to the periphery of the operation switch may be used. For example, the touch sensor in this case may be conductive rubber.

[0026] <Notification means> For example, the notification means notifies the function assigned to the operation switch within the field of view of the eyepiece (i.e., within the field of view observed by the surgeon through the eyepiece) or by sound, based on the detection result by the contact detection means. This allows the surgeon to properly recognize the function assigned to the operation switch he or she is about to operate while looking through the eyepiece. In other words, the surgeon can recognize the function assigned to the operation switch before operating the operation switch. Conventionally, if the surgeon does not correctly recognize the function assigned to the operation switch, he or she cannot set appropriate operating conditions, and may, for example, mistake the plus switch and the minus switch, and have to redo the operation of the operation switch, such as redoing the increase and decrease of a value, which may impose a burden on the surgeon. In contrast, the present disclosure alleviates this problem.

[0027] For example, the notification means may have a display unit (e.g., internal display unit 50) for displaying the notification content within the field of view observed by the surgeon through the eyepiece unit. For example, the notification means may have a sound generating unit (e.g., sound generating unit 74) for notifying the notification content by sound.

[0028] For example, the notification means may change the content notified within the field of view of the eyepiece or by sound in response to a change in the function of the operation switch set by the switch function setting means. In this way, even if the function assigned to the operation switch is changed, the content notified based on the detection by the contact detection means (e.g., display content) also changes in response to the change, so that the surgeon can properly recognize the function assigned to the operation switch without having to remember the function assigned to the operation switch.

[0029] For example, when there are multiple operation switches, the notification means may notify the function assigned to each operation switch within the field of view of the eyepiece based on the contact of each operation switch detected by the contact detection means. This allows the surgeon to properly recognize the function assigned to each operation switch even when there are multiple operation switches.

[0030] Furthermore, for example, if a treatment mode selection means is provided and the function assigned to the operation switch can be changed to a different function between the first treatment mode and the second treatment mode, even though the operation switch is used commonly in each treatment mode, the content notified based on detection by the contact detection means differs in each treatment mode, so the surgeon can appropriately use the function assigned to the operation switch without having to memorize the function assigned to the operation switch for each treatment mode.

[0031] [Example] An example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 of the example can irradiate a patient's eye (E) with a therapeutic laser light to treat tissue of the patient's eye. FIG. 1 is an external view of the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1. FIG. 2 is a view of the optical system of the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 as seen from the side. FIG. 3 is a view of the optical system of the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 as seen from above.

[0032] <Overall composition> 1, an ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 includes a table section 2, a main body section 3, a base section 4, and a control box 6. The base section 4 on which the main body section 3 is mounted, and the control box 6 are installed on the table section 2. The control box 6 is an example of an operating condition setting unit.

[0033] The main body 3 includes various components such as a laser irradiation optical system 10, an illumination optical system 30, an observation optical system 40, an internal display unit 50, and a control unit 60 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later. The main body 3 is mounted on a base 4. In addition, an eyepiece unit 46 that constitutes a part of the observation optical system 40 is provided in the main body 3, and therefore the eyepiece unit 46 is mounted on the base 4.

[0034] A joystick 5 (operation lever) is provided in front of the base unit 4. The base unit 4 is a displacement means equipped with a displacement mechanism, and by operating the joystick 5, the main unit 3 can be moved in the left-right direction (X direction) and the front-back direction (Z direction) with respect to the patient's eye. In addition, by rotating the joystick 5, the main unit 3 can be moved in the up-down direction (Y direction). The displacement means changes the positional relationship between the patient's eye and the main unit 3 (optical systems such as the laser irradiation optical system 10) in the up-down direction (Y direction), left-right direction (X direction), and front-back direction (Z direction). The base unit 4 can further rotate the main unit 3 including the laser irradiation optical system 10, the observation optical system 40, etc. in the horizontal direction around an axis extending in the up-down direction as the rotation center. The surgeon can adjust the observation position of the patient's eye E and the irradiation position of the laser light (treatment laser light and aiming light) by operating the joystick 5 to move or rotate the main unit 3.

[0035] In this embodiment, the joystick 5 (for example, the upper end of the joystick 5) is provided with an operation button 5a operated by the surgeon. In this embodiment, the operation button 5a of the joystick 5 is used as a trigger input means for inputting a trigger for executing irradiation of the treatment laser light. In addition, a foot switch operated by the surgeon's foot or the like may be used as the trigger input means for inputting a trigger for executing irradiation of the treatment laser light.

[0036] Moreover, an operation switch 72 is disposed around the joystick 5 of the base unit 4. The operation switch 72 is used to set the operating conditions of the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1. The operation switch 72 is also provided with a touch sensor 74 (see FIG. 5) that detects contact of the operator's finger with the operation switch 72. The operation switch 72 and the touch sensor 74 will be described in detail later.

[0037] The control box 6 includes an external display unit 7 provided outside the observation optical system 40 (see FIG. 2). The external display unit 7 can display various images as well as a screen for setting the operating conditions of the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1. A touch panel type operation unit is provided on the surface of the external display unit 7 of the control box 6. The control box 6 displays various parameters related to the treatment on the external display unit 7 and accepts various inputs of instructions from the user.

[0038] <Laser irradiation optical system> As shown in Figure 2, the laser irradiation optical system 10 of this embodiment includes a treatment laser light source 11, an aiming light source 12, an energy adjustment unit 13, a beam splitter 17, a photodetector 18, a safety shutter 19, a collimator lens 21, a dichroic mirror 22, an expander lens 23, a dichroic mirror 24, and an objective lens 25.

[0039] The treatment laser light source 11 emits treatment laser light for treating tissue of the patient's eye E. As an example, in the laser light source 11 of this embodiment, a neodymium-doped YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) crystal (Nd:YAG) is used as a laser rod. In addition, a wavelength conversion element (not shown) can convert the infrared laser light (wavelength: 1064 nm) emitted by the laser light source 11 into a visible laser light (wavelength: 532 nm).

[0040] The aiming light source 12 emits an aiming laser light (hereinafter, simply referred to as "aiming light") that indicates the position to be irradiated with the treatment laser light (i.e., the position of the irradiation spot). In this embodiment, a light source that emits a visible laser light with a wavelength of 635 nm (red) is used as the aiming light source 12. However, it goes without saying that the wavelength, etc. of the aiming light can be changed as appropriate.

[0041] The energy adjustment unit 13 adjusts the amount of energy of the treatment laser beam irradiated to the tissue of the patient's eye E. The energy adjustment unit 13 in this embodiment includes a half-wave plate 14 and a polarizing plate 16. The combination of the half-wave plate 14 and the polarizing plate 16 adjusts the amount of energy of the treatment laser beam.

[0042] The beam splitter 17 reflects a portion of the treatment laser light toward the photodetector 18. The photodetector 18 detects the amount of energy of the treatment laser light by receiving the treatment laser light reflected by the beam splitter 17. The safety shutter 19 moves between on and off the optical axis of the treatment laser light by a shutter drive unit (e.g., a solenoid) 20. The safety shutter 19 is disposed on the optical axis of the treatment laser light to block irradiation of the patient's eye E with the treatment laser light.

[0043] The collimator lens 21 converts the aiming light emitted by the aiming light source 12 into a parallel light beam. The dichroic mirror 22 combines the treatment laser light and the aiming light with the same optical axis.

[0044] The expander lens 23 expands the light beam of the laser light (treatment laser light and aiming light) combined by the dichroic mirror 22. The laser light expanded by the expander lens 23 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 24 and passes through the objective lens 25. In this embodiment, the laser light passing through the objective lens 25 is irradiated onto the tissue of the patient's eye E via a contact lens 26 attached to the patient's eye E. The dichroic mirror 24 reflects almost all of the light of the wavelength of the reflected light so that the reflected light of the treatment laser light reflected by the patient's eye E is unlikely to enter the operator's eye. The irradiation optical system 10 may be provided with a configuration for adjusting the spot size of the laser light irradiated onto the tissue.

[0045] <Illumination optical system> The illumination optical system 30 illuminates an observation region including a tissue treatment target region. The illumination optical system 30 of this embodiment includes a lamp 31, a lens 32, an aperture 33, a lens group 34, and a prism 35. For example, a white light emitting element or the like can be used for the lamp 31. The illumination optical system 30 may also include a slit plate or the like for illuminating the observation region with slit light.

[0046] <Observation optical system> As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the observation optical system 40 is an observation means for allowing the surgeon to observe the patient's eye E, and has an optical axis L3 (see Fig. 3). As shown in Fig. 3, the observation optical system 40 of this embodiment has an optical axis L3R for presenting an observation image to the surgeon's right eye EoR and an optical axis L3L for presenting an observation image to the surgeon's left eye EoL. The observation optical system 30 of this embodiment may be called binoculars. The observation optical system 40 of this embodiment includes an objective lens 25, a variable magnification optical system 42 (42R, 42L), a protective filter 43 (43R, 43L), a half mirror 47, an erecting prism group 44 (44R, 44L), a field stop 45 (45R, 45L), an eyepiece lens 46a (46aR, 46aL), etc. The eyepiece lens 46a is provided in the left and right eyepieces 46 (46R, 46L).

[0047] The surgeon can look through the eyepiece 46 to confirm the observation site of the patient's eye E, the spot of the aiming light (in other words, the reflected light (return light) of the aiming light reflected by the patient's eye E), etc. In this embodiment, the observation surface (object surface) provided beyond the objective lens 25 and the field stop 45 arranged inside the device are in an optically conjugate positional relationship via the objective lens 25. In other words, the observation image of the patient's eye E is formed as an aerial image at the position of the field stop 45. In this embodiment, the magnification of the observation image observed by the surgeon is changed by the variable magnification optical system 42. The observation optical system 40 is provided with an encoder (not shown) for acquiring the magnification of the observation image by the variable magnification optical system 42.

[0048] <Internal display> As shown in Fig. 2, the internal display unit 50 is provided in the observation optical system 40, and displays an image to the surgeon via the eyepiece unit 46. The internal display unit 50 includes a display 53, a lens 52, and a half mirror 51. Various images are displayed on the display 53. In this embodiment, a color LCD (with backlight) is used as the display 53. As shown in Fig. 3, the half mirror 51 is disposed on the optical axis L3R.

[0049] The display light (display light) emitted from the display 53 travels along the optical axis L5 (see FIG. 3). In detail, the display light emitted from the display 53 passes through the lens 52 and is then reflected by the half mirror 51 toward the erect prism group 44R. The half mirror 51 in this embodiment is a synthesis means for synthesizing the optical observation image observed by the observation optical system 40 and the image displayed on the display 53. The half mirror 51 in this embodiment makes the optical axis L5 and the optical axis L3R coaxial. The display light reflected by the half mirror 51 travels in this order through the erect prism group 44R, the field stop 45R, and the eyepiece 46aR, and is focused on the fundus of the surgeon looking through the eyepiece 46aR. The internal display unit 50 functions as a so-called head-up display (HUD).

[0050] In this embodiment, the display 53 and the field stop 45R are in an optically conjugate positional relationship. That is, the display image of the display 53 is formed as an aerial image at the position of the field stop 45R. The method of displaying an image to the surgeon via the eyepiece 46a is not limited to the method exemplified in this disclosure. For example, as the internal display unit, an LCD (liquid crystal panel) without a backlight may be disposed at the position of the field stop 45R (on the optical axis L3R), and the control unit 60 may control the transmittance of each cell constituting the LCD to present information to the surgeon.

[0051] In this embodiment, the center of the display area in the internal display unit 50 coincides with the observation optical axis of the observation optical system 40. Therefore, an image is displayed in the display area in the internal display unit 50 based on the observation optical axis of the observation optical system 40. Therefore, the surgeon can perform appropriate treatment while recognizing the image presented at an appropriate position in the observation field via the eyepiece lens 46a (eyepiece unit 46).

[0052] In this embodiment, the optical axis of the treatment laser light irradiated by the laser irradiation optical system 10 also coincides with the optical axis of the observation optical system 40 and the center of the display area of ​​the internal display unit 50. Therefore, the internal display unit 50 can display an image at an appropriate angle in an appropriate direction centered on the optical axis of the treatment laser light. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the optical axis of the aiming light irradiated by the laser irradiation optical system 10 also coincides with the optical axis of the observation optical system 40 and the center of the display area of ​​the internal display unit 50. Therefore, the surgeon visually recognizes the aiming light at the center of the observation field and the center of the display area of ​​the internal display unit 50, which makes it even easier to adjust the irradiation position of the treatment laser light based on the aiming light and the display content of the internal display unit 50.

[0053] <Operation switch> FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the operation switch 72. The operation switch 72 is used to set the operating conditions of the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 (for example, various parameters of the treatment laser light and the aiming light). The operation switch 72 is disposed on the base unit 4 in the vicinity of the joystick 5. In this embodiment, the operation switch 72 is disposed on the upper part of the base unit 4, on the back side of the joystick 5 as seen from the examiner. In this embodiment, the operation switch 72 is composed of two switches, a first switch 72a and a second switch 72b, so that a plurality of operation signals can be input. For example, the operation switch 72 is composed of a sheet switch. A sheet switch is also called a membrane switch.

[0054] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the operation switch 72 which is a sheet switch. Note that Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of only one of the first switch 72a and the second switch 72b.

[0055] The operation switch 72 includes a sheet switch 73a, and a touch sensor 74, which is an example of a contact detection means, is disposed on the sheet switch 73a. The surfaces of the sheet switch 73a and the touch sensor 74 are covered with a surface sheet 73b. The area of ​​the operation switch 72 is formed in an embossed convex portion 73c. ​​The touch sensor 74 may be disposed under the embossed (convex portion 73c) surface sheet 73b. This convex portion 73c allows the surgeon to recognize the position of the operation switch 72 by the touch of the finger without directly viewing the operation switch 72. The operation switch 72 is not limited to a concave-convex shape, and may have any shape whose position can be recognized by the touch of the finger.

[0056] The sheet switch 73a may have a general structure. For example, the sheet switch 73a is composed of an upper contact sheet and a lower contact sheet, and when the upper surface (convex portion 73c) of the operation switch 72 is pressed down, the contact of the upper contact sheet comes into contact with the contact of the lower contact sheet, generating a switch signal that is input to the control unit 60. Then, the touch sensor 74 is disposed on the sheet switch 73a, so that the touch sensor 74 detects that the operation switch 72 has been touched before the switch signal of the function assigned to the operation switch 72 is input to the control unit 60.

[0057] For example, a capacitance sensor or a resistance pressure sensor is adopted as the touch sensor 74. When the operator's finger touches the operation switch 72 (here, the convex portion 73c), a contact detection signal is generated by the touch sensor 74 and input to the control unit 60.

[0058] The arrangement of the operation switch 72 is not limited to the above, and it may be arranged around the joystick 5. The vicinity of the joystick 5 may be closer than the control box. Also, the operation switch 72 may be close enough not to get in the way when operating the joystick 5. For example, the operation switch 72 may be arranged on the top surface of the base unit 4 on the front side of the joystick 5 as seen from the surgeon. Also, the operation switch 72 may be arranged on the side of the base unit 4. Also, it is preferable that the operation switch 72 is within reach of the fingers of the surgeon's hand when the surgeon releases the joystick 5 to operate it.

[0059] <Control Unit> The control unit 60 controls various aspects of the laser treatment device 1. The control unit 60 includes a CPU (processor), a ROM, a RAM, and a non-volatile memory. The ROM stores various programs, initial values, and the like. The RAM temporarily stores various information. The non-volatile memory is a non-transient storage medium that can retain stored contents even when the power supply is cut off. For example, a USB memory that is detachably attached to the control unit 60, a flash ROM built into the control unit 60, and the like can be used as the non-volatile memory. In this embodiment, the base unit 4, the joystick 5, the control box 6, the laser light source 11, the aiming light source 12, the motor 15, the photodetector 18, the shutter drive unit 20, the lamp 31, and the display unit 53 are connected to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 controls the display of the display unit 53 of the internal display unit 50 and the display of the external display unit 7. In addition, an operation switch 72 and a touch sensor 74 are connected to the control unit 60. In addition, a sound generating unit (e.g., a speaker) 76 that generates sound is connected to the control unit 60.

[0060] <Operation> The operation of the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described. The device of this embodiment is provided with a YAG mode and an SLT mode. The YAG mode is a treatment mode for incising the posterior capsule, iris, and other tissues of the patient's eye by generating minute plasma with a YAG laser beam having a wavelength of 1064 nm. The SLT mode is a treatment mode in which the YAG laser beam is converted into a laser beam having a wavelength of 532 nm (green) by a wavelength conversion element, and selectively acts on pigmented cells in the trabecular fiber body. The YAG mode and the SLT mode can be selected by a mode selection switch provided on the screen of the external display unit 7.

[0061] First, laser treatment in the YAG mode, which is an example of the first treatment mode, will be described. Prior to laser irradiation, the operator initially sets operating conditions such as laser irradiation conditions on the external display unit 7 of the control box 6. FIG. 6 shows an example of a setting screen 110a in the YAG mode. The mode selection switch 112 selectively switches between the YAG mode and the SLT mode. In the YAG mode, the switch 114a can increase or decrease the amount of energy of the treatment laser light. Also, the switch 114b can shift the focus of the treatment laser light. Also, the switch 114c can increase or decrease the amount of light of the aiming light. Also, the switch 114d can change the tilt angle of the aiming light split into two. Also, the switch 114e can set the number of pulses emitted per laser irradiation (the number of pulses in the BURST mode).

[0062] Furthermore, the setting information (parameters) set by the switches 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d, and 114e are displayed on the display units 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d, and 115e, respectively.

[0063] In addition, the status of the treatment laser irradiation can be switched between a READY state (a state in which laser irradiation is possible upon input of a trigger signal) and a STANDBY state (a state in which laser irradiation is not performed even if a trigger signal is input) by a switch 116. The cumulative energy amount of the treatment laser light irradiated to the affected area is displayed on a display unit 117.

[0064] Prior to laser irradiation, the operator sets or confirms the function to be assigned to the operation switch 72. When the switch 113 on the setting screen in Fig. 6 is pressed, a menu screen is displayed, and the operator can select a screen for setting the function to be assigned to the operation switch 72 from the menu screen. The external display unit 7 is used as an example of a switch function setting means.

[0065] Fig. 7 is an example of a screen for setting an assigned function to the first switch 72a. In Fig. 7, for example, an icon in the first column 122a of an upward triangle mark located to the right of the display "Energy" is touched (selected) and the display is inverted, whereby the function of a switch signal for increasing the energy amount of the treatment laser light is assigned to the first switch 72a. Note that, in order to assign the function of a switch signal for decreasing the energy amount of the treatment laser light to the second switch 72b, a screen similar to that in Fig. 7 for the second switch 72b is displayed, and an icon in the second column 122b of a downward triangle mark located to the right of the display "Energy" is touched (selected) and the display is inverted, whereby the function of the switch signal is assigned.

[0066] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7, the switch signal to the first switch 72a can be assigned functions such as switching between READY and STANDBY states, switching between rotating and stopping the tilt angle of the aiming light, setting the number of pulses in BURST mode, switching ON / OFF of the overlay between the patient's eye image observed in the field of view of the eyepiece 46 and the display on the display 53 of the internal display unit 50, increasing / decreasing the focus shift amount, increasing / decreasing the aiming light amount, increasing / decreasing the brightness of the overlay, and turning the switch signal OFF. The assignment of the function of each switch signal is possible by touching the icon (each icon in the first column 122a, the second column 122b, and the third column 122c) to the right of each function item display to invert the display. In the following, it is assumed that the first switch 72a is assigned the function of a switch signal for increasing the energy amount of the treatment laser light, and the second switch 72b is assigned the function of a switch signal for decreasing the energy amount of the treatment laser light.

[0067] As described above, when the operator completes the initial setting of the operating conditions such as the laser irradiation conditions and also completes the assignment (or confirmation) of the functions of the operating conditions to the operation switch 72, the operator proceeds to the step of laser irradiation. The operator looks into the eyepiece 46 of the observation optical system 40 to observe the affected area of ​​the patient's eye illuminated by the illumination light of the illumination optical system 30, and operates the joystick 5 to move the main body 3 so as to align the aiming light with the affected area. The aiming light is aligned so that the two separated aiming spots on the affected area become one. The operator holds the contact lens 27 with one hand and the joystick 5 with the other hand. After the aiming is aligned, the operator switches from the STANDBY state to the READY state with the switch 116. When the operation button 5a is pressed, the treatment laser light source 11 is driven and the treatment laser light is irradiated to the affected area.

[0068] The surgeon looks through the eyepiece 46 to observe the affected area irradiated with the treatment laser light, and confirms the effect of the treatment. If the initial energy amount of the treatment laser light is not effective enough (or vice versa), the setting of the energy amount of the treatment laser light is adjusted (increased or decreased). If the operation switch 72 is assigned the function of a switch signal for increasing or decreasing the energy amount of the treatment laser light, the surgeon extends the fingers of the hand holding the joystick 5 to touch the operation switch 72 arranged near the joystick 5.

[0069] For example, when the first switch 72a is touched with a finger, the touch sensor 74 detects the touch of the finger on the first switch 72a, and the detection signal is input to the control unit 60. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8(a), a mark M1A resembling an upward arrow is displayed as a notice icon next to an energy indicator 202 indicating the energy amount of the treatment laser light in the field of view VF of the eyepiece 46 based on the detection signal from the touch sensor 74. The mark M1A indicates that the first switch 72a is assigned a function of increasing the energy amount of the treatment laser light. The energy indicator 202 and the mark M1A are displayed on the display 53, and the light beam of the display is superimposed on the observation image of the patient's eye observed by the observation optical system 40 by the half mirror 51. This allows the surgeon to observe the display on the display 53 together with the observation image of the patient's eye by looking into the eyepiece 46.

[0070] By observing the mark M1A displayed within the field of view VF of the eyepiece 46, the surgeon can recognize, while looking through the eyepiece 46, that the first switch 72a he is about to operate is a switch assigned with the function of increasing the amount of energy of the treatment laser light. When the first switch 72a is pressed by the surgeon's finger, a switch signal of the operation is input to the control unit 60. As a result, the control unit 60 increases the set value of the amount of energy of the treatment laser light and also increases the parameter of the energy display 202. At this time, since the surface of the first switch 72a is formed into the embossed convex portion 73a, the surgeon can recognize the position of the operation switch 72 by the feeling of touch of his finger.

[0071] When the operation button 5a is pressed again after the set value of the energy amount of the treatment laser beam is changed, the treatment laser source 11 is driven and the treatment laser beam is irradiated to the affected area based on the changed set value of the energy amount.

[0072] 8(b), instead of the mark M1A, a mark M1B resembling a downward arrow is displayed. This display allows the surgeon to recognize, while looking into the eyepiece 46, that the second switch 72b touched by the finger is a switch assigned with a function to reduce the amount of energy of the treatment laser light. Then, by pressing the first switch 72b, the surgeon can confirm, while looking into the eyepiece 46, that the value of the energy display 202 has been changed.

[0073] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the notification content notified within the field of view VF of the eyepiece 46 when the function of increasing or decreasing the focus shift amount is assigned to the operation switch 72. As described above, the assignment of the function of the operating conditions to the operation switch 72 can be changed by displaying the setting screen of FIG. 7 on the display unit 7 of the control box 6.

[0074] FIG. 9(a) is an explanatory diagram of a case where a switch signal for increasing the focus shift amount is assigned to the first switch 72a. In FIG. 9(a), when the first switch 72a is touched with a finger, a mark M2A resembling an upward arrow is displayed next to the display 204 indicating the focus shift amount based on the detection result of the touch sensor 74. FIG. 9(b) is an explanatory diagram of a case where a switch signal for decreasing the focus shift amount is assigned to the second switch 72b. In FIG. 9(b), when the second switch 72b is touched, a mark M2B resembling a downward arrow is displayed next to the display 204. In this way, the notification content displayed in the field of view VF of the eyepiece 46 is changed according to the function assigned to the operation switch 72 (the first switch 72a, the second switch 72b). Therefore, the surgeon can appropriately recognize what function is assigned to the operation switch 72 (the first switch 72a, the second switch 72b) before actually operating the switch, even if the surgeon does not remember the function assigned to the operation switch 72. This allows the surgeon to perform the laser treatment more appropriately.

[0075] 8 and 9, other than the increase / decrease in the amount of energy of the treatment laser light and the change in the amount of focus shift, the function assigned to the operation switch 72 can be changed with respect to the operating conditions in Fig. 7. When the touch sensor 74 detects the touch of the operator's finger on the operation switch 72 (first switch 72a, second switch 72b), the function assigned to the operation switch 72 is notified (presented) within the field of view observed through the eyepiece 64.

[0076] The operating conditions changed by the operation switches 72 (first switch 72a, second switch 72b) are also reflected in the display on the external display unit 7 of the control box 6. That is, for example, when the energy amount of the treatment laser light is changed by the operation switches 72, the setting value on the display unit 115a is changed. This allows the surgeon to confirm and recognize the operating conditions set by the operation switches 72 on the external display unit 7 even when he or she moves his or her eye away from the eyepiece unit 46.

[0077] Next, laser treatment in the SLT mode, which is an example of the second treatment mode, will be described. FIG. 10 is an example of an initial setting screen 110b in the SLT mode displayed on the external display unit 7 of the control box 6. The SLT mode is selected by switching with the switch 112. In the SLT mode, the switch 114d for changing the tilt angle of the aiming light, the switch 114e for setting the number of pulses in the BURST mode, and the like in the setting screen in the YAG mode of FIG. 6 are eliminated, and instead, a display unit 118a for setting the irradiation range, irradiation start position, and irradiation direction of the treatment laser light, and a switch 118b for displaying a screen for setting the details thereof are arranged. Therefore, in the SLT mode, operating conditions such as laser irradiation conditions different from those in the YAG mode are set.

[0078] Fig. 11 is an example of a screen for setting or confirming a function to be assigned to the operation switch 72 in the SLT mode. Here, a screen for setting a function to be assigned to the first switch 72a is shown. In the SLT mode, the setting of increasing or decreasing the amount of focus shift in the YAG mode in Fig. 7, the setting of switching between rotating and stopping the tilt angle of the aiming light, the setting of the number of pulses in the BURST mode, etc. are eliminated, and instead, items for setting functions specific to the SLT mode, such as burst scale rotation, irradiation skip, and skip cancellation, are provided corresponding to the initial setting screen in Fig. 10. Each function can be assigned by touching an icon (each icon in the first column 122a, second column 122b, and third column 122c) to the right of each function item display to display it inverted.

[0079] Even in the SLT mode, the surgeon observes the affected area of ​​the patient's eye through the eyepiece 46 of the observation optical system 40, and operates the joystick 5 to move the main body 3 so as to align the aiming light with the affected area. Then, when it is necessary to operate the operation switch 72, the function assigned to the touched operation switch 72 is notified (presented) in advance within the field of view observed through the eyepiece 46 by touching the operation switch 72 (first switch 72a, second switch 72b) with a finger, so that the surgeon can operate the operation switch 72 appropriately even if he / she has not memorized the function assigned to the operation switch 72.

[0080] <Example of transformation> Although typical embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown here, and various modifications are possible.

[0081] In the above description, the touch sensor 74 as the contact detection means for detecting the contact of a finger with the operation switch 72 is provided on a sheet switch, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining another example of the contact detection means. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the operation switch 72 is configured with a push switch 72c. The touch sensor 74 is configured with conductive rubber 74c arranged around and in close proximity to the push switch 72c. Even in this configuration, when the push switch 72c (operation switch 72) is operated, the surgeon's finger touches the conductive rubber 74c around it. Therefore, before the push switch 72c is pressed, a detection signal from the touch sensor 74 is input to the control unit 60, and the function assigned to the operation switch 72 is notified (presented) within the field of view observed by the eyepiece unit 64. A self-reflective photointerrupter is an example of an optical touch sensor.

[0082] As a modified example of the touch sensor 74 shown in FIG. 12, the touch sensor 74 may be configured such that the periphery of the push switch 72c is made of a self-reflective photointerrupter instead of the conductive rubber 74c.

[0083] Furthermore, as further examples of modifications of the operation switch 72 and the touch sensor 74, a switch with a pressure sensor or an encoder with a switch may be used. In the case of a switch with a pressure sensor, the pressure with which the switch is pressed is detected, and the control unit 60 distinguishes between finger contact and pressing based on the detection result. In the case of an encoder with a switch, when the switch is pressed, the function of the switch to be operated is notified (presented) within the field of view of the eyepiece, and the parameters of that function are changed by rotating the encoder unit.

[0084] Furthermore, the operation switch 72 only needs to be located near the joystick 5, and may be located directly on the joystick 5. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation switch 72 is located on the joystick 5. The operation switch 72 in Fig. 13 is configured with a switch 72d to which three switch signals can be input, as in JP 2006-280666 A. Note that Fig. 13 is shown as a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the joystick 5 (horizontal direction) in order to explain the location of the switch 72d.

[0085] The switch 72d is composed of a chip 72da and a switch substrate 72db. A convex portion 72dc is formed in the center of the chip 72da. The convex portion 72dc is operated by the operator's finger. The convex portion 72dc is shaped so that the position of the convex portion 72dc can be recognized by the operator by the touch of the finger. The chip 72da can be tilted to the right and left in FIG. 10 with respect to the center of the switch substrate 72db. When the chip 72da is tilted to the right, a first switch signal is input, and when the chip 72da is tilted to the left, a second switch signal is input. When the chip 72da is not operated in the left-right direction, it is returned to the center of the left-right direction by a spring. The chip 72da can be pushed into the switch substrate 72db, and when the chip 72da is pushed in, a third switch signal is input. In FIG. 13, a touch sensor 74 is disposed at the tip of the convex portion 72dc. The touch sensor 74 detects a touch of a finger before the switch 72d is operated.

[0086] Here, as the switch functions of the switch 72d, a function to increase the energy amount of the treatment laser light is assigned to the first switch signal, a function to decrease the energy amount of the treatment laser light is assigned to the second switch signal, and a function to switch between a READY state and a STANDBY state is assigned to the third switch signal. When the operator touches the tip of the convex portion 72dc with his / her finger to operate the switch 72d, the touch is detected by the touch sensor 74, and the function of the switch 72d is notified (presented) within the field of view VF of the eyepiece 46. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a notice mark M3A indicating that the energy amount is increased by the first switch signal by operating the tip 72da to the right, a notice mark M3B indicating that the energy amount is decreased by the second switch signal by operating the tip 72da to the left, and a notice mark M3C indicating that the READY state and the STANDBY state are switched by the third switch signal by pressing the tip 72da are displayed near the energy display 202.

[0087] In the case of the switch 72d, the surgeon can operate the switch 72d with the fingers of the hand holding the joystick 5 without removing his / her hand from the joystick 5, which is convenient because the surgeon can operate the operation switch 72 more efficiently and appropriately. Furthermore, in addition to the first switch 72a and the second switch 72b arranged on the base unit 4, the switch 72d may also be arranged on the joystick 5. In this case, by assigning different functions to each switch 74, the surgeon can operate switches with different functions with the fingers of the hand holding the joystick 5, which is more convenient.

[0088] In the above description, the contents of the functions assigned to the operation switches 72 are notified within the field of view of the eyepiece 64, but the notification may be made by sound from the sound generating section (eg, speaker) 76. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 Ophthalmic laser treatment device 3 Main body 4 Base 5 Joystick 6 Control Box 7 External display 10 Laser irradiation optical system 10 40 Observation Optical System 50 Internal display 53 Display 60 Control section 72 Operation switch 74 Touch Sensor 74 Sound generating section

Claims

1. An ophthalmic laser treatment device for irradiating treatment laser light to tissue of a patient's eye, comprising: a main body in which an irradiation optical system for irradiating a patient's eye with a treatment laser beam is disposed; an eyepiece for observing an image of a patient's eye; a base portion on which the main body portion and the eyepiece portion are mounted; An operation switch for setting operating conditions of the ophthalmic laser treatment device, the operation switch being disposed on at least one of a joystick for moving the main body and the base portion near the joystick; A contact detection means for detecting a contact of a finger of an operator with the operation switch; a notification means for notifying the user of a function assigned to the operation switch within a field of view of the eyepiece or by sound based on a detection result by the contact detection means; An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 1, a switch function setting means for setting a function to be assigned to the operation switch in a changeable manner, The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means changes the content of the notification within the field of view of the eyepiece or by sound in response to a change in the function of the operation switch set by the switch function setting means.

3. 3. The ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus according to claim 1, The operation switch is provided in a plurality of pieces. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies a function assigned to each of the operation switches within the field of view of the eyepiece based on contact of each of the operation switches detected by the contact detection means.

4. In the ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a treatment mode selection means for selecting a first treatment mode and a second treatment mode different from the first treatment mode; 2. An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus, comprising: an operation switch for operating a laser beam irradiation device, the operation switch being operable to change a function to a different function in the first treatment mode and in the second treatment mode.

5. In the ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus, wherein the operation switch is disposed on the base portion near the joystick.

6. In the ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 1 is a schematic diagram showing an ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

7. In the ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, an operating condition setting unit for setting operating conditions of the ophthalmic laser treatment device separately from the operation switch, the operating condition setting unit displaying setting information of the operating conditions on an external display unit; 2. An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus, comprising: a first operation switch for controlling an operation of the first operation switch and a second operation switch for controlling an operation of the second operation switch;

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