Adaptive Optics Ophthalmic Microscope for Wavefront Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic surgical microscopes fail to compensate for high-order aberrations and dynamic errors in both the doctor's and patient's vision, hindering the efficacy of surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of adaptive optical elements and wavefront sensors in the microscope's optical path to dynamically compensate for optical aberrations by projecting light beams, determining aberrations using wavefront sensors, and modifying the phase of light with adaptive optical elements to correct these issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surgical microscopes are used, then the basic viewing function is provided, but optical aberrations including high-order aberrations and dynamic errors cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wavefront compensation by continuously measuring optical aberrations with wavefront sensors and adjusting adaptive optical elements in real-time during surgical procedures. This dynamic system adapts to changing conditions such as tear film variations and patient eye movements, providing ongoing optimization of visual quality rather than static correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of light propagation by modifying wavefront parameters through adaptive optical elements. By altering the phase and shape of light waves to compensate for detected aberrations, the system transforms degraded optical parameters into corrected ones, enabling high-resolution viewing despite optical imperfections.
2Measurement precision
If spectacles are worn to compensate for refractive errors, then vision correction is achieved, but comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary adaptive optical system between the light source and the observer's eye. This intermediary device corrects optical aberrations in the light path itself, eliminating the need for the observer to wear external correction devices like spectacles. The correction occurs optically rather than requiring physical intervention by the user.
3Measurement precision
If oculars are turned to compensate for spherical refractive errors, then spherical errors are corrected, but high-order aberrations and astigmatism remain uncompensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correction function into multiple independent components: wavefront sensors that measure different types of aberrations separately, and adaptive optical elements that can address each aberration type independently. This segmentation enables comprehensive correction of spherical errors, astigmatism, high-order aberrations, and dynamic errors through coordinated adjustment of multiple optical parameters rather than a single unified correction mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly improves the doctor's ability to resolve fine details during surgical procedures by actively compensating for static and dynamic vision problems, including astigmatism and high-order aberrations, enhancing surgical efficacy and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a first wavefront sensor disposed in an optical path of a reflection of the first light beam from the eye of the observer, the first wavefront sensor being configured to determine aberrations in a first reflection wavefront
Implementation Method 2
an adaptive optical element disposed in the optical path between the observer and the subject, the adaptive optical element being configured to modify the phase of incident light to compensate for the aberrations
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic surgical microscope can include a first light source configured to project a first light beam at an observer's eye. The microscope can include a first wavefront sensor. The first wavefront sensor can be configured to determine aberrations in the first reflection wavefront of a reflection of the first light beam. The microscope can include adaptive optical element(s). The adaptive optical element(s) can be controlled to modify the phase of incident light. The microscope can include a computing device in communication with the first wavefront sensor and the adaptive optical element(s). The computing device can be configured to generate the control signal to compensate for the aberrations and to provide the control signal to the adaptive optical element(s). A second light source and second wavefront sensor can be provided to compensate for aberrations of a subject's eye.