Blink Detection in Laser Eye Surgery Using Geometric Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultra-short pulse laser systems in eye surgery face challenges due to complex optical structures of the eye, leading to misalignment and less-than-ideal results, particularly exacerbated by blinking during measurement and treatment, which can distort images and introduce alignment errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for improved blink detection using a topography measurement structure with geometric markers, analyzing reflected light to determine if the marker is present, allowing for accurate eye positioning and measurement by identifying blinks and adjusting data accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ultra-short pulse laser systems are used for eye surgery, then laser precision and tissue cutting capability are improved, but blinking during measurement and treatment causes image distortion and alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary blink detection by capturing images of the eye and analyzing them for blink indicators before the actual laser treatment begins. This allows the system to identify blinking patterns and adjust measurement timing accordingly, ensuring that critical measurements are taken during non-blink periods when the eye is stable and properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors eye position and blink status during the procedure, using real-time feedback to adjust measurement and treatment timing. The control system processes image data to detect blinks and provides feedback signals to pause or resume measurements and laser delivery, ensuring alignment accuracy is maintained throughout the procedure.
2Reliability
If measurements are taken during eye surgery, then treatment planning is improved, but blinking introduces distortion and alignment errors in the measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary blink detection by capturing images of the eye and analyzing them for blink indicators before the actual laser treatment begins. This allows the system to identify blinking patterns and adjust measurement timing accordingly, ensuring that critical measurements are taken during non-blink periods when the eye is stable and properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors eye position and blink status during the procedure, using real-time feedback to adjust measurement and treatment timing. The control system processes image data to detect blinks and provides feedback signals to pause or resume measurements and laser delivery, ensuring alignment accuracy is maintained throughout the procedure.
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
Enhances the accuracy of eye positioning and measurement by accounting for blinking, reducing distortion and alignment errors, thereby improving the precision of laser incisions and treatments in eye surgery.
Implementation Method 1
light traveling from the at least one geometric marker is capable of reflecting off a refractive structure of the eye of the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of blink detection in a laser eye surgical system includes providing a topography measurement structure having a geometric marker. The method includes bringing the topography measurement structure into a position proximal to an eye such that light traveling from the geometric marker is capable of reflecting off a refractive structure of the eye of the patient, and also detecting the light reflected from the structure of the eye for a predetermined time period while the topography measurement structure is at the proximal position. The method further includes converting the light reflected from the surface of the eye into image data and analyzing the image data to determine whether light reflected from the geometric marker is present is in the reflected light, wherein if the geometric marker is determined not to be present, the patient is identified as having blinked during the predetermined time.