Corneal Ablation Laser Control System for Visual Axis Centering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current refractive eye surgery techniques, such as LASIK, face challenges in accurately centering the laser ablation profile relative to the eye due to manual methods that are subjective and prone to inaccuracies, especially in cases where the pupil center shifts relative to the cornea, leading to uncertainties and increased surgical effort.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a parameter interface, first and second determination units, a computation unit, and a control unit that determines a third point on the corneal surface to center the ablation profile, utilizing topography data and eye tracking to generate a control program for the corneal ablation laser, allowing for precise adjustment and rotation of the ablation profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual centering of the ablation profile is performed by the surgeon, then the ablation can be centered on the visual axis, but the centering accuracy is reduced due to subjective visual estimate and instrument limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical centering method with an automated optical system. The eye tracker uses optical markers and cameras to automatically determine the visual axis and calculate the optimal ablation center, eliminating reliance on the surgeon's subjective visual estimation and improving centering accuracy through objective, computer-calculated positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual shifting of the ablation center is performed, then the ablation can be centered away from the pupil center for hyperopic eyes, but the process is time consuming and requires additional surgeon effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating and adjusting the ablation center based on the visual axis determination. The computer program autonomously computes the optimal ablation center position and generates the appropriate control instructions, eliminating the need for manual surgeon intervention and significantly reducing the time and effort required for centering adjustments.
3Device complexity
If the ablation profile is centered on the pupil center, then the procedure is simple, but the centering accuracy deteriorates when the pupil center shifts relative to the cornea
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that bridges the simple pupil center detection and the accurate visual axis alignment. The eye tracker and computer program serve as intermediaries that detect the pupil center, calculate the visual axis based on corneal topography and pupil position, and determine the optimal ablation center, thereby maintaining procedural simplicity while achieving high centering accuracy.
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
This solution enables precise and automated centering of the laser ablation profile, reducing manual errors and improving the accuracy of refractive corrections by accounting for pupil center shifts and corneal topography, thereby enhancing the consistency and efficiency of refractive surgery.
Implementation Method 1
A sequence of laser pulses interacts with the stroma of the cornea to ablate living tissue in a precise manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A technique for controlling a corneal ablation laser (240) is described. As to a device aspect of the technique, a device (220) comprises a parameter interface (222); a first determination unit (226); a second determination unit (224); a computation unit (228); and a control unit (230). The parameter interface (222) receives an adjustment parameter. The first determination unit (226) determines a first point (502) on a corneal surface (104a). The second determination unit (224) determines a second point (504) on the corneal surface (104a) that is different from the first point (502). The computation unit (228) determines a third point (718) on a line between the first point (502) and the second point (504) according to the adjustment parameter. The computation unit (228) further generates a control program (246) that centers an ablation profile on the third point (718). The control unit (230) controls the corneal ablation laser (240) according to the control program (246).