Corneal Ablation Profile Correction via Spatial Frequency Spectrum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for correcting optical defects in the eye using laser-based photorefractive corneal surgery, such as LASIK, face inaccuracies due to disruptive factors like peripheral reflection losses and biomechanical changes, leading to insufficient compensation for irregular eye structures.

Innovation Solution

A method that transforms the ablation profile into a spatial frequency spectrum, applies amplitude and phase corrections based on empirically determined relationships, and transforms it back into geometric space to achieve a more accurate target ablation profile, allowing for patient-specific corrections without relying on predefined transmission models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wavefront measurements are used to determine the ablation profile, then the theoretical accuracy of ametropia correction is improved, but the actual accuracy deteriorates due to disruptive factors like peripheral reflection losses and biomechanical changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavefront measurement accuracyVSAvoidablation profile accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by measuring the actual postoperative ablation profile and comparing it with the desired profile. This feedback loop enables the system to identify deviations caused by disruptive factors and adjust subsequent ablation profiles to compensate for these effects, thereby improving actual accuracy despite theoretical limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the ablation profile by adjusting parameters such as ablation depth and spatial distribution based on empirically determined correction factors. These parameter changes account for peripheral reflection losses and biomechanical changes, transforming the theoretical profile into a corrected profile that achieves better actual accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If empirically determined correction factors are applied to the ablation profile, then compensation for disruptive factors is improved, but the complexity of the correction process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensation accuracyVSAvoidcorrection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction factors based on empirical data from previous treatments. These pre-determined correction factors are then applied to new ablation profiles without requiring complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing the complexity of the correction process while maintaining high compensation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a uniform correction matrix is used for all patients, then the simplicity of the correction process is maintained, but the adaptability to individual eye structures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection process simplicityVSAvoidpatient-specific adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by determining patient-specific correction factors tailored to each individual's eye structure and aberration profile. Instead of using a uniform correction matrix, the system adapts the correction parameters to match the specific characteristics of each patient, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable process simplicity through automated calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach provides a precise and efficient method for correcting optical defects, accounting for individual variations and frequency couplings, resulting in improved accuracy and reduced computational complexity compared to existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

corneal tissue is processed by means of laser radiation with the aim of eliminating or at least substantially reducing visual defects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

Material removal using laser radiation is also referred to as ablation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAblation: Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP1916978B1Method for determining control information for photorefractive cornea surgery and method for preparing necessary correction information
Publication Date: 2016.02.17 WAVELIGHT AG
  • EP1916978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1916978B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1916978B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining control information for controlling laser beams which are radiated to the cornea of an eye which is to be treated photorefractively. According to the invention, the cornea ablation profile, which is obtained by measuring the optical properties of the eye, is corrected using correction information and the control information is based on the corrected ablation profile thus produced. The ablation profile is corrected in the spatial frequency range. As a result, said ablation profile is transformed in a spatial frequency spectrum.Then, corrected amplitudes and/or phase values are determined for various discrete spectral components of the ablation profile based on stored amplitude or/and phase correction information. Subsequently, the spatial frequency spectrum is retransformed in the geometric spatial region using the amplitude or/and phase-corrected spectral components. The corrected ablation profile is then obtained. The amplitude and phase correction information represents a previously determined interrelationship between amplitude and/or phase values at the related spatial frequency and corrected amplitude and/or phase values for said spatial frequency, for several spatial frequencies which are different at least by the frequency value.