Real-Time Corneal Cross-Linking with OCT Biomechanical Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corneal cross-linking treatments lack real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities, which can lead to under-treatment or over-treatment, affecting the efficacy and safety of the procedure.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system combining corneal cross-linking treatment with real-time OCT-based imaging and biomechanical data determination, allowing for continuous monitoring and adjustment of the treatment based on measured biomechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring is implemented during corneal cross-linking treatment, then treatment precision and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the corneal cross-linking treatment device with OCT imaging and biomechanical measurement systems into an integrated platform. This merging allows real-time monitoring of corneal biomechanical properties during treatment, enabling precise adjustment of treatment parameters while avoiding the need for separate monitoring equipment that would increase overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously measuring corneal biomechanical properties during cross-linking treatment and using this information to adjust treatment parameters. The OCT-based measurement system provides immediate feedback on corneal stiffness changes, allowing the treatment device to adapt and optimize the cross-linking process in real-time, thereby improving treatment precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time measurement and adjustment is performed during treatment, then treatment efficacy is improved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring and adjustment during the entire corneal cross-linking treatment process without interrupting the treatment flow. The OCT-based measurement system operates continuously to track biomechanical changes, and the treatment parameters are adjusted in real-time without stopping the cross-linking process, thereby maintaining treatment efficacy while minimizing additional time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of corneal biomechanical properties before treatment begins, allowing for pre-planning of treatment parameters. This preliminary action enables the treatment to proceed more efficiently by reducing the need for extensive real-time adjustments, thereby improving efficacy while limiting the increase in overall treatment time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement locations are monitored, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the corneal treatment area into multiple discrete measurement locations that are monitored independently. The OCT system captures biomechanical data at each specific location, allowing for localized assessment of cross-linking effects. This segmentation improves measurement accuracy by providing detailed spatial information while the automated processing keeps measurement complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The OCT-based measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it measures corneal biomechanical properties, generates three-dimensional images of the cornea, and provides real-time feedback on treatment progress. This multi-functionality allows the system to monitor multiple measurement locations without proportionally increasing measurement complexity, as the same system handles diverse measurement tasks.
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
Enables personalized and precise corneal cross-linking treatments by providing real-time feedback on corneal biomechanics, thereby optimizing treatment outcomes, avoiding under-treatment or over-treatment, and enhancing patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the interference between a portion of the original coherent light beam and the scattered light reflected back to the OCT system from a particular location on (or within) the biological tissue
Implementation Method 2
The photodynamic interaction between the UV light and the photosensitizer creates reactive oxygen species, which induce the formation of new cross-links between adjacent collagen fibrils
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for corneal cross-linking with real-time monitoring are provided. The method comprises determining a plurality of measurement locations in a region of a cornea, and applying a corneal cross-linking treatment to the region of the cornea. During the application of the corneal cross-linking treatment, the method also comprises acquiring a temporal OCT interferogram at each OCT measurement location, generating temporal complex OCT data based on the temporal OCT interferogram, determining biomechanical data based on the temporal complex OCT data, and adjusting the corneal cross-linking treatment based on the biomechanical data.