Corneal Cross-Linking Scanning System with Digital Micro-Mirror Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corneal cross-linking treatments for conditions like keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia are limited in their ability to efficiently stabilize and strengthen the cornea, requiring longer treatment times and involving complex alignment of optical elements that increase system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A system that photoactivates a cross-linking agent, such as riboflavin, using ultraviolet light, with optical elements like digital micro-mirror devices and fiber-optic elements to deliver precise patterns of light, reducing treatment time and simplifying system design, while allowing for adjustable treatment patterns and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional corneal cross-linking treatments are used, then the cornea can be strengthened, but treatment time increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment system divides the corneal surface into multiple treatment zones with different cross-linking intensities. The apparatus applies photoactivating light to different regions of the cornea with varying parameters (intensity, duration, pattern) to create a segmented treatment approach that optimizes both treatment time and strength enhancement in different corneal regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts photoactivating light parameters during treatment based on real-time monitoring. The apparatus can modify light intensity, treatment duration, and spatial distribution throughout the procedure to optimize cross-linking efficiency, reducing overall treatment time while maintaining effective corneal strengthening.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex optical alignment is used in corneal cross-linking systems, then treatment precision is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-aligning features and automated positioning mechanisms that automatically adjust optical elements to achieve precise treatment alignment. The apparatus uses built-in sensors and control systems to maintain accurate positioning without requiring manual alignment procedures, thereby reducing operational complexity while preserving treatment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with optical and electronic control systems. Instead of relying on purely mechanical adjustment components, the apparatus uses digital control, automated positioning, and optical sensors to achieve and maintain precise treatment alignment, simplifying the overall mechanical structure while improving precision.
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
The system effectively stabilizes and strengthens the cornea, reducing treatment time and system complexity, while enabling precise control over cross-linking patterns and real-time monitoring for optimal treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to provide photoactivating light that photoactivates a cross-linking agent applied to a cornea
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating an eye includes a light source configured to provide photoactivating light that photoactivates a cross-linking agent applied to a cornea. The system includes one or more optical elements configured to receive the photoactivating light and produce a beam that defines a spot of the photoactivating light. The system includes a scanning system configured to receive the beam of the photoactivating light and to scan the spot of the photoactivating light along a first axis and a second axis to form a scan pattern on the cornea to generate cross-linking activity.