Corneal Laser Ablation Sequencing for High-Order Aberrations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser eye surgery methods face challenges in effectively correcting high-order optical aberrations, often resulting in undercorrection due to the complexity of these aberrations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sequencing corneal alterations during laser eye surgery to prioritize high-order optical corrections at the end of the procedure, using a system that includes an aberrometer for measuring aberrations, a processor for generating a defect-correcting prescription, and a laser for applying precise laser energy patterns based on Zernike polynomial profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional laser eye surgery methods are used to correct high-order optical aberrations, then standard vision errors can be corrected, but high-order aberrations result in undercorrection due to their complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the corneal ablation process into two distinct phases: primary ablation for low-order aberrations (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) and secondary ablation for high-order aberrations. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with the secondary ablation specifically targeting complex high-order errors after the cornea has been prepared by the primary ablation, thereby achieving both standard and high-order correction goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the primary ablation for low-order aberrations before addressing high-order aberrations. The wavefront measurement is taken after the primary ablation to accurately assess remaining high-order errors, and the secondary ablation parameters are calculated and prepared in advance based on this measurement, ensuring precise correction of complex aberrations.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex defect-correcting prescriptions are applied to treat high-order aberrations, then correction effectiveness may improve, but the complexity of sequencing and controlling laser alterations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the defect-correcting prescription into two separate treatment phases with distinct objectives. The primary ablation handles routine refractive errors using well-established protocols, while the secondary ablation focuses exclusively on high-order aberrations. This segmentation simplifies the control sequence by breaking down the complex overall correction into manageable, sequentially-executed stages with clear boundaries and optimized parameters for each.
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 enhances the effectiveness of high-order optical corrections, improving the accuracy and efficacy of laser eye surgery by allowing for more precise and complex corneal modifications, thereby exceeding 20/20 vision thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet laser ablation results in photodecomposition of the corneal tissue, but generally does not cause significant thermal damage to adjacent and underlying tissues of the eye. The irradiated molecules are broken into smaller volatile fragments photo chemically, directly breaking the intermolecular bonds.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Systems and methods related to corneal ablation for treatment of one or more high-order optical aberrations are provided. A method includes providing a defect-correcting prescription (92, 132), determining an ablation profile (98, 138) to impose the prescription on the cornea, and determining a sequence of laser-energy ablations (106, 146) to impose the ablation profile (98, 138) on the cornea. The prescription comprises a high-order optical correction. The ablation profile (98, 138) comprises a first-segment profile and a second-segment profile. The second-segment profile corresponds to at least one high-order optical correction. The ablation sequence (106, 146) comprises applying ablations corresponding to the first-segment profile prior to applying ablations corresponding to the second-segment profile.