Corneal Reshaping via Excimer and Femtosecond Laser Combination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vision correction procedures, such as PRK and LASIK, are limited by corneal thickness and can cause unintended biodynamic effects, leading to inaccuracies in correcting myopic and hyperopic vision errors, as well as higher-order aberrations.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus combining volumetric ablation using an excimer laser with intrastromal manipulation by a femtosecond laser, which minimizes corneal tissue removal and avoids bio-dynamic shape changes to optimize vision correction, utilizing diagnostic data for precise calculation of volumetric ablation profiles and intrastromal manipulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If volumetric ablation is used to correct vision errors, then vision correction is achieved, but corneal thickness is reduced and biodynamic effects are induced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevision correction accuracyVSAvoidcorneal thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the corneal treatment into two distinct parts: (1) a peripheral intrastromal manipulation to induce biomechanical flattening, and (2) a central volumetric ablation for precision refractive correction. This segmentation allows the peripheral zone to compensate for central tissue removal, enabling thinner corneas to withstand the treatment while achieving accurate vision correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary biomechanical effect through peripheral intrastromal manipulations that act as a mediator between the central ablation and the desired refractive outcome. This intermediary effect flattens the central cornea biomechanically, reducing the amount of central tissue that needs to be ablated and thereby preserving corneal thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If volumetric ablation is used to correct vision errors, then refractive error is corrected, but unintended biodynamic effects are caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefractive error correctionVSAvoidbiodynamic effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful biodynamic effects into a beneficial component of the treatment. By intentionally creating peripheral intrastromal manipulations that induce controlled biomechanical flattening, the treatment uses the biodynamic response as a corrective tool rather than merely compensating for it, thereby eliminating the need for additional compensatory ablation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary intrastromal manipulations before the main volumetric ablation to pre-flatten the central cornea biomechanically. This preliminary action reduces the subsequent ablation depth required for refractive correction and prevents unwanted biodynamic effects from compromising the treatment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional laser treatment is used, then vision correction is provided, but applicability is limited by corneal thickness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability of treatmentVSAvoidcorneal thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimensional approach by introducing peripheral intrastromal manipulations that act in a different spatial zone (peripheral vs. central) and different mechanical dimension (biomechanical vs. optical). This dimensional expansion allows treatment of eyes with thinner corneas by distributing the corrective effect across multiple spatial and mechanical dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 applicability and accuracy of vision correction by minimizing tissue removal and correcting both low and high-order aberrations, improving the effectiveness of laser treatment systems, especially for highly aberrated eyes.

Implementation Method 1

volumetric ablation, e.g. by an excimer laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

corneal tissue is removed from a central portion of the eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAblation: Ablation

Implementation Method 3

at least one intrastromal manipulation, e.g. by a femtosecond laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS8556886B2Combination of excimer laser ablation and femtosecond laser technology

Publication Date: 2013.10.15 YOUSSEFI GERHARD

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for providing data for vision correction utilizing a volumetric ablation and an intrastromal manipulation. The provided data may be used by a laser ablating the surface of the cornea in combination with a laser which operates intrastromal to optimize a corneal re-shaping procedure. One aspects of the invention relates to the minimization of the amount of corneal tissue to be removed.