Corneal Laser Polarization Control for Collagen-Aligned Refractive Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for laser-induced refractive index change in the cornea do not adequately account for the varying collagen fiber arrangements, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
Adapt the polarization direction of laser pulses to align with the orientation of collagen fibers in the cornea, using control data to determine treatment positions and set polarization properties based on collagen fiber data, employing polarization devices like waveplates and rotatable polarizers to adjust the laser beam accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laser-induced refractive index change is performed without adapting to collagen fiber arrangement, then the treatment process is simple, but the treatment effectiveness is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary determination of collagen fiber orientation at multiple depths of the cornea before the laser treatment. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-plan the polarization direction for each treatment position, ensuring optimal alignment with collagen fibers without requiring real-time complex adjustments during the actual laser irradiation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different polarization directions of laser pulses according to the local orientation of collagen fibers at different depths and positions in the cornea. Instead of using a uniform polarization direction throughout, the system adapts the polarization to match the specific collagen fiber arrangement at each treatment location, thereby optimizing the refractive index change effect locally.
2Manufacturing precision
If the polarization direction is adapted to collagen fiber orientation, then the refractive index change is enhanced, but the control data processing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control device segments the cornea into multiple treatment positions at different depths and determines the collagen fiber orientation for each segment independently. This segmentation allows the system to manage the complexity by processing and controlling each region separately, rather than attempting to handle the entire cornea as a single complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the polarization parameter of the laser pulse according to the determined collagen fiber orientation. By adjusting this key parameter (polarization direction) to match the collagen fiber arrangement, the system enhances the refractive index change effect while managing complexity through parameter-based control rather than structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple polarization directions are used for different corneal depths, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the polarization direction of the laser pulse based on the depth and position of the treatment target. The system can switch between different polarization directions (e.g., vertical, horizontal, diagonal) depending on the collagen fiber orientation at the specific corneal depth, enabling versatile treatment coverage across different regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization control system is designed to handle multiple polarization directions and adapt to various collagen fiber arrangements throughout the cornea. This multi-functional capability allows a single laser system to effectively treat different corneal regions with different fiber orientations, providing universal applicability without requiring multiple separate devices.
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
Enhances the effectiveness of laser-induced refractive index change by aligning the polarization of laser beams with collagen fiber orientations, improving treatment accuracy and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the laser-induced optical refractive index change (LIRIC) is a further possibility of treating visual disorders. Herein, a tissue structure is changed by irradiation of laser pulses with short laser pulse length without generating an optical breakdown, whereby a refractive index of the concerned tissue structures changes
Implementation Method 2
setting a polarization property of a laser beam of the laser based on the orientation of the collagen fibers to be expected for a respective treatment position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a treatment apparatus (10) and a method for providing control data for an ophthalmological laser (12) of a treatment apparatus (10) for the laser-induced refractive index change. As steps, the method includes determining (S10) treatment positions (16) in a cornea (14) of an eye, which are intended for the change by the laser-induced refractive index change; determining (S12) an orientation of collagen fibers (30) to be expected in the cornea (14) in the respective treatment positions (16) based on collagen fiber data of the cornea (14); setting (S14) a polarization property (24, 26) of a laser beam (20) of the laser (12) based on the orientation of the collagen fibers (30) to be expected for a respective treatment position (30); and providing (S16) the control data, which includes the set polarization property (24, 26) for the respective treatment position (16).