Corneal Mark Imaging for Cataract Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye surgery methods, particularly cataract procedures, face challenges in achieving precise alignment and control to minimize unintended side effects and optimize optical performance, especially with the introduction of advanced intraocular lenses and combined refractive corrections, which require higher precision than traditional methods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves imaging corneal marks created during procedures like LASIK, determining corneal location information using OCT imaging, and placing laser pulses for cataract surgery to align with the corneal marks, allowing for precise placement of laser pulses in the lens capsule or nucleus, and selecting intraocular lenses based on corneal shape-change information to improve surgical accuracy and reduce side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional cataract surgery methods are used, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but precision and control over surgical intervention are insufficient leading to unintended side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces corneal marks as intermediary reference points that bridge the corneal procedure and cataract surgery. These marks serve as a mediator to transfer alignment information from the corneal surface to the lens target, enabling precise surgical intervention without requiring complex real-time tracking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs corneal marking as a preliminary action before cataract surgery. By creating reference marks on the cornea during the initial corneal procedure, the system establishes a foundation for subsequent precise lens targeting, allowing the cataract surgery to be guided by pre-established anatomical references
2Reliability
If advanced intraocular lenses and combined refractive corrections are introduced, then optical performance can be optimized, but the requirement for precision increases beyond traditional surgical capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an imaging system that captures corneal mark positions and provides feedback to guide laser pulse placement during cataract surgery. This feedback loop allows real-time adjustment of surgical parameters based on actual corneal anatomy and mark locations, ensuring precise alignment with the optical axis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with optical imaging and computer-guided laser delivery. By using an imaging system to detect corneal marks and a controlled laser system to deliver pulses based on image analysis, the system achieves sub-millimeter precision without complex mechanical positioning mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If corneal imaging and location determination are implemented, then laser pulse placement accuracy improves, but the procedural steps and system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system that serves multiple functions: it images corneal marks, determines their spatial positions, and provides guidance for laser pulse placement. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate imaging and surgical guidance systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement 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
This approach enhances the precision of eye surgery by accurately aligning surgical interventions with the eye's optical axes, reducing aberrations, and optimizing the placement of intraocular lenses, thereby improving post-operative optical performance and reducing unwanted side effects.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging step may include using an ophthalmic coherence tomographic (OCT) imaging system
Implementation Method 2
placing laser pulses for a cataract surgery
Implementation Method 3
The surgical laser system may include a femtosecond laser system, configured to create cataract surgical patterns in the lens
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of performing a cataract procedure may include the steps of: imaging one or more corneal marks created by a corneal procedure, determining corneal location information regarding a location of a treatment region of the corneal procedure based on the imaged corneal marks, and placing laser pulses for a cataract surgery using the corneal location information. A corresponding ophthalmic laser system may include an imaging system to image a corneal region of an eye, an image analyzer to facilitate a determination of corneal location information based on one or more image provided by the imaging system, and a surgical laser system to place laser pulses into a lens of the eye using the corneal location information. The imaging system may include an ophthalmic coherence tomographic (OCT) system.