Corneal Marking for Vision Correction Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vision correction surgeries face challenges in accurately identifying and marking optimal locations on the cornea, particularly due to corneal deformation and pupil asymmetry, which limits the choice of surgical procedures and their benefits for patients.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for marking the cornea with a visible or detectable mark corresponding to a selected location, such as the pupil center or corneal vertex, using a femtosecond laser or biocompatible dye, allowing for re-identification during deformation, enabling precise performance of vision correction surgeries like LASIK or SMILE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cornea is deformed during vision correction surgery, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the ability to identify and target the selected location accurately is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A mark is placed on the cornea before the surgical procedure to establish a reference point. This preliminary marking allows the selected location to be identified and targeted accurately even after the cornea is deformed during surgery, resolving the contradiction between performing the procedure and maintaining location identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mark serves as an intermediary reference element between the selected location and the surgical instrument. By providing a visible or detectable marker that remains on the cornea during deformation, it mediates the identification process and maintains accuracy despite corneal shape changes.
2Ease of manufacture
If only one suitable location is used for the surgical procedure, then the procedure can be performed, but the patient loses the choice between different locations and their various benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic selection of the optimal location based on real-time corneal imaging and deformation analysis. By using detectable marks and algorithms that can identify the selected location regardless of corneal shape, the system adapts to different surgical scenarios and allows customization for each patient's specific needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can identify and target different locations (pupil center, corneal vertex, or other selected locations) by changing the parameters of the mark placement and detection algorithms. This allows the same surgical system to accommodate multiple location options and provide customized treatment plans for each patient.
3Measurement precision
If a mark is placed on the cornea to allow re-identification after deformation, then location accuracy is maintained, but the cornea is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The mark can be made using materials that produce color changes or optical property changes when placed on the cornea. This allows the mark to be detectable by specific wavelengths (such as infrared or fluorescent) while minimizing visible alteration to the cornea's natural appearance and maintaining its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking material is designed to be temporary and biocompatible, serving its purpose during the surgical procedure and then naturally resolving or fading. This disposable approach minimizes long-term impact on corneal health while providing the necessary reference functionality during surgery.
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
Enables accurate and flexible performance of vision correction surgeries by maintaining the ability to identify and target specific locations on the cornea even after deformation, improving surgical precision and patient outcomes by allowing different surgical approaches based on selected locations.
Implementation Method 1
an ophthalmic detector to identify a selected location on a cornea of an eye
Implementation Method 2
marking the periphery of the cornea with a mark that corresponds to the selected location
Implementation Method 3
laser ablating a portion of the cornea in the selected location
Implementation Method 4
a corneal suction or applanation device to deform the cornea
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for marking an undeformed cornea with a mark to allow later detection of a selected location on the cornea after deformation and to systems of methods for performing vision correction surgery based on the mark.