Laser-Planned Corneal Relief Incisions for Residual Refractive Errors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refractive correction procedures, such as LASIK and SMILE, often fail to completely eliminate refractive errors after implantation of corneal implants, posing risks to the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

Innovation Solution

A planning device and method that determine corneal incisions using laser radiation to counteract refractive errors by creating relief incisions near Bowman's membrane, which do not extend deeper than the implant depth, preventing tissue damage and promoting healing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If refractive correction procedures (LASIK, SMILE) are performed with implantation of corneal implants, then refractive correction is achieved, but refractive errors often remain after implantation reducing effectiveness and safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of refractive correctionVSAvoidprecision of refractive correction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The planning device calculates and plans relief incisions to be created before implantation. These incisions are pre-determined to counteract the specific refractive errors that are expected to remain after implantation, allowing the surgeon to address residual refractive issues in a controlled manner

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The correction process is divided into two stages: first the implantation procedure to achieve primary refractive correction, then the planned relief incisions to address residual refractive errors. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If deep incisions are made in the cornea to correct refractive errors, then refractive correction is improved, but tissue damage increases and healing is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefractive correction precisionVSAvoidtissue damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The relief incisions are designed with specific local characteristics: they are positioned at the periphery of the cornea, have controlled depth (not extending through the full thickness), and follow specific geometric patterns. This localized approach corrects refractive errors while preserving overall corneal integrity and promoting healing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The planning device calculates incision parameters that will counteract the deformations caused by implantation. By planning these compensatory incisions in advance, the system prevents excessive tissue damage while achieving the desired refractive correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

The solution ensures reliable refractive correction by minimizing refractive errors and enhancing the biomechanical integrity of the cornea, reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

When creating incisions in the cornea using laser radiation, the optical radiation effect is typically exploited by generating an optical breakthrough through individual optical pulses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical breakthrough: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

It is also known to introduce individual pulses, whose energy lies below a threshold for optical breakthrough, into the tissue or material in such a way that material or tissue separation is also achieved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical radiation effect: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP4424286B1Planning device and method for generating control data for an eye surgical treatment device
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
  • EP4424286B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4424286B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4424286B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~7b

AI summary

The invention relates to a planning device (16) for generating control data for a treatment device (1) that creates at least one incision in the cornea (17) by means of a laser device (4), and to a treatment device (1) that includes a planning device (16) of the aforementioned type. The invention further relates to a method for generating control data for a treatment device (1) that creates at least one incision in the cornea (17) by means of a laser device (4). The planning device (16) includes calculation means for determining at least one corneal relief incision (T, U), wherein the calculation means determine the at least one corneal relief incision (T, U) in such a way as to counteract refractive errors existing after the insertion of an implant (L) into the cornea (17).