Disposable Diffractive Retinal Viewing Lens for Wide Field Ophthalmic Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard operating microscopes in ophthalmic surgery have difficulty viewing the entire posterior segment of the eye due to natural optics interference, and existing wide-angle retinal viewing systems, such as contact lenses and front lens attachments, can be cumbersome and prone to misalignment or obscuration by eye liquids, disrupting surgical efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A high-resolution, wide-angle retinal viewing system using an ophthalmic microscope coupled with a disposable wide field of view optical system comprising optical grade polymer lenses with diffractive surfaces, allowing for easy replacement and integration with a front lens attachment that articulates within the microscope's beam, ensuring clear and continuous visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a contact lens system is used for wide-angle retinal viewing, then the field of view is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with surgical instrument manipulation and misalignment from patient movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a front lens attachment as an intermediary device that holds a lens in front of the patient's eye without requiring direct contact. This mediator allows wide-angle retinal viewing while eliminating the interference with surgical instrument manipulation and misalignment issues that plague contact lens systems. The front lens attachment can be easily positioned and removed without affecting patient comfort or surgical dexterity.
2Area of stationary object
If a front lens attachment is used for wide-angle retinal viewing, then the field of view is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to obscuration by eye liquids requiring cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by making the front lens attachment and its lens inexpensive enough to be discarded after a single use. This eliminates the reliability issue of obscuration by eye liquids, as each new lens starts clean and free from contaminants. The low cost of the disposable lens allows surgeons to replace it quickly without significant expense, maintaining continuous reliable viewing throughout surgery.
3Manufacturing precision
If expensive polished lenses are replaced to maintain image clarity, then the image quality is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to the replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable lens eliminates time loss associated with replacement by allowing rapid exchange of pre-packaged, sterile lenses. Since each lens is inexpensive and designed for single use, surgeons can quickly swap lenses without the need for complex cleaning or sterilization procedures. The modular design with quick-connect interfaces further reduces replacement time, ensuring minimal interruption to the surgical procedure.
4Manufacturing precision
If lenses with diffractive surface features are used for wide-angle viewing, then the optical performance is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in effective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable lens with diffractive surfaces eliminates the need for repair or cleaning entirely. Each lens is manufactured with precise diffractive features for optimal optical performance, then discarded after single use. This approach is more economical than attempting to clean or maintain complex diffractive surfaces, as the cost of a new disposable lens is far less than the specialized cleaning equipment and expertise required to maintain such surfaces.
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 system provides high-resolution, wide-angle viewing of the retina with improved surgical efficiency by allowing quick lens replacement and maintenance, reducing downtime and maintaining image clarity despite ocular liquids, while being cost-effective and easy to sterilize.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens with a diffractive surface on at least one surface
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Systems and methods for high-resolution, wide-angle viewing of a retina of an eye using an ophthalmic microscope that can view a high-resolution image of a retina formed using a wide field of view optical system. A wide field of view optical system can involve a first lens having a diffractive surface on at least one surface and a second lens housing in a shared housing. A wide field of view optical system can involve one or more lens formed from an optical grade polymer and manufactured at a cost that allows the lens to be disposable.