Eye Coupling Apparatus for Laser Tissue Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coupling a laser device to the eye for precise tissue incisions, such as in LASIK procedures, often result in undesirable pressure surges and potential eye damage due to imprecise mechanical forces and deformation, which can lead to increased intraocular pressure and risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a suction-ring unit and a separate mechanical interface unit that forms a sealed, evacuable space for coupling with the laser optics, avoiding direct vacuum fixation to the eye, and using frustoconical sealing surfaces for a secure and airtight connection, allowing precise positioning of the laser focus without deforming the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical planer or impressed applanation lens is used to couple the eye to the laser device, then the beam focus can be precisely positioned in the tissue, but the eye is deformed and subjected to pressure surges that increase intraocular pressure and risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
A suction ring unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the eye and the laser optics. The suction ring applies gentle vacuum to stabilize the eye without direct mechanical pressure on the cornea, while a separate interface unit provides the optical reference surface. This mediator approach allows precise beam focus positioning while avoiding direct deformation of the eye tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: a suction ring unit for gentle eye stabilization, a separate interface unit for optical referencing, and the laser optics. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently—the suction ring stabilizes without deforming, the interface unit provides optical reference, and the laser delivers precise cuts—thereby achieving precision without harmful pressure surges.
2Measurement precision
If a plane-parallel applanation lens is impressed onto the cornea for z-referencing, then the beam focus can be precisely positioned in the cornea and deep tissue structures, but the eye is deformed and intraocular pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction ring acts as a mediator that provides stable positioning without direct corneal compression. The interface unit with its reference surface provides the optical reference needed for z-positioning. This indirect coupling through the suction ring and interface unit eliminates the need to impress a lens directly onto the cornea, thereby maintaining precise z-positioning capability while avoiding intraocular pressure increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical system of impressing a rigid applanation lens directly onto the cornea is replaced with a vacuum-based suction ring system combined with a separate interface unit. The vacuum field provides stabilization without localized mechanical pressure, and the interface unit provides optical referencing. This substitution maintains positioning precision while reducing mechanical stress and intraocular pressure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If direct vacuum fixation is applied to the eye for stabilization, then the eye is held steady during laser treatment, but tissue indentations and injuries may occur due to imprecise mechanical forces
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is segmented from the optical referencing function. The suction ring unit provides gentle vacuum stabilization at a distance from the cornea, while the interface unit provides the optical reference surface. This segmentation allows the eye to be held steady without direct vacuum contact with the corneal tissue, thereby preventing tissue indentations and injuries while maintaining stability during treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction ring unit serves as an intermediary that applies vacuum force to the sclera or peripheral tissue rather than directly to the cornea. This intermediate application point allows for stable eye positioning during laser treatment while protecting the delicate corneal tissue from direct vacuum-induced indentations or injuries.
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 configuration enables an optimal coupling of the eye to the laser optics, reducing the risk of tissue indentations and injuries, while maintaining precise control over the laser focus, thereby minimizing the risk of intraocular pressure increases and ensuring a more comfortable and safe procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a suction-ring unit (16) which is capable of being placed onto an eye (10), with a ring axis (22)
Implementation Method 2
sealing means (44, 52) which upon movement of the interface unit (34) in coupling contact with the suction-ring unit (16) form a space (58) which is capable of being evacuated
Implementation Method 3
an apparatus for cutting a tissue part of an eye by means of focused laser radiation
Implementation Method 4
a beam focus (62) which can be positioned in arbitrary regions in the cornea (12) or in other tissue structures deep within the eye (10)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for cutting a tissue part of an eye by means of laser radiation includes a suction-ring unit (16) which is capable of being mounted onto the eye, with a ring axis (22), a mechanical interface unit (34) which is separate from the suction-ring unit (16), which is capable of being moved along the ring axis (22) in coupling contact with the latter, and which is capable of being mechanically coupled with optical means (70) which focus the laser radiation onto or into the tissue part (12) of the eye, and sealing means (44, 52) which upon movement of the interface unit (34) in coupling contact with the suction-ring unit (16) form a space (58) which is capable of being evacuated and which is delimited by sealing surfaces (46, 60) of the interface unit (34) and of the suction-ring unit (16) and of the sealing means (44, 52).