Shared-Aperture Eye Floater Laser Targeting With Real-Time Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Effective visualization and treatment of media opacities in the vitreous humor of the eye, such as floaters, are challenging due to the depth and complexity of the vitreous cavity and retina, making precise laser vitreolysis difficult.
Innovation Solution
A system with a visualization module and laser module, guided by a shared aperture, uses ultra-short laser pulses to selectively treat media opacities, incorporating a controller for real-time parameter acquisition and motion detection, and employs advanced optical techniques like birefringent prisms and spatial light modulators for precise beam control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laser vitreolysis is used to treat media opacities, then treatment can be performed, but precise visualization and delivery of treatment is challenging due to the depth of the vitreous cavity and retina
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visualization module and laser module into a single integrated system with a shared aperture. The visualization module includes optical components for capturing and processing light from the eye, while the laser module delivers treatment beams through the same aperture. This integration allows real-time visualization and precise laser delivery to be achieved simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a corneal interfacing member as an intermediary component positioned between the external environment and the eye. This member includes a lens system that focuses the laser beam at the vitreous cavity while protecting the cornea and other anterior structures. The intermediary component enables precise deep-tissue treatment while maintaining safety and reducing the complexity of direct laser delivery to the vitreous humor.
2Reliability
If laser beams are directed towards media opacities in the vitreous humor, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the risk of collateral damage to eye structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating a focused laser beam with high spatial precision that targets only the media opacity while leaving surrounding tissues unaffected. The laser beam parameters (wavelength, focus, duration) are optimized to interact specifically with the opacity material rather than adjacent eye structures. This localized energy delivery ensures treatment effectiveness while minimizing collateral damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by delivering the laser treatment in multiple discrete pulses rather than a continuous beam. The pulsed laser delivery allows for controlled energy deposition, with intervals between pulses that permit heat dissipation and reduce the risk of thermal damage to surrounding tissues. This periodic treatment approach maintains reliability while reducing harmful effects.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring and control systems are added to improve treatment precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the shared aperture to serve multiple functions: it acts as the entry point for both visualization light and laser treatment beams, and also serves as the reference axis for alignment and positioning. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby improving treatment delivery precision while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
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 precise and effective disruption of media opacities by improving visualization and reducing the risk of collateral damage to the eye's structures through advanced beam guidance and control.
Implementation Method 1
a laser module adapted to selectively generate a treatment beam directed towards the media opacity in order to incise, vaporize or otherwise disrupt the media opacity. The treatment beam may include a plurality of ultra-short laser pulses.
Implementation Method 2
the visualization module may be configured to employ electromagnetic radiation reflected from one or more optical devices prior to striking the eye
Implementation Method 3
The visualization module may further include a birefringent prism configured to intercept the linearly polarized light wave prior to the linearly polarized light wave striking the eye
Implementation Method 4
a corneal interfacing member may be positioned in close proximity to a cornea of the eye, the corneal interfacing member being configured to decrease a depth of field for the treatment beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for treating a media opacity in a vitreous media of an eye includes a visualization module adapted to provide visualization data of a portion of the eye via one or more viewing beams. The system includes a laser module adapted to selectively generate a treatment beam directed towards the media opacity in order to disrupt the media opacity. The laser module and the visualization module have a shared aperture for guiding the treatment beam and the one or more viewing beams towards the eye, the shared aperture being centered about a central axis. A controller is configured to acquire one or more defining parameters of the media opacity and determine when the media opacity is with a predefined target zone of a real-time viewing window. The media opacity is treated with the treatment beam when the media opacity is within the predefined target zone.