3D Eye Imaging for Lens Tilt Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cataract surgery, such as laser phaco fragmentation and capsulotomy, face challenges in achieving precise three-dimensional imaging of the cornea and lens, leading to potential damage and increased risk of errors due to the inability to accurately account for lens tilt and the two-dimensional nature of existing imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of multiple sectional images of the eye using multiple sections of light, followed by automatic identification and curve fitting of arcs corresponding to corneal and lens surfaces, and reconstructing three-dimensional shapes by tracing lines back from these arcs to create accurate three-dimensional models, allowing for precise placement of laser incisions and minimizing edge height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional imaging systems are used for laser phaco fragmentation and capsulotomy, then the imaging system is simple and easy to operate, but the precision of three-dimensional geometry determination is insufficient leading to potential damage and increased risk of errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional imaging by introducing multiple light sections at different angles. The system captures multiple sectional images and reconstructs them into a three-dimensional model of the eye, enabling accurate determination of the cornea and lens geometry in three dimensions, thus resolving the precision limitation of planar imaging systems
2Manufacturing precision
If lens tilt is not accounted for in the imaging system, then the imaging and surgery process is simpler, but the accuracy of laser incision placement is reduced increasing the risk of errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multi-sectional three-dimensional imaging to capture the complete geometry of the lens including its tilt. By reconstructing the lens in three dimensions, the system can accurately determine the lens axis and tilt angle, allowing the laser surgery system to compensate for tilt and place incisions with high precision, thereby resolving the accuracy problem without requiring additional complex tilt measurement devices
3Reliability
If the edge height of laser incisions is increased to ensure complete cutting, then the risk of residual tissue bridges is reduced, but the formation of bubbles under the lens capsule or in the anterior chamber increases interfering with the laser cut
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional imaging to accurately map the exact location and curvature of the lens capsule surface. This enables the laser system to follow the precise three-dimensional contour of the capsule, making cuts with minimal edge height that completely traverse the capsule thickness. By accurately tracking the capsule geometry in 3D, the system achieves complete cuts without requiring excessive edge height that would cause bubble formation, thus resolving the contradiction between complete cutting and bubble prevention
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 approach enables accurate determination of the three-dimensional geometry of the eye, reducing the risk of errors and improving the precision of laser incisions, thereby enhancing surgical outcomes and minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating an eye with multiple sections of light and obtaining multiple sectional images of the eye based on the multiple sections of light
Implementation Method 2
placement of laser incisions
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating three dimensional shapes for a cornea and lens of an eye, the method including illuminating an eye with multiple sections of light and obtaining multiple sectional images of said eye based on said multiple sections of light. For each one of the obtained multiple sectional images, the following processes are performed:a) automatically identifying arcs, in two-dimensional space, corresponding to anterior and posterior corneal and lens surfaces of the eye by image analysis and curve fitting of the one of the obtained multiple sectional images; andb) determining an intersection of lines ray traced back from the identified arcs in two-dimensional space with a known position of a section of space containing the section of light that generated the one of the obtained multiple sectional images, wherein the determined intersection defines a three-dimensional arc curve. The method further including reconstructing three-dimensional shapes of the anterior and posterior cornea surfaces and the anterior and posterior lens surfaces based on fitting the three-dimensional arc curve to a three-dimensional shape.