Eye Registration System for Refractive Surgery Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning the eye during corrective laser surgery, such as LASIK, face challenges in accurately accounting for eye movement and rotation from the upright measurement position to the prone surgical position, leading to potential inaccuracies in corrective ablation profiles, especially for astigmatism correction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves retrieving and comparing digital image data sets of the eye in both pre-surgical and surgical positions, using extracorneal features like blood vessels, to achieve precise registration through superposition and manipulation of images, ensuring accurate alignment and rotation correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the patient is moved from upright measurement position to prone surgical position, then surgery can be performed, but eye movement and rotation occur causing misalignment of corrective profile
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing reference images of extracorneal features (blood vessels, iris patterns) during the measurement phase in upright position. These reference images are stored and later compared with real-time images during surgery to calculate and compensate for eye movement and rotation, thereby maintaining alignment accuracy despite position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the patient's eye features (blood vessels, iris patterns) in the form of reference images. These copies are then used for comparison with real-time images during surgery, allowing the system to track and compensate for eye movement without requiring physical markers on the eye.
2Measurement precision
If ink or dye is applied to mark reference locations on the eye, then orientation can be identified, but the ink runs over time affecting alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using physical ink or dye markers that degrade over time, the system creates digital copies (images) of extracorneal features. These digital reference images can be stored indefinitely without degradation and can be repeatedly compared with real-time images to maintain accurate orientation identification throughout the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/chemical marking system (ink or dye application) with an optical-digital system. Images of extracorneal features are captured using imaging devices and processed digitally, eliminating the problems associated with physical markers such as running, fading, or smudging.
3Measurement precision
If cauterization is used to mark reference points on the eye, then orientation can be marked, but the procedure is uncomfortable and potentially harmful to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses digital copying of extracorneal features instead of physical cauterization. By capturing and storing reference images of blood vessels and other extracorneal structures, the system achieves accurate orientation marking without any physical contact or thermal damage to the eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the thermal/mechanical cauterization process with an optical-imaging process. Images of extracorneal features are captured non-invasively and used for orientation reference, completely eliminating the harmful effects of cauterization such as patient discomfort, thermal damage, and potential infection risk.
4Measurement precision
If multiple blades are used to mark the cornea, then reference points can be established, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses digital copying of naturally occurring extracorneal features (blood vessels, iris patterns) instead of physically marking the cornea with multiple blades. A single imaging device captures the reference features, and software automatically processes the images to establish reference points, dramatically reducing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical blade-based marking system with an optical-imaging and software-processing system. Instead of requiring multiple physical blades to create reference marks, the system captures images of existing extracorneal features and uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify and track reference points.
Data Source
AI summary
An orientation method for corrective eye surgery that registers pairs of eye images taken at different times and with the patient in different positions includes retrieving reference digital image data on an eye of the patient, including image data on an extracorneal eye feature. Real-time image data are collected that include image data on the extracorneal eye feature. A combined image is displayed of a superposition of the data sets, and a determination is made as to whether the combined image indicates an adequate registration between them based upon the extracorneal eye feature data in the two data sets. If the registration is not adequate, one of the data sets is manipulated until an adequate registration is achieved. A system is directed to apparatus and software for orienting a corrective program for eye surgery.