Eye Tracking Ensemble for Corneal Cross-Linking Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cross-linking treatments for the eye, such as those for keratoconus or post-LASIK ectasia, face challenges due to eye movement during the procedure, which can lead to ineffective treatment and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An eye tracking system is employed to capture images of the eye and detect changes in the cornea's position, allowing for precise adjustment of the illumination system to apply photoactivating light to specified areas of the cornea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If cross-linking treatment is applied for several minutes to strengthen the cornea, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but eye movement occurs during the procedure causing potential damage and reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs real-time eye tracking that continuously monitors eye position and provides feedback to the illumination system. The tracking data from multiple orthogonal features is coalesced to determine eye motion, which then feeds back to adjust the illumination beam position dynamically, maintaining treatment precision throughout the extended procedure duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary eye tracking and establishes a baseline eye position before treatment begins. Multiple trackers detect orthogonal features (pupil center, iris texture, corneal reflection) in advance, and the illumination system is pre-configured to compensate for anticipated eye movements based on these preliminary measurements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple trackers are used to detect orthogonal image features, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple independent trackers that detect different orthogonal image features (pupil center, iris texture, corneal reflection) into a unified eye position determination. The coalescing of data from these trackers provides redundant measurements that improve accuracy while the modular architecture manages complexity by keeping each tracker independent but integrated through a common processing framework.
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 eye tracking system ensures robust and accurate delivery of photoactivating light, reducing errors and enhancing the effectiveness of cross-linking treatments by maintaining precise application despite eye movement.
Implementation Method 1
an image capture device configured to capture a plurality of images of an eye
Implementation Method 2
apply photoactivating light precisely to specified areas of the cornea
Data Source
AI summary
An example system for tracking motion of an eye during an eye treatment includes an image capture device configured to capture a plurality of images of an eye. The system includes an ensemble tracker employing a first, second, and third tracker to process a plurality of images. Each tracker is configured to detect a respective feature in the plurality of images and provide, based on the respective feature, a respective set of data relating to motion of the eye. The first tracker detects a first feature including an anatomical structure in an iris region of the eye. The second tracker detects a second feature including a shape defined by a contrast between the iris region and a pupil region. A third tracker detects a third feature including a boundary between the iris region and the pupil region of the eye.