Flexible Gonioscopic Lens with Curvature-Matched Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gonioscopic lenses for ophthalmology procedures face challenges in securely adhering to the cornea and scleral regions of the eye, particularly in maintaining contact during surgical procedures due to differences in curvature and flexibility, which can lead to decoupling and hinder visualization.
Innovation Solution
A self-adhering, flexible gonioscopic lens with a central lens portion and an eye fixation system that approximates the curvature of the cornea and sclera, featuring a cut-out portion for surgical access and a unique R1/R2 radius relationship to create a vacuum effect for secure adherence, allowing for movement during procedures without decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard gonioscopic lens is used, then the lens can provide viewing capability, but the lens decouples from the eye during surgical procedures due to curvature differences between cornea and sclera
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into two distinct curvature zones: a first portion with radius of curvature R1 matching the cornea, and a second portion with radius of curvature R2 matching the sclera. This segmentation allows each portion to conform to its respective ocular surface, preventing decoupling during surgical procedures while maintaining a single integrated lens structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid lens is used, then the lens maintains structural stability, but the lens cannot adapt to the flexible nature of the cornea and sclera during eye movement
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is constructed as a flexible thin film that can conform to the curved surfaces of the cornea and sclera. This flexible membrane structure allows the lens to adapt to eye movements and changes in ocular shape while maintaining its structural integrity and optical properties throughout the procedure.
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 flexible lens maintains secure contact with the eye, enabling effective visualization and surgical access without decoupling, facilitating procedures like glaucoma surgery by forming a vacuum pocket for improved adherence and ease of movement.
Implementation Method 1
A self-adhering, flexible gonioscopic lens with a central lens portion and an eye fixation system that approximates the curvature of the cornea and sclera, featuring a cut-out portion for surgical access and a unique R1/R2 radius relationship to create a vacuum effect for secure adherence
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A self-adhering, flexible, contact lens for adhering to cornea and scleral regions of an eye, the cornea and sclera each having a radius of curvature with the radius of curvature of the sclera being greater than the radius of curvature of the cornea, includes a central lens having a body including a contact surface and a viewing surface, the contact surface having a radius of curvature R1 that approximates the radius of curvature of the cornea, and an eye fixation system attached to the perimeter of the contact surface of the central lens,