Direct View Gonio Lens Offset Mirror Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lenses, such as the Swan-Jacob Gonioprism, make it difficult or impossible to view the periphery of the anterior chamber of the eye when the line of sight is along the optical axis of the eye.
Innovation Solution
A lens system comprising a contact lens with a concave posterior surface and a pair of offset mirror surfaces that redirect light rays to allow viewing of the anterior chamber along the optical axis, enabling visualization of the periphery by creating a visual gap between the contact lens and the first mirror surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Swan-type contact lens is used for gonioscopy, then the lens can be moved around on the cornea to view various parts of the anterior chamber, but it is difficult or impossible to view the periphery of the anterior chamber when the user's line of sight is along the optical axis of the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second optical dimension by incorporating mirrors or prisms that redirect light paths. This allows the viewer to see peripheral structures while maintaining alignment with the optical axis, effectively adding a dimensional component to the viewing geometry without complicating the basic contact lens structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mirrors or prisms as intermediary optical elements between the contact lens and the viewer's eye. These intermediaries redirect light rays to enable peripheral viewing along the optical axis, acting as a mediator that solves the viewing limitation without requiring structural changes to the contact lens itself.
2Ease of operation
If mirror surfaces are added to enable peripheral viewing, then viewing of the anterior chamber periphery along the optical axis is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens system is designed to perform multiple functions: standard gonioscopy viewing and peripheral viewing along the optical axis. By integrating mirrors or prisms that serve dual purposes (redirecting light for peripheral viewing while maintaining central viewing capability), the system achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the contact lens with integrated mirror or prism elements into a single unified device. This combination eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall system complexity compared to using distinct devices for different viewing purposes.
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 effective viewing of the anterior chamber periphery along the optical axis, improving usability and surgical precision during procedures like goniotomy by providing a clear path for viewing and accessing the peripheral cornea.
Implementation Method 1
A first mirror surface is offset from the anterior surface of the contact lens element in an outward direction from the contact optical axis. A second mirror surface is offset from the contact optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
A lens for viewing the anterior chamber of the eye includes a contact lens having a contact lens surface and an anterior surface. The anterior surface has an optical axis that intersects the optical axis of the contact lens surface. First and second mirror surfaces are positioned to redirect light rays from the periphery of the anterior chamber and reflect them in a direction parallel or nearly parallel to the optical axis of the contact lens surface.