Handheld Ophthalmological Light Projector with Movable Focal Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmological apparatuses for refractive surgical treatments, such as LASIK, face limitations due to large and cumbersome designs that restrict the numerical aperture of the focusing optical system, leading to less precise cuts and increased stress on the eye, as well as complications in manual handling and application.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a movement driver for the light projector in an ophthalmological apparatus that allows for mechanical movement of the focal point within the eye tissue, enabling a smaller and more precise optical projection system with higher numerical aperture, allowing for sharper focusing and more precise tissue breakdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large stationary lens system with beam-deflecting optical elements is used to focus laser beams, then the working area can be covered, but the numerical aperture is limited (typically NA=0.2-0.3) and the apparatus becomes large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical projection system movable rather than stationary. The hand-held appliance can be manually positioned and moved over the treatment area, eliminating the need for a large stationary lens system. This dynamic approach allows the optical system to cover the entire working area while maintaining a compact, portable design with high numerical aperture capability.
2Area of stationary object
If a large diameter optical system is used to cover the entire cornea, then the working area is sufficient, but the apparatus becomes unwieldy and manual handling is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the treatment process into multiple sequential steps. Instead of requiring a single large optical system to cover the entire cornea at once, the hand-held appliance treats smaller areas in succession by being manually repositioned. This segmentation allows the optical system to have a smaller, more manageable diameter while still achieving complete corneal coverage through multiple treatment passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held appliance introduces dynamic positioning, allowing the operator to manually move the device to different locations on the cornea. This dynamic approach replaces the need for a large, stationary optical system with a compact, mobile unit that achieves full coverage through coordinated movement and sequential treatment of subareas.
3Device complexity
If a low numerical aperture optical system is used, then the apparatus design is simpler, but the focal point is larger and cutting precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By making the optical projection system dynamic and hand-held, the patent enables the use of high numerical aperture optics that would be impractical in a stationary configuration. The high NA allows for a tightly focused focal point and precise tissue breakdown, while the manual handling capability keeps the overall apparatus design manageable and clinically practical.
4Productivity
If high energy per pulse is used to make cuts, then the cutting speed is sufficient, but the cavitation bubbles increase and cutting quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the laser pulse energy to a lower level that reduces cavitation bubble formation and improves cutting quality. The high numerical aperture optical system compensates for the lower energy per pulse by concentrating the light into a tighter focal point, maintaining effective cutting speed while eliminating the harmful effects of excessive energy deposition.
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 solution enables more precise and efficient tissue breakdown with reduced stress on the eye, as the mechanical movement of the focal point allows for smaller cutting zones and lower energy requirements, resulting in smoother cut surfaces and improved treatment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light source and a light projector, optically connected to the light source, for the focussed projection of light pulses for punctiform tissue breakdown at a focal point in the interior of the eye tissue
Implementation Method 2
focussed projection of light pulses for punctiform tissue breakdown
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmological apparatus includes a handle for manually holding and applying the ophthalmological apparatus, fastening has abilities for fixing the ophthalmological apparatus at an eye, a light source, and a light projector for the focused projection of light pulses for punctiform tissue breakdown at a focal point in the interior of the eye tissue. The ophthalmological apparatus also includes a movement driver for moving the light projector. The movement of the light projector and therefore that of the focal point with the assistance of the movement driver permits a dimensioning of the optical projection system of the light projector which is substantially smaller than in the case of an ophthalmological apparatus where the focal point is moved exclusively by an optical projection system.