Customized Post-Op Protocol for Hybrid LASIK Surface Ablation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
LASIK and surface ablation techniques for vision correction face issues such as under/over correction, corneal flap wrinkling, and side effects like dryness and blurred vision, with existing treatments being non-customized and potentially lengthy in recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines LASIK with surface ablation techniques, determining the depth of surgical procedures and customizing post-operative treatment protocols based on depth, including medication dosage and frequency, to enhance healing and reduce complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If LASIK procedure is performed, then healing speed is improved and patient satisfaction is increased, but risk of complications such as under/over correction and flap wrinkling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LASIK and surface ablation techniques into a hybrid procedure. The LASIK flap is created and folded back, then surface ablation is performed on the exposed corneal bed, and finally the flap is replaced. This merging allows the patient to benefit from both the rapid healing of LASIK and the precision of surface ablation, reducing complications while maintaining fast recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different treatment methods to different areas of the cornea. The LASIK flap covers most of the cornea for rapid healing, while surface ablation is applied locally to the exposed corneal bed for precise correction. This localized application of different techniques optimizes both healing speed and surgical precision in their respective zones.
2Manufacturing precision
If surface ablation technique is used, then surgical precision is improved and ectasia risk is reduced, but healing time is extended and patient satisfaction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges surface ablation with LASIK to overcome the slow healing limitation of pure surface ablation. By creating a LASIK flap that covers the treated area, the cornea receives the protective benefit of the flap while the precision of surface ablation is maintained on the corneal bed, significantly reducing healing time compared to surface ablation alone.
3Ease of operation
If standardized post-operative treatment is applied, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but recovery optimization for individual patients is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic post-operative treatment protocol that adjusts medication types, dosages, and frequencies based on the specific surgical parameters (depth of ablation, flap thickness) and individual patient response. This dynamic approach optimizes recovery for each patient while maintaining systematic organization through structured protocols for different time intervals post-surgery.
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 approach minimizes recovery time, improves post-operative pain management, and customizes treatment for each patient's needs, leading to enhanced refractive correction and reduced side effects.
Implementation Method 1
Pulses from a computer-controlled Eximer laser are used to ablate or vaporize a portion of the interior of the stroma and reshape the corneal tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A new and novel method for determining post procedural treatment is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for a treating a patient following a surgical procedure on at least one eye comprises determining a depth at which the surgical procedure is to be performed or was performed, and providing instructions for administering medication for a length of time to the at least one eye of the patient, the length of time based at least in part upon the depth.