Integrated Optical Eye Measurement for 3D Cataract Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical diagnostic systems for cataract surgery planning are inadequate as they often require multiple devices for different measurements, leading to inconsistent patient positioning and data sets that cannot be fused to create a reliable three-dimensional model of the eye, hindering advanced vision modeling techniques like ray tracing.

Innovation Solution

An integrated optical measurement system that includes an iris imaging subsystem, posterior corneal astigmatism imaging, and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) subsystems, capable of obtaining comprehensive biometric data in a single orientation, fusing data from various techniques to create an accurate three-dimensional model of the eye for improved cataract planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate measurement devices are used for different eye biometric measurements, then various measurements can be obtained, but the patient's eye positioning varies between measurements and data cannot be reliably fused into a three-dimensional model

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoiddata consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement subsystems (corneal topography, wavefront aberrometry, OCT, iris imaging) into a single integrated optical measurement system. All subsystems share common optical paths and measurement geometry, enabling simultaneous acquisition of corneal surface data, wavefront aberrations, and internal eye structures with consistent patient positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement versatility and data reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system performs multiple functions using a unified measurement platform. The same optical apparatus simultaneously captures corneal topography, wavefront aberrations, OCT cross-sections, and iris images, eliminating the need for separate devices while ensuring all measurements are taken from identical eye positioning and orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If multiple measurement devices are used to obtain comprehensive eye biometric data, then more measurement types are available, but the measurement process takes longer and requires repeated patient positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of biometric dataVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system performs all biometric measurements in a continuous sequence without requiring the patient to reposition between different devices. The shared optical platform enables uninterrupted data acquisition across all measurement modalities (corneal topography, wavefront, OCT, iris imaging) in a single patient positioning event, eliminating time loss from repeated positioning while maintaining complete biometric data collection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If separate measurement devices are used for different eye parameters, then specialized measurements can be obtained, but advanced vision modeling techniques like ray tracing cannot be reliably applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple specialized measurement subsystems into one integrated platform that maintains the precision of each individual measurement type while adding the capability for advanced vision modeling. The unified system correlates corneal topography, wavefront aberrations, and OCT data from identical eye positioning, enabling reliable ray tracing and power calculations that require precise spatial relationships between different eye structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 precise cataract treatment planning by providing a unified, three-dimensional model of the eye, allowing for accurate intraocular lens selection and simulation of visual performance post-surgery.

Implementation Method 1

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) subsystems, capable of obtaining comprehensive biometric data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical coherence tomography: Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP3328265B1Optical imaging and measurement systems and methods for cataract surgery and treatment planning
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 AMO DEVELOPMENT LLC
  • EP3328265B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3328265B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3328265B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An optical measurement system and apparatus for carrying out cataract diagnostics in an eye of a patient includes a Corneal Topography Subsystem, a wavefront aberrometer subsystem, and an eye structure imaging subsystem, wherein the subsystems have a shared optical axis, and each subsystem is operatively coupled to the others via a controller. The eye structure imaging subsystem is preferably a fourierdomain optical coherence tomographer, and more preferably, a swept source OCT.