Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Using Nucleus-Centric Distances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining intraocular lens (IOL) power are imprecise due to reliance on estimated anterior pseudophakic distance (EAPD) calculations, which are affected by deformities in the lens cortex and variations in natural lens thickness, leading to errors in refractive outcomes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining preoperative estimation of postoperative IOL position using new measurements such as Ante-Nucleus Distance (AND), Retro-Nucleus Distance (RND), and natural lens Nucleus Thickness, calculated using linear regression equations to improve the accuracy of EAPD, thereby facilitating a more precise selection of IOL power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional EAPD calculation methods are used, then the process is simple, but the measurement precision of IOL position is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIOL position precisionVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lens measurement process into distinct components: Ante-Nucleus Distance (AND) from cornea to lens nucleus, Retro-Nucleus Distance (RND) from lens nucleus to posterior lens capsule, and Nucleus Thickness (NT). This segmentation allows each parameter to be measured and calculated independently, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining a systematic approach that doesn't overly complicate the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces new measurement dimensions by measuring distances to the lens nucleus specifically (AND and RND) rather than just using overall lens thickness. This adds dimensional precision to the measurement system, focusing on the nuclear region which is more stable and less affected by cortical deformities, thereby improving IOL position prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional ACD-based EAPD estimation is used, then the method is simple, but the reliability of refractive outcome is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefractive outcome reliabilityVSAvoidcalculation method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters used for EAPD estimation from traditional ACD-based measurements to nucleus-centric parameters (AND, RND, NT). By focusing measurements on the lens nucleus which remains relatively stable during cataract progression, the reliability of refractive outcome predictions is improved. The new parameters are less susceptible to variations caused by cortical lens deformities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates postoperative APD measurements as feedback to validate and refine the EAPD prediction model. By comparing predicted EAPD values with actual postoperative APD measurements, the system can assess prediction accuracy and potentially adjust parameters, thereby improving the reliability of refractive outcomes through iterative validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If lens cortex deformities are present, then natural lens thickness varies, but this increases error in EAPD calculation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEAPD calculation precisionVSAvoidlens cortex deformity impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement focus from the variable lens cortex to the more stable lens nucleus. By measuring AND (cornea to nucleus) and RND (nucleus to posterior capsule) separately, the method isolates the stable nuclear region from the deformable cortical regions. This extraction of the measurement target from the problematic cortex eliminates the harmful effect of cortical deformities on EAPD calculation precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3498222B1Method for determining intraocular lens power
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 SHAMMAS HANNA
  • EP3498222B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3498222B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3498222B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention discloses systems and methods for determine preoperative estimation of postoperative IOL position (or the EAPD) in accordance with one or both of the following mathematical relationships, which are derived from linear regression: EAPD=S1+S2x AND+S3x NT+S4x AL, EAPD=W1+W2x AND+W3x RND+W4x AL, where S1, S2, S3, and S4 for equation (la) and W1, W2, W3, and W4 for equation (1b) are statistically derived linear regression constant coefficients.