Intraocular Lens Selection via Ocular Motion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Assessing residual accommodation in presbyopic eyes is challenging, making it difficult to predict the response of implanted intraocular lenses (IOLs) to accommodative demands, as existing methods lack effective means to measure accommodative force accurately.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising sensors to detect the motion of the lens relative to the eye globe, a controller to determine accommodative force based on this motion, and an interface to output parameters for selecting or adjusting IOLs, utilizing techniques such as light source and photosensor systems to measure Purkinje reflections and model zonular tension during saccadic movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used for IOL selection, then the procedure is simple, but the accuracy of predicting IOL response to accommodative demands is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement of accommodative forceVSAvoidcomplexity of assessment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of accommodative force with an optical system that measures lens motion and calculates force indirectly. The sensor system detects lens position changes during saccadic movements, and a controller computes accommodative force from these motion parameters, substituting complex mechanical force measurement with optical detection and computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces lens motion as an intermediary parameter to measure accommodative force. Instead of measuring force directly, the system measures the lens's displacement during eye movements and uses this motion data as a mediator to infer the underlying accommodative force, enabling indirect measurement of the target parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If no accommodative assessment is performed, then the IOL selection process is quick, but the effectiveness and customization of IOL performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction of IOL responseVSAvoidtime for assessment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs accommodative assessment before IOL implantation to predict how the patient's eye will respond to different IOL types. By conducting the measurement and analysis in advance, the system enables customized IOL selection that anticipates individual patient responses, improving reliability of outcomes without adding significant time to the overall treatment timeline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If detailed accommodative measurement is implemented, then IOL selection can be customized, but the complexity of the measurement system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization of IOL selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor and controller system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional sensor system that can detect various parameters including lens motion, eye position, and accommodative responses. This universal measurement approach enables customization of IOL selection across different patient types and accommodative patterns while using a single integrated system rather than multiple specialized devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller analyzes sensor data about lens motion and eye movements, then uses this information to determine optimal IOL parameters. The feedback loop enables automated analysis and recommendation, reducing the need for complex manual assessment procedures while maintaining high customization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 accurate determination of residual accommodative force, allowing for tailored selection or adjustment of IOLs to match the patient's accommodative demand, improving the prediction and effectiveness of IOL performance in presbyopic eyes.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing techniques such as light source and photosensor systems to measure Purkinje reflections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPurkinje reflection: Purkinje effect

Data Source

PatentEP3046459B1System and method for assessing residual accommodation in presbyopic eyes
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 NOVARTIS AG
  • EP3046459B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3046459B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for determining an accommodative force in a patient includes a sensor adapted to detect motion of a lens of the patient relative to a globe of the patient's eye, a controller configured to determine an accommodative force in the patient based on the relative motion and to determine at least one parameter for an intraocular lens based on the accommodative force, and an interface adapted to output the at least one parameter for the intraocular lens.