IOL Selection via Ray Tracing Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting intraocular lenses (IOLs) during refractive surgery rely on average patient parameters and formula-based calculations, which often result in suboptimal and unpredictable outcomes, especially for toric IOLs and abnormal eyes, due to limitations in accounting for individual biometric and optical variations.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses known calculation formulas to determine the effective lens position (ELP) of IOLs, which are then inserted into an individual eye model to simulate residual refraction and visual performance using ray tracing, allowing for the generation of a physical lens position (PLP) that accounts for geometric and optical properties of the eye, thereby evaluating the suitability of IOLs and identifying potential errors in formula approaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If formula-based calculation methods are used to determine IOL selection, then the calculation process is simple and fast, but the prediction accuracy of postoperative visual outcomes deteriorates due to reliance on average parameters and simplified assumptions
Solution Approach 1:
The method segments the IOL selection process into two distinct stages: (1) formula-based calculation to determine initial IOL candidates and effective lens position, and (2) ray tracing simulation to evaluate visual outcomes. This segmentation allows each method to be used where it is most effective while avoiding their individual limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary step between formula-based calculation and final IOL selection: ray tracing simulation. This intermediary evaluates the visual outcomes of formula-based predictions and allows for correction of systematic errors before final decision-making.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual biometric parameters are used to customize IOL selection, then the adaptability to individual patients improves, but the complexity of the selection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method dynamically adjusts the level of individualization based on patient needs. For standard cases, formula-based methods suffice. For complex cases (abnormal eyes, toric IOLs), ray tracing is automatically activated to provide personalized visual outcome predictions without requiring manual intervention for every parameter.
3Measurement precision
If ray tracing simulation is used to predict visual outcomes, then the accuracy of visual performance prediction improves, but the computational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary formula-based calculations to narrow down IOL candidates before applying ray tracing simulation. This preliminary action reduces the number of ray tracing simulations needed, saving computational time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Ray tracing simulation is applied selectively rather than universally. It is used locally for specific cases where formula-based methods are insufficient (abnormal eyes, toric IOLs, when high precision is required) rather than for every patient, optimizing the balance between accuracy and time consumption.
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 method simplifies the selection of IOLs by combining robust formula-based calculations with visual performance simulations, enabling a more accurate prediction of IOL positioning and visual outcomes, particularly for toric IOLs and abnormal eyes, by accounting for individual eye characteristics and reducing systematic errors.
Implementation Method 1
the expected visual performance is simulated by means of ray tracing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for supporting the pre-operative selection of an intraocular lens to be implanted in an eye, in order to optimise the results of refractive surgeries in the eye. In the method according to the invention for supporting the selection of an IOL to be implanted in an eye, based on the use of one of the known calculation formulae, according to the geometric data of the eye, the IOL to be implanted and the effective lens position (ELP) thereof are determined, same are introduced into an individual model of the eye to be implanted in the effective lens position (ELP), and moved until the residual refraction of the individual model corresponds to the residual refraction determined with the known calculation formula, and simulates the visual functions to be expected by means of ray tracing. Although the proposed method is suitable for supporting the general selection of an IOL to be implanted in an eye, the advantages thereof lie in the selection of toric IOLs or in the selection of an IOL for abnormal eyes.