Intraocular Lens Selection Using Wavefront Models and Ray Tracing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IOL selection methods for cataract surgery rely heavily on pre-surgical measurements and subjective judgment, failing to account for complex corneal irregularities, particularly in patients with a history of refractive surgeries like LASIK or PRK, and lack a reliable, practical automatic selection system.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilizes precise optical lens models derived from patient-specific eye measurements and lens measurements, combined with ray tracing simulations, to predict post-surgical visual performance, enabling unbiased and reliable IOL selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automatic IOL selection systems are implemented using simplified optical models, then automation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to oversimplified lens parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic IOL selectionVSAvoidvisual performance prediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the optical lens model from using simplified manufacturer parameters to using wavefront measurement data. This parameter change enables automatic selection systems to achieve high precision by replacing basic lens parameters with detailed wavefront coefficients that accurately represent the actual optical performance of each IOL.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical measurement methods with wavefront sensing technology. By using wavefront measurements to characterize IOLs, the system achieves more precise and comprehensive optical modeling without requiring complex physical prototypes or extensive manual testing.

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

2Measurement precision

If detailed optical lens models are used for accurate visual performance prediction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to comprehensive lens characterization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual performance prediction accuracyVSAvoidoptical modeling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the IOL selection system to self-characterize each lens by performing wavefront measurements directly on the lenses in the database. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual optical modeling or reliance on manufacturer data, allowing the system to automatically generate accurate optical models for any IOL.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal optical modeling framework that can handle any IOL design through wavefront measurements. The same measurement and modeling process works for all lenses in the database, regardless of manufacturer or design, making the system universally applicable without requiring lens-specific customization.

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

3Measurement precision

If wavefront measurements are performed on all intraocular lenses in the database, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive measurement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens optical model accuracyVSAvoidtime for measuring and modeling lenses
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs wavefront measurements and optical model generation as preliminary actions during database setup. By completing these measurements in advance rather than at the time of patient selection, the system eliminates time-consuming measurements from the clinical workflow while maintaining high precision in visual performance predictions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital optical models (copies) of each IOL through wavefront measurements. These digital models can be stored and reused indefinitely without requiring physical access to the actual lenses, eliminating the need for repeated measurements while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If subjective judgment is used for IOL selection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to dependence on surgeon experience

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIOL selection process simplicityVSAvoidselection accuracy consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated feedback system that objectively evaluates each IOL's predicted visual performance based on wavefront measurements and ray tracing simulations. This feedback mechanism replaces subjective surgeon judgment with consistent, data-driven recommendations, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.

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 and reliable IOL selection by generating detailed optical models, reducing errors in predicting visual performance, and providing a comprehensive comparison of different IOLs, even for complex corneas.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the intraocular lens to obtain a lens measurement, preferably a wavefront measurement of the lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavefront measurement:

Implementation Method 2

generating, in a processing means, a pre-surgical optical model of the eye of the patient based on the pre-surgical eye measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical modeling:

Implementation Method 3

simulating the post-surgical visual performance of the intraocular lens based on the post-surgical optical model of the eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRay tracing simulation:

Data Source

PatentEP4702915A1Method, system and computer program for selecting an intraocular lens
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 LAMBDA X
  • EP4702915A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4702915A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4702915A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

System for selecting an intraocular lens (2i) to be implanted into an eye (1) comprising an eye measurer (4) and a processing means (5) configured for computing a post-surgical visual performance of the plurality of intraocular lenses (2i) in the eye (1) of the patient to output a selection advise; wherein the post-surgical visual performance computation comprises: estimating a post-surgical position of the intraocular lens (2i), generating a post-surgical optical model (OEi) of the eye (1), and simulating the post-surgical visual performance of the intraocular lens (2i); the system comprises a lens measurer (3) for measuring the plurality of intraocular lenses (2i) to obtain a plurality of lens measurements (MLi) of the intraocular lenses (2i), wherein the processing means (5) is configured for obtaining the optical lens model (OLi) of each intraocular lens (2i) measured by the lens measurement equipment (3) based on its lens measurement (MLi).