Iris Laser Power Mapping for Safe Eye Color Alteration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser eye surgeries for vision correction overlook the anatomical variations of the eye, leading to inconsistent results and potential iris damage when applied for eye color change procedures, and existing methods like colored contact lenses, corneal pigmentation, and iris implants have drawbacks such as unnatural appearance, temporary effects, eye disorders, and surgical risks.
Innovation Solution
Delivering laser light based on calculated Minimum Radiative Exposure (MRE) values at the iris and Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) at the fundus, with diagnostic capabilities, temperature monitoring, and iris mapping to ensure precise laser power delivery to specific eye regions, using methods like micron-level resolution and staged applications to tailor treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional laser eye surgery is applied to the iris for eye color change, then the procedure can be performed, but the results are inconsistent and potential iris damage occurs due to arbitrary and variable laser power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by calculating and adjusting laser power levels based on specific anatomical parameters of the iris, including stromal pigment density, iris thickness, and curvature. The system determines optimal laser fluence values (e.g., 50-200 mJ/cm²) based on these parameters to achieve consistent color change results while avoiding damage, replacing the arbitrary power levels of conventional surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical, arbitrary laser power delivery system with an optical and computational system that uses image processing, machine learning algorithms, and real-time feedback to control laser parameters. The system substitutes mechanical adjustment with intelligent control based on anatomical data and predicted tissue response.
2Device complexity
If a one-size-fits-all approach is used to treat the eye as a homogenous structure, then the procedure is simplified, but local differences in the eye are overlooked leading to suboptimal results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the iris into multiple anatomical regions with distinct properties, including the pupil area, mid-peripheral zone, and limbal region. Each region is analyzed separately for pigment density, thickness, and curvature, allowing tailored laser parameters for each zone. This segmentation enables precise treatment of local differences while maintaining overall procedural coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by adjusting laser fluence, spot size, and scan pattern based on the specific characteristics of each iris region. The system delivers higher fluence to areas with higher pigment density and adjusts parameters according to local thickness and curvature, ensuring optimal treatment accuracy for each unique local condition rather than applying uniform treatment throughout.
3Productivity
If high laser power is delivered to the iris to achieve color change, then the procedure is effective, but the fundus may receive excessive exposure causing unwanted injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the dimensional parameter of beam divergence angle to control the spatial distribution of laser energy. By optimizing the divergence angle, the system concentrates sufficient energy at the iris for effective color change while ensuring that the beam spreads sufficiently by the time it reaches the fundus to stay below safe exposure limits. This dimensional control enables simultaneous optimization of efficacy and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the iris itself as an intermediary element that selectively absorbs and scatters laser energy. The system exploits the iris's natural optical properties to filter and distribute the laser beam, allowing effective treatment of the anterior iris while protecting the posterior structures. The iris acts as a natural mediator that converts high-fluence anterior exposure into safe posterior exposure through its absorptive and scattering characteristics.
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
Achieves safe and effective eye color changes by accurately delivering laser power to stromal pigment, avoiding iris damage and overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
delivering laser light to portions of the eye that are responsible for giving the eye its color (e.g., the iris)... delivering laser light at a laser power based on calculated minimum radiative exposure (MRE) values at the iris
Implementation Method 2
The laser power delivered by the laser light at the spot size is sufficient to cause thermal damage to, and/or elimination of, at least a portion of the stromal pigment
Implementation Method 3
determining a spot size for laser light to be delivered to stromal pigment... delivering the laser light with the laser system at the spot size
Implementation Method 4
The laser light may be delivered... at a spot size that is sufficient to cause thermal damage to, and/or elimination of, at least a portion of the stromal pigment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for altering an eye color of a patient with a color alteration procedure is disclosed that may include determining a laser power to deliver to stromal pigment in an iris of the eye of the patient by at least retrieving a set of laser criteria for delivery of an exposure less than 100 times a maximum permissible exposure that causes elimination of at least a portion of the stromal pigment. A laser system may be set to deliver laser light at the laser power which is less than the set of laser criteria and the laser light may be delivered with the laser system.