Laser Eye Cutting Device with Separate Interface Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling a laser device to the eye for precise tissue cutting, such as in LASIK procedures, often result in undesirable pressure surges and potential eye damage due to imprecise mechanical fixation and unpredictable forces, which can lead to tissue indentations or injuries and increased intraocular pressure.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a suction ring unit and a separate mechanical interface unit that can be moved along the ring axis, coupled to focusing optics, with sealing means forming an evacuatable space delimited by device components, avoiding direct vacuum fixation on the eye and allowing precise mechanical coupling without eye contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction ring is used to fixate the eye, then the eye is stabilized for laser treatment, but pressure surges and potential eye damage occur due to imprecise mechanical fixation
Solution Approach 1:
An interface unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the suction ring and the focusing optics. This interface unit includes a mechanical coupling element that connects to the suction ring and another element that couples to the focusing optics, allowing precise positioning without direct pressure on the eye. The intermediary structure enables reliable eye stabilization through the suction ring while preventing harmful pressure surges by distributing forces through the mechanical coupling elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a suction ring unit for eye fixation, a separate interface unit with mechanical coupling elements, and focusing optics. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the suction ring stabilizes the eye, the interface unit provides precise mechanical coupling and positioning, and the focusing optics deliver laser radiation. The separation prevents the focusing optics from directly contacting and pressurizing the eye.
2Manufacturing precision
If the beam focus is positioned precisely in the tissue, then cutting accuracy is improved, but the mechanical fixation becomes more complex requiring separate interface units
Solution Approach 1:
The interface unit is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical coupling between the suction ring and focusing optics, enables precise positioning of the beam focus in the z-direction, and maintains a simple overall structure. The mechanical coupling element serves multiple purposes: it connects the suction ring to the focusing optics, allows independent positioning of the focusing optics, and maintains the evacuatable space for vacuum fixation. This multi-functionality achieves high cutting accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If an applanation lens is pressed onto the cornea, then z-referencing is achieved for precise focus positioning, but intraocular pressure increases and eye deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical contact system (applanation lens pressed onto cornea) with a vacuum-based fixation system using a suction ring. The suction ring creates negative pressure to stabilize the eye without requiring high compressive forces on the cornea. The z-positioning precision is then achieved through the mechanical coupling elements of the interface unit, which allow precise adjustment of the focusing optics position relative to the stabilized eye, rather than through corneal deformation.
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 solution enables optimal coupling of the eye to the laser system, reducing the risk of eye damage and discomfort by minimizing pressure surges and allowing precise positioning of the laser focus, thereby enhancing the safety and effectiveness of tissue cutting procedures.
Implementation Method 1
suction ring unit (16) which can be placed on the eye and has a ring axis (22)
Implementation Method 2
A device for cutting a tissue part of an eye by means of laser radiation
Implementation Method 3
laser radiation with pulse durations in the femtosecond range
Implementation Method 4
optical means (70) that can be coupled to the interface unit (34) and that focus the laser radiation onto or into the tissue part of the eye
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cutting a tissue part of an eye by means of laser radiation, comprising a suction ring unit (16), which can be placed on the eye and which has a ring axis (22), a mechanical interface unit (34), which is separate from the suction ring unit (16) and which can be moved along the ring axis (22) in coupling contact with said suction ring unit and which can be mechanically coupled to optical means (70), which focus the laser radiation onto or into the tissue part (12) of the eye, and sealing means (44, 52), which, when the interface unit (34) moves into coupling contact with the suction ring unit (16), form a space (58) that can be evacuated, which space is separated from sealing surfaces (46, 60) of the interface unit (34) and from the suction ring unit (16) and the sealing means (44, 52).