Laser Iris Pigment Removal for Permanent Color Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for altering iris color, such as colored contact lenses and implanted lenses, are invasive, uncomfortable, and do not provide a natural-looking cosmetic effect, and there is a need for a non-invasive method to permanently change iris pigment.
Innovation Solution
A method using lasers to selectively remove iris pigment, allowing for permanent alteration of iris color by applying one or more laser beams to the iris to reduce pigment density, thereby changing the perceived color, with the option to repeat the process to achieve desired hues and saturations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If colored contact lenses are used to alter iris color, then iris color can be changed, but the effect is not permanent and causes discomfort and potential health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes excess pigment from the iris using laser ablation technology. By selectively removing pigment particles from the anterior border layer and stroma, the method achieves permanent color alteration without requiring foreign objects like contact lenses, thereby eliminating associated health risks while maintaining permanent results
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical system of contact lenses (which require insertion, removal, and maintenance) with a laser-based optical system. The laser delivers precise energy to vaporize pigment particles, achieving permanent color change through controlled ablation rather than through mechanical placement of cosmetic lenses
2Reliability
If colored contact lenses are used to change iris color, then color alteration is achieved, but the appearance is fake and opaque rather than natural
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by selectively removing pigment from specific regions of the iris (anterior border layer and stroma) while preserving the natural optical properties of the tissue. This localized pigment removal allows light to interact with the stromal collagen fibers, producing the natural scattering effects that create authentic iris color appearance rather than opaque artificial coloring
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves natural color changes by controlling the density and distribution of remaining pigment particles rather than adding artificial color. By removing pigment to reveal the natural optical properties of the stroma (Rayleigh scattering), the method produces colors that match natural iris variations, including the characteristic translucency and depth of real irises
3Reliability
If laser beams are applied to remove iris pigment, then permanent color alteration is achieved, but there is risk of damage to ocular tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial action by using controlled laser energy to remove only the excess pigment particles from the iris, rather than completely destroying the tissue. The laser parameters are adjusted to achieve sufficient pigment removal for permanent color change while stopping before causing thermal damage to surrounding ocular structures, thus balancing permanence with tissue safety
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the iris pigment particles themselves as an intermediary that absorbs the laser energy. The pigment particles selectively absorb laser light, converting it to heat that vaporizes the pigment while the energy is contained within the pigment layer. This intermediary mechanism allows permanent color alteration through pigment removal while protecting deeper ocular tissues from direct laser exposure and thermal damage
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 allows for permanent, non-invasive alteration of iris color, minimizing damage to ocular tissue and achieving natural-looking cosmetic results by selectively removing pigment, enabling changes to both existing and non-naturally occurring iris colors.
Implementation Method 1
selecting one or more than one laser capable of generating one or more than one laser beam that will remove iris pigment
Implementation Method 2
The stroma creates the appearance of blue color by refracting the light that passes through its collagen fibers
Implementation Method 3
The stroma creates the appearance of blue color by refracting the light that passes through its collagen fibers, in much the same way that the refraction of the sun's light by atmospheric molecules creates the appearance of a blue sky (the so-called 'Rayleigh scattering')
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for altering iris pigment in a human or animal, thereby altering iris color of an iris from a first iris color to a second iris color, are provided. An apparatus includes at least one laser device and a masking device. Another apparatus includes at least one laser device and a contact lens. The at least one laser device can generate at least one beam to selectively remove iris pigment of at least one preselected pigment color from the iris. The energy level of the at least one beam is within a predetermined range. The masking devices include a transparent portion and an opaque portion. The opaque portion of one such masking device occludes a portion of the at least one beam to protect a pupil area. The opaque portion of another such masking device creates an elliptical beam for application of the beam laterally from the side of the iris or some other different angle for lateral exposure of the iris. The contact lens includes a transparent portion and an opaque portion. The opaque portion of such contact lens occludes a portion of the at least one beam to protect a pupil area. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus further includes a second laser device capable of generating a second beam to selectively remove iris pigment of a second preselected pigment color from the iris.