Laser System with Integrated Keratometer for Astigmatism Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for correcting astigmatism, such as limbal relaxing incisions and toric IOL implantation, face challenges due to variability in preoperative measurement instruments, leading to systematic errors in determining the astigmatism axis, which affects clinical refractive outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A laser system integrated with a keratometer that includes concentric rings of LEDs, allowing for precise measurement of the astigmatism axis, reducing cyclotorsion errors, and eliminating variability by using the same measuring device for both preoperative and surgical positions, thereby ensuring consistent and accurate determination of the astigmatism axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different preoperative measurement instruments are used to measure astigmatism axis, then measurement flexibility is improved, but systematic errors increase due to instrument variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the keratometer and laser treatment system into a single integrated device. The keratometer measures the astigmatism axis, and the same device subsequently treats the eye using laser-generated corneal incisions. This merging eliminates the variability between different instruments by using the same device for both measurement and treatment, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement flexibility and measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If the patient is moved from sitting position to reclining position during treatment, then treatment accessibility is improved, but cyclotorsion errors occur causing axis rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the astigmatism axis measurement with the patient in the reclining treatment position, before the actual laser treatment begins. This preliminary measurement ensures that the axis is determined under the exact same positional conditions as the subsequent treatment, eliminating cyclotorsion errors that would occur if measurement and treatment were performed in different positions. The laser-generated corneal incisions are then made based on this pre-measured axis.
3Ease of operation
If ink markers are used to mark the astigmatism axis on the patient's eye, then axis indication is improved, but mark accuracy deteriorates due to manual placement errors and ink bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual ink marking system with an automated optical measurement and laser treatment system. The keratometer optically measures the astigmatism axis without requiring physical marks on the eye, and the laser system automatically generates corneal incisions based on this measured axis. This substitution eliminates manual placement errors and ink bleeding issues while maintaining ease of operation.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If separate seating at a slit lamp is required for ink marking, then marking visibility is improved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement and treatment procedures into a single integrated workflow using the same device. The keratometer measures the astigmatism axis, and the laser system immediately follows to perform the treatment without requiring the patient to be repositioned or re-seated. This merging of functions eliminates the time loss associated with separate seating arrangements while maintaining measurement and treatment quality.
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 reduces systematic errors in determining the astigmatism axis, leading to improved clinical refractive outcomes by ensuring consistent measurement across different instruments and positions, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of astigmatism correction procedures.
Implementation Method 1
laser generated corneal incisions
Implementation Method 2
forming an image of light reflected off of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system that includes a laser source emitting a laser beam along an axis and a keratometer. The keratometer includes a first set of individual light sources that are equally spaced from one another along a first ring and that direct a first light toward an eye and a second set of individual light sources that are equally spaced from another along a second ring and direct a second light toward the eye, wherein the first ring and said second ring are co-planar and concentric with one another about the axis. The laser system includes a telecentric lens that receives the first light and second light reflected off of the eye and a detector that receives light from the telecentric lens and forms an image. The laser system also includes a processor that receives signals from said detector representative of the image and determines an astigmatism axis of the eye based on the signals.