Laser Lens Reshaping for Presbyopia Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for presbyopia and refractive errors, such as laser corneal surgery, are limited by factors like higher degrees of refractive error, thin corneas, or changing refractive errors over time, particularly in cases of presbyopia.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a laser with adjustable power, focusing optics, a scanner, and a control system to deliver precise laser beam patterns to the crystalline lens, based on the geometry and structure of the natural human lens, to increase flexibility and correct refractive errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser corneal surgery is used to treat presbyopia and refractive errors, then refractive errors can be corrected, but the treatment is limited by higher degrees of refractive error, thin corneas, or changing refractive errors over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by treating the crystalline lens rather than the cornea. The laser system delivers energy to the lens capsule and lens tissue, creating capsulotomy patterns that reshape the lens and improve accommodation. This intermediary treatment target expands applicability to patients with thin corneas or high refractive errors who are poor candidates for corneal surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by delivering controlled laser energy to alter the physical and optical properties of the lens. The laser parameters (energy, duration, pattern) are adjusted to achieve capsulotomy and lens reshaping, changing the lens's accommodative ability and refractive properties without affecting the cornea.
2Measurement precision
If the laser beam power is increased to improve range determination accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the laser may cause harmful thermal effects on the lens tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed laser delivery instead of continuous wave. The laser emits short pulses with sufficient power for accurate range determination and range finding, followed by rest periods that allow heat dissipation. This periodic action enables high-power measurements without causing cumulative thermal damage to the lens tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs brief, high-power laser pulses for range determination that quickly complete the measurement task before significant heat transfer can occur. The laser energy is delivered in rapid bursts that accomplish the measurement function and then stops, skipping over the period when thermal damage would occur.
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
The system effectively increases the amplitude of accommodation and corrects refractive errors by altering the structural features of the lens, thereby improving visual function for both near and far objects.
Implementation Method 1
The laser is of sufficient power to provide a therapeutic effect on the lens and to exceed a laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB) threshold of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A system and apparatus for increasing the amplitude of accommodation and/or changing the refractive power and/or enabling the removal of the clear or cataractous lens material of a natural crystalline lens is provided. Generally, the system comprises a laser, optics for delivering the laser beam and a control system for delivering the laser beam to the lens in a particular pattern. There is further provided a range determining system for determining the shape and position of the lens with respect to the laser. There is yet further provided a method and system for delivering a laser beam in the lens of the eye in a predetermined shot pattern.