Crystalline Lens Laser Treatment Using Variable-Power Shot Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for presbyopia and cataracts, such as artificial accommodative Intraocular Lenses (IOLs), offer limited accommodative amplitude and pose risks, while surgical techniques for cataracts are invasive and not widely adopted for presbyopia due to the need for reading glasses.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based system and method for treating the natural crystalline lens with precise and reproducible laser shot patterns, determining the lens's shape and position, and applying laser beams of varying power to address opacifications and increase accommodative amplitude, using lasers with specific wavelengths, pulse widths, and energies to cause photodisruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If artificial accommodative Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) are used to treat presbyopia, then accommodative function is restored, but the accommodative amplitude is limited and surgical risks are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical intervention (IOL implantation) with a non-invasive laser-based optical system. The laser system uses photodisruption and photomodification effects to directly treat the natural lens, eliminating the need for surgical implantation while restoring accommodative function through refractive index modification and structural changes in the lens tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the natural lens's own optical properties and structural characteristics to achieve treatment. By targeting the lens directly with laser energy, the treatment leverages the lens's inherent capacity for photomodification and structural change, rather than replacing it with an artificial device. This self-service approach maintains the natural accommodative mechanism while correcting presbyopia.
2Reliability
If surgical techniques are used to treat cataracts, then visual clarity is improved, but the procedures are invasive and not widely adopted for presbyopia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive surgical techniques with a non-invasive laser-based optical system. The laser delivers energy through the cornea and aqueous humor to directly treat the lens, eliminating the need for incisions, sutures, and surgical implantation. This substitution maintains treatment effectiveness while dramatically reducing procedural invasiveness and patient risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the cornea and aqueous humor as optical intermediaries to deliver laser energy to the lens. These natural ocular structures serve as transparent pathways that allow the laser beam to reach the target tissue without requiring surgical access. This intermediary approach enables non-invasive treatment while maintaining precision and control.
3Productivity
If laser beams with high energy are used to cause photodisruption, then treatment efficacy is improved, but the risk of damage to surrounding tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies laser energy with highly localized precision to specific regions of the lens tissue. By focusing the laser beam to a small spot size and controlling the depth of penetration, the treatment achieves high efficacy in the target area while minimizing energy exposure to surrounding tissues. This local quality approach allows selective modification of lens refractive index and structure without causing collateral damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pulsed laser delivery with controlled repetition rates and duty cycles. The periodic action allows thermal dissipation between pulses, preventing excessive heat accumulation in surrounding tissues while maintaining effective treatment through repeated low-energy exposures. This pulsed regime enables photodisruption and photomodification effects to occur in the target tissue without causing damage to adjacent structures.
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
Enhances the efficacy of treating cataracts and presbyopia by providing precise laser treatments that improve accommodative amplitude and reduce the need for invasive surgeries, offering potential for greater visual correction.
Implementation Method 1
applying laser beams of varying power to address opacifications and increase accommodative amplitude, using lasers with specific wavelengths, pulse widths, and energies to cause photodisruption
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing laser cataract surgery, for using a biometric system to determine a material property of a structure of the eye, laser pulses in a laser shot pattern having different powers. A therapeutic laser, and laser delivery system having the capability to vary the power of the laser beam.