LIOB Corneal Reshaping via Computer-Controlled Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reshaping transparent materials, such as the cornea, under transverse pressure differentials are limited in precision and effectiveness, particularly in ophthalmic laser surgery where precise redistribution of bio-mechanical forces is required to correct vision.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled laser system that performs Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) on predetermined surfaces within the transparent material, utilizing a transverse pressure differential, specifically intraocular pressure, to reshape the cornea by creating cylindrical, radial, and layer cuts, with precise control over cut parameters to alter force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) is performed on predetermined surfaces in the stroma, then manufacturing precision of corneal reshaping is improved, but device complexity increases due to computer control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cutting methods with Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) to create precise refractive patterns in the corneal stroma. The laser system uses optical fields instead of mechanical contact to ablate tissue, achieving superior precision while minimizing mechanical complexity in the cutting mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs computer-controlled variation of laser parameters (energy, pulse duration, scanning speed, pattern geometry) to precisely control the refractive outcome. By programmatically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high manufacturing precision in corneal reshaping while the computer software manages the complexity rather than hardware mechanics.
2Manufacturing precision
If computer-controlled laser system is used to perform LIOB cuts, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The computer-controlled system incorporates automated functions that reduce operator burden. The system can automatically calculate treatment parameters, guide the laser scanning path, and adjust settings based on pre-programmed protocols, allowing the machine to partially manage its own operation while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the computer monitors laser performance and tissue response in real-time, automatically adjusting parameters to maintain precision. This closed-loop control reduces the need for manual intervention and makes operation easier while preserving manufacturing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cut patterns (cylindrical, radial, layer cuts) are implemented, then adaptability of treatment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system is designed with multi-functionality to perform various cut patterns (cylindrical, radial, layer cuts) using the same hardware platform. The computer software provides different programming modes and algorithms that enable diverse treatment approaches without requiring separate physical devices, thus achieving versatility while managing complexity through software integration.
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
Enables precise reshaping of the cornea by redistributing bio-mechanical forces, improving vision by accurately manipulating the corneal shape through controlled LIOB cuts within the stroma, while avoiding damage to other tissue layers.
Implementation Method 1
All of the different tissues of the cornea are susceptible to Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB). It is known that different tissues will respond differently to a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
pressure from the aqueous in the anterior chamber acts on the cornea with bio-mechanical consequences. Specifically, the aqueous in the anterior chamber of the eye exerts an intraocular pressure against the cornea
Implementation Method 3
how these forces are transmitted through the stroma will affect the shape of the cornea. This pressure is transferred from the anterior chamber, and through the stroma, to Bowman's membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for altering the shape of a lamina of transparent material (e.g. the cornea of an eye), as it is being subjected to a transverse pressure differential, requires a computer controlled laser unit. In accordance with specified input parameters, the computer directs the laser unit to perform LIOB over predetermined surfaces within the lamina. This weakens the material for a desired reshaping of the lamina in response to the pressure differential. With respect to a perpendicular axis that is defined by the lamina, surfaces parallel to the axis (e.g. cylindrical surfaces) are separated from each other by about two hundred microns. For surfaces perpendicular to the axis, the separation is about ten microns. In each instance, the cuts that result from LIOB are only about two microns thick.