Integrated OCT-Refractometer for Patient-Specific Ocular Biometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic refractive surgical methods rely on assumptions and simplified eye models, leading to inaccuracies due to variations in refractive indices and ultrasound speeds within the eye, neglecting patient-specific variations, and lacking real-time biometric data, which can result in suboptimal surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
An Integrated-OCT-Refractometer system that combines Optical Coherence Tomographic imaging with refractometry, providing a customized eye biometry model for precise refractive correction, capable of capturing individual patient variations and performing intra-operative biometry to guide surgeons during cataract surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate biometrical and imaging instruments are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and data registration accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate biometrical measurement instruments and OCT imaging instruments into a single integrated system. The biometry unit and imaging unit share a common optical path and coordinate system, allowing simultaneous acquisition of biometric data and imaging data with automatic spatial registration, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions including biometric measurements (axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness), OCT imaging, and automatic data registration within a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate instruments and manual data correlation, improving both measurement precision and operational efficiency.
2Device complexity
If averaged eye models are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of surgical outcomes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from using average eye models to patient-specific eye models that capture individual variations in ocular parameters. By measuring and modeling each patient's unique eye geometry and optical properties, the system improves the reliability of surgical outcomes while the automated measurement and modeling processes keep device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs comprehensive biometric measurements and creates personalized eye models before surgery to predict surgical outcomes. This preliminary customization allows surgeons to plan procedures based on accurate patient-specific data, improving reliability while the automated modeling reduces the complexity of customizing for each patient.
3Loss of time
If pre-operative biometry is performed weeks before surgery, then measurement time is sufficient, but loss of time occurs due to biometric changes, and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables repeated biometric measurements at different time points (pre-operatively and intra-operatively) to track changes in ocular parameters. This periodic measurement capability allows surgeons to update biometric data close to the surgery date, reducing the time loss and improving reliability by using the most current eye measurements available.
4Device complexity
If ultrasonic biometry is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to contact measurement and model assumptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces contact-based ultrasonic biometry with non-contact optical biometry using OCT technology. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with the eye, reducing measurement errors and improving precision. The integrated design keeps overall device complexity manageable by combining the optical biometry and imaging functions.
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 system enhances surgical precision by providing real-time, patient-specific biometric data, improving the accuracy of refractive corrections and allowing for adjustments during surgery, thus optimizing the placement and orientation of intraocular lenses.
Implementation Method 1
Optical Coherence Tomographic (OCT) imaging system, configured to generate an OCT image of the imaged region
Implementation Method 2
refractometer, configured to generate a refractive mapping of the imaged region
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the specification, there are provided an eye visualisation system and a computer implemented method performed in an eye visualisation system for determining refractive characteristics of an eye, the system comprising a display and an analyzer comprising memory and a processor configured to execute optical analytic software and optical ray tracing software, and the method comprising: receiving, by the analyzer, (Optical Coherence Tomographic) OCT image data of an imaged region of the eye; receiving, by the analyzer, refractive mapping data of the imaged region; registering, by the processor, the OCT image data and the refractive mapping data; combining, by the processor, the OCT image data and refractive mapping data; and executing, by the processor, optical ray tracing software to determine the refractive characteristics of the eye based on the combined OCT image data and refractive mapping data; and displaying biometric information indicating the determined refractive characteristics of the eye.