Ocular Alignment System Using Corneal Reflection Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye alignment technologies in ophthalmic surgeries lack reliability and accuracy, particularly during laser ophthalmic surgery, due to involuntary eye movements and subjective alignment methods, which can lead to decentered ablations and other vision correction impediments.
Innovation Solution
A system that objectively determines eye alignment by using a coherent or focused light beam to reflect off the cornea, recording the limbus and corneal reflection images, and processing them to align the eye with a reference axis in an external coordinate system, ensuring precise positioning of therapeutic energy components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If subjective eye alignment methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical alignment methods with an optical measurement system that uses light beams to detect corneal reflections and determine eye position objectively, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces corneal reflection images as an intermediary indicator to indirectly measure eye position, allowing objective alignment determination without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex imaging of the entire eye
2Measurement precision
If objective eye alignment determination is implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with optical-based detection using light beams and corneal reflection imaging, achieving precise objective measurement through simpler optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of corneal reflections that can be captured and analyzed to determine eye position, replacing the need for direct mechanical measurement of the eye itself
3Ease of operation
If the eye is left un stabilized during treatment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of treatment deteriorates due to involuntary movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring eye position through corneal reflection tracking and providing alignment information to the operator, enabling reliable treatment without requiring physical stabilization that would reduce operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the eye to remain in its natural state without external stabilization while the measurement system adapts to track eye movements, achieving both ease of operation and treatment reliability
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 approach provides accurate and reliable objective eye alignment, reducing the risk of errors in ophthalmic treatments by stabilizing the eye position relative to a defined reference axis, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for directing a coherent or focused light beam on a reflective surface associated with the patient's eye... an imaging system for recording an image of a limbus of the patient's eye and an image formed by a reflection of the light beam from a cornea
Data Source
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AI summary
A system of defining a reference axis of a patient's eye in an external coordinate system, comprising: a light source for directing a light beam on a reflective surface associated with the patient's eye, an imaging system for recording an image of a limbus of the patient's eye and an image formed by a reflection of the light beam from a cornea of the patient's eye, and a processor operatively connected to the imaging system to, from the image of the limbus, determine the center of the limbus of the patient's eye in the external-coordinate system, and, from the image of the reflection, determine when the position of the reflection is coincident with the center of the limbus, at which position an axis normal to the cornea defines the reference axis.