Ocular Goniometer for Precise Astigmatism Axis Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ocular goniometers for marking the astigmatism axis during cataract surgery are imprecise and uncomfortable due to limited field of view, lack of lighting, and inability to measure implanted toric lenses, with manual methods being coarse and automatic systems being expensive and non-portable.
Innovation Solution
A portable ocular goniometer with two transparent circular discs, one fixed and one rotating, allowing precise alignment and marking of the astigmatism axis using a disposable ink-marking piece, integrated lighting, and a display screen for clear visualization, enabling single-step marking and measurement of implanted toric lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual marking with angle meter is used, then the device is simple and portable, but the marking precision is coarse and not very precise
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the viewing function into two separate optical paths: one for viewing the eye surface and another for viewing the angle markings. This segmentation allows both functions to be optimized independently while being integrated in a single handheld device, resolving the contradiction between portability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces optical intermediaries (lenses, prisms, or mirrors) that enable the user to view both the eye surface and angle markings simultaneously through the same viewing aperture. This intermediary mechanism allows precise angle measurement without requiring separate viewing devices, maintaining portability while improving precision.
2Measurement precision
If automatic image guidance systems are used, then the marking precision is high, but the device complexity increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the surgeon to perform precise angle measurement and alignment independently without requiring complex external image guidance systems. The self-contained optical design allows the surgeon to directly view and align the marking axis with the eye, eliminating the need for sophisticated computational and imaging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential function of angle measurement and alignment from complex image guidance systems, creating a simplified device that performs the critical marking function with adequate precision without the unnecessary complexity of full automatic guidance systems.
3Device complexity
If the scanner views only a small field without lighting, then the device structure is simple, but the working conditions are unfavorable and operation is uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the illumination function with the viewing function by integrating a light source that illuminates the eye surface through the same optical path used for viewing. This combination allows the scanner to view the entire anterior surface of the eye with adequate lighting, improving working comfort without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device expands the field of view from a limited narrow angle to the entire anterior surface of the eye by utilizing multiple optical dimensions and paths. This dimensional expansion allows comprehensive visualization of the eye surface and angle markings simultaneously, making operation more comfortable while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a goniometer that enables precise marking of the desired ocular axis in the phase immediately after surgery for the treatment of astigmatism. It essentially consists of two circular, transparent discs, one of which is at least axially stationary, in which the angles from 0° to 180° are marked, which are aligned with the angles from 0° to 180° of the patient's eye; and the other one of which is movable both angularly and axially, with a reference mark (9) and moving rigidly connected to a marking part (12), impregnated with die, which is responsible for marking the eye. Not only does the device make it possible to carry out said marking in a precise and comfortable manner, it also makes it possible to measure the angle of toric lenses already implanted.