Ophthalmic Interface Apparatus with Liquid Coupling and Vacuum Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic laser surgery techniques face challenges in stabilizing the eye relative to the laser beam, leading to potential eye movement and optical aberrations, which can result in non-optimal results and tissue damage, due to reliance on mechanical considerations like surface tension and friction, and may cause increased intraocular pressure and discomfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface device with a contact lens surface and a liquid medium between the eye and the contact lens, combined with a support ring that matches the curvature of the eye, minimizes aberrations and reduces intraocular pressure by using a splined interface and vacuum channels to stabilize the eye during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical stabilization devices (corneal applanation device) are used to stabilize the eye, then eye stability is improved, but intraocular pressure increases and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid medium (saline solution) is introduced as an intermediary between the contact lens surface and the cornea. This liquid layer transmits the laser beam while allowing the contact lens to float at a predetermined distance, preventing direct mechanical pressure on the cornea and thus reducing intraocular pressure while maintaining eye stability through the liquid coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces direct mechanical contact stabilization with a liquid-mediated stabilization system. The liquid medium transmits both the laser beam and stabilizing forces without requiring rigid mechanical contact, substituting mechanical pressure with fluid coupling that maintains stability while reducing stress on ocular tissues
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical stabilization devices are used to stabilize the eye, then eye stability is improved, but optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid medium serves as an optical intermediary with refractive index matched to minimize aberrations. By allowing the contact lens to float at a precise distance through liquid coupling, the system eliminates direct mechanical distortion of the cornea while maintaining optical clarity and minimizing aberrations through the liquid transmission path
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the interface from solid-to-solid contact to liquid-mediated contact. This parameter change allows the contact lens to float at a predetermined distance, eliminating mechanical distortion causes of aberrations while the liquid medium maintains optical transmission with minimal aberration introduction
3Device complexity
If surface tension and friction are used to stabilize the eye, then device simplicity is maintained, but stabilization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies hydraulic principles by using a liquid medium to transmit forces and maintain the contact lens at a predetermined distance from the cornea. This liquid coupling provides precise, controllable stabilization through fluid pressure and buoyancy forces, achieving high stabilization precision while maintaining relative device simplicity through the use of basic hydraulic mechanisms
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
The solution effectively stabilizes the eye, reduces optical aberrations, and minimizes intraocular pressure, enhancing the precision and safety of ophthalmic laser surgery while reducing patient discomfort and the risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
A patient interface device with a contact lens surface and a liquid medium between the eye and the contact lens minimizes aberrations
Implementation Method 2
a support ring that matches the curvature of the eye, minimizes aberrations and reduces intraocular pressure by using a splined interface and vacuum channels to stabilize the eye during surgery
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for interfacing a surgical laser with an eye using a patient interface device that minimizes aberrations through a combination of a contact lens surface positioning and a liquid medium between an anterior surface of the eye and the contact lens surface. Further, support rings, ocular stability devices, and methods for interfacing an eye during laser surgery are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a support ring includes a first end surface, a second end surface opposite the first end surface, and an outer surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface. The second end surface has a width that is greater than a width of the first end surface and extends toward a central opening in the support ring to define a concave curvature configured to substantially match a curvature of a patient's eye. The outer surface includes an annular groove formed adjacent the first end surface and a plurality of exterior vacuum channels spaced around the annular groove and extends axially from the annular groove to the second end surface.