Ophthalmic Illumination Device Using Segmented LED Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of surgical microscopes for ophthalmic procedures, such as cataract surgery, limits access to these procedures, especially in remote and low-income areas, due to the expensive equipment required for proper illumination and magnification.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, compact device providing combined periocular direct-illumination and trans-conjunctival and trans-scleral retro-illumination using non-invasive, non-incandescent, and low-temperature light sources, including a speculum with integrated light-emitting elements and a standalone light head, which can be powered by portable energy sources, allowing for safe performance of eye procedures without the need for expensive microscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a surgical microscope with powerful light beams is used to illuminate the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, then proper illumination and magnification are achieved, but the cost of the procedure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into two separate functions: a periocular illumination device for direct illumination of the anterior segment, and a trans-conjunctival/trans-scleral illumination device for retro-illumination of the posterior segment. This segmentation eliminates the need for an expensive surgical microscope while achieving both illumination requirements through simpler, less costly devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is designed to perform multiple functions using simplified components. The periocular device provides direct illumination, while the trans-conjunctival/trans-scleral device provides retro-illumination, together replacing the multi-functional expensive surgical microscope with more affordable separate illumination sources.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional incandescent light sources are used for illumination, then adequate brightness is achieved, but thermal and phototoxic injuries may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The light source parameter is changed from traditional incandescent (high temperature) to LED (low temperature). This parameter change maintains adequate illumination intensity while eliminating the thermal and phototoxic harmful effects associated with incandescent lighting, ensuring safer ocular procedures.
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 safe and cost-effective eye procedures by providing adequate illumination and magnification, reducing the risk of thermal and phototoxic injuries, and increasing access to ophthalmic surgeries globally, particularly in underserved regions.
Implementation Method 1
A low-cost, compact device providing combined periocular direct-illumination and trans-conjunctival and trans-scleral retro-illumination using non-invasive, non-incandescent, and low-temperature light sources
Implementation Method 2
providing combined illumination of both the periorbital exterior of the eye (e.g., the eyelids, cornea, conjunctiva and sclera) and the interior of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for illumination of the periorbital exterior of the eye and the interior of the eye with a non-invasive (or non-penetrating), trans-corneal, trans-conjunctival, trans-scleral, non-incandescent, and/or low-temperature light source. In some examples a ring structure is configured to sit on a surface area of an eye, the ring structure having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is configured to touch the eye. A plurality of light-emitting elements is configured in the ring structure and a plurality of apertures is configured on the bottom surface of the ring structure, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements is aligned with the plurality of apertures. A signal carrier runs along at least a portion of the ring structure, the signal carrier having one end configured to connect to a signal source and receive at least one of light and electricity from the signal source, and one or more opposite ends respectively coupled with the plurality of light-emitting elements.