Illuminated Scleral Depressor with Orthogonal Light Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic devices for visualizing the retina's periphery during procedures like retinal dislocation and vitreous shaving face limitations due to low illumination intensity and the need for an assistant to manage illumination, which complicates procedures without an available assistant.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated scleral depressor assembly that integrates an optical fiber with a beveled end face and a reflector, allowing for non-axial illumination direction, eliminating the need for a separate endoilluminator and enhancing illumination intensity by directing light radially towards the pupil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate endoilluminator is inserted into the scleral depressor, then illumination can be provided, but the device complexity increases and the procedure becomes more difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function and scleral depression function into a single integrated device. The scleral depressor includes an integrated light source (LED) and optical fiber assembly that allows illumination to be provided simultaneously during the depression procedure, eliminating the need for a separate endoilluminator and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The scleral depressor is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical depression of the sclera and provision of illumination. The device incorporates both the depressor mechanism and the illumination system (light source, optical fiber, reflector) into a single multi-functional instrument, allowing one device to replace two separate instruments.
2Illumination intensity
If illumination is directed axially back towards the posterior pole, then light can be transmitted, but the illumination intensity is reduced and visualization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light path direction from axial (one-dimensional) to radial (two-dimensional). The optical fiber is positioned and angled such that light is emitted radially outward from the scleral depressor head, illuminating the peripheral retina more effectively. This dimensional change in light path direction improves illumination intensity and visualization of the retinal periphery.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is positioned asymmetrically within the scleral depressor head, angled at a specific orientation to direct light radially outward rather than axially. This asymmetric positioning of the optical fiber creates an asymmetric light distribution pattern that optimizes illumination of the peripheral retina while maintaining a compact device structure.
3Illumination intensity
If a smaller optical fiber is used, then the device can be more compact, but the illumination intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the scleral surface. The reflector redirects and concentrates the light from the optical fiber in a radial direction, enhancing illumination intensity without requiring a larger optical fiber. This intermediary element allows effective illumination with a compact fiber size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light emission parameters by using an angled optical fiber and reflector configuration. Instead of emitting light axially, the system directs light radially outward at a specific angle, improving illumination efficiency. This parameter change in light direction and distribution allows compact device volume while maintaining high illumination intensity through optimized light path geometry.
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 provides improved usability and illumination intensity by integrating a larger optical fiber within the depressor, directing light orthogonally to the central axis, minimizing light loss and eliminating the need for an assistant to manage illumination, thus enhancing visualization during ophthalmic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber is disposed within the lumen and includes a distal end positioned within the head
Implementation Method 2
The optical fiber distal end includes a beveled end face that is obliquely oriented with respect to a central axis of the internal lumen
Implementation Method 3
The reflector is disposed at the distal end of the optical fiber and is configured to reflect light emitted from the optical fiber distal end along a light path out of the scleral depressor head in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the central axis of the internal lumen
Data Source
AI summary
A scleral depressor assembly includes a scleral depressor, an optical fiber, and a reflector. The scleral depressor includes an elongate body and a head disposed at a distal end of the elongate body. The scleral depressor defines an internal lumen extending through the elongate body and terminating within the head. The optical fiber is disposed within the lumen and includes a distal end positioned within the head. The optical fiber distal end includes a beveled end face that is obliquely oriented with respect to a central axis of the internal lumen. The reflector is disposed at the distal end of the optical fiber and is configured to reflect light emitted from the optical fiber distal end along a light path out of the scleral depressor head in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the central axis of the internal lumen.