Printing Biocompatible Material onto Cornea for Refractive Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refractive treatments for the eye, such as LASIK and PRK, lack precision and flexibility in modifying the corneal shape to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, as they rely on invasive procedures and limited surgical techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a laser, printer, and computer that prints biocompatible material onto the eye or an implant substrate according to a predefined pattern, using a printer head and controller, eye-tracker, and curing illuminator to accurately deposit material and stabilize the eye during the procedure, allowing for precise correction of refractive errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional laser-based refractive treatments (LASIK, PRK) are used, then refractive error can be corrected, but precision and flexibility in modifying corneal shape are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of material deposition by transitioning from laser ablation (removal of tissue) to material printing (addition of material). This allows precise control over corneal shape modification with greater flexibility, as materials can be deposited in specific patterns and configurations that traditional lasers cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser ablation system with a printing system that deposits material. This substitution enables new capabilities in shaping the cornea by adding material rather than removing it, providing both precision and flexibility that were limited in traditional approaches.
2Reliability
If invasive surgical procedures are used for refractive treatment, then refractive error can be corrected, but recovery time increases and complications may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The printed material is designed to be biocompatible and integrate with the corneal tissue, allowing the body to naturally incorporate the material without requiring extensive surgical intervention or prolonged recovery. The material essentially serves itself by being compatible with and integrating into the existing tissue structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The procedure prepares the cornea by depositing material in advance to achieve the desired shape, rather than requiring extensive post-surgical healing. The material is placed precisely where needed to correct refractive error, and the cornea begins functioning with improved vision immediately or shortly after the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If traditional surgical techniques are used, then refractive treatment can be performed, but precision and stability during the procedure are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms including eye tracking and positioning systems that monitor the eye's movement and adjust the printer head position accordingly. This ensures precise material deposition even when the eye moves slightly during the procedure, maintaining both precision and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary printing system that acts as a mediator between the surgeon's intent and the actual corneal modification. The printer head serves as an intermediary tool that can precisely place material while the eye remains relatively stable, reducing the need for invasive surgical maneuvers.
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 precise and minimally invasive refractive corrections by accurately depositing material onto the eye or implant substrate, improving vision by modifying the corneal shape with high precision and stability, reducing recovery time and minimizing complications.
Implementation Method 1
The laser emits a laser beam to prepare the eye for the refractive treatment
Implementation Method 2
curing illuminator to accurately deposit material and stabilize the eye during the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a system for performing refractive treatment of an eye comprises a laser, a printer, and a computer. The laser emits a laser beam to prepare the eye for the refractive treatment. The printer prints material onto a print area of a target. The printer comprises a printer head and a printer controller. The printer head directs the material onto the print area, and the printer controller moves the printer head to direct the material onto a specific location of the print area. The computer comprises a memory and processors. The memory stores instructions for a pattern for the target. The pattern is designed to provide the refractive treatment for the eye. The processors instruct the printer controller to move the printer head to print the material onto the print area according to the pattern.