Ophthalmic Microscope Illumination for Purkinje Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgery techniques rely on patient fixation on multiple light sources for aligning Purkinje images, which can cause confusion and discomfort, and are inefficient in maintaining alignment during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic microscope system with controlled illumination and image processing to enhance visibility and alignment of Purkinje images using modulation and automated registration, enabling precise alignment and reduced patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If patient fixation on multiple light sources is used for aligning Purkinje images, then alignment can be achieved, but patient confusion and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes one of the multiple light sources (specifically the paraxial light) during the alignment phase, leaving only the coaxial lights visible. This eliminates the source of patient confusion while maintaining the ability to align Purkinje images using the remaining light sources. The controller selectively activates only necessary illumination sources based on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the illumination configuration by switching between different light source activation modes. During alignment, only specific coaxial lights are activated; during surgery, the paraxial light is added for surgeon visibility. This dynamic control optimizes both patient comfort and surgical functionality at different stages.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used for illumination, then surgical visibility is improved, but Purkinje image alignment becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time detection of Purkinje image alignment status as feedback to control light source activation. When misalignment is detected, the system automatically adjusts illumination by activating only the necessary coaxial lights, providing visual feedback to the surgeon about alignment status through the illumination pattern itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is segmented into functionally independent light sources (coaxial lights and paraxial light) that can be activated independently. This segmentation allows selective activation of only the lights needed for each specific task: coaxial lights for alignment, paraxial light for surgical visibility, reducing interference between functions.
3Measurement precision
If automated detection and alignment of Purkinje images is implemented, then surgical precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated detection and alignment of Purkinje images using the illumination system's own light sources and the eye's natural optical properties. The Purkinje images themselves serve as the alignment reference, eliminating the need for external alignment marks or complex additional sensing systems. The eye's cornea and lens naturally generate the Purkinje images that the system detects and uses for alignment.
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
Facilitates accurate and comfortable alignment of Purkinje images, improving surgical precision and reducing patient discomfort by enhancing visibility and automating the alignment process.
Implementation Method 1
enhance visibility of one or more Purkinje images projected onto the eye of the patient by the first illuminator optics
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an ophthalmic microscope including first and second illuminator optics configured to emit light onto an eye of a patient. The system further includes a controller coupled to the first and second illuminator optics. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which light emitted by the first illuminator optics and light emitted by the second illuminator optics has a first configuration. The controller is configured to operate in a second mode in which the light emitted by the first illuminator optics and the light emitted by the second illuminator optics are configured to enhance visibility of one or more Purkinje images projected onto the eye of the patient by the first illuminator optics relative to the first configuration. Registration of the optical axis of the eye, robotic alignment, and autofocusing may also be performed using Purkinje images.