Ray-Traced Customized Corneal Ablation for Precise Ametropia Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the target profile of the cornea in corneal refractive surgery only consider the individual eye's structure to a limited extent, leading to suboptimal vision correction and excessive tissue ablation.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize topographic information from both the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, along with refractive aberration data, to determine a desired focusing point relative to the retina, incorporating a lens model for improved accuracy and reliability, using ray-tracing to optimize corneal ablation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional methods calculate tissue volume equivalent to lens needed to correct refractive aberration, then vision correction is achieved, but excessive corneal tissue ablation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevision correction qualityVSAvoidcorneal tissue ablation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter from calculating lens-equivalent tissue volume to directly determining corneal surface target profile based on ray tracing. This parameter transformation allows precise control of ablation depth and distribution, minimizing tissue removal while achieving the same refractive correction outcome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical/optical analogy of calculating lens volume with a direct optical ray-tracing approach. By simulating light ray paths through the eye and calculating required corneal surface modifications, the system eliminates the need for tissue volume equivalence calculations, resulting in more precise and conservative ablation profiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If current methods determine target profile using limited individual eye data, then processing is simplified, but vision correction quality becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidvision correction quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary acquisition and integration of multiple eye parameters (anterior corneal topography, posterior corneal topography, axial length, refractive error) before ablation planning. This preliminary data consolidation enables comprehensive individualized treatment optimization without increasing processing complexity during the actual surgical planning phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal ray-tracing computational framework that can process multiple types of input parameters (corneal topography, axial length, refractive error) simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows the same algorithm to handle diverse individual eye characteristics, improving customization without requiring separate processing pipelines for different parameter types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional approaches use predetermined reference surfaces based on clinical experience, then the process is simplified, but adaptability to individual eye structure is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment planning simplicityVSAvoidindividual eye structure adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the traditional approach by instead of imposing a predetermined reference surface on the patient's eye, the system allows the patient's actual eye geometry (through ray tracing of light paths) to define the optimal target surface. This inversion prioritizes individual anatomical adaptation over clinical standardization, achieving both customization and computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enhances the accuracy of vision correction by minimizing corneal tissue ablation and improving the quality of vision, particularly in complex cases like irregular astigmatism or ectasia, by considering the unique shape and refractive contribution of both the cornea and lens.

Implementation Method 1

the cornea is treated by means of a laser to ablate the calculated lens that corrects the visual ametropia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12414690B2Customized ablation to correct visual ametropia

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 LIGI TECH MEDICALI SPA

AI summary

The present invention relates to apparatuses, computer programs, and methods for visual ametropia correction. In a first example, a position of a desired focusing point relative to a retina of an individual eye may be determined, based on obtained topographic information of the anterior surface and of the posterior surface of the cornea, and refractive aberration information for the eye. In a second example, correction information relating to the anterior surface of the cornea may be determined, such as to optimize focusing onto a retina of the eye, based on the obtained topographic information of the anterior surface and of the posterior surface of the cornea and based on obtained topographic information of an anterior surface and of a posterior surface of a lens of the individual eye.