Robotic Ophthalmic Laser System for Remote Eye Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of access to effective remote ophthalmic treatment for ocular diseases such as glaucoma and retinal tears, as existing technologies do not provide full control over imaging and illuminating devices, and direct/indirect contact with laser/gonioscopy lenses is necessary for precise treatment.
Innovation Solution
A remote ophthalmic system comprising an examination device with a robotic arm, ophthalmic laser device, and lenses (gonioscopy or transscleral lenses) that allows a user to perform ophthalmic procedures remotely by directing a laser beam to inaccessible areas of the eye, using a processor to position the lens and apply laser treatment based on target values input from a remote control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote ophthalmic treatment is implemented without direct contact lens, then accessibility to care is improved, but treatment precision and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic arm acts as an intermediary between the remote operator and the patient's eye, providing mechanical contact and positioning capabilities while allowing the operator to remain remote. The robotic arm holds and positions the contact lens directly on the eye, enabling precise treatment without requiring the operator to be physically present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the ophthalmic procedure into distinct functional components: remote control interface, robotic positioning system, contact lens delivery mechanism, and laser treatment device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve both remote operation and treatment precision.
2Measurement precision
If full control of imaging and illuminating devices is required for remote treatment, then treatment accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into integrated components: the robotic arm simultaneously positions both the imaging/illuminating devices and the contact lens, while the control system integrates imaging, illumination, and laser treatment controls into a unified interface. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full control capability.
3Reliability
If direct contact laser/gonioscopy lens is used for precise treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but accessibility to remote patients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the need for manual mechanical operation with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm automatically positions and maintains the contact lens on the patient's eye, eliminating the need for a human operator to be physically present while maintaining the mechanical contact necessary for effective treatment.
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 accurate, precise, and efficient remote ophthalmic procedures, increasing access to eye care, especially in remote areas, and reducing travel for both patients and physicians while allowing for precise control and monitoring of treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one of the gonioscopy lens and the transequator lens may direct the ophthalmic laser device to different areas in an eye of a patient which are not accessible without the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A remote ophthalmic system may include an examination device having a first processor, a robotic arm coupled to the first processor, an ophthalmic laser device, and a lens coupled to a distal end of the robotic arm and having one of a gonioscopy lens and a transequator lens. The one of the gonioscopy lens and the transequator lens may direct the ophthalmic laser device to different areas in an eye of a patient which are not accessible without the lens. The remote ophthalmic system also may include a remote control device being associated with a user being in communication with the examination device. The first processor may be configured to perform an ophthalmic procedure on the patient by applying the ophthalmic laser device based upon target values, and by positioning the lens via the robotic arm onto an eye of the patient to direct a laser beam from the ophthalmic laser device into portions of the eye of the patient.