Scleral Lens Design Using 3D Eye Mapping

Solution Overview

Problem

The current process of fitting scleral lenses for patients with complex corneal diseases is inefficient and relies heavily on trial and error, causing patient discomfort and increased time and cost due to the need for multiple iterations to achieve a proper seal.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for generating a three-dimensional map of the eye and sclera using illumination sources and imaging devices to design custom-fitted scleral lenses that eliminate the need for trial and error by providing a precise sealing contour.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If trial and error method is used to fit scleral lenses, then the lens can eventually seal onto the sclera, but the process requires multiple iterations (three or more) causing increased time and patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidfitting process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scanning of the patient's eye to create a three-dimensional map of the sclera before lens fabrication. This advance measurement allows the lens to be custom-designed with the precise sealing contour needed, eliminating the need for multiple trial-and-error fitting iterations and reducing overall fitting time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates an accurate digital copy (three-dimensional map) of the patient's unique scleral surface geometry. This digital replica is then used to design and fabricate a custom lens that perfectly matches the patient's anatomy, replacing the need for physical trial lenses and manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If trial and error method is used to fit scleral lenses, then the lens can eventually seal onto the sclera, but multiple iterations are required causing increased patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scanning of the patient's eye to create a three-dimensional map of the sclera before lens fabrication. This advance measurement allows the lens to be custom-designed with the precise sealing contour needed, eliminating the need for multiple trial-and-error fitting iterations and reducing overall fitting time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates an accurate digital copy (three-dimensional map) of the patient's unique scleral surface geometry. This digital replica is then used to design and fabricate a custom lens that perfectly matches the patient's anatomy, replacing the need for physical trial lenses and manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If standard lens fabrication process is used, then lenses can be manufactured, but the sealing contour is not optimized for individual patient anatomy requiring re-fabrication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens fabricationVSAvoidsealing contour accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures and analyzes local variations in the patient's scleral surface geometry through multi-position imaging. This detailed local information is used to customize the lens sealing contour to match the specific anatomical features of each patient, ensuring optimal fit without requiring re-fabrication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses three-dimensional mapping data to precisely control lens fabrication parameters, including the sealing contour shape and size. By adjusting these parameters based on the patient's unique anatomy, the system achieves high manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of fabrication through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach allows for the efficient and accurate fabrication and fitting of scleral lenses, reducing patient discomfort and procedural time while improving the accuracy of the lens fit, enabling better vision restoration for patients with complex corneal issues.

Implementation Method 1

one or more illumination sources configured to direct light spots on to the eye of the subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of imaging devices separated from and directed toward the support structure to acquire image data of the eye of the subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS10881293B2Systems and methods for surveying the sclera of the eye

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 BRANDEIS UNIV

AI summary

Systems and methods for surveying the sclera are provided. In some aspects, a method for generating a design for a prosthetic lens for an eye of a subject includes arranging an eye of a subject at a distance from a plurality of illumination sources and a plurality of imaging devices, projecting light onto the eye of the subject using the illumination sources, acquiring image data of the eye of the subject and the light using the plurality of imaging devices, generating a three dimensional map of the eye, including the sclera, using the image data; and designing, using the three dimensional map of the eye for the lens that fits over a cornea of the eye to engage the sclera and form a fluid pocket between the prosthetic lens that surrounds the cornea.