Steep-Angle OCT Adapter for Imaging Eye Zonules Under the Iris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies, such as ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems, struggle to provide high-resolution, non-invasive imaging of the zonules of the eye, which are obscured by the iris, limiting pre-operative evaluation and surgical planning in cataract surgery.
Innovation Solution
A noncontact lens adapter is used with existing ophthalmic imaging systems to redirect imaging light beams at steep angles, allowing for direct visualization of the zonules without touching the eye, utilizing reflective optics like mirrors and prisms to compensate for refractive index mismatches and achieve high-resolution imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is used to image zonules, then imaging capability is achieved, but resolution is insufficient (below 50 μm) and the process is time-consuming requiring physician operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasound-based imaging system with an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system that uses light waves. This substitution enables non-contact imaging with higher resolution (10-30 μm scale) and faster acquisition speeds, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual ultrasound operations while providing superior measurement precision of zonular structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized contact lens as an intermediary optical element that couples the OCT system to the eye. This contact lens serves as a mediator that transmits and focuses light through the cornea and aqueous humor to image the zonules, enabling both high-resolution imaging and rapid data acquisition while maintaining patient comfort
2Measurement precision
If a contact lens is used to image the limbal area, then imaging capability is improved, but the system requires direct contact with the eye complicating its use and cannot image below the iris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a contact lens that serves multiple functions: it acts as a coupling element for the OCT system, provides refractive correction, and enables imaging of multiple ocular structures including the limbus, iris, and zonules. This multi-functional design simplifies operation by eliminating the need for separate imaging systems while expanding imaging capabilities to include previously inaccessible regions below the iris
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends imaging capabilities from the traditional two-dimensional surface imaging of the limbus into the third dimension by enabling visualization of structures below the iris plane. The contact lens facilitates imaging at oblique angles and deeper tissue penetration, allowing three-dimensional assessment of zonular structures that were previously inaccessible to conventional imaging systems
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional OCT imaging is used, then non-invasive imaging is achieved, but the iris blocks imaging light from reaching the zonules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric illumination and detection angles in the OCT system to bypass the iris obstruction. By directing light beams at oblique angles through the pupil and using corresponding asymmetric detection paths, the system achieves non-invasive imaging of the zonules that would otherwise be blocked by the iris, maintaining patient comfort while enabling visualization of previously hidden structures
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
The system enables accurate assessment of zonule fibers' health, providing diagnostic metrics and facilitating surgical planning by imaging zonules with unprecedented detail and resolution, avoiding contact with the eye and reducing surgical complications.
Implementation Method 1
The noncontact adapter may include one or more reflective surfaces that redirect an imaging light beam from the ophthalmic imaging system to the eye at a steep angle
Implementation Method 2
Because of the refractive index mismatch between air and the anterior segment, the imaging light beam is refracted at the cornea
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, or device for imaging the anterior segment of an eye includes a contactless adapter/lens that may be attached to an existing ophthalmic imaging system to redirect the imaging system's light beam to traverse the pupil of the eye at a steep angle. In particular, the steep angle is determined to permit the ophthalmic imaging system to image zonules under the iris, and which would typically be blocked by the iris and not accessible for imaging.