Suction Ring Coupling for Laser Eye Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coupling an eye to a laser device for precise laser treatment, such as LASIK, often result in uncomfortable pressure surges and potential eye damage due to unpredictable forces and increased intraocular pressure, which can lead to complications like optic nerve damage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an interface unit and stabilization component that use suction to gently secure the eye against a tissue contact surface, increasing the contact area by at least 1.5 times without initial contact, allowing for precise positioning and reducing lateral shearing forces, and enabling easy decoupling in case of complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plane-parallel applanation lens is pressed onto the cornea to achieve fixed z-positioning of the beam focus, then positioning precision is improved, but intraocular pressure increases and unpredictable forces may cause eye damage
Solution Approach 1:
A suction ring is introduced as an intermediary device that couples the applanation lens to the laser device. The suction ring creates a sealed chamber around the cornea and uses negative pressure to hold the lens in place, eliminating the need to press the lens directly onto the cornea. This mediator transfers the positioning function while removing the harmful pressing force from the eye tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by creating a suction chamber between the suction ring and the cornea. By applying negative pressure (suction) to this chamber, the system secures the applanation lens and stabilizes the eye without mechanical pressing. The pneumatic force distributes evenly around the cornea perimeter rather than concentrating force on the lens-cornea contact area, thereby maintaining low intraocular pressure while achieving firm coupling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If suction rings are used to keep the eye at a fixed distance from the focusing optics, then positioning stability is improved, but the mechanical coupling requires complex multi-component assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the suction ring and applanation lens into a single integrated unit. The lens is positioned within the suction ring assembly, combining the positioning function (lens) and the stabilization function (suction ring) into one component. This eliminates the need for separate clamps, forceps, and multiple coupling steps required in prior art, simplifying the mechanical coupling while maintaining positioning stability.
3Ease of operation
If curved lens surfaces are used to reduce eye deformation, then patient comfort is improved, but laser radiation focusability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functionally distinct components: the suction ring handles the comfort function by creating a gentle seal around the cornea perimeter, while the applanation lens handles the precision function by providing a flat optical surface for laser focusability. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, unlike curved lenses that attempt to combine both functions in a single element.
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 minimizes pressure surges and eye damage, maintaining low intraocular pressure, ensuring a more comfortable and precise treatment process while allowing for quick release in case of emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving an interface unit and stabilization component that use suction to gently secure the eye against a tissue contact surface
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for coupling a mechanical interface unit (34) to a suction ring unit (16) that is held on an eye by suction force comprises a step of bringing the interface unit relatively closer to the suction ring unit in an axial direction, into a first predetermined relative position of the two components that is preferably detected by suitable sensors. When the first relative position is reached, the evacuation of a suction chamber (42) formed between the interface unit, the suction ring unit and the surface of the eye is commenced, the negative pressure produced in the suction chamber establishing a contact between the surface of the eye and an applanation plate (40) held on the interface unit, or increasing the size of a region of existing contact. The sucking of the eye onto the applanation plate prevents the eye from being subjected to compressive and shearing stresses such as those that are often unavoidable when the plate is pressed against the eye.