Tilted OCT Imaging for Ocular Lens Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OCT imaging technologies struggle to properly visualize the posterior regions of the eye, such as the crystalline lens structure behind the iris, due to the inability of the illuminating beam to penetrate across the iris.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing tilted OCT imaging, where the OCT beam is directed at different tilt angles from various visual axes, generating multiple lens segments and a lens profile through redundant surface mapping, allowing for comprehensive visualization of the ocular lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the OCT beam is directed along the visual axis, then the anterior region of the eye can be imaged, but the posterior regions such as the crystalline lens behind the iris cannot be properly visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies tilted OCT imaging by directing the OCT beam at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the visual axis, rather than along the visual axis. This angular offset creates a new imaging dimension that allows the beam to pass through the iris periphery and visualize the crystalline lens behind the iris, effectively bypassing the obstruction problem
2Measurement precision
If the OCT beam is tilted at an angle from the visual axis, then posterior regions of the eye can be visualized, but the imaging geometry becomes more complex requiring multiple tilt angles and redundant surface mapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens imaging into multiple segments by capturing datasets at different tilt angles (e.g., first tilt angle and second tilt angle). Each tilt angle captures a specific portion or segment of the lens, and these segments are then reconstructed together to form the complete lens profile, making the complex imaging task manageable through systematic segmentation
3Loss of information
If multiple datasets are captured at different tilt angles, then comprehensive lens visualization is achieved, but the data processing and reconstruction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing complete volumetric datasets at multiple tilt angles before reconstruction. By acquiring all necessary data in advance through systematic tilted imaging, the subsequent reconstruction process can efficiently assemble the lens profile without needing additional measurements, reducing overall processing time despite the initial data collection effort
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 significantly enhances the visualization of the ocular lens, providing more accurate biometric measurements and improving surgical planning for cataract surgery by capturing detailed volumetric data of the lens from multiple angles.
Implementation Method 1
OCT is a noninvasive imaging technology using low-coherence interferometry to generate high-resolution images of ocular structure. OCT imaging functions partly by measuring the echo time delay and magnitude of backscattered light.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for visualizing an eye using an optical coherence tomography (“OCT”) device includes a controller having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The OCT device produces an OCT beam defined by an OCT beam axis. The controller is adapted to receive a first dataset captured with the OCT beam axis at a first tilt angle from a first visual axis. The controller is adapted to receive a second dataset captured with the OCT beam axis at a second tilt angle from a second visual axis. A plurality of lens segments is generated based on the first dataset and the second dataset. The controller is adapted to generate a lens profile based in part on the plurality of lens segments.