Toric IOL and Relaxing Incision Alignment for Off-Axis Astigmatism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery, such as toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) and relaxing incisions, have limited effectiveness due to alignment constraints and interference from cataract incisions, providing only discrete astigmatism correcting power.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting a toric IOL and relaxing incision combination that can be implanted and positioned off-axis in the eye, allowing for a combination of astigmatism correcting powers that exceed the sum of individual powers, using vector principles and triangle inequalities to determine optimal positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If toric IOL and relaxing incision are aligned with the main axis of astigmatism, then astigmatism correction effectiveness is maximized, but alignment with cataract incisions causes interference and limited effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally misaligning the toric IOL and relaxing incision from the main axis of astigmatism. Instead of traditional on-axis alignment, the method uses off-axis positioning at specific angles to achieve effective astigmatism correction while avoiding interference with cataract incisions. The asymmetric placement allows the correcting elements to function effectively without overlapping with surgical incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional on-axis alignment to two-dimensional off-axis positioning. By introducing angular positioning as an additional dimension, the method allows toric IOL and relaxing incision to be placed at optimized angles relative to both the main axis of astigmatism and the cataract incisions, resolving the spatial conflict between correction effectiveness and incision interference.
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete astigmatism correcting power is used, then standard toric IOL and relaxing incision can be applied, but correction precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of positioning angle for toric IOL and relaxing incision. By varying the angular position parameter from the standard on-axis position to optimized off-axis positions, the method achieves more precise astigmatism correction. This parameter change allows customization of the correction effect while still using standard discrete-power toric IOLs and relaxing incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the positioning of toric IOL and relaxing incision based on the specific local geometry of each patient's eye, including the orientation of cataract incisions and the main axis of astigmatism. Instead of using a universal on-axis alignment, the method tailors the angular position to the local anatomical characteristics, achieving customized precision with standard components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If off-axis positioning is used, then interference with cataract incisions is minimized, but alignment precision becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and marking the optimal off-axis positions of toric IOL and relaxing incision before the actual implantation surgery. The method determines the precise angular positioning in advance based on pre-operative measurements of astigmatism axis and cataract incision locations, then marks these positions on the patient's eye. This preliminary positioning planning simplifies the actual surgical alignment process by providing clear target positions.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method for selecting toric intraocular lenses (IOL) and relaxing incision for correcting refractive error. The one or more toric IOL and relaxing incision combinations can be used for off-axis correction of refractive errors such as astigmatism. The disclosure provides a method for selecting toric IOL and relaxing incision combinations that have combined astigmatism correcting powers and off-axis positions or orientations of the astigmatism correcting axes of the toric IOL and relaxing incision that are effective to yield lower residual astigmatism than on axis correction methods. The toric IOL and relaxing incision combinations also allow the user to avoid incisions that will radially overlap with a cataract incision thereby provided improved outcomes.