Ophthalmic visualization using spectrum-independent imagers, edge detection, and visible-IR image merging
Inventors
Ramirez Luna, Maximiliano • Schatz, Hillary • Park, John
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12733988-B2
Publication Date
2026-09-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
A visualization system for an ophthalmic procedure on a target eye, e.g., lens replacement surgery, includes first and second light sources respectively operable for directing visible and NIR light toward the target eye. A hot mirror directs reflected light from the eye along two paths, i.e., a visible light path for reflected visible light and an NIR light path for reflected NIR light. First and second cameras are respectively positioned in the visible and NR light paths to detect the reflected visible or NIR light and output a visible or NIR image. An electronic control unit (ECU) executes a method to detect a perimeter edge of an imaged portion of the target eye in the NIR image using edge detection logic, merges the visible image with the NIR image to construct a combined image, and indicates the perimeter edge in the combined image.
Core Innovation
The disclosed ophthalmic visualization system uses separate visible-light and near-infrared (NIR) illumination and imaging paths, with a hot mirror directing reflected light to the respective cameras. An electronic control unit detects and tracks an edge in the NIR image, merges visible and NIR image data, and indicates the detected edge with an overlay on the combined image. The edge may be the perimeter of an intraocular lens.
The system is configured for use during an ophthalmic procedure on a target eye, including procedures involving an intraocular lens or other ocular structure. Separate visible and near-infrared imaging paths improve image sharpness and color representation. Furthermore, utilizing separate illumination and imaging paths supports lower visible-light levels during cataract, lens-replacement, and vitreoretinal procedures.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are claims 1, 5, and 13, encompassing four inventive features across two visualization systems and a method for an ophthalmic procedure.
Visible and NIR imaging paths
Claim 1 recites visible and NIR light sources, a hot mirror directing reflected light along visible and NIR paths, and respective CMOS image sensors outputting visible RGB pixels and NIR pixels.
IOL perimeter detection and image overlay
Claim 1 recites an ECU programmed to detect a perimeter edge of an IOL in the NIR image using edge detection logic, merge the visible and NIR images into a combined image, and apply an overlay graphic to indicate the IOL perimeter edge.
Visible and NIR imaging with edge indication
Claim 5 recites visible and NIR light sources, a hot mirror directing reflected light along visible and NIR paths, and respective cameras outputting visible and NIR images. The ECU detects a perimeter edge of an imaged portion of the target eye in the NIR image, merges the images, and indicates the edge in the combined image.
Method for detecting and indicating an ocular edge
Claim 13 recites directing visible and NIR light toward the target eye, routing reflected light through respective paths using a hot mirror, and capturing visible and NIR images with respective cameras. An ECU detects a perimeter edge in the NIR image using edge detection logic, merges the images, and indicates the edge in the combined image.
The independent claims cover two system configurations and a corresponding method. Their common features are separate visible and NIR image capture, edge detection in the NIR image, and indication of the detected edge in a combined image; claim 1 specifically identifies the IOL perimeter and an overlay graphic.
Stated Advantages
Separate visible and NIR imaging paths improve sharpness and color.
The approach may support lower visible-light levels during cataract, lens-replacement, and vitreoretinal procedures.
Documented Applications
Use during an ophthalmic procedure on a target eye, including cataract, lens-replacement, and vitreoretinal procedures.
During lens replacement surgery, imaging and detection of the perimeter edge of an inserted intraocular lens.
Interested in licensing this patent?