Confocal Fiber-Optic Laser Method for Intraocular Lens Power Measurement
Description of Invention:
Available for licensing and commercial development is a novel apertureless fiber-optic laser confocal design. Intraocular lens (IOL) dioptic power is a fundamental parameter whose precise measurement is of critical importance for characterizing and evaluating the effectiveness and safety of IOL's. The present invention relates to a simple, accurate, objective, quick and relatively inexpensive method for IOL power measurement. The principle of operation of this method is based on an apertureless fiber-optic laser confocal design. The key element in this design is a single-mode optical fiber coupler that simultaneously performs several essential functions. First, it provides effective launching and delivery of the input laser emission. Second, the fiber tip serves as a point light source used for formation of a collimated Gaussian laser beam profile for IOL testing. Third, the tip serves as a highly sensitive point receiver of the back reflectance laser emission. Fourth, the fiber coupler provides delivery of the spatially separated back reflected laser emission to a detector system. The combination of these unique features of the confocal fiber-optic laser method provides high accuracy (exceeding 1 µm) in spatially locating the IOL focal point and measuring the IOL power. A unique feature of this method is that it allows for measurement of a wide range of both positive and negative powers including high-magnification IOL's with power greater than ±20 diopters. The simple and high-sensitive IOL power testing method will provide the CDRH/FDA and the scientific community with an independent source of measurement data and information for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of novel IOL products.
Inventors:
Ilko K. Ilev (FDA)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-039-2005/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/668,239 filed 03 Mar 2005
For Additional Information Please Contact: Michael Shmilovich J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-5019
Email: shmilovm@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
