Finite element model of a keratoconic cornea
AssigneeHeidelberg Engineering GmbH
InventorJosef F. Bille
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for diagnosing the onset of keratoconus in a cornea requires subjecting the cornea of an eye to a pressure that changes its shape. A topography of the cornea's anterior surface (possibly, the posterior surface also) is mapped. The mapped topography is then fitted on a mathematical model of the cornea. Measurements corresponding to biomechanical parameters in the cornea are then taken from the model. Next, a computer is used to evaluate the biomechanical parameters to diagnose whether the cornea is keratoconic.
Claims20
A method for diagnosing a keratoconic cornea in an eye of a patient which comprises the steps of:
- providing an electronic model of a cornea, wherein the model includes a plurality of elements, and wherein each element in the model is defined by a plurality of parameters, with each parameter being representative of tissue qualities in the cornea at the corresponding location of the element in the model;
- mapping a topography of the anterior surface of the cornea “Ta”;
- fitting the topography “Ta” to the model to obtain a set of parameters for the plurality of elements;
- and
- evaluating the set of parameters to diagnose whether the cornea is keratoconic.
A method for diagnosing a keratoconic cornea in an eye of a patient which comprises the steps of:
- recording a topography “Ta” of the anterior surface of the cornea;
- fitting “Ta” onto a model to obtain a set of parameters from the model, wherein each parameter is indicative of a biomechanical property of tissue at a location in the cornea;
- and
- evaluating the parameters from the model to diagnose whether the cornea is keratoconic.
A system for diagnosing a keratoconic cornea in an eye of a patient which comprises:
- an imaging device for recording a topography “Ta” of the anterior surface of the cornea;
- a computer means for fitting “Ta” onto a model to obtain a set of parameters from the model, wherein each parameter is indicative of a biomechanical property of tissue at a location in the cornea;
- and
- a comparator for evaluating the set of parameters to diagnose whether the cornea is keratoconic.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.