JP2021180870A - Ophthalmologic microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure a space for arranging an OCT optical system on the side of an objective lens in a Galilean type ophthalmic microscope provided with an OCT optical system, and to increase the degree of freedom in optical design. The purpose is to develop an ophthalmic microscope.
The present invention includes an ophthalmic microscope main body and a function expansion unit provided with an OCT optical system for inspecting the eye to be inspected by optical coherence stromography, and the function expansion unit is the OCT optical system. A deflecting member for deflecting the signal light of the above toward the eye to be inspected is stored, and the function expansion unit is provided between the objective lens included in the main body of the ophthalmologic microscope and the eye to be inspected, particularly the objective. It is characterized by being detachably attached to the bottom of the lens.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

The present invention relates to an ophthalmic microscope. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ophthalmic microscope such as a fundus camera, a slit lamp, and an ophthalmic surgery microscope having an illumination optical system for illuminating the eye to be inspected and an observation optical system for observing the illuminated eye to be inspected. The ophthalmic microscope of the present invention has an OCT optical system capable of obtaining a tomographic image of the eye to be inspected by optical coherence tomography (abbreviated as "OCT"), and has an OCT optical system and an observation optical system. The OCT optical system is attached below the objective lens of the observation optical system, which makes it possible to further increase the degree of freedom in the optical design of the ophthalmologic microscope.
The present invention also relates to a function expansion unit that can be attached to and detached from an ophthalmic microscope and can add an OCT function to an ophthalmic microscope.

An ophthalmic microscope is a medical or examination device capable of illuminating a patient's eye to be inspected with an illumination optical system and magnifying and observing the eye to be inspected by an observation optical system including a lens or the like. Such an ophthalmic microscope has been developed so that a tomographic image of the eye to be inspected can be obtained by having an OCT optical system.

OCT is a technique for constructing an interferometer using a light source having a low coherence (a short coherence distance), thereby obtaining a tomographic image of a living body. Specifically, using a light source with low coherence, this light is divided into two by a beam splitter, and one light (signal light) is applied to a living tissue to be reflected or scattered, and the other light (reference light). Is reflected by the mirror. The signal light is reflected or scattered at various depths of the living tissue, and innumerable reflected or scattered light is returned. When the signal light returned to the beam splitter and the reflected light of the reference light are merged, only the reflected light or the scattered light of the signal light that has passed the same distance as the reference light is detected by interfering with the reflected light of the reference light. .. Therefore, by adjusting the positions of the beam splitter and the mirror to change the path length of the reference light in various ways, the intensity of the signal light reflected at various depths of the living tissue can be detected. With such an OCT optical system, a tomographic image of a living tissue can be obtained.
By providing this OCT optical system in an ophthalmic microscope, it became possible to obtain tomographic images of the retina, cornea, iris, etc. of the eye, and it became possible to observe not only the surface of the tissue but also the internal state. As a result, the accuracy of diagnosis of eye diseases can be improved, and the success rate of ophthalmic surgery can be increased.

In an ophthalmic microscope having such an OCT optical system, it is necessary to incorporate the OCT optical system into a microscope having an illumination optical system and an observation optical system so that the light of the OCT optical system can be incident on the eye to be inspected. The method is being developed.
For example, the Galileo type has an observation optical system consisting of an observation optical system for the left eye and an observation optical system for the right eye of the observer, and has one objective lens through which the optical axes of the left and right observation optical systems transmit in common. In an ophthalmic microscope, there is a method in which the light of an OCT light source incident from the side of an objective lens is reflected by a reflecting member directly above the objective lens, transmitted through the objective lens, and incident on the eye to be inspected (Patent Document 1 and). 2nd grade).

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 (drawing with reference to FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1), the ophthalmic microscope has an optical axis of the observation optical system for the left eye and an optical axis of the observation optical system for the right eye. The optical axis of the observation optical system for the left eye and the optical axis of the observation optical system for the right eye are common to the observation optical system consisting of a pair of left and right lens groups (130, 140, 150, 170, 180) that transmit the light. It has one objective lens (110), an OCT optical system (200, 250, 450, 460, 470), and an illumination optical system (310, 320, 330). In the OCT optical system, the output light from the OCT light source (200) is emitted through the optical fiber (250), the direction is controlled by the two scanning mirrors (450, 460), and then the beam combiner ( In 340), it merges with the illumination light from the illumination optical system, is reflected by the beam splitter (120), and is incident on the eye to be inspected (1000).

Further, in a Galilean ophthalmic microscope, there is a method in which light from an OCT light source is emitted from the upper part of an objective lens, transmitted through the objective lens, and incident on the eye to be inspected (Patent Document 3).
Further, in a Galileo-type ophthalmic microscope, there is a method in which the optical path of the OCT optical system is merged substantially coaxially with the optical path of the observation optical system, and is transmitted through an objective lens to be incident on the eye to be inspected (Patent Documents 4 and 5). ).

In all of the above methods, the optical axis of the observation optical system and the optical axis of the OCT optical system commonly pass through one objective lens.

In the Galileo type ophthalmic microscope, as a method in which the optical axis of the OCT optical system does not pass through the objective lens, the light of the OCT light source incident from the side of the objective lens is reflected by a deflection member directly under the objective lens. There is a method in which an objective lens is not transmitted and is incident on the eye to be inspected (Patent Document 6).
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12 (drawing with reference to FIG. 2A of Patent Document 6), the side of the objective lens is lateral to the lower part of the objective lens (102) through which the optical axis of the observation optical system is transmitted. The light of the OCT light source incident from the lens is reflected by the dichroic mirror (400), and the light of the OCT optical system is incident on the eye to be inspected.

Further, in the Galileo type ophthalmic microscope, as a method in which the optical axis of the OCT optical system does not pass through the objective lens, the light of the OCT light source incident from above, side, and below the objective lens is directly above the objective lens. (Patent Document 7), there is a method in which light is reflected by a deflection member laterally and downwardly and is incident on the eye to be inspected without passing through the objective lens (Patent Document 7).
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 (drawing with reference to FIG. 2 of Patent Document 7), in this Galileo type ophthalmic microscope, the first optical unit (16) is attached to the lens barrel portion of the microscope. In the lower part of the objective lens (19) through which the optical axis of the observation optical system is transmitted, the light of the OCT light source incident from the lower side of the objective lens (19) is reflected by the deflection member (100) to be covered. The signal light (LS) of the OCT optical system is incident on the eye examination.
In these methods, the light from the OCT light source is incident on the subject's eye without passing through the objective lens, but the OCT optical system is attached to the outside of the objective lens of the main body of the ophthalmic microscope, and the side after attachment. There was a problem that it interfered with the operation of the ophthalmic microscope because the overhang to the lens became large. Therefore, there is room for further improvement from the viewpoint of ensuring the degree of freedom in optical design.

In addition, as a method different from the Galilean type ophthalmic microscope, it has two objective lenses corresponding to the left and right observation optical systems, and a stereo angle is provided between the left and right observation optical systems for the greenau type ophthalmology. There is a microscope (Patent Documents 8 and 9). In the Greenough type ophthalmic microscope, since there is no objective lens that transmits the optical axis of the left and right observation optical systems in common, the optical path of the OCT optical system should be incident on the subject without passing through the objective lens. Can be done.
However, in the Greenough type ophthalmic microscope, complicated optical design is required because the left and right observation optical systems are tilted with each other to have a stereo angle.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-66421 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-264488 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-268852 Special Table 2010-522555 Gazette Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-264490 U.S. Pat. No. 8,366,271 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-21734 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-185177 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-185178

As described above, conventional ophthalmic microscopes equipped with an OCT optical system include a Galileo ophthalmic microscope and a Greenough ophthalmic microscope, but the Greenough ophthalmic microscope requires a complicated optical design. Met.
Further, in the conventional Galileo type ophthalmic microscope, as shown in Patent Documents 1 to 5, the optical axis of the observation optical system and the optical axis of the OCT optical system commonly transmit one objective lens. However, since the observation optical system and the OCT optical system are not independent, the OCT optical system and the observation optical system are influenced by each other, and the degree of freedom in optical design is limited. Met.

Further, in the conventional Galilean ophthalmic microscope, as shown in Patent Documents 6 and 7, a method has been developed in which the light of the OCT light source does not pass through the objective lens, but the shape of the objective lens (19) is It only has a normal lens shape.
For this reason, the OCT optical system is attached to the outside of the objective lens of the main body of the ophthalmic microscope, and the lateral protrusion after attachment becomes large, which causes a problem that it interferes with the operation of the ophthalmic microscope. there were.

Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned conventional situation, the present invention can secure a space for arranging the OCT optical system on the side of the objective lens in the Galilean type ophthalmic microscope provided with the OCT optical system, and can freely design the optical system. The purpose is to develop a new type of ophthalmic microscope that enhances the degree. Further, the present invention provides an ophthalmic microscope in which a space below the objective lens provided in the ophthalmic microscope main body is secured between the objective lens provided in the ophthalmic microscope main body and the eye to be inspected. The purpose.

In order to solve the above problems, as a result of diligent research by the inventors of the present application, in the Galileo type ophthalmic microscope, the optical axis of the OCT optical system does not transmit through the objective lens through which the optical axis of the observation optical system passes, and the ophthalmology Between the objective lens provided in the main body of the microscope and the eye to be inspected, in particular, an OCT optical system is provided below the objective lens, a function expansion unit in which a deflection member is housed is arranged, and the shape of the objective lens is changed to the objective. By making the partial shape of the lens, the observation optical system and the OCT optical system can be independently separated, and a space for arranging the OCT optical system can be secured on the side of the objective lens, which increases the degree of freedom in optical design. We have found that the OCT optical system can be detachably unitized, and have completed the present invention.

That is, the present invention provides the following first invention relating to an ophthalmic microscope and the following second invention relating to a function expansion unit.
(1) The first invention has an illumination optical system for illuminating the eye to be inspected, an observation optical system for the left eye and an observation optical system for the right eye for observing the eye to be inspected illuminated by the illumination optical system. An ophthalmic microscope main body including an observation optical system, an objective lens in which the optical axis of the observation optical system for the left eye and the optical axis of the observation optical system for the right eye of the observation optical system are transmitted in common, and
An ophthalmologic microscope equipped with a function expansion unit equipped with an OCT optical system for inspecting the eye to be inspected by optical coherence tomography.
The objective lens has a partial shape of a circular lens or a shape in which a notch or a hole is provided in the circular lens.
The function expansion unit houses a deflection member for deflecting the signal light of the OCT optical system in the direction of the eye to be inspected.
The function expansion unit relates to an ophthalmic microscope, which is detachably attached between the objective lens included in the ophthalmic microscope main body and the eye to be inspected. (2) In the first invention, it is preferable that the function expansion unit is detachably attached below the objective lens included in the ophthalmic microscope main body.
(3) In the first invention, it is preferable that the deflection member is attached at a position intersecting the optical axis of the objective lens.
(4) In the first invention, it is preferable that the function expansion unit includes a visible light source unit for irradiating the eye to be inspected with aiming light.
(5) In any of the ophthalmic microscopes, it is preferable to further have an OCT objective lens through which the optical axis of the OCT optical system is transmitted, in addition to the objective lens.
(6) In any of the ophthalmic microscopes, it is preferable to further have a removable front lens on the optical path between the eye to be inspected and the objective lens in order to observe the retina of the eye to be inspected.
(7) The second invention includes an illumination optical system for illuminating the eye to be inspected, an observation optical system for the left eye and an observation optical system for the right eye for observing the eye to be inspected illuminated by the illumination optical system. A function used for an ophthalmic microscope main body including an optical system and an objective lens that transmits the optical axis of the observation optical system for the left eye and the optical axis of the observation optical system for the right eye in common. It ’s an expansion unit,
A joint part that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the ophthalmic microscope,
An OCT optical system for inspecting the eye to be inspected by optical coherence tomography,
It houses a deflection member for deflecting the signal light of the OCT optical system in the direction of the eye to be inspected.
The present invention relates to a function expansion unit characterized in that when the function expansion unit is attached to the ophthalmic microscope main body via the joint portion, the deflection member is attached at a position intersecting the optical axis of the objective lens.
(8) In the function expansion unit of the second invention, it is preferable to have an OCT objective lens through which the optical axis of the OCT optical system is transmitted.
(9) In any of the function expansion units, it is preferable to further have a removable front lens on the optical path between the eye to be inspected and the objective lens in order to observe the retina of the eye to be inspected.

The ophthalmic microscope of the first invention is between the objective lens provided in the main body of the ophthalmic microscope and the eye to be inspected, and in particular, a function expansion unit provided with an OCT optical system is arranged below the objective lens to be an objective. As the lens, a lens having a partial shape of a circular lens or a shape in which a notch or a hole is provided in the circular lens is adopted. With such a configuration, in the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention, the observation optical system and the OCT optical system are independent. Therefore, in the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention, it is possible to secure a space for arranging the OCT optical system on the side of the objective lens without the observation optical system and the OCT optical system being affected by each other. The ophthalmic microscope of the present invention has the effect of increasing the degree of freedom in optical design.
Further, in the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention, since the function expansion unit provided with the OCT optical system is arranged below the objective lens, it is most suitable for observing the eye to be inspected on the existing ophthalmic microscope main body. A function expansion unit equipped with an OCT optical system is adopted, and it can be freely attached to and removed from the microscope body.
The function expansion unit of the second invention has a joint portion that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the microscope for ophthalmology and a member that deflects the signal light of the OCT optical system in the direction of the eye to be inspected, and the ophthalmology unit is provided through the joint portion. When attached to the main body of a microscope, the deflection member is attached at a position intersecting the optical axis of the objective lens.
With such a configuration, the OCT optical system of the function expansion unit is independent of the observation optical system of the ophthalmologic microscope, which enables unitization and increases the degree of freedom in optical design. Further, since the function expansion unit can be attached to and detached from the ophthalmic microscope main body via the joint portion, the function expansion unit of the present invention has an effect that the function of OCT can be easily added to the ophthalmic microscope. ..

It is a drawing which shows typically the appearance of the ophthalmologic microscope of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a drawing which shows typically the structure of the optical system as a side view with respect to the ophthalmologic microscope of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a drawing which shows typically the structure of the optical system as a front view of the ophthalmologic microscope of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which showed the structure of the function expansion unit about the ophthalmologic microscope of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a drawing which shows typically the optical composition of the OCT unit used in the ophthalmologic microscope of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a drawing which shows typically the shape of the objective lens used in the ophthalmologic microscope of 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6A is a drawing seen from the direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and FIG. 6B is a drawing seen from the side surface. It is a drawing which shows typically the shape of the objective lens used in the ophthalmologic microscope of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7A is a view seen from the direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and FIG. 7B is a view seen from the side surface. It is a drawing which shows typically the shape of the objective lens used in the ophthalmologic microscope of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8A is a view seen from the direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and FIG. 8B is a view seen from the side surface. It is a drawing which shows typically the shape of the objective lens used in the ophthalmologic microscope of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. 9 (A) is a view seen from the direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and FIG. 9 (B) is a view seen from the side surface. It is a drawing which shows typically the shape of the objective lens used in the ophthalmologic microscope of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10A is a view seen from the direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and FIG. 10B is a view seen from the side surface. It is a drawing quoting FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1. FIG. It is a drawing quoting 2A. It is a drawing quoting FIG. 2 of Patent Document 7.

1. 1. Ophthalmic microscope 1-1. Outline of the Ophthalmic Microscope of the Present Invention The ophthalmic microscope of the present invention has an illumination optical system for illuminating the eye to be inspected, an observation optical system for the left eye and an observation optical system for the right eye for observing the eye to be inspected illuminated by the illumination optical system. An observation optical system having an observation optical system, an objective lens that transmits the optical axis of the observation optical system for the left eye and the optical axis of the observation optical system for the right eye in common, and an eye to be inspected by optical coherence stromography. It relates to an ophthalmic microscope equipped with a function expansion unit equipped with an OCT optical system for inspecting.

In the ophthalmologic microscope of the present invention, the objective lens has a partial shape of a circular lens or a shape in which a notch or a hole is provided in the circular lens, and the function expansion unit receives the signal light of the OCT optical system. A deflection member for deflecting in the direction of It is detachably attached below the objective lens. With such a configuration, in the ophthalmologic microscope of the present invention, the signal light of the OCT optical system is between the objective lens and the eye to be inspected, and in particular, it is deflected by a deflection member below the objective lens and incident on the eye to be inspected. As a result, the signal light of the OCT optical system does not pass through the objective lens, and the observation optical system and the OCT optical system are independent.
Therefore, in the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention, the observation optical system and the OCT optical system can be optically designed without being affected by each other, and a space for arranging the OCT optical system is secured on the side of the objective lens. Therefore, the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention has the effect of increasing the degree of freedom in optical design.
Further, in the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention, a function expansion unit provided with an OCT optical system is arranged between the objective lens provided in the ophthalmic microscope main body and the eye to be inspected, and particularly below the objective lens. Therefore, in order to observe the eye to be inspected, a function expansion unit equipped with the most suitable OCT optical system can be adopted for the existing ophthalmic microscope main body, and the effect can be obtained that it can be attached to the ophthalmic microscope main body.
For example, although not limited to these, in addition to the objective lens of the observation optical system, a function expansion unit having an OCT objective lens is also adopted in the OCT optical system, and each objective lens is positioned independently. By controlling, an optical design that independently adjusts the focal point of the observation optical system and the focal point of the OCT optical system becomes possible. It is also possible to design an optical system in which the OCT optical system is separated from the observation optical system and the OCT optical system is a unit that can be attached to and detached from an ophthalmic microscope. Furthermore, by adding not only one OCT optical system but also a plurality of OCT optical systems to an ophthalmic microscope, it becomes possible to perform an optical design capable of obtaining a three-dimensional tomographic image in more detail.
Further, in the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention, a function expansion unit equipped with a visible light source unit for irradiating the eye to be inspected with aiming light is adopted, and the operator can measure OCT without taking his eyes off the eyepiece. An optical design that can identify the scanning position of the signal light is also possible.

In the present invention, the "ophthalmic microscope" refers to a medical or examination device capable of magnifying and observing an eye to be inspected, and includes not only a device for humans but also a device for animals. The “ophthalmic microscope” includes, but is not limited to, a fundus camera, a slit lamp, a microscope for ophthalmic surgery, and the like.

In the present invention, the "illumination optical system" includes an optical element for illuminating the eye to be inspected. The illumination optical system may further include a light source, but may be one that guides natural light to the eye to be inspected.
Further, in the present invention, the "observation optical system" includes an optical element capable of observing the subject eye by the return light reflected and scattered from the subject eye illuminated by the illumination optical system. It is a thing. In the present invention, the observation optical system includes an observation optical system for the left eye and an observation optical system for the right eye, and when parallax is generated in the images obtained by the left and right observation optical systems, binocular vision is used. It is also possible to observe in three dimensions.
Further, the "observation optical system" of the present invention may be one that allows the observer to directly observe the eye to be inspected through an eyepiece or the like, or one that can be observed by receiving light from an image pickup element or the like and forming an image. It may be present, or it may have both functions.

In the present invention, the "OCT optical system" is configured to include an optical element that allows OCT signal light or reference light to pass through. The OCT optical system can further include an OCT light source.
In the present invention, the optical elements used in the "illumination optical system", "observation optical system", and "OCT optical system" are not limited to these, and are, for example, lenses, prisms, mirrors, and optical filters. , A diaphragm, a diffraction grating, a polarizing element and the like can be used.

In the present invention, the "objective lens" refers to a lens provided on the side of the eye to be inspected in an ophthalmic microscope. The front lens (loupe) that is temporarily inserted between the objective lens and the eye to be inspected is not included in the "objective lens" of the present invention.

1-2. First Embodiment Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a drawing schematically showing a first embodiment which is an example of an ophthalmic microscope of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the appearance of the ophthalmic microscope of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ophthalmic microscope (1) of the first embodiment includes an ophthalmic microscope main body (6) provided with an objective lens (2) and a function expansion unit (7). The position of the microscope main body (6) can be controlled by the leg portion (3), the support column (4), the first arm portion (51), the second arm portion (52), and the XY fine movement device (11). can. A first arm portion (51) bent forward is engaged with a support column (4) supported by a movable leg portion (3), and an ophthalmologic microscope main body is engaged with the first arm (51). A second arm (52) for suspending and fixing (6) is connected. By moving the second arm (52) up and down, the height of the ophthalmic microscope main body (6) can be controlled. Further, there is an XY fine movement device (11) between the second arm (52) and the ophthalmic microscope main body (6), and the position of the ophthalmic microscope main body (6) in the plane direction is finely adjusted. Can be done.

The ophthalmic microscope main body (6) has left and right eyepieces (12), and the eye to be inspected (8) can be directly observed by the eyepieces (12). Above the eyepiece (12), a display unit (20), which is a monitor for displaying an image obtained by the OCT optical system, is installed. The display unit (20) may be arranged in the eyepiece and displayed superimposed on the observation image. Further, the eyepiece portion (12) is connected to the inverter (13). The inverter (13) is connected to the lens barrel portion (14) constituting the main body of the ophthalmologic microscope (6). An objective lens (2) is incorporated in the bottom surface of the lens barrel portion (14). An assistant microscope (15) is installed on the side surface of the tubular mirror unit (14). The assistant microscope (15) has a lens barrel portion (14) that intersects the lens barrel portion (14) vertically, and has an eyepiece in a direction different from the eyepiece portion (12) of the ophthalmic microscope main body (6). It has an eyepiece separately from the portion (12).

A front lens position adjusting mechanism (16) is attached to the side surface of the tubular mirror portion (14). The front lens position adjusting mechanism (16) has a holding arm (17) extending toward the eye to be inspected (8). A front lens (18) is attached to the tip of the holding arm (17). The holding arm (17) can be moved in the vertical direction. By moving the holding arm (17) in the vertical direction, the distance between the front lens (18) and the eye to be inspected (8) can be appropriately changed. Further, by rotating the front lens (18), the front lens (18) can be inserted and removed with respect to the optical axis of the objective lens (2). The position control of the ophthalmic microscope main body (6) and the position control of the front lens (18) can be performed by operating the foot switch (19) installed at the operator's feet.

2 to 6 are drawings schematically showing a first embodiment which is an example of an ophthalmic microscope of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the optical system of the ophthalmic microscope of the first embodiment as viewed from the side, and FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration as viewed from the front. Further, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a configuration example of a function expansion unit used in the ophthalmic microscope of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a drawing schematically showing an optical configuration of the OCT unit. Further, FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically showing the shape of the objective lens.

As shown in FIG. 2, the optical system of the ophthalmic microscope (1) includes an objective lens (2), an illumination optical system (300), an observation optical system (400), and an OCT optical system (500). doing.
The objective lens (2), the illumination optical system (300), and the observation optical system (400) are housed in the ophthalmic microscope main body (6). On the other hand, the OCT optical system (500) is housed in the function expansion unit (7). The objective lens (2) has a partial shape of a circular lens. In FIG. 2, the main body of the ophthalmic microscope (6) and the function expansion unit (7) are shown by alternate long and short dash lines.
As shown in FIG. 2, the ophthalmic microscope (1) includes an ophthalmic microscope main body (6) and a function expansion unit (7). The function expansion unit (7) is located between the objective lens (2) of the ophthalmic microscope main body (6) and the eye to be inspected, and is arranged below the objective lens (2). The main body of the ophthalmic microscope (6) and the function expansion unit (7) are detachably connected by a joint portion (not shown).
When the ophthalmologic microscope (1) of the present invention is a fundus camera and a slit lamp, the function expansion unit (7) is an objective lens (2) to be inspected (8) provided in the ophthalmologic microscope main body (6). ) And should be placed. Hereinafter, the case where the function expansion unit (7) is arranged below the objective lens (2) included in the ophthalmic microscope main body (6) will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the illumination optical system (300) illuminates the eye to be inspected (8) via the objective lens (2). The illumination optical system (300) includes an illumination light source (9), an optical fiber (301), an exit aperture diaphragm (302), a condenser lens (303), an illumination field diaphragm (304), a collimating lens (305), and a reflection mirror ( 306) is included in the configuration. The optical axis of the illumination optical system (300) is shown by a dotted line (O-300) in FIG.

The illumination light source (9) is provided outside the main body of the ophthalmologic microscope (6). One end of the optical fiber (301) is connected to the illumination light source (9). The other end of the optical fiber is arranged at a position facing the condenser lens (303) inside the main body of the ophthalmologic microscope (6). The illumination light output from the illumination light source (9) is guided by the optical fiber (301) and incident on the condenser lens (303).
An exit aperture diaphragm (302) is provided at a position facing the exit port (fiber end on the condenser lens (303) side) of the optical fiber (301). The exit aperture diaphragm (302) acts to block a part of the exit port of the optical fiber (301). When the cutoff area by the emission port diaphragm (302) is changed, the emission area of the illumination light is changed. Thereby, the irradiation angle by the illumination light, that is, the angle formed by the incident direction of the illumination light with respect to the eye to be inspected (8) and the optical axis of the objective lens (2) can be changed.

The illumination field diaphragm (304) is provided at a position (× position) optically conjugate with the front focal position (U0) of the objective lens (2). The collimating lens (305) converts the illumination light that has passed through the illumination field diaphragm (304) into a parallel light flux. The reflection mirror (306) reflects the illumination light converted into a parallel light flux by the collimating lens (305) toward the objective lens (2). The reflected light passes through the objective lens (2) and is applied to the eye to be inspected (8).
The illumination light (a part of) irradiated to the eye to be inspected (8) is reflected and scattered by the tissue of the eye to be inspected such as the cornea and the retina. The reflected / scattered return light (also referred to as “observation light”) passes through the objective lens (2) and is incident on the observation optical system (400).

As shown in FIG. 2, the observation optical system (400) includes a variable magnification lens system (401), a beam splitter (402), an imaging lens (403), an image erecting prism (404), and an eye width adjusting prism (404). 405), a field diaphragm (406), and an eyepiece (407) are included. The optical axis of the observation optical system (400) is shown by a dotted line (O-400) in FIG.
The observation optical system (400) is used for observing the eye to be inspected (8) illuminated by the illumination optical system (300) through the objective lens (2).

As shown in FIG. 2, the OCT optical system (500) includes an OCT unit (10), an optical fiber (501), a fiber coupler (719), an optical fiber (725), a collimating lens (726), and an illumination field aperture ( 727), optical scanners (503a, 503b), relay optical system (504), first lens group (505), second lens group (506), OCT objective lens (507), deflection member (508). It is composed of. The deflection member (508) is a member for deflecting the signal light for OCT measurement necessary for acquiring the OCT image of the eye to be inspected (8) in the direction of the eye to be inspected (8).

The ophthalmic microscope (1) of the present invention is between the objective lens (2) provided in the ophthalmic microscope main body (6) and the eye to be inspected (8), and the function expansion unit is below the objective lens (2). (7) is provided. Therefore, in the function expansion unit (7), the signal light for OCT measurement emitted from the side of the objective lens (2) is deflected in the direction of the eye to be inspected (8) directly under or around the objective lens (2). I need to let you.

That is, since the function expansion unit (7) is installed below the objective lens (2), the signal light of the OCT needs to be incident on the eye to be inspected (8) without passing through the objective lens (2). .. However, since it is necessary to secure a working space between the objective lens (2) and the eye to be inspected (8), it is difficult to provide all the optical elements of the OCT optical system directly under the objective lens (2). .. Therefore, it is necessary to emit the OCT signal light from the side of the objective lens (2) and deflect the signal light toward the eye to be inspected (8) directly under or around the objective lens (2).
Therefore, in the ophthalmologic microscope (1) of the present invention, a deflection member (508) is provided between the objective lens (2) and the eye to be inspected (8), and is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis O of the objective lens (2). The signal light for OCT measurement is deflected directly under or around the objective lens (2) so that the eye to be inspected (8) can be irradiated with the signal light. As shown in FIG. 2, the deflection member (508) has a constant inclination to deflect the signal light for OCT measurement that is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis O of the objective lens (2).

In FIG. 2, the optical axis of the OCT optical system (500) is shown by a dotted line (O-500). The optical axis (O-500) of the OCT optical system (500) is deflected in the direction of the eye to be inspected (8) by the deflection member (508). As shown in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the function expansion unit (7) including the OCT optical system (500) is the objective lens (2) provided in the ophthalmologic microscope main body (6). The objective lens (2) has a partial shape of a circular lens.
Therefore, the optical axis (O-500) of the OCT optical system does not pass through the objective lens (2), and the OCT optical system and the observation optical system are independent.
Further, in the objective lens (2), a portion through which the optical axis (O-500) of the OCT optical system is transmitted becomes unnecessary. Therefore, by cutting and removing the portion, the objective lens (2) can be made of a circular lens. It can be a partial shape. This makes it possible to secure a space for arranging the OCT optical system and the like on the side of the objective lens (2).

As shown in FIG. 2, the OCT optical system (500) includes an OCT unit (10). The OCT unit (10) divides the light from the OCT light source having low coherence (short coherence distance) into signal light and reference light. The signal light is guided by the OCT optical system (500) and irradiates the eye to be inspected (8), is reflected and scattered in the tissue of the eye to be inspected (8), and becomes return light to be guided to the OCT unit (10). Be taken. The OCT unit (10) detects the interference between the return light of the signal light and the reference light. This makes it possible to obtain a tomographic image of the tissue of the eye to be inspected (8).

As shown in FIG. 2, the OCT optical system (500) is provided with the OCT unit (10) outside the function expansion unit (7), but is not limited thereto. OCT optical system (500)
May provide the OCT unit (10) inside the function expansion unit (7). When the OCT unit (10) is provided inside the function expansion unit (7), the function expansion unit (7) is replaced with the function expansion unit (7) by including the OCT unit (10) as described later. It may be provided as a function expansion unit including a separate type first function expansion unit (71) and a second function expansion unit (72).

As shown in FIG. 2, in the OCT optical system (500), the OCT unit (10) is provided outside the function expansion unit (7). One end of the optical fiber (501) is connected to the OCT unit (10), whereby the OCT unit (10) is connected to the function expansion unit (7). The signal light generated by the OCT unit (10) is guided to the fiber coupler (719) via the optical fiber (501) and emitted from one end of the optical fiber (725) connected to the fiber coupler (719). .. The signal light emitted from one end of the optical fiber (725) includes a collimating lens (726), an illumination field aperture (727), optical scanners (503a, 503b), a relay optical system (504), and a first lens group (505). Signal light that is irradiated to the subject eye (8) via the second lens group (506), deflection member (508), OCT objective lens (507), etc., and is reflected and scattered by the tissue of the subject eye (8). The return light travels in the opposite direction along the same path and returns to the OCT unit (10) via the optical fiber (501).

In the OCT optical system (500), the deflection member (508) is arranged below the objective lens (2) so that the signal light for OCT measurement is applied to the eye to be inspected (8). The deflection member (508) deflects the signal light for OCT measurement substantially orthogonal to the optical axis O of the objective lens (2) above the eye to be inspected (8). As the deflection member (508), a mirror, a prism, or the like can be exemplified. The size of the deflection member (508) can be appropriately set according to the specifications of the function expansion unit (7), and the signal light for OCT measurement from the OCT light source can be applied to the eye to be inspected (8). If so, it is not particularly limited.

When observing the retina of the fundus using an ophthalmic microscope (1), the front lens (18) uses an optical axis O-300, O-400, O in front of the eye to be inspected by a moving means (not shown). Inserted on -500. In this case, the anterior focal position (U0) of the objective lens (2) is conjugate with the retina of the fundus. When observing the anterior segment of the cornea, iris, etc., the anterior lens (18) is detached from the front of the eye to be inspected (8) for observation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the collimating lens (726) converts the signal light emitted from one end of the optical fiber (725) into a parallel luminous flux. The collimating lens (726) and one end of the optical fiber (725) are configured to be relatively movable along the optical axis of the signal light. In the first embodiment, the collimating lens (726) is configured to be movable, but one end of the optical fiber (725) may be configured to be movable along the optical axis of the measurement light.
The illumination field diaphragm (727) is conjugate with the front focal position (U0) of the objective lens (2).
As shown in FIG. 2, the ophthalmic microscope (1) has a visible light source unit (723) provided outside the function expansion unit (7). One end of the optical fiber (724) is connected to the visible light source unit (723), whereby the visible light source unit (723) is connected to the function expansion unit (7). The visible light (aiming light described later) generated by the visible light source unit (723) is guided to the fiber coupler (719) via the optical fiber (724), and is combined with the OCT signal light in the fiber coupler (719). It is synthesized. After emitting from the fiber coupler (719), it may be synthesized by a dichroic mirror or the like. The aiming light synthesized with the signal light of the OCT is applied to the eye to be inspected (8) by the same route as the signal light of the OCT. The aiming light reflected by the eye to be inspected (8) is observed by the operator via the observation optical system (400).

The optical scanners (503a, 503b) two-dimensionally deflect the signal light and visible light (aiming light) for OCT measurement, which are parallel light fluxes by the collimated lens (726). For the optical scanners (503a, 503b), a deflection member configured to be rotatable around each of the two axes that intersect differently is used. Examples of the deflecting member include a galvano mirror, a polygon mirror, a rotating mirror, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror, and the like. In the first embodiment, the optical scanners (503a, 503b) are configured to include a galvano mirror. That is, the optical scanner (503) has a first scanner (503a) having a deflection surface rotatable about the first axis and a deflection surface rotatable about the second axis orthogonal to the first axis. Includes a second scanner (503b) with. A relay optical system (504) is provided between the first scanner (503a) and the second scanner (503b).

The first lens group (505) is configured to include one or more lenses. The second lens group (506) is also configured to include one or more lenses.
Further, an OCT objective lens (507) may be provided between the second lens group (506) and the deflection member (508).
The OCT objective lens (507) is configured to be movable along the optical axis O-500, and the focus of the OCT optical system can be adjusted by controlling the position of the OCT objective lens (507). can. This makes it possible to adjust the focal point of the OCT optical system to a position different from the focal point of the observation optical system.

In the ophthalmic microscope of the first embodiment, the function expansion unit (7) is arranged below the objective lens (2) of the ophthalmic microscope main body (6), and the objective lens (2) of the ophthalmic microscope main body (6) is arranged. Has a partial shape of a circular lens. Therefore, in the ophthalmic microscope of the first embodiment, the observation optical system (300) and the OCT optical system (500) can be controlled independently, and the OCT optical system (500) is provided. It is also possible to make the function expansion unit (7) a detachable unit with respect to the main body of the ophthalmic microscope (6).

Further, in the ophthalmic microscope (1) of the present invention, since the function expansion unit (7) provided with the OCT optical system is arranged below the objective lens (2), it is placed on the existing ophthalmic microscope main body (6). In order to observe the retina of the eye to be inspected, a function expansion unit (7) equipped with the most appropriate OCT optical system shall be adopted and used as an ophthalmic microscope (1) attached to the ophthalmic microscope main body (6). Is also possible. Further, from the ophthalmologic microscope (1) to which the function expansion unit (7) equipped with the most suitable OCT optical system for observing the bottom of the eye to be inspected is attached to the ophthalmology microscope main body (6), the above function expansion unit ( 7) can also be removed.

The ophthalmologic microscope (1) of the first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the optical system of the ophthalmic microscope (1) of the first embodiment as viewed from the front.
As shown in FIG. 3, the observation optical system (400) is divided into an observation optical system for the left eye of the observer (400L) and an observation optical system for the right eye (400R), and each of them has an observation optical path. Have. The optical axes of the left and right observation optical systems are shown by dotted lines (O-400L, O-400R) in FIG. 3, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, the left and right observation optical systems (400L, 400R) are a variable magnification lens system (401), an imaging lens (403), an image erecting prism (404), and an eye width adjusting prism (404), respectively. 405), a field diaphragm (406), and an eyepiece (407) are included. The beam splitter (402) is included only in the observation optical system (400R) for the right eye.
The variable magnification lens system (401) is configured to include a plurality of zoom lenses (401a, 401b, 401c). Each zoom lens (401a, 401b, 401c) can be moved along the optical axis (O-400L, O-400R) of the left and right observation optical systems by a scaling mechanism (not shown). As a result, the magnifying power when observing or photographing the eye to be inspected (8) is changed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the beam splitter (402) of the observation optical system for the right eye (400R) is a part of the observation light guided from the eye to be inspected (8) along the observation optical system for the right eye. Is separated and led to the photographing optical system. The photographing optical system includes an imaging lens (1101), a reflection mirror (1102), and a television camera (1103).
The television camera (1103) includes an image pickup device (1103a). The image pickup device (1103a) is composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, or the like. As the image pickup device (1103a), one having a two-dimensional light receiving surface (area sensor) is used.
The light receiving surface of the image pickup device (1103a) is arranged at a position conjugate with the front focal position (U0) of the objective lens (2).
The imaging system from the beam splitter (402) to the television camera (1103) may be on the left optical system (both). By using the images of the two left and right cameras, a three-dimensional image can be obtained as in the case of observation with an eyepiece.

The image erecting prism (404) converts the inverted image into an erect image. The eye width adjusting prism (405) is an optical element for adjusting the distance between the left and right observation optical paths according to the eye width (distance between the left eye and the right eye) of the observer. The visual field diaphragm (406) limits the observer's visual field by blocking the peripheral region in the cross section of the observation light. The field diaphragm (406) is provided at a position (X position) conjugate with the front focal position (U0) of the objective lens (2).
The observation optical system (400L, 400R) may be configured to include a stereo variator configured to be removable from the optical path of the observation optical system. The stereo variator is an optical axis position changing element for changing the relative position of the optical axes (O-400L, O-400R) of the left and right observation optical systems guided by the left and right variable magnification lens systems (401), respectively. be. The stereo variator is retracted to, for example, a retracted position provided on the observer side with respect to the observation optical path.

In the ophthalmic microscope of the first embodiment, in addition to the observation optical system used by the main observer, a sub-observation optical system (400S) for use by the assistant observer is provided.
As shown in FIG. 3, the sub-observation optical system (400S) passes the return light (observation light) reflected and scattered by the eye to be inspected (8) illuminated by the illumination optical system via the objective lens (2). Then, it leads to the assistant eyepiece (411). The optical axis of the sub-observation optical system is shown by a dotted line (O-400S) in FIG.
The sub-observation optical system (400S) is also provided with a pair of left and right optical systems, which enables stereoscopic observation by binoculars.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sub-observation optical system (400S) includes a prism (408), a reflection mirror (410), and an assistant eyepiece (411). In the first embodiment, an imaging lens (409) is further arranged between the prism (408) and the reflection mirror (410). The observation light from the eye to be inspected (8) passes through the objective lens (2) and is reflected by the reflecting surface (408a) of the prism (408). The observation light reflected by the reflecting surface (408a) passes through the imaging lens (409), is reflected by the reflecting mirror (410), and is guided to the assistant eyepiece (411).
The observation optical system (400L, 400R) and the sub-observation optical system (400S) are housed in the ophthalmic microscope main body (6).

As shown in FIG. 3, in the ophthalmic microscope (1) of the present invention, between the objective lens (2) provided in the ophthalmic microscope main body (6) accommodating the observation optical system (400) and the eye to be inspected. The function expansion unit (7) is provided below the objective lens (2). The deflection member (508) included in the first function expansion unit (7) includes an optical axis (O-400L) for the left eye and an optical axis for the right eye that constitute the optical axis (O-400) of the observation optical system. It is arranged so as not to pass through the axis (O-400R), and is attached at a position intersecting the optical axis O of the objective lens (2). By attaching the deflection member (508) at a position intersecting the optical axis O of the objective lens (2), the signal light for OCT measurement is emitted substantially perpendicular to the eye to be inspected (8). As a result, the angle difference between the optical axis of the OCT optical system and the optical axis of the observation optical system becomes small, and the positional deviation between the tomographic image obtained by OCT and the observation image obtained by the observation optical system can be reduced. ..
It is also possible to attach the deflection member (508) at a position that does not intersect the optical axis O of the objective lens (2). When the deflection member (508) is attached at a position that does not intersect the optical axis O of the objective lens (2), the signal light for OCT measurement is emitted obliquely with respect to the eye to be inspected (8). ..

The deflection member (508) is arranged so as not to pass through the optical axis for the left eye (O-400L) and the optical axis for the right eye (O-400R) constituting the optical axis (O-400) of the observation optical system. It is preferable to be done. The deflection member (508) is arranged so as not to pass through the optical axis for the left eye (O-400L) and the optical axis for the right eye (O-400R) constituting the optical axis (O-400) of the observation optical system. By doing so, it is possible to avoid a decrease in the brightness of the eyepiece observation image and the captured image due to the attenuation of the observation light of the observation optical system.
On the other hand, the deflection member (508) passes through the optical axis for the left eye (O-400L) and the optical axis for the right eye (O-400R) constituting the optical axis (O-400) of the observation optical system. It may be arranged in. In the case of this arrangement, a part of the observation light is also reflected by the deflection member (508), so that the observation light of the observation optical system is attenuated.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shape of the deflection member (508) secures the required scanning range and constitutes the optical axis (O-400) of the observation optical system for the left eye optical axis (O-400L). ) And the optical axis for the right eye (O-400R) are not particularly limited as long as they do not pass through the deflection member (508). For example, the light for the left eye is narrowed toward the eye to be inspected (8) with the distance between the optical axis for the left eye (O-400L) and the optical axis for the right eye (O-400R) as the upper side. It may have a trapezoidal shape with the distance between the axis (O-400L) and the optical axis for the right eye (O-400R) as the lower side.
The deflection member (508) has a constant inclination to deflect the signal light for OCT measurement that is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis O of the objective lens (2).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a configuration example of the function expansion unit (7) used in the ophthalmic microscope (1) of the first embodiment. The function expansion unit (7) constructs an OCT optical system (500). The function expansion unit (7) is configured to be removable from the ophthalmic microscope main body (6).
That is, the function expansion unit (7) is a unit that can be attached to and detached from the existing ophthalmic microscope main body (6), and while utilizing the existing functions of the ophthalmic microscope main body (6), the ophthalmic microscope main body is further used. Various OCT functions can be added to (6). The function expansion unit (7) includes an OCT optical system (500), and by being attached to an ophthalmic microscope main body (6), it is possible to acquire an OCT image of the eye to be inspected (8).

In the ophthalmic microscope (1) of the present invention, the function expansion unit (7) can be separately installed in the first function expansion unit (71) and the second expansion unit (72).
Specifically, the function expansion unit (7) includes at least a first function expansion unit (71) including a deflection member (508), a scanning unit (717), and at least an OCT unit (10) and visible light. It may be composed of a second function expansion unit (72) including a unit (723) and the like.
Hereinafter, the first function expansion unit (71) and the second function expansion unit (72) will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first function expansion unit (71) is imaged with a deflection member (508), an OCT objective lens (507) functioning as a focus lens, a beam splitter (712), and a filter (713). It includes a lens (714), a CCD image sensor (715), an arithmetic control unit (716), a scanning unit (717), a scanning control unit (718), and a compositing unit (719). The second function expansion unit (72) includes an OCT unit (10), an arithmetic control unit (722), and a visible light source unit (723). As the synthesis unit (719), a fiber coupler (719), a dichroic mirror, or the like can be used.

In the OCT optical system (500), the signal light for OCT measurement is output from the compositing unit (719) included in the first function expansion unit (71). The synthesis unit (719) is connected to the OCT unit (10) included in the second function expansion unit (72). Further, the synthesis unit (719) is connected to the visible light source unit (723) included in the second function expansion unit (72). The signal light for OCT measurement generated by the OCT unit (10) and the aiming light generated by the visible light source unit (723) are guided to the synthesis unit (719).

The synthesizing unit (719) synthesizes the signal light for OCT measurement and the aiming light. The OCT unit (10) included in the second function expansion unit (72) outputs a signal light for OCT measurement having a center wavelength of about 1050 nm. The visible light source unit (723) outputs aiming light including visible light having a center wavelength of about 633 nm. The signal light for OCT measurement output from the OCT unit (10) and the aiming light output from the visible light source unit (723) are guided to the synthesis unit (719) included in the first function expansion unit (71). Be taken. The synthesizing unit (719) synthesizes the signal light for OCT measurement and the aiming light. The signal synthesized by the compositing unit (719) is converted into a parallel luminous flux by the collimator and output to the scanning unit (717).

By irradiating the eye to be inspected (8) with aiming light, the operator can identify the scanning position of the signal light for OCT measurement without taking his eyes off the eyepiece. By acquiring an image taken using visible light while projecting the aiming light onto the eye to be inspected (8), the scanning position of the signal light for OCT measurement can be confirmed by the displayed image. The aiming light may be invisible light such as infrared light. When invisible light can be used as the aiming light, it is a case where the aiming light is not observed through the eyepiece. By making the aiming light invisible light, it is possible to prevent the eye to be inspected from moving following the aiming light.

The scanning unit (717) included in the first function expansion unit (71) can change the traveling direction of the signal light and the aiming light for OCT measurement. As the scanning unit (717), for example, a known optical scanning device equipped with a galvano mirror can be adopted. The scanning unit (717) can scan the traveling directions of the signal light for OCT measurement and the aiming light in any direction on the X and Y planes.

The signal light and aiming light for OCT measurement output to the scanning unit (717) are output to the beam splitter (712). The signal light for OCT measurement and the aiming light transmitted through the beam splitter (712) are focused by the objective lens (507) for OCT, deflected by the deflection member (508), and irradiated to the eye to be inspected (8).

After being irradiated to the eye to be inspected (8), the signal light for OCT measurement reflected from the eye to be inspected (8) is deflected by the deflection member (508) and becomes return light. The signal light for OCT measurement reflected from the eye to be inspected (8) passes through the objective lens (507) for OCT and is applied to the beam splitter (712).

On the other hand, after being irradiated to the eye to be inspected (8), a part of the aiming light scattered and reflected by the eye to be inspected (8) does not return to the deflection member (508) but to the optical axis (O-400) of the observation optical system. Emitted. Then, the aiming light can be observed by the operator through the eyepiece, and can be observed by taking an image and making a display image.

If the subject's eye moves due to involuntary tremor or surgical operation during OCT scanning, the tomographic image obtained by OCT will shift, but the movement of the subject's eye will be tracked to the movement. By scanning the OCT together, it is possible to prevent the tomographic image from shifting. For tracking, a moving image is acquired using an optical path for tracking and an image sensor (CCD image sensor, etc.), arithmetic processing is performed for tracking based on the image signal of the moving image, and based on this, the signal light of OCT is used. This is done by controlling the scanning.
As shown in FIG. 4, the optical path for tracking is composed of a filter (713), an imaging lens (714), and a CCD image sensor (715) in order from the beam splitter (712) side. In the ophthalmic microscope (1) of the present invention, while illuminating the eye to be inspected (8), a CCD image sensor (715) can be used to take a picture with a part or the whole area of infrared light or visible light.

That is, the ophthalmic microscope (1) of the first embodiment acquires a moving image based on the detection signal obtained by the CCD image sensor (715) of the first function expansion unit (71). This moving image is acquired by moving image shooting using infrared light or visible light.

When shooting a moving image using infrared light, the light source (9) is used as a light source including wavelengths in the infrared region, and the eye to be inspected (8) is illuminated. Specifically, a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp is used. Alternatively, a visible LED and an infrared LED may be arranged in the light source (9) so that they can be turned on individually or simultaneously.

On the other hand, when moving image is taken with visible light, visible light from the observation light source (9) is applied to the eye to be inspected (8), and the reflected light is imaged.

When performing infrared photography while irradiating the eye to be inspected (8) with infrared light and visible light, the filter (713) functions as a filter that transmits infrared light and blocks visible light. The light that passes through the tracking optical path reflected by the beam splitter (712) passes through the filter (713) and becomes only infrared light.
When infrared imaging is performed while irradiating the eye to be inspected (8) with only infrared light, filtering by a filter (713) is not required. The light passing through the tracking optical path branched by the beam splitter (712) is directly incident on the CCD image sensor (715).

Further, in the ophthalmic microscope (1) of the present invention, a filter that blocks a part of the wavelength region component of the visible light is used as the filter (713) while irradiating the eye to be inspected (8) with only visible light. It is possible to shoot in a specific wavelength region of visible light. By using a filter having a characteristic of blocking the wavelength of the aiming light, it is possible to prevent the aiming spot from being covered in the captured image. Further, in the ophthalmic microscope (1) of the present invention, in consideration of the observation site of the eye to be inspected (8), light in the optimum wavelength band is irradiated as necessary, and infrared imaging or visible light imaging is performed. It can be carried out. Infrared photography or visible light photography can be performed by switching the light source, switching the output wavelength from the light source, and switching the filter (713). The light transmitted through the filter (713) included in the first function expansion unit (71) is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor (715) by the OCT objective lens (507).

The arithmetic control unit (716) receives an image signal based on the light detected by the CCD image sensor (715) at a time interval corresponding to a constant frame rate. The arithmetic control unit (716) performs arithmetic processing for performing tracking control based on the image signal. Further, the arithmetic control unit (716) obtains the displacement of the other observation images with respect to the predetermined reference observation image for the plurality of observation images acquired in the time series. Then, the arithmetic control unit (716) generates a control signal based on the calculated displacement. The control signal generated by the arithmetic control unit (716) is output to the scanning control unit (718). The arithmetic control unit (716) may be configured to include a communication interface, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a GPU (Graphical Processor Unit), and the like. Further, the arithmetic control unit (716) may be configured to include a so-called CPU, RAM, ROM, hard disk drive, communication interface and the like.

The scanning control unit (718) is a scanning position of the scanning unit (717) capable of changing the traveling direction of the signal light for OCT measurement and the aiming light based on the control signal output from the arithmetic control unit (716). To control. This makes it possible to track the minute movement of the eye to be inspected and scan the signal light and aiming light for OCT measurement according to the movement.
Tracking may be performed using the image information obtained by the camera unit 1103 provided in the observation system.

The deflection member 508 provided in the first function expansion unit (71) deflects the signal light for OCT measurement in the direction of the eye to be inspected (8), and the signal light for OCT measurement is inspected (8). The return light from is deflected in the direction of the OCT objective lens (507). Since the first function expansion unit (71) is attached below the objective lens (2) of the ophthalmic microscope main body (6), the deflection member (508) includes the objective lens (2) and the eye to be inspected (8). Will be placed between.

As described above, the first function expansion unit (72) has a function of irradiating the eye to be inspected (8) with the aiming light together with the signal light for the purpose of making it possible to identify the scanning position of the signal light for OCT measurement. It is equipped with. By irradiating the eye to be inspected (8) with aiming light, the operator can identify the scanning position of the signal light for OCT measurement without taking his eyes off the eyepiece. By controlling the blinking of the visible light source unit and the deflection angle of the deflection member, the aiming light may be observable only at the outer periphery or the four corners of the OCT scan range.
Further, the brightness of the aiming light emitted from the visible light source unit may be controlled without blinking the visible light source unit. Further, the aiming light may be turned on at the time of prescan and turned off at the time of the main measurement of OCT. By controlling in this way, it is possible to prevent the eye to be inspected from moving following the aiming light even when visible light is used.

FIG. 5 is a drawing schematically showing the optical configuration of the OCT unit (10) used in the ophthalmologic microscope of the first embodiment. The OCT unit (10) shown in FIG. 5 is a unit connected to the outside of the function expansion unit (7) and is not a unit stored in the second expansion unit. Therefore, the OCT unit (10) is referred to as an OCT unit (10). deal.
As shown in FIG. 5, the OCT unit (10) divides the signal light (L0) for OCT measurement from the OCT light source unit (1001) into a signal light (LS) and a reference light (LR), and another optical path. It constitutes an interferometer that detects the interference between the signal light (LS) and the reference light (LR) that have passed through.
The OCT light source unit (1001) is configured to include a wavelength scanning type (wavelength sweep type) light source capable of scanning (sweeping) the wavelength of emitted light, similar to a general swept source type OCT device. The OCT light source unit (1001) changes the output wavelength over time at a near-infrared wavelength that is invisible to the human eye. The light emitted from the OCT light source unit (1001) is indicated by the reference numeral (L0).

The signal light (L0) for OCT measurement emitted from the OCT light source unit (1001) is guided to the polarization controller (1003) by the optical fiber (1002), and its polarization state is adjusted. The polarization controller (1003) adjusts the polarization state of the light (L0) guided in the optical fiber (1002) by, for example, applying external stress to the looped optical fiber (1002). ..
The light L0 whose polarization state is adjusted by the polarization controller (1003) is guided by the fiber coupler (1005) by the optical fiber (1004) and is divided into signal light (LS) and reference light (LR).

As shown in FIG. 5, the reference light (LR) is guided by the optical fiber (1006) to the collimator (1007) to form a parallel light flux. The reference light LR that has become a parallel luminous flux is guided to the corner cube (1010) via the optical path length correction member (1008) and the dispersion compensation member (1009). The optical path length correction member (1008) acts as a delay means for matching the optical path length (optical distance) of the reference light (LR) and the signal light (LS). The dispersion compensating member (1009) acts as a dispersion compensating means for matching the dispersion characteristics of the reference light (LR) and the signal light (LS).
The corner cube (1010) turns back the traveling direction of the reference light (LR) which has become a parallel luminous flux by the collimator (1007) in the opposite direction. The optical path of the reference light (LR) incident on the corner cube (1010) is parallel to the optical path of the reference light (LR) emitted from the corner cube (1010). Further, the corner cube (1010) is movable in the direction along the incident optical path and the emitted optical path of the reference light (LR). This movement changes the length of the optical path (reference optical path) of the reference light (LR).

As shown in FIG. 5, the reference light (LR) via the corner cube (1010) passes through the dispersion compensating member (1009) and the optical path length correction member (1008), and is focused from the parallel light beam by the collimeter (1011). It is converted into a light beam, incident on the optical fiber (1012), and guided by the polarization controller (1013) to adjust the polarization state of the reference light (LR).
The polarization controller (1013) has, for example, the same configuration as the polarization controller (1003). The reference light LR whose polarization state is adjusted by the polarization controller (1013) is guided to the attenuator (1015) by the optical fiber (1014), and the amount of light is adjusted under the control of the arithmetic control unit (12). The reference light (LR) whose light amount is adjusted by the attenuator (1015) is guided to the fiber coupler (1017) by the optical fiber (1016).

As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 5, the signal light (LS) generated by the fiber coupler (1005) is guided to the collimating lens (726) by the optical fiber (501). As shown in FIG. 2, the signal light (LS) incident on the collimating lens (726) includes an optical scanner (503a, 503b), a relay optical system (504), a first lens group (505), and a second lens group. The eye to be inspected (8) is irradiated via (506) and the OCT objective lens (507).

The signal light (LS) is reflected and scattered at various depth positions of the eye to be inspected (8). The backscattered light of the signal light by the eye to be inspected (8) travels in the same path as the outward path in the opposite direction, is guided to the fiber coupler (1005), and passes through the optical fiber (1018) as shown in FIG. Then, it reaches the fiber coupler (1017).

The fiber coupler (1017) synthesizes (interferes) the signal light (LS) incidented via the optical fiber (1018) and the reference light (LR) incident via the optical fiber (1016). ) Generates interference light. The fiber coupler (1017) generates a pair of interference lights (LC) by branching the interference light between the signal light (LS) and the reference light (LR) at a predetermined branching ratio (for example, 50:50). .. The pair of interference lights (LC) emitted from the fiber coupler (1017) are guided to the detector (1021) by two optical fibers (1019, 1020), respectively.

The detector (1021) has, for example, a pair of photodetectors that detect each pair of interference lights (LC), and a balanced photodiode (hereinafter, “BPD”) that outputs the difference between the detection results. ). The detector (1021) sends the detection result (detection signal) to the arithmetic control unit (722). The arithmetic control unit (722) forms a cross-sectional image by, for example, performing a Fourier transform or the like on the spectral distribution based on the detection result obtained by the detector (1021) for each series of wavelength scans (for each A line). do. The arithmetic control unit (722) causes the display unit (20) to display the formed image.

In this embodiment, a Michaelson type interferometer is adopted, but for example, any type of interferometer such as a Mach-Zehnder type can be appropriately adopted.

1-3. Shape of Objective Lens As the objective lens used in the conventional ophthalmic microscope, an objective lens having a circular planar shape is used.
However, in the present invention, it is preferable to reduce the angle formed by the optical axis of the OCT optical system and the optical axis of the observation optical system. An objective lens having a shape provided with the above is used.
Further, in the present invention, since the function expansion unit provided with the OCT optical system is arranged between the objective lens provided in the main body of the ophthalmologic microscope and the eye to be inspected, particularly below the objective lens, the OCT optical system is arranged in the objective lens. It is not necessary to have a portion through which the optical axis of the lens is transmitted, and it is preferable that the objective lens has a partial shape of a circular lens by cutting and removing the portion. This makes it possible to secure a space for arranging the OCT optical system and the like on the side of the objective lens.

In the present invention, the "partial shape of a circular lens" refers to a shape obtained by cutting out a part of a circular lens when viewed in a plan view from the optical axis direction of the lens, and is not limited to these, but for example, the left. A lens having a semicircular shape, a fan shape, a rectangular shape, or the like can be used so that the optical path of the observation optical system for the eye and the optical path of the observation optical system for the right eye pass through.

Further, in the present invention, the "shape in which a notch or a hole is provided in a circular lens" means a shape in which a notch or a hole is provided when viewed in a plan view from the optical axis direction of the lens, and is limited to these. However, for example, a lens having a notch or a hole in a portion through which the optical path of the OCT optical system passes can be used.

Using a lens having such a shape, the optical path of the OCT optical system can pass through a portion of the circular lens in which the cut lens does not exist or a notch provided in the lens. As a result, the distance between the OCT optical system and the observation optical system can be reduced without the optical axis of the OCT optical system passing through the objective lens. Further, by arranging the changing member on the optical axis under the objective lens, the angle between the optical axis of the OCT optical system and the optical axis of the observation optical system can be reduced.
In the present invention, the angle formed by the optical axis of the OCT optical system and the optical axis of the observation optical system (either the optical axis of the left or right observation optical path) is preferably 1 to 15 °, and more preferably. 4-1
It is preferably 0 °, more preferably 6 to 8 °.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the objective lens used in the ophthalmic microscope of the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a view seen from the direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and FIG. 6B is a view seen from the side surface.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the objective lens (2) used in the first embodiment has a partial shape obtained by cutting out a part of a circular lens, and has an optical path of an observation optical system for the left eye. P-400L), the optical path of the observation optical system for the right eye (P-400R), and the optical path of the illumination optical system (P-300) pass through different parts of the objective lens (2). Then, below the objective lens (2), the optical path (P-500) of the OCT optical system coincides with the optical axis of the objective lens (2) by the deflection member (508).
Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the side surface shape of the objective lens (2) is a partial shape obtained by cutting out a part of the convex lens.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the ophthalmic microscope of the first embodiment, the objective lens housed inside the microscope main body (6) is replaced with the objective lens (2) having the shape shown in FIG. ing.

In the first embodiment, the optical axis of the OCT optical system does not pass through the objective lens through which the optical axis of the observation optical system passes, and the observation optical system and the OCT optical system can be made independent. Increases the degree of freedom. Further, since a lens having a partial shape of a circular lens is used as the objective lens, it is possible to secure a space for arranging the OCT optical system or the like on the side of the objective lens.

1-4. Second Embodiment The shape of the objective lens used in the second embodiment, which is another example of the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention, is shown in FIG. FIG. 7A is a view seen from the direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and FIG. 7B is a view seen from the side surface.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the objective lens (2) used in the second embodiment has a shape in which a notch is provided in a part of the circular lens. The optical path (P-500) of the OCT optical system coincides with the optical axis of the objective lens (2) by the deflection member (508) below the objective lens (2). Then, a part of the function expansion unit is attached so as to enter the notch portion.

1-5. Third Embodiment The shape of the objective lens used in the third embodiment, which is another example of the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention, is shown in FIG. FIG. 8A is a view seen from the direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and FIG. 8B is a view seen from the side surface.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the objective lens (2) used in the third embodiment has a shape obtained by cutting out a part of a circular lens into a rectangular shape, and is an observation optical system for the left eye. The optical path (P-400L) and the optical path (P-400R) of the observation optical system for the right eye pass through different points of the objective lens (2). Then, the optical path (P-500) of the OCT optical system coincides with the optical axis of the objective lens (2) by the deflection member (508) below the objective lens (2).
Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the side surface shape of the objective lens (2) is a partial shape obtained by cutting out a part of the convex lens.

1-6. Fourth Embodiment The shape of the objective lens used in the fourth embodiment which is another example of the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9 (A) is a view seen from the direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and FIG. 9 (B) is a view seen from the side surface.
As shown in FIG. 9A, the objective lens (2) used in the fourth embodiment has a shape in which a part of the circular lens is cut out in a semicircular shape, and is an observation optical system for the left eye. The optical path (P-400L), the optical path of the observation optical system for the right eye (P-400R), and the optical path of the illumination optical system (P-300) pass through different parts of the objective lens (2). Then, the optical path (P-500) of the OCT optical system coincides with the optical axis of the objective lens (2) by the deflection member (508) below the objective lens (2).
Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the side surface shape of the objective lens (2) is a partial shape obtained by cutting out a part of the convex lens.

1-7. Fifth Embodiment The shape of the objective lens used in the fifth embodiment, which is another example of the ophthalmic microscope of the present invention, is shown in FIG. FIG. 10A is a view seen from the direction of the optical axis of the objective lens, and FIG. 10B is a view seen from the side surface.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the objective lens (2) used in the fifth embodiment has a shape in which a part of a circular lens is cut out in a crescent shape, and is an observation optical system for the left eye. The optical path (P-400L), the optical path of the observation optical system for the right eye (P-400R), and the optical path of the illumination optical system (P-300) pass through different parts of the objective lens (2). Then, the optical path (P-500) of the OCT optical system coincides with the optical axis of the objective lens (2) by the deflection member (508) below the objective lens (2).
Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the side surface shape of the objective lens (2) is a partial shape obtained by cutting out a part of the convex lens.

2. 2. Function expansion unit The function expansion unit of the present invention can be attached to and detached from an ophthalmic microscope, and the function of OCT can be added to the ophthalmic microscope.
The function expansion unit of the present invention includes an illumination optical system for illuminating the eye to be inspected, an observation optical system for the left eye for observing the eye to be inspected illuminated by the illumination optical system, and an observation optical system for the right eye. Function expansion used for the main body of an ophthalmic microscope provided with a system and an objective lens in which the optical axis of the observation optical system for the left eye and the optical axis of the observation optical system for the right eye of the observation optical system are transmitted in common. It is a unit, a joint part that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the ophthalmic microscope, an OCT optical system for inspecting the eye to be inspected by optical coherence stromography, and a signal light of the OCT optical system in the direction of the eye to be inspected. A deflection member for deflecting is stored, and when the function expansion unit is attached to the ophthalmologic microscope main body via the joint portion, the deflection member is located at a position intersecting the optical axis of the objective lens. It is characterized by being attached.
The function expansion unit of the present invention has a joint portion that can be attached to and detached from the ophthalmic microscope, and an OCT optical system for inspecting the eye to be inspected by optical coherence stromography. Through the joint portion, it can be attached between the objective lens provided in the ophthalmic microscope main body and the eye to be inspected, particularly below the objective lens, and the space under the ophthalmic microscope main body is expanded. It has a technical feature in terms of points.

The OCT optical system of the function expansion unit of the present invention is independent of the observation optical system of the ophthalmologic microscope, and has the effect of being able to be unitized and increasing the degree of freedom in optical design. Further, since the function expansion unit of the present invention can be attached to and detached from the ophthalmic microscope via the joint portion, there is an effect that the function of OCT can be easily added to the ophthalmic microscope.

The "joint portion" of the function expansion unit of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the function expansion unit and the ophthalmologic microscope can be attached and detached, and the present invention is not limited to these, but for example, fitting. It can be a joint part that is connected by alignment or a joint part that is connected by using screws.

Specific examples of the function expansion unit of the present invention include the function expansion unit (enclosed by the alternate long and short dash line indicated by reference numeral 7 in FIGS. 2 and 3) in the ophthalmic microscope of the first embodiment and the ophthalmic microscope of the second embodiment. As described as the part).

The ophthalmic microscope and the function expansion unit of the present invention are useful in the industry for manufacturing medical devices for ophthalmology.

The reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 to 10 indicate the following.
1 Ophthalmology microscope 2 Objective lens 3 Leg 4 Strut 51 1st arm 52 2nd arm 6 Ophthalmology microscope body 7 Function expansion unit 8 Optometry 9 Illumination light source 10 OCT unit 11 XY fine movement device 12 Eyepiece 13 Inverter 14 Lens barrel 15 Assistant microscope 16 Front lens position adjustment mechanism 17 Holding arm 18 Front lens 19 Foot switch 20 Display (OCT monitor)
71 1st function expansion unit 712 beam splitter 713 filter 714 imaging lens 715 CCD image sensor 716 arithmetic control unit 717 scanning unit 718 scanning control unit 719 synthesis unit, fiber coupler 72 2nd function expansion unit 722 arithmetic control unit 723 visible light source unit 724 Optical Fiber 725 Optical Fiber 726 Collimated Lens 727 Illumination Field Aperture 73 Intraoperative Observation Monitor 1001 OCT Light Source Unit 1002 Optical Fiber 1003 Polarization Controller 1004 Optical Fiber 1005 Fiber Coupler 1006 Optical Fiber 1007 Collimator 1008 Optical Path Length Compensation Member 1009 Dispersion Compensation Member 1010 Corner Cube 1011 Collimeter 1012 Optical Fiber 1013 Polarization Controller 1014 Optical Fiber 1015 Attenuator 1016 Optical Fiber 1017 Fiber Coupler 1018 Optical Fiber 1019 Optical Fiber 1020 Optical Fiber 1021 Detector 1101 Imaging Lens 1102 Reflection Mirror 1103 TV Camera 1103a Imaging Element 300 Illumination Optics System 301 Optical fiber 302 Emission light aperture 303 Condenser lens 304 Illumination field aperture 305 Collimated lens 306 Reflection mirror 400 Observation optical system 400L Observation optical system for left eye 400R Observation optical system for right eye 400S Sub-observation optical system 401 Variable magnification lens System 401a, 401b, 401c Zoom lens 402 Beam splitter 403 Imaging lens 404 Image erecting prism 405 Eye width adjustment prism 406 Field aperture 407 Eyepiece lens 408 Prism 408a Prism reflection surface 409 Imaging lens 410 Reflection mirror 411 Assistant eyepiece 500 OCT optical system 501 Optical fiber 503a Optical scanner 503b Optical scanner 504 Relay optical system 505 1st lens group 506 2nd lens group 507 OCT objective lens 508 Deflection member O Optical axis of objective lens O-300 Optical axis of illumination optical system O-400 Optical axis of observation optical system O-400L Optical axis of observation optical system for left eye O-400R Optical axis of observation optical system for right eye O-400S Optical axis of auxiliary observation optical system O-500 OCT Optical system Optical axis P-300 Optical path of illumination optical system P-400L Optical path of observation optical system for left eye P-400R Optical path of observation optical system for right eye P-500 Optical path of OCT optical system L0 Optical path output from OCT light source unit Interference light L S signal light LR reference light U0 front focal position

Claims (6)

An illumination optical system that illuminates the eye to be inspected, an observation optical system having an observation optical system for the left eye and an observation optical system for the right eye for observing the eye to be inspected illuminated by the illumination optical system, and the observation optical system. An ophthalmic microscope main body provided with an objective lens that transmits the optical axis of the observation optical system for the left eye and the optical axis of the observation optical system for the right eye in common.
An ophthalmologic microscope equipped with a function expansion unit equipped with an OCT optical system for inspecting the eye to be inspected by optical coherence tomography.
The objective lens has a partial shape of a circular lens or a shape in which a notch or a hole is provided in the circular lens.
The function expansion unit houses a deflection member for deflecting the signal light of the OCT optical system in the direction of the eye to be inspected.
The functional expansion unit is an ophthalmic microscope, characterized in that it is detachably attached between the objective lens included in the ophthalmic microscope main body and the eye to be inspected. The ophthalmologic microscope according to claim 1, wherein the function expansion unit is detachably attached to a lower portion of the objective lens included in the ophthalmology microscope main body. The ophthalmologic microscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deflection member is attached at a position intersecting the optical axis of the objective lens. The ophthalmologic microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the function expansion unit includes a visible light source unit for irradiating the eye to be inspected with aiming light. The ophthalmologic microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an OCT objective lens through which the optical axis of the OCT optical system is transmitted, in addition to the objective lens. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a removable front lens on the optical path between the eye to be inspected and the objective lens for observing the retina of the inspected eye. Optometry microscope.

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