Biomedical Devices for the Eyes
Cross section of the human eye.Copyright National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/eyediagram/eyeimages4.asp
Students examine the structure and function of the human eye, learning some amazing features about our eyes, which provide us with sight and an understanding of our surroundings. Students also learn about some common eye problems and the biomedical devices and medical procedures that resolve or help to lessen the effects of these vision deficiencies, including vision correction surgery. Students get to explore their own design process through the associated activity to help prevent sport related eye injuries.
Biomedical engineers tackle some of the most difficult challenges, such as correcting and rebuilding non-functioning body parts. The biomedical devices that engineers create directly impact and help people. This includes prescription glasses and contact lenses, the equipment and tools to test your vision, as well as the microkeratome and excimer lasers used in LASIK eye surgery. Because of these modern engineering marvels, people who previously could not see clearly are now able to see perfectly. And, with some innovative engineering devices, people who could not see at all are able to see shapes and images.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain how the cornea is altered during vision correction surgery.
- Describe several biomedical devices used today to correct and improve our vision, identify constraints to the problem, and explain how they are used.
- Explain how biomedical engineers can help people who have problems with their eyesight.