One embodiment is directed to a method for interfacing an ophthalmic intervention system with an eye of a patient, comprising: placing a patient interface assembly comprising a housing, an optical lens coupled to the housing, and an eye engagement assembly coupled to the housing, the eye engagement assembly comprising an inner seal and an outer seal, into contact with the eye of the patient by sealably engaging the eye with the inner and outer seals in a vacuum zone defined between the inner and outer seals; applying a vacuum load between the inner and outer seals to engage the eye using the vacuum load; and physically limiting an amount of distension of the eye in the vacuum zone.