Device and System for Measuring Eyelid Tension

Abstract

A device for measuring eyelid tension includes: a cylindrical main body; a measurement sensor formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body; and a contact portion formed at the longitudinal distal end of the main body to contact the body of the person to be measured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for measuring eyelid tension and a system for measuring eyelid tension. Background Art

[0002] The eyeball has an internal pressure that resists the external atmosphere. This internal pressure is called intraocular pressure. The shape of the eyeball can be maintained by the intraocular pressure. For example, the eyeball can have a spherical shape. The cornea surrounds the front part of the eyeball. When the cornea has a uniform thickness, there is no problem in maintaining the shape of the cornea. In addition, even when the thickness of the cornea is slightly changed due to refractive surgery, when the cornea can sufficiently resist the intraocular pressure, there is no problem in maintaining the functional shape of the cornea. However, when the intraocular pressure is excessively increased or the resistance of the eyeball (especially the cornea) is weakened due to various factors, deformation of the eyeball may occur. For example, keratoconus or corneal ectasia is a disease in which a part of the cornea protrudes in a conical shape and is accompanied by various inconveniences such as a decrease in both corrected and uncorrected visual acuity.

[0003] In fact, the force applied to the eyeball by the upper eyelid rather than the lower eyelid can be considered a more important factor. However, the degree of influence can vary according to the characteristics of individual eyelids. Therefore, since eyelid tension directly acts on the eyeball, eyelid tension can be considered an important factor in refractive surgery related to the cornea or the treatment of corneal-related diseases. Eyelid tension also increases the pressure applied to the eyeball, thereby causing an increase in intraocular pressure. However, devices capable of objectively measuring eyelid tension have not been fully developed, and research on how to use the measured values of eyelid tension is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Corneal ectasia is the most serious complication that occurs during LASIK / LASEK surgery. In order to prevent corneal ectasia, the thickness of the cornea should be fixed thicker during the surgery. In addition, when the external pressure applied to the eyeball decreases after the surgery, this will also reduce the risk of corneal ectasia. Therefore, in order to predict in advance the possibility of postoperative corneal ectasia, it is necessary to measure the eyelid tension of all patients in view of LASIK / LASEK surgery.

[0005] The devices developed for measuring eyelid tension are very large and complex. When there is a slight error in the initial setting, there is a high probability of an error in the measured value, and it takes a lot of time and effort for a doctor to measure eyelid tension during treatment.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device for measuring eyelid tension, which can measure the eyelid tension of a user by forming a measurement sensor on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical body.

[0007] A device for measuring eyelid tension according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cylindrical body, a measurement sensor formed on an outer circumferential surface of the body, and a contact portion formed at a longitudinal distal end of the body to contact the body of a person to be measured.

[0008] In one embodiment, the measurement sensor may include a tension sensor or a pressure sensor formed in a circumferential direction of the body.

[0009] In one embodiment, the measurement sensor may be configured to be disposed between an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid of a person to be measured and measure the eyelid tension of the person to be measured.

[0010] In one embodiment, the body may include: a first body at which the measurement sensor is formed; and a second body at which the contact portion is formed, and the second body is formed radially inwardly from the first body.

[0011] In one embodiment, a space spaced apart in a radial direction between the first body and the second body may be formed between the first body and the second body.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device for measuring eyelid tension may further include an air inlet installed in the space and configured to apply a negative suction pressure to the space.

[0013] A system for measuring eyelid tension according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: at least one device for measuring eyelid tension; a controller to which at least one device for measuring eyelid tension is installed; and a mounting device on which the controller is mounted.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mounting device may include: a mounting portion at which the controller is mounted; and a joystick configured to control the movement of the mounting portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the controller may include a display configured to display the eyelid tension measured by the measurement sensor.

[0016] In one embodiment, the body may include: a first body at which the measurement sensor is formed; and a second body at which the contact portion is formed, and the second body is formed radially inwardly from the first body.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one device for measuring eyelid tension may include a plurality of devices for measuring eyelid tension, wherein the thickness of the first body is formed to be different for each device.

[0018] In one embodiment, among a plurality of devices for measuring eyelid tension, the thickness of the second body may be formed to be the same for each device.

[0019] In one embodiment, a space in which the first body and the second body are spaced apart in the radial direction may be formed between the first body and the second body.

[0020] In one embodiment, the device for measuring eyelid tension may further include an air inlet installed in the space and configured to apply a negative suction pressure to the space.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to overcome the problems described in the above conventional methods, eyelid tension may be evaluated by measuring the amount of force required during eyelid closure, which includes the blinking force and muscle tension in the basic static state of the orbicularis oculi muscle that constitutes the eyelid.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the process of mounting the device for measuring eyelid tension on the eye is very simple. The problem that the eyelid tension measured according to the conventional method only reflects a part of the eyelid can be solved without being seriously affected by the movement of the patient's head or body (for example, when the patient's head or body moves excessively, the suction on the attachment part can be easily released to prevent damage to the eyeball). The reproducibility or reliability of the measured value of eyelid tension can be significantly improved.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since eyelid tension can be objectively evaluated, the effectiveness of the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus, corneal ectasia, and regular and irregular astigmatism, which are greatly affected by eyelid tension, can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a device for measuring eyelid tension according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 is a state showing the process of bringing the device for measuring eyelid tension into contact with the eyeball of a person to be measured as viewed from the front according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 is a state showing the process of bringing the device for measuring eyelid tension into contact with the eyeball of a person to be measured as viewed from the side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the device for measuring eyelid tension according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted at the mounting device.

[0028] Figure 5It is a perspective view showing a device for measuring eyelid tension having different diameters of sizes.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a state where a device for measuring eyelid tension having different diameters of sizes is installed at a rotary coupling part. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] For the purpose of explaining the technical idea of the present disclosure, embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The scope of the rights according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below or the detailed descriptions of these embodiments.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms and scientific terms used in the present disclosure have the meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. All terms used in the present disclosure are selected for the purpose of more clearly describing the present disclosure, rather than being selected to limit the scope of the rights according to the present disclosure.

[0032] As used in the present disclosure, expressions such as "including", "comprising", "having", etc. will be understood as open - ended terms having the possibility of including other embodiments, unless otherwise mentioned with respect to the phrase or sentence containing such an expression.

[0033] Unless otherwise stated, the singular expressions described in the present disclosure may include plural expressions, which also applies to the singular expressions in the claims.

[0034] Expressions such as "first", "second", etc. shown in the present disclosure are used to distinguish multiple elements from each other, and are not intended to limit the order or importance of the corresponding elements.

[0035] The expression "based on" used herein is used to describe one or more factors that affect the action of a decision, determination, or operation described in a phrase or sentence including the relevant expression, and this expression does not exclude additional factors that affect the decision, determination, or operation of the action.

[0036] When a specific component is described herein as being "coupled to" or "connected to" another component, this should be understood to mean that the specific component can be directly coupled or connected to the other component, or the specific component can be coupled or connected to the other component via a new intermediate component.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or related components are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following description of the embodiments, repeated descriptions of the same or related components will be omitted. However, even if the description of a component is omitted, it is not intended to exclude such a component from the embodiments.

[0038] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a device 1 for measuring eyelid tension according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] The device 1 for measuring eyelid tension may include a main body 10, a measurement sensor 20 formed on an outer circumferential surface of the main body 10, and a contact portion 30 formed at a longitudinal distal end of the main body 10.

[0040] The main body 10 may have a cylindrical shape. The main body 10 may include a first main body 11 and a second main body 12, the measurement sensor 20 is formed at the first main body, the contact portion 30 is formed at the second main body, and the second main body is formed radially inwardly from the first main body 11. The contact portion 30 may be formed on a distal surface of the second main body 12. Meanwhile, based on the longitudinal direction, a distal surface of the first main body 11 and a distal surface of the second main body 12 may be formed at the same position (i.e., at the same height in the same plane).

[0041] The measurement sensor 20 may be provided as, for example, a tension sensor or a pressure sensor. The measurement sensor 20 may be formed in a circumferential direction on an outer circumferential surface of the first main body 11. The measurement sensor 20 may be configured to be in direct contact with an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid of a person to be measured.

[0042] A space 13 formed by the first main body 11 and the second main body 12 being spaced apart in the radial direction may be formed between the first main body 11 and the second main body 12. An air inlet 40 may be disposed in the space 13. The air inlet 40 may be configured to guide an air flow such that air flows toward the contact portion 30 based on the longitudinal direction. That is, the air inlet 40 may aspirate an edge region of a cornea / conjunctiva of a person to be measured by a negative suction pressure. In this case, a flat portion of the contact portion 30 contacts the cornea of the person to be measured, so that the device 1 for measuring eyelid tension can be fixed to the eyeball of the person to be measured.

[0043] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a state of a process of bringing the device 1 for measuring eyelid tension into contact with an eyeball of a person to be measured as viewed from the front of the person to be measured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 FIG. 3 shows a state of a process of placing the device 1 for measuring eyelid tension into contact with an eyeball of a person to be measured as viewed from the side of the person to be measured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3, First, the face of the person to be measured comes into contact with the mounting device 100. Then, the measurer's hand opens the eyelids of the person to be measured. Next, in the direction where the contact portion 30 of the device 1 for measuring eyelid tension faces the eyeball of the person to be measured, the device 1 for measuring eyelid tension is arranged such that the contact portion 30 is adjacent to the cornea of the eyeball. Next, when the air intake port 40 configured to suck air into the space between the first main body 11 and the second main body 12 is operated, the contact portion 30 comes into contact with the cornea of the eyeball. In this case, when the measurer removes his or her hand from the eyelids of the person to be measured and the person to be measured closes their eyes, the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid come into contact with and press the measurement sensor 20.

[0045] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the device 1 for measuring eyelid tension according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted at the mounting device 100. The device 1 for measuring eyelid tension can be mounted at the controller 200. The controller 200 can be mounted at the mounting device 100. The mounting device 100 can have the shape of, for example, a slit lamp microscope. In this embodiment, the system for measuring eyelid tension can be understood to include the device 1 for measuring eyelid tension, the controller 200, and the mounting device 100.

[0046] The mounting device 100 can include a mounting portion 110 and a joystick 120. The controller 200 is mounted at the mounting portion, and the joystick is configured to control the movement of the mounting portion 110. The joystick 120 can control the movement of the mounting portion 110 in the forward, backward, and left / right directions. When the joystick 120 is rotated, the mounting portion 110 can move in the up / down direction.

[0047] The controller 200 can be designed to be attachable to and detachable from the mounting portion 110. On the other hand, for similarity with a slit lamp microscope, the controller 200 can be integrally manufactured with the mounting portion 110. However, even in this case, a joystick 120 configured to control the movement of the mounting portion 110 using a principle similar to that of a slit lamp microscope can be provided to be able to move and finely adjust the mounting portion 110 in the up / down and left / right directions.

[0048] The controller 200 can include a display 210 configured to display the eyelid tension measured by the device 1 for measuring eyelid tension.

[0049] The controller 200 can be connected to an external analysis device (not shown) (e.g., a computer) through a line to send the eyelid tension data measured by the device 1 for measuring eyelid tension to the external analysis device (not shown).

[0050] As another example, a wireless communication module (not shown) may be installed within the controller 200. The wireless communication module (not shown) may transmit the eyelid tension data measured by the device 1 for measuring eyelid tension to an external analysis device (not shown) using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

[0051] Figure 5 FIG. is a perspective view showing the devices 1A and 1B for measuring eyelid tension having different diameter sizes.

[0052] In Figure 5 the thickness B1 of the first main body 11A of the device 1A for measuring eyelid tension is shown on the upper side, and in Figure 5 the thickness B2 of the first main body 11B of the device 1B for measuring eyelid tension is shown on the lower side. The thickness B1 of the first main body 11A may be formed to be different from the thickness B2 of the first main body 11B. Referring to Figure 5 the thickness B2 may be formed to be larger than the thickness B1. Additionally, here, the sizes of the second main bodies 12A and 12B may be the same as each other.

[0053] In this way, when the thicknesses B1 and B2 are formed to be different from each other while the diameters R1 and R2 of the second main bodies 12A and 12B are configured to be the same, individual differences in the eyelid fissure (the opening between the upper and lower eyelids in daily life) can be compensated for. That is, the first main body 11B having the thickness B2 can be selected for a person inherently having a relatively large eyelid fissure size. The first main body 11A having the thickness B1 can be selected for a person having a relatively small eyelid fissure size.

[0054] However, the size of the device for measuring eyelid tension selected for different sizes of the human eyelid fissure may vary according to the determination of the measurer. Therefore, the thickness B of the first main body 11 may be set to three sizes, B1, B2, and B3, and then for each person to be measured, three eyelid tension data can be obtained by measuring the eyelid tension using the first main body 11 with three different thicknesses. A sample can be analyzed based on these three eyelid tension data.

[0055] On the other hand, the eyelid tension can be measured by adopting a thickness B of an appropriate size and only setting one thickness capable of measuring the eyelid tension of all persons to be measured. In this case, by appropriately adjusting the size of the thickness B, an option of measuring the eyelid tension of the person to be measured at once can be selected.

[0056] Meanwhile, referring to Figure 3 the contact portions 30A and 30B may be formed as flat surfaces. However, the contact portions may also be formed as concave curved surfaces to fit the shape of the cornea and better contact the cornea (i.e., better adhere to the cornea).

[0057] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a state in which devices 1A, 1B, and 1C for measuring eyelid tension having different diameters are mounted at a rotary coupling portion 50.

[0058] Figure 6 The rotary coupling portion 50 shown in the figure may have, for example, a flange shape. The outer surface of the flange shape may have a circular shape. Here, the devices 1A, 1B, and 1C for measuring eyelid tension may be arranged to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the disk, and the devices 1A, 1B, and 1C have three different sizes B1, B2, and B3.

[0059] Reference Figure 4 , the rotary coupling portion 50 may be mounted at a controller 200, and the devices 1A, 1B, and 1C for measuring eyelid tension are coupled to the rotary coupling portion 50. Each of the devices 1A, 1B, and 1C for measuring eyelid tension may be electrically connected to the controller 200.

[0060] In the case where multiple devices 1A, 1B, and 1C for measuring eyelid tension are needed, when there is no rotary coupling portion 50, it is necessary to replace the devices 1A, 1B, and 1C for measuring eyelid tension at the controller 200 each time. However, according to Figure 6 the embodiment shown in the figure, by rotating the rotary coupling portion 50 in the axial direction, each of the devices 1A, 1B, and 1C for measuring eyelid tension can be selectively used as needed.

[0061] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to some embodiments and examples shown in the drawings, it should be noted that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can understand that various substitutions, modifications, and changes can exist without departing from the technical idea and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, these substitutions, modifications, and changes should be construed as falling within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An apparatus for measuring eyelid tension, comprising: A cylindrical body; A measurement sensor formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body and configured to be disposed between the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of a person to be measured to measure the eyelid tension by the pressure of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid; And A contact portion formed at the longitudinal distal end of the body to contact the eyeball of the person to be measured between the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The measurement sensor includes a tension sensor or a pressure sensor formed in the circumferential direction of the body.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body includes: A first body where the measurement sensor is formed; And A second body where the contact portion is formed and the second body is formed radially inwardly from the first body.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein, A space is formed between the first body and the second body which are spaced apart in the radial direction.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an air inlet installed in the space and configured to apply a negative suction pressure to the space.

6. A system for measuring eyelid tension, comprising: The apparatus for measuring eyelid tension according to claim 1 or 2, the number of the apparatus for measuring eyelid tension being at least one; A controller, at least one apparatus for measuring eyelid tension being installed at the controller; and A mounting device, the controller being mounted on the mounting device.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the mounting device includes: A mounting portion where the controller is mounted; And A joystick configured to control the movement of the mounting portion.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein The controller includes a display configured to display the eyelid tension measured by the measurement sensor.

9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the body includes: A first body where the measurement sensor is formed; And 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, A second body where the contact portion is formed, and the second body is formed radially inwardly from the first body.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, At least one apparatus for measuring eyelid tension includes a plurality of apparatuses for measuring eyelid tension, wherein the thickness of the first body is formed to be different for each apparatus.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein Among the plurality of apparatuses for measuring eyelid tension, the thickness of the second body is formed to be the same for each apparatus.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, A space is formed between the first body and the second body which are spaced apart in the radial direction. The apparatus for measuring eyelid tension further includes an air inlet installed in the space and configured to apply a negative suction pressure to the space.

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