Ophthalmic device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to reduce operating sound and shock in an ophthalmic device for measuring intraocular pressure using a high-pressure gas. An ophthalmic device is provided with: a high-pressure gas cylinder (101) that continuously generates high-pressure gas; a pressure storage tank (104) for storing the high-pressure gas supplied from the high-pressure gas cylinder (101); a pressure regulator (103) that is disposed between the high-pressure cylinder (101) and the pressure storage tank (104) and that supplies the high-pressure air supplied by the high-pressure cylinder (101) to the pressure storage tank (104) in a state in which the high-pressure air is stabilized at a specific pressure; the nozzle 107 is connected with the pressure storage box 104 and is used for spraying high-pressure gas to the examined eye 200; and an electromagnetic valve (105) disposed between the pressure storage tank (104) and the nozzle (107).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic device for measuring intraocular pressure. Background Art

[0002] There is known a non-contact ophthalmic device that measures intraocular pressure by blowing air toward the eyeball and optically measuring the deformation of the eyeball at that time (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-237516 Summary of the invention Problem that the invention aims to solve In the conventional ophthalmic device for measuring intraocular pressure, a high-pressure gas is generated by a cylinder and blown to the eye to be examined. This structure has the problem that the examinee may be bothered by the sound and the impact during operation.

[0004] In this context, an object of the present invention is to reduce operating noise and shock in an ophthalmic device that measures intraocular pressure using high-pressure gas.

[0005] Means used to solve problems The present invention is an ophthalmic device. The ophthalmic device comprises: a high-pressure gas supply unit that continuously generates high-pressure gas; a pressure storage tank that stores the high-pressure gas supplied by the high-pressure gas supply unit; a pressure stabilization unit that keeps the internal pressure of the pressure storage tank at a specific value; a nozzle that is connected to the pressure storage tank and sprays the high-pressure gas to the eye to be examined; and a first opening and closing valve that is arranged between the pressure storage tank and the nozzle.

[0006] In the present invention, the following aspects are listed: the high-pressure gas supply unit is a high-pressure gas cylinder storing high-pressure gas; the high-pressure gas supply unit is a pump. In the present invention, the following aspects are listed: the pump generates a high-pressure air flow including a pulsating flow using a diaphragm.

[0007] In the present invention, the following embodiment is exemplified: the jetting of high-pressure gas toward the eye to be examined starts by opening the first opening and closing valve, and the jetting of high-pressure gas toward the eye to be examined stops by closing the first opening and closing valve.

[0008] In the present invention, the following forms are listed: a second opening and closing valve is arranged between the high-pressure gas supply unit and the pressure accumulation tank, and when the first opening and closing valve is closed and the second opening and closing valve is opened, the interior of the pressure accumulation tank is made into a specific high-pressure state. In this state, the second opening and closing valve is closed, and then the first opening and closing valve is opened, thereby spraying high-pressure gas from the nozzle toward the inspected eye.

[0009] Effects of the Invention According to the present invention, in an ophthalmologic apparatus that measures intraocular pressure using high-pressure gas, it is possible to reduce operating noise and shock. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an ophthalmic device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] 1. First Implementation Method structure Figure 1 The ophthalmologic apparatus 100 using the present invention is shown. The ophthalmologic apparatus 100 measures the intraocular pressure of the inspected eye 200 by blowing high-pressure air toward the inspected eye 200 and optically detecting the degree of deformation of the inspected eye 200 deformed by the air pressure. The principle is the same as that of the existing ophthalmologic apparatus.

[0014] The ophthalmic device 100 includes a high-pressure gas cylinder 101, which is a high-pressure gas supply unit that continuously generates high-pressure gas. Here, high pressure refers to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The high-pressure gas cylinder 101 stores compressed air.

[0015] A high pressure gas cylinder having an internal pressure greater than the maximum internal pressure of a pressure storage tank 104 described later is selected as the high pressure gas cylinder 101. For example, the gas stored in the high pressure gas cylinder 101 is air, but carbon dioxide gas or nitrogen gas may also be used.

[0016] As an example, the current intraocular pressure measurement device sprays about 3.3 mL of fluid into the eye at one time. Based on this premise, when using a commercially available micro CO2 cylinder (diameter 40 mm, length 134 mm, capacity 98 ml, internal pressure 41.7 MPa), it is estimated that about 12,000 sprays can be performed.

[0017] The high-pressure gas cylinder 101 is connected to a pressure regulator 103 as a pressure stabilizing unit via a pipe 102 . The high-pressure air supplied from the high-pressure gas cylinder 101 is supplied to a pressure storage tank (accumulator) 104 via the pressure regulator 103 .

[0018] The high-pressure gas cylinder 101 side of the pressure regulator 103 is the input side, and the pressure storage tank 104 side is the output side. The pressure regulator 103 has the following function: when the pressure on the input side is greater than the pressure on the output side, the pressure on the output side (the internal pressure of the pressure storage tank 104) is maintained at a specified value. The pressure regulator 103 uses a commercially available product.

[0019] The pressure accumulator tank 104 stores air having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure regulated by the pressure regulator 103 .

[0020] The volume of the pressure storage tank 104 is set to have a sufficient volume relative to the amount (volume) of air blown from the nozzle 107 toward the eye 200 to be examined. In this case, the amount of air blown from the nozzle 107 toward the eye 200 to be examined is adjusted by adjusting the timing of closing the electromagnetic valve 105.

[0021] The pressure storage tank 104 is airtight and connected to an air chamber 106 via an electromagnetic valve 105. The air chamber 106 is connected to a nozzle 107 for blowing high-pressure air toward the eye 200 to be examined.

[0022] The ophthalmologic apparatus 100 includes a measuring optical system 108. The measuring optical system 108 includes a light emitting unit for measuring light and a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light from the eye to be examined 200. The measuring light emitted by the light emitting unit in the measuring optical system 108 is irradiated to the eye to be examined 200 via the light transmitting units 109 and 110, and the reflected light is received by the light receiving unit in the measuring optical system 108.

[0023] Principles of intraocular pressure measurement While the above-mentioned measurement light is irradiated to the inspected eye 200, high-pressure air is blown from the nozzle 107 toward the inspected eye 200. At this time, the eyeball of the inspected eye 200 is deformed by the pressure of the high-pressure air. Specifically, the surface of the inspected eye is deformed in the form of convex → flat → concave, and the light amount of the reflected light from the inspected eye 200 also changes accordingly.

[0024] The relationship between the change in the amount of reflected light and the intraocular pressure is acquired in advance using a standard model eye, and the intraocular pressure of the inspected eye 200 is calculated by applying the actual change in the amount of reflected light from the inspected eye 200 to this relationship. This is the basic principle of intraocular pressure measurement by the ophthalmic apparatus 100, which is the same as the principle of conventional intraocular pressure measurement.

[0025] Order of determination First, with the electromagnetic valve 105 closed, high-pressure air is supplied from the high-pressure gas cylinder 101 to the pressure accumulator tank 104 so that the pressure in the pressure accumulator tank 104 is a preset pressure. The pressure is determined by adjusting the pressure regulator 103. The internal pressure of the pressure accumulator tank 104 is determined by the pressure and amount of high-pressure air sprayed from the nozzle 107 to the eye to be examined.

[0026] When the pressure storage tank 104 reaches a predetermined internal pressure, high-pressure air can be blown from the nozzle 107 toward the eye to be examined 200. In this state, if the solenoid valve 105 is opened, the high-pressure air in the pressure storage tank 104 moves to the air chamber 106, and the high-pressure air is blown from the nozzle 107 toward the eye to be examined 200.

[0027] Here, the amount of air ejected from the nozzle 107 is controlled by closing the electromagnetic valve 105 at an appropriate timing. As a method of determining the timing of closing the electromagnetic valve 105, there are a method of closing the electromagnetic valve 105 after a predetermined time has passed since it was opened, a method of closing the electromagnetic valve 105 based on a change in the intensity of the reflected light from the subject's eye 200, and the like. As a specific example of the latter method, for example, the stage where the surface of the subject's eye 200 becomes flat (the amount of reflected light is the maximum) is optically detected, and the electromagnetic valve 105 is closed based on this.

[0028] The duration of high-pressure air ejected from the nozzle 107 is about 400 μs to 2000 μs (within a certain range due to its relationship with the pressure). As the solenoid valve 105 , a solenoid valve capable of opening and closing is selected.

[0029] Advantages The ophthalmic device 100 comprises: a high-pressure gas cylinder 101, which continuously generates high-pressure gas; a pressure accumulator tank 104, which stores the high-pressure gas supplied by the high-pressure gas cylinder 101; a pressure regulator 103, which is arranged between the high-pressure gas cylinder 101 and the pressure accumulator tank 104, and is a pressure stabilization unit that makes the internal pressure of the pressure accumulator tank 104 a preset specific pressure, and supplies the high-pressure air supplied by the high-pressure gas cylinder 101 to the pressure accumulator tank 104 in a state stabilized at a specific pressure; a nozzle 107, which is connected to the pressure accumulator tank 104, and sprays high-pressure gas to the inspected eye 200; and a solenoid valve 105, which is arranged between the pressure accumulator tank 104 and the nozzle 107.

[0030] In this structure, when high-pressure air is sprayed toward the inspected eye 200, only the electromagnetic valve is movable, so that it is possible to achieve quietness and low impact. In addition, the occurrence of vibration during operation is suppressed, so the alignment error of the nozzle 107 axis away from the inspected eye 200 is suppressed. In addition, if the operation sound and impact are generated, the examinee may have a physiological reaction (being startled and moving around) or discomfort, but since the operation sound and impact are suppressed, the occurrence of these problems is also suppressed.

[0031] In addition, since there is no return mechanism as there is when a piston is used, the problem of tear droplets being sucked into the nozzle does not occur. As a result, the effects of suppressing infection and suppressing contamination in the nozzle and the air chamber can be achieved. In addition, since there is no mechanical action mechanism other than the solenoid valve, the reliability is high. In addition, the number of parts is small, and the overall size can be miniaturized. Therefore, a portable ophthalmic device can be realized.

[0032] As the number of times of use increases, the internal pressure of the high-pressure gas cylinder 101 gradually decreases, and the output characteristics change. In this example, the pressure applied to the pressure accumulator tank 104 is maintained at a predetermined value by the pressure regulator 103, so that the decrease or change in the output pressure caused by the decrease in the internal pressure of the high-pressure gas cylinder 101 is suppressed from affecting the behavior of the high-pressure air ejected from the nozzle 107.

[0033] 2. Second Implementation In this example, the amount of the pressure accumulation tank 104 is set according to the amount (volume) of air blown from the nozzle 107 toward the eye to be examined 200 . In addition, a solenoid valve 111 is added between the pressure accumulation tank 104 and the pressure regulator 103 .

[0034] First, with the electromagnetic valve 105 closed and the electromagnetic valve 111 open, high-pressure air is delivered from the high-pressure gas cylinder 101 to the pressure accumulator tank 104 via the pressure regulator 103, so that the internal pressure of the pressure accumulator tank 104 is a preset pressure.

[0035] When the internal pressure of the pressure accumulator tank 104 reaches a preset pressure, the electromagnetic valve 111 is closed. Then, by opening the electromagnetic valve 105, the high-pressure air stored in the pressure accumulator tank 104 moves to the air chamber 106, and the high-pressure air is ejected from the nozzle 107.

[0036] At this time, the volume and internal pressure setting values ​​of the pressure accumulation tank 104 are determined in advance so that the amount and air pressure of the air ejected to the outside from the nozzle 107 become specific amounts.

[0037] 3. Third Implementation A micro pump (micro blower) 112 may also be used as a source of high pressure air supply. The micro pump 112 utilizes a piezoelectric element to drive a diaphragm, and utilizes the movement of the diaphragm to eject gas. Other types of pumps may also be used as pumps. A pump and a high pressure gas cylinder may also be used together.

[0038] In addition, some micro pumps have a check valve, while others do not. When using a micro pump 112 without a check valve, it is necessary to set the electromagnetic valve 111. In this case, a solenoid valve or a check valve (not shown) may be arranged between the micro pump 112 and the pressure regulator 103 instead of the electromagnetic valve 111. When the micro pump 112 has a check valve, a structure in which a solenoid valve or a check valve is not arranged between the micro pump 112 and the pressure accumulator tank 104 may also be used.

[0039] The micro pump 112 only needs to increase the pressure over time, and does not need to pump in a short time. Since it does not need to pump in a short time, the micro pump 112 can be silent and can work while suppressing impact. In addition, a small micro pump can be used as the micro pump 112. In addition, since the high-pressure air temporarily stored in the pressure storage tank 104 is ejected from the nozzle 107 to the eye to be examined 200, even if a pulsating flow is generated in the micro pump 112, it will not affect the eye to be examined 200.

[0040] 4. Fourth Implementation Figure 2 The case where the pressure accumulator tank 104 has a function of maintaining the internal pressure at a predetermined value is shown. In this case, the pressure regulator 103 does not need to be provided (of course, it can also be used at the same time). In this case, the pressure accumulator tank 104 has a pressure sensor 113 for detecting the internal pressure and an electromagnetic valve 114 that opens and closes based on the internal pressure of the pressure accumulator tank 104 detected by the pressure sensor 113.

[0041] When the high-pressure gas supply unit (high-pressure gas cylinder 101 or micro pump 112) supplies high-pressure gas to the pressure accumulator tank 104, when the internal pressure of the pressure accumulator tank 104 is about to exceed the preset set value, this is detected by the pressure sensor 113, and the solenoid valve 114 is opened. As a result, the internal pressure of the pressure accumulator tank 104 is released and adjusted to not exceed the set value.

[0042] In addition, when the pressure accumulator tank 104 is about to fall below a preset setting value while the high-pressure gas is being supplied from the high-pressure gas supply unit and the electromagnetic valve 114 is open, this is detected by the pressure sensor 113, and the electromagnetic valve 114 is closed, so that the pressure accumulator tank 104 is adjusted to not fall below the preset setting value. By dynamically performing these adjustments, the pressure accumulator tank 104 is maintained at a specified value.

[0043] In this structure, when a micro pump 112 without a check valve is used as the high-pressure gas supply unit, it is necessary to provide an electromagnetic valve 111 (or a check valve) between the micro pump 112 and the pressure storage tank 104. When the micro pump has a check valve, it is not necessary to provide the electromagnetic valve 111. When a high-pressure gas cylinder 101 is used as the high-pressure gas supply unit, it is necessary to provide the electromagnetic valve 111.

[0044] 5. Fifth Implementation A structure in which a plurality of micro pumps are provided may also be employed. Figure 3 An example of a plurality of micro pumps arranged in series is shown. Figure 1 This embodiment can also be applied to Figure 2 structure.

[0045] Figure 3 The example in which the micro pumps 121 and 122 are connected in series is shown. By connecting a plurality of micro pumps in series, the pressure of the ejected gas can be increased. The number of micro pumps connected in series can be two or more, depending on the required pressure.

[0046] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, multiple micro pumps can also be configured in parallel. Figure 3 The example in which the micro pumps 131 and 132 are connected in parallel is shown. By connecting a plurality of micro pumps in parallel, the flow rate of the ejected gas can be increased.

[0047] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, it is also possible to first prepare a structure formed by connecting a plurality of micro pumps in series, and then connect these structures in parallel. Figure 3 An example is shown in which a structure in which micro pumps 141 and 142 are connected in series is connected in parallel with a structure in which micro pumps 151 and 152 are connected in series. This structure can increase the pressure and flow rate of the ejected (sent) gas.

[0048] Description of Reference Numerals 100…ophthalmic device for measuring intraocular pressure, 101…high-pressure gas cylinder, 102…pipe, 103…pressure regulator, 104…pressure storage tank (accumulator), 105…solenoid valve, 106…air chamber, 107…nozzle, 108…measuring optical system, 109…light transmitting portion, 110…light transmitting portion, 111…solenoid valve, 112…micro pump, 113…pressure sensor, 114…solenoid valve, 200…examined eye, 121…micro pump, 122…micro pump, 131…micro pump, 132…micro pump, 141…micro pump, 142…micro pump, 151…micro pump, 152…micro pump.

Claims

1. An ophthalmic device, wherein: have: A high-pressure gas supply unit for continuously generating high-pressure gas; a pressure accumulator tank for storing the high-pressure gas supplied by the high-pressure gas supply unit; A pressure stabilization unit, which makes the internal pressure of the pressure accumulator tank be a specific value; a nozzle connected to the pressure accumulator tank for spraying high-pressure gas toward the eye to be examined; as well as The first on-off valve is disposed between the pressure accumulation tank and the nozzle.

2. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1, wherein: The high-pressure gas supply unit is a high-pressure gas storage cylinder storing high-pressure gas.

3. The ophthalmic device according to claim 1, wherein: The high-pressure gas supply unit is a pump.

4. The ophthalmic device according to claim 3, wherein: The pump utilizes a diaphragm to generate a high-pressure air flow including a pulsating flow.

5. The ophthalmic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: By opening the first on-off valve, high-pressure gas starts to be ejected toward the eye to be examined. Then, the first opening and closing valve is closed to stop the jetting of the high-pressure gas toward the eye to be examined.

6. The ophthalmic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: A second opening and closing valve is arranged between the high-pressure gas supply unit and the pressure accumulation tank. When the first opening and closing valve is closed and the second opening and closing valve is opened, the interior of the pressure accumulation tank is brought into a specific high-pressure state. In this state, the second opening and closing valve is closed and then the first opening and closing valve is opened, thereby spraying high-pressure gas from the nozzle toward the eye to be examined.

7. The ophthalmic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The pressure accumulator tank is provided with: a pressure sensor for detecting the internal pressure of the pressure accumulator tank; and a third opening and closing valve for opening and closing so as to maintain the internal pressure at a predetermined value.

8. The ophthalmic device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: The pump is a plurality of micro pumps connected to each other in series and / or in parallel.

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