Measurement of ocular tissue biomechanics via blink stimulation

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for measuring ocular tissue biomechanics via blink stimulation. In some embodiments, a method may be performed by a computer in communication with an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device. The method includes monitoring movement relative to an eye of a patient via one or more images from a camera. The method also includes detecting a blink of the eye of the patient in response to the monitoring. The method further includes, in response to the detected blink, recording data resulting from a scan of at least a portion of the tissue of the eye by the OCT device. The method further includes measuring a response of the tissue to the detected blink based on the recorded data from the scan.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 582,290, filed September 13, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Tissue biomechanics (e.g., corneal biomechanics) can play a crucial role in understanding, diagnosing, and treating eye diseases such as glaucoma, keratoconus, and ectasia. However, biomechanical measurements typically require external stimulation of the patient's eye. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to diagnostic systems and methods, and more specifically to systems and methods for measuring ocular tissue biomechanics via blinking stimulation.

[0004] In some embodiments, a general aspect includes a method for measuring ocular tissue biomechanics via blink stimulation. The method may be performed by a computer in communication with an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device. The method includes monitoring movement of the patient's eye relative to one or more images from a camera. The method also includes detecting blinks of the patient's eye in response to the monitoring. The method further includes recording data generated by scanning at least a portion of the eye's tissues with the OCT device in response to a detected blink. The method also includes measuring the tissue's response to the detected blink based on the recorded data from the scan.

[0005] In some embodiments, another general aspect includes a system for measuring ocular tissue biomechanics via blink stimulation. The system includes an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device. The system also includes a first camera operable to provide one or more images of a patient's eye. The system further includes a computer communicatively coupled to the OCT device and the first camera, wherein the computer is operable to monitor movement relative to the patient's eye via one or more images from the first camera. The computer is also operable to detect blinks of the patient's eye in response to the monitoring. The computer is also operable to record data generated by scanning at least a portion of the ocular tissue by the OCT device in response to a detected blink. The computer is also operable to measure the tissue's response to the detected blink based on the recorded data from the scan.

[0006] In some embodiments, another general aspect includes a computer program product. The computer program product includes a non-transitory computer-usable medium containing computer-readable program code adapted to be executed to implement a method. The method includes monitoring movement of a patient's eye relative to one or more images from a camera. The method also includes detecting blinking of the patient's eye in response to the monitoring. The method further includes recording data generated by scanning at least a portion of tissue of the eye using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device in response to the detected blink. The method also includes measuring the tissue's response to the detected blink based on the recorded data from the scan. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To gain a detailed understanding of how the features described above are implemented, the disclosure can be described in more detail with reference to embodiments (some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings). However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, and may allow for other equally effective embodiments.

[0008] Figure 1A Example configurations of ophthalmic diagnostic systems according to certain embodiments of this disclosure are shown.

[0009] Figure 1B Another example configuration of an ophthalmic diagnostic system according to certain embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 This is based on certain embodiments of the disclosure. Figures 1A to 1B A block diagram of the various components of an ophthalmic diagnostic system.

[0011] Figure 3 Example aspects of an ophthalmic diagnostic system according to certain embodiments of this disclosure are shown.

[0012] Figure 4 Examples of procedures for measuring corneal biomechanics via blinking stimulation, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure, are shown.

[0013] Figure 5 Examples of procedures for measuring corneal biomechanics via blink stimulation in a multi-camera system, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure, are shown.

[0014] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been used where possible to refer to the same elements common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment can be advantageously combined in other embodiments without further description. Detailed Implementation

[0015] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and these embodiments will be described using specific language. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Any changes and further modifications to the described systems, devices, apparatuses, and methods, as well as any further applications of the principles of this disclosure, are fully contemplated and would normally occur to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In particular, features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other embodiments of this disclosure. For simplicity, in some cases, the same reference numerals are used in all the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0016] Ocular biomechanics, including corneal biomechanics (e.g., corneal stiffness), plays a crucial role in understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases such as glaucoma, keratoconus, and ectasia. Detailed clinical evaluation of corneal biomechanics has the potential to revolutionize the ophthalmology industry, for example, by enabling personalized LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and cataract surgery.

[0017] One way to measure corneal biomechanics is to capture the cornea's response to external forces. For example, to measure corneal stiffness, a device can apply a high-pressure air pulse to induce large corneal displacements (e.g., greater than 2 mm). However, large corneal displacements often have significant nonlinear components, which can hinder the device from accurately measuring corneal stiffness. Furthermore, the magnitude of corneal deformation is affected by the stability of the air pulse source.

[0018] This disclosure describes an example of measuring corneal biomechanics via blinking stimulation. The blinking process typically involves eyelid movement, specifically the rapid closing and opening of the eyelids. In this way, pressure can be generated on the corneal surface of the eye by relying on the eyelid movement associated with blinking. It is recognized herein that, in various embodiments, the pressure generated by blinking is high enough to be used to generate measurements using, for example, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device. In particular, the pressure generated by blinking typically causes movement or vibration of the cornea of ​​the eye, and therefore, in various embodiments, this pressure can be used as a stimulation method for measuring corneal biomechanics. Advantageously, in some embodiments, since the pressure generated by blinking is a natural human process, no external stimulation device is required. Specific examples will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] For illustrative purposes, this disclosure describes various examples relating to the measurement of corneal biomechanics. However, it should be understood that similar principles apply to the measurement of biomechanics in other parts and / or other tissues of the eye.

[0020] Figure 1A, Figure 1B and Figure 2 Examples of an ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 according to certain embodiments are shown. The ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 can be used for different types of diagnostic and treatment procedures. For example, the ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 can be used for the diagnosis or treatment of glaucoma, keratoconus, and / or ectasia. Additionally or alternatively, the ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 can be used to provide data support for personalized LASIK or cataract surgery.

[0021] Figure 1A The configuration 100A of the ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 is shown. Specifically, Figure 1A The head 6 of a patient 42 lying on bed 8 is shown. In the example shown, the ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 includes one or more cameras 38 and components 39, wherein an imaging beam leaves the ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 and travels through area 41 toward the patient 42.

[0022] Figure 1B Configuration 100B of the ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 is shown. In configuration 100B, the ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 is configured as a desktop imaging system, wherein the patient 42 is seated in a chair 9.

[0023] refer to Figure 2 The ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 includes an OCT device 15, one or more cameras 38, and a control computer 30 coupled as shown. The OCT device 15 includes controllable components coupled as shown, such as an OCT engine 12, a scanner 16, one or more optical elements 17, and / or focusing lenses 18. The computer 30 includes logic 36 coupled as shown, a memory 32 (which stores computer programs 34), and a display 37. For ease of explanation, the following xyz coordinate system is used: the z-direction is defined by the propagation direction of the imaging beam, and the xy plane is orthogonal to the propagation direction. Other suitable xyz coordinate systems may be used.

[0024] Referring specifically to OCT device 15, OCT engine 12 generates and emits an imaging beam that is directed to the tissue of patient 42's eye 22. For example, the imaging beam may be directed to the corneal surface of eye 22. Scanner 16 orients the imaging beam laterally and / or longitudinally. Lateral direction refers to the direction orthogonal to the beam propagation direction, i.e., the x-direction and y-direction. Scanner 16 may orient the imaging beam laterally in any suitable manner. For example, scanner 16 may include a pair of galvanometer-actuated scanning mirrors that can tilt about mutually perpendicular axes. As another example, scanner 16 may include an electro-optic crystal that can electro-optically manipulate the imaging beam.

[0025] The longitudinal direction refers to the direction parallel to the propagation of the imaging beam, i.e., the z-direction. Scanner 16 can longitudinally orient the imaging beam in any suitable manner. For example, scanner 16 may include a longitudinally adjustable lens, a lens with variable refractive power, or a deformable mirror that can control the z-position of the beam focus. The components of scanner 16 can be arranged along the beam path in any suitable manner, for example, in the same or different module units.

[0026] One or more optical elements 17 direct the imaging beam toward the focusing objective 18. The optical elements 17 can act (e.g., transmit, reflect, refract, diffract, collimate, adjust, shape, focus, modulate, and / or otherwise act on) the imaging beam. Examples of optical elements include lenses, prisms, mirrors, diffractive optics (DOEs), holographic optics (HOEs), and spatial light modulators (SLMs). In some examples, the optical element 17 is a mirror or a dichroic mirror. The focusing objective 18 focuses the imaging beam toward a portion of the eye 22, such as the corneal surface of the eye. In examples, the focusing objective 18 is an objective lens, such as an f-θ objective lens.

[0027] OCT engine 12 receives the returned imaging beam backscattered from eye 22 in the opposite direction to the imaging beam. OCT engine 12 can be configured to generate one or more images to provide executable feedback for storage, as described in detail below. For example, in various embodiments, OCT engine 12 is configured to analyze the returned imaging beam using interferometry to provide OCT data representing the position-dependent structural characteristics of eye 22 (e.g., the structural characteristics of the cornea). For example, OCT engine 12 can be configured to provide OCT data representing corneal images at or near focal positions x, y, z, and to provide OCT data representing the position-dependent optical density n(x,y,z) and the position-dependent mass density p(x,y,z) of the cornea.

[0028] Although some examples of the OCT device 15 have been described above, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the OCT device 15 may be configured to perform different types of OCT scans. In some embodiments, the OCT device 15 may be configured to perform an M scan. In another example, the OCT device 15 may be configured to perform a B scan. In yet another example, the OCT device 15 may be configured to perform an MB scan. In still another example, the OCT device 15 may be configured to perform a BM scan. Other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon careful reading of this disclosure.

[0029] One or more cameras 38 can continuously capture one or more images of the patient 42. For example, one or more cameras 38 can be focused on the eyes 22 for tracking eyelid movement. Alternatively or additionally, one or more cameras 38 can be focused on the head 6 of the patient 42 for tracking head movement. In some embodiments, one or more cameras 38 may include a first camera for tracking eyelid movement and a second camera for tracking head movement. Examples of cameras 38 include video cameras, interferometric cameras, thermal imaging cameras, ultrasound cameras, OCT cameras, and head and / or eye tracking cameras. One or more cameras 38 transmit image data representing recorded images of the eyes 22 and / or head 6 to a computer 30. In some embodiments, one or more cameras 38 may be a component of an OCT device 15, rather than as... Figure 2 That's a separate part.

[0030] Computer 30 controls components of ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 according to computer program 34. For example, computer 30 controls components (e.g., OCT engine 12, scanner 16, optics 17, and / or focusing lens 18) to focus the imaging beam of OCT engine 12 at a desired location on eye 22, such as a desired location on the corneal surface of the eye. Memory 32 stores information used by computer 30. For example, memory 32 may store images of eye 22, OCT data, and / or other suitable information, and computer 30 can access the information from memory 32. In various embodiments, computer program 34 and its functions (such as focusing the imaging beam) may be managed by a user (e.g., a medical professional).

[0031] In some embodiments, computer 30 may use a blink as a stimulus to measure corneal biomechanics of eye 22. In some embodiments, computer 30 monitors movement relative to eye 22 via image data from one or more cameras 38. Computer 30 may detect a blink when it detects, for example, when eye 22 opens after it has closed. In response to a detected blink, computer 30 may record OCT data generated from an OCT scan of a selected portion of the eye. Computer 30 may use the recorded OCT dataset to measure the corneal response to the detected blink.

[0032] In some embodiments, at the start of the diagnostic process for patient 42, computer 30 may activate OCT device 15 and continuously scan the corneal surface of, for example, eye 22. For example, OCT device 15 may repeatedly scan the same or different portions of the corneal surface. In these embodiments, when a blink is detected, computer 30 may record data generated by one or more scans performed by OCT device 15 within a predetermined time interval (e.g., 5 milliseconds to 1 second or 10 milliseconds to 1 second) following the detected blink.

[0033] Alternatively, in some embodiments, instead of continuous scanning of, for example, the corneal surface of eye 22, OCT device 15 performs OCT scans in response to instructions from OCT device 15. In these embodiments, computer 30 can cause OCT device 15 to perform one or more OCT scans of the corneal surface of eye 22 immediately after a blink is detected. Subsequently, computer 30 can record the OCT data generated by the resulting one or more OCT scans and use the recorded data to measure the corneal response to the detected blink.

[0034] Figure 3 An example of an ophthalmic diagnostic system 310 is shown. Typically, the ophthalmic diagnostic system 310 may include information about... Figures 1A to 1B and Figure 2 The ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 may include any components and functions described with respect to the ophthalmic diagnostic system 310. Similarly, the ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 may include any components and functions described with respect to the ophthalmic diagnostic system 310. Therefore, for ease of description, similar components of the ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 and the ophthalmic diagnostic system 310 may occasionally be referred to interchangeably. For simplicity, Figure 3 The demonstration focuses on example OCT device 315 and a set of example cameras 338.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the OCT device 315 includes an OCT engine 312, a scanner 316, one or more optical elements 317, a focusing lens 318, and lamps 348(1) and 348(2). Similar to... Figure 2 In the manner of the OCT engine 12, the OCT engine 312 generates and emits an imaging beam 344, which is guided to the surface of the cornea 346 of the eye 322, and the engine can then receive the backscattered imaging beam from the eye 322 in the opposite direction to the imaging beam 344. Typically, the OCT engine 312, scanner 316, one or more optical elements 317, and focusing objective lens 318 can each be configured as follows: Figure 2 It operates as described in relation to the OCT engine 12, scanner 16, one or more optical elements 17 and / or focusing lens 18, respectively.

[0036] exist Figure 3In the example, one or more optical elements 317 are shown as dichroic mirrors, focusing lens 18 is shown as an objective lens, and lamps 348(1) and 348(2) are shown as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that direct light toward eye 322. In various embodiments, lamps 348(1) and 348(2) can improve the image quality captured by camera 338. Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 3 The components shown can be present in any suitable quantity or configuration. For example, it should be understood that... Figure 3 The two lamps shown (i.e., lamps 348(1) and 348(2)) may be modified in number, type and / or configuration to suit a given implementation.

[0037] Camera 338 can be used as follows: Figures 1A to 1B and Figure 2 One or more cameras 38 operate as described. In the illustrated embodiment, cameras 338 are shown as including an iris camera 338 (1) and a head camera 338 (2). The iris camera 338 (1) may be focused or fixed on, for example, the eye 322 and provides continuous images of the eye 322 to the computer 30. The head camera 338 (2) may be focused or fixed on the patient's head, for example... Figures 1A to 1B The camera 338 is positioned behind the focusing lens 318, as shown in the figure. Alternatively, the camera 338 may be positioned next to, below, or otherwise near the lights 348(1) and 348(2). For example, the iris camera 338(1) may be located near the light 348(1), and the head camera 338(2) may be located near the light 348(2).

[0038] In various embodiments, Figure 2 The computer 30 is operable to monitor eyelid movement relative to the eye 322 via an image received from the iris camera 338(1). For example, the computer 30 can detect the eyelid opening after the eyelid of the eye 322 has closed, and take this as a blink. More simply, the computer 30 can detect the eyelid opening after the eye 322 has closed, and take this as a blink.

[0039] Computer 30 can determine the closure and opening of eye 322 in any suitable manner. In the example, computer 30 can determine that eye 322 is closed when the image from iris camera 338(1) indicates that the iris is no longer visible. Similarly, computer 30 can determine that eye 322 is open when the image from iris camera 338(1) indicates that the iris is visible. Other examples of determining closure and opening will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon careful reading of this disclosure.

[0040] In various embodiments, Figure 2 The computer 30 is operable to monitor head movement (e.g., via images received from the head camera 338(2)). Figures 1A to 1B (Head movement 6). For example, computer 30 may establish and / or store a configuration defining a minimum amount of head movement. In various embodiments, if computer 30 determines that a minimum amount of head movement has occurred within a specified time interval of a detected blink (e.g., within 1 or 2 seconds before and / or after the detected blink), the detected blink can be ignored, making it independent of using the detected blink as a stimulus for measuring corneal biomechanics. In various embodiments, such head movement indication that no blink actually occurred and / or OCT data from the corresponding time interval would be useless.

[0041] In various embodiments, the minimum amount of head movement can be configured or specified in any suitable manner. For example, refer to Figures 1A to 1B In some cases, this minimum amount can be specified, for example, in terms of the movement and / or orientation of head 6 relative to a reference point (such as any previous image or image combination of head 6). In other cases, the minimum amount can be specified as a Boolean parameter indicating whether head 6 is in motion, such that if motion is detected, a minimum head movement is considered to exist. In still other cases, the minimum head movement can be specified as a Boolean parameter indicating whether head 6 is in a desired alignment state (e.g., based on the head's position and / or orientation in the field of view), such that if head 6 is considered misaligned, a specified minimum head movement is considered to exist. The minimum head movement can also be configured or specified using combinations of the foregoing methods. Other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon careful reading of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4 An example of a procedure 400 for measuring corneal biomechanics via blink stimulation is shown. In some embodiments, procedure 400 can be implemented by any system capable of processing OCT data. While any number of systems (in whole or in part) can implement procedure 400, for the sake of simplicity, it will be combined with information on... Figures 1A to 1B and Figure 2 Ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 and Figure 3 Example components of the ophthalmic diagnostic system 310 are used to describe process 400.

[0043] At box 402, computer 30 initiates ophthalmic diagnostic system 10. In some embodiments, ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 is initiated during the patient's diagnostic process (e.g., ...). Figures 1A to 1BThe activation at box 402 may involve, for example, triggering the operation of the OCT device 15, one or more cameras 38, and / or other components. Regarding the one or more cameras 38, the computer 30 may cause the one or more cameras 38 to begin capturing and providing images.

[0044] In some embodiments, activating the OCT device 15 at block 402 may include the computer 30 causing the OCT device 15 to continuously scan, for example, the corneal surface of the eye 22. For example, the OCT device 15 may be able to repeatedly scan the same or different portions of the corneal surface. In other embodiments, activation at 402 may involve putting the OCT device 15 into a standby state, in which the device is ready to receive OCT scan commands from the computer 30 at any time.

[0045] At box 404, computer 30 monitors patient movement relative to eye 22 via images continuously received from one or more cameras 38. For example, as per [reference to...] Figure 3 As described, computer 30 can monitor eyelid movement of patient 42 via images from iris camera 338 (1).

[0046] At decision box 406, computer 30 determines whether a blink has been detected based on images from one or more cameras 38. (As mentioned above...) Figure 3 As described, if, for example, computer 30 detects that the eyelids of patient 42 have opened after the eyelids have closed, then a blink can be detected. If it is determined at decision box 406 that no blink was detected, then process 400 returns to box 404 and executes as previously described. Otherwise, if it is determined at decision box 406 that a blink has been detected, then process 400 proceeds to box 412.

[0047] At frame 412, in response to a detected blink, computer 30 records at least a selected portion (e.g., eye movement) of the eye 22 by OCT device 15. Figure 3 The OCT dataset is generated by one or more OCT scans performed on a portion of the cornea 346. The recorded OCT dataset may include, for example, OCT data generated by one or more OCT scans occurring within a predetermined time interval (e.g., 5 milliseconds to 1 second or 10 milliseconds to 1 second) after a detected blink. Recording may involve, for example, storing, tagging, saving, and / or otherwise persistently storing the OCT data in association with the patient (e.g., in a patient record or other patient data storage device), such as in memory 32 or other storage devices.

[0048] Referring again to box 412, in some embodiments, as mentioned with respect to box 402, the OCT device 15 may continuously perform OCT scans of selected portions of the eye 22. In some of these embodiments, box 412 may involve the computer 30 selecting OCT data generated by one or more scans performed by the OCT device 15 within a predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 milliseconds to 1 second after a detected blink) following a detected blink, and storing the selected OCT data in association with the patient as described above. Alternatively or additionally, box 412 may involve excluding OCT data generated by OCT scans occurring outside the predetermined time interval from the patient data storage device. Exclusion may involve, for example, deleting or discarding such data, making such data overwriteable, a combination of the foregoing, etc.

[0049] Referring again to box 412, in some embodiments, as previously described, the OCT device 15 may be in a standby state, in which it can receive OCT scanning instructions from the computer 30 at any time. In these embodiments, recording data at box 412 may include the computer 30 instructing or causing the OCT device 15 to perform a scan on a selected portion of the eye 22 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 The system performs one or more scans of a selected portion of the cornea (346) and receives OCT data generated by the indicated or induced scans. The received OCT data may be stored as described above or otherwise preserved.

[0050] At box 414, computer 30 measures the corneal response to a detected blink based on an OCT dataset. Typically, box 414 may include measuring corneal biomechanics of eye 22 using the detected blink as a stimulus. For example, computer 30 may generate OCT amplitude and phase signals based on the OCT dataset and quantify tissue stiffness (e.g., Young's modulus) based on the OCT amplitude and phase signals. In some examples, tissue stiffness may be quantified by quantifying one or more vibrational characteristics of, for example, cornea 346 after the detected blink. Vibrational characteristics may be quantified, for example, via Doppler OCT, amplitude decorrelation, and / or phase decorrelation techniques. Vibrational characteristics may include one or more of the following: vibrational amplitude, one or more vibrational frequency characteristics, shear wave propagation characteristics, combinations of the foregoing, etc.

[0051] At box 416, computer 30 records and / or displays the data generated from box 414, such as the generated corneal biomechanics. In various embodiments, the generated corneal biomechanics may be stored in memory 32 or other storage devices in patient-related context. Alternatively or additionally, the generated biomechanics may be displayed to the user or operator of ophthalmic diagnostic system 10.

[0052] At decision box 418, computer 30 determines whether to collect additional corneal biomechanics via additional blinking stimulation. If it is determined at decision box 418 that additional corneal biomechanics should be collected, process 400 returns to box 402 and executes as previously described. Otherwise, process 400 terminates.

[0053] Figure 5 An example of procedure 500 for measuring corneal biomechanics via blink stimulation in a multi-camera system is shown. In some embodiments, procedure 500 can be implemented by any system capable of processing OCT data. While any number of systems (in whole or in part) can implement procedure 500, for the sake of simplicity, it will be combined with information on... Figures 1A to 1B and Figure 2 Ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 and Figure 3 The process 500 is described using example components of the ophthalmic diagnostic system 310.

[0054] At box 502, computer 30 initiates ophthalmic diagnostic system 10. In some embodiments, ophthalmic diagnostic system 10 is initiated during the patient's diagnostic process (e.g., ...). Figures 1A to 1B The activation at box 402 may involve, for example, triggering the operation of OCT device 15, camera 338, and / or other components. Typically, OCT device 15 may be activated with respect to... Figure 4 The camera is activated in the manner described in box 402. Regarding camera 338, computer 30 can cause iris camera 338(1) and head camera 338(2) to begin capturing and providing images.

[0055] At frame 504, computer 30 monitors patient movement relative to eye 22 via images received sequentially from each of iris camera 338 (1) and head camera 338 (2). For example, as per [reference to...] Figure 3 As described, computer 30 can monitor eyelid movements of patient 42 via images from iris camera 338(1). Additionally, as also regarding... Figure 3 As described, computer 30 can monitor the head movement of patient 42 via images from head camera 338 (2).

[0056] At decision box 506, computer 30 determines whether a blink has been detected based on the image from iris camera 338(1). (See above regarding...) Figure 3 As described, if, for example, computer 30 detects that the eyelids of patient 42 have opened after the eyelids have closed, then a blink can be detected. If it is determined at decision box 506 that no blink was detected, then process 500 returns to box 504 and executes as previously described. Otherwise, if it is determined at decision box 506 that a blink has been detected, then process 500 proceeds to decision box 508.

[0057] At decision box 508, computer 30 determines, based on images from head camera 338(2), whether at least a specified minimum amount of head movement associated with a detected blink has been detected. In various embodiments, this can include, as described above... Figure 3 Detect at least a specified minimum amount of head movement by any suitable means, including any of the methods described above. In various embodiments, head movement associated with a detected blink can be detected if, for example, head movement is detected within a specified time interval of a detected blink, wherein the specified time interval may span a period of time before and / or after the detected blink.

[0058] If it is determined at decision box 508 that at least a specified minimum amount of head movement has been detected, then computer 30 ignores the detected blink at box 510. In some embodiments, the head movement associated with the detected blink indicates that no actual blink occurred and / or that OCT data from the corresponding time interval would be useless. Ignoring the detected blink may involve, for example, excluding OCT data generated by an OCT scan that occurred within the specified time interval of the detected blink from the patient data storage device. Exclusion may involve, for example, deleting or discarding such data, making such data overwriteable, a combination of the foregoing, etc. Process 500 returns from box 510 to box 504 and is performed as described above.

[0059] If it is determined at decision box 508 that no head movement of at least the specified minimum amount has been detected, process 500 proceeds to box 512. Typically, boxes 512 through 518 are as described above. Figure 4 The process is performed as described in boxes 412 to 418. Process 500 ends after a negative decision at decision box 518.

[0060] In various embodiments, diagnostic systems such as the example diagnostic systems described herein can offer a variety of advantages. For example, such diagnostic systems that measure the biomechanical properties of diseased or healthy corneas allow for the inclusion of new metrics in treatment planning algorithms to increase predictability and surgeon confidence. Additionally or alternatively, the ability to generate measurements of corneal biomechanics and apply them to treatment algorithms can support more accurate estimation, prediction, and / or establishment of cataract outcomes resulting from patient-specific surgical astigmatism (SIA), limbal laxity incision (LRI) outcomes calculated based on patient-specific criteria, treatment decisions regarding corneal refractive power, orthokeratology (Ortho-K) outcomes, treatment and / or diagnosis of dry eye, etc.

[0061] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments falling within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, for the maximum permissible extent permitted by law, the scope of this disclosure shall be determined by the broadest possible interpretation of the appended claims and their equivalents, and should not be limited to or restricted by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A method for measuring ocular tissue biomechanics via blink stimulation, the method comprising performing the following operations via a computer in communication with an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device: Movement relative to the patient's eye is monitored via one or more images from a camera; The patient's blinking is detected in response to the monitoring. In response to a detected blink, data generated by the OCT device scanning at least a portion of the tissues of the eye is recorded; as well as The tissue's response to the detected blink is measured based on the recorded data from the scan.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following: recording or displaying data generated by the measured tissue response.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein: The monitoring of movement includes monitoring the patient's eyelid movements; and The blink detection includes detecting the opening of the eye after the eye has closed in response to the monitored eyelid movement.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The monitored movement includes: Monitor the patient's eyelid movements via one or more images from a first camera; and The patient's head movement is monitored via one or more images from a second camera.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: In response to the monitored eyelid movement, the patient's second blink is detected; In response to the monitored head movement, at least a specified minimum amount of movement of the patient's head associated with the detected second blink is detected; as well as The second blink is ignored in response to the detected movement of the patient's head.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The ignoring includes excluding OCT data generated by one or more OCT scans occurring within a specified time interval of the detected second blink from the patient data storage device.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing the OCT device to continuously scan the at least a portion of the tissue of the eye, wherein, The recorded data includes: Select OCT data generated by one or more scans performed by the OCT device within a predetermined time interval after a detected blink; and The selected OCT data is stored in association with the patient.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing the OCT device to continuously scan the at least a portion of the tissue of the eye, wherein, The recorded data includes excluding OCT data generated by one or more OCT scans performed by the OCT device outside a predetermined time interval after the detected blink from the patient data storage device.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, The recorded data includes: The OCT device scans at least a portion of the eye's tissues in response to a detected blink; and Stores the OCT data generated by the scan.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, The measured tissue response includes: OCT amplitude and phase signals are generated based on the recorded data; and Tissue stiffness is quantified based on the OCT amplitude and the phase signal.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The quantification of tissue stiffness includes quantifying one or more vibrational characteristics of the cornea of ​​the eye after a detected blink.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The one or more vibration characteristics include at least one of vibration amplitude, one or more vibration frequency characteristics, or shear wave propagation characteristics.

13. A system for measuring ocular tissue biomechanics via blink stimulation, the system comprising: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) equipment; A first camera, the first camera being operable to provide one or more images of the patient's eyes; as well as A computer communicatively coupled to the OCT device and the first camera, wherein the computer is operable to: Movement relative to the patient's eye is monitored via one or more images from the first camera; The patient's blinking is detected in response to the monitoring. In response to a detected blink, data generated by the OCT device scanning at least a portion of the tissues of the eye is recorded; and The tissue's response to the detected blink is measured based on the recorded data from the scan.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a second camera, the second camera being operable to provide one or more images of the patient's head, wherein, The computer is capable of operating for: The patient's eyelid movements are monitored via one or more images from the first camera; as well as The patient's head movement is monitored via one or more images from the second camera.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein, The computer is capable of operating for: In response to the monitored eyelid movement, the patient's second blink is detected; In response to the monitored head movement, at least a specified minimum amount of movement of the patient's head associated with the detected second blink is detected; as well as The second blink is ignored in response to the detected movement of the patient's head.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein, The ignoring includes excluding OCT data generated by one or more OCT scans occurring within a specified time interval of the detected second blink from the patient data storage device.

17. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-usable medium containing computer-readable program code adapted to be executed to perform a method comprising: Movement relative to the patient's eye is monitored via one or more images from a camera; The patient's blinking is detected in response to the monitoring. In response to a detected blink, data generated by scanning at least a portion of the tissues of the eye using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device is recorded; as well as The tissue's response to the detected blink is measured based on the recorded data from the scan.

18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein, The monitored movement includes: Monitor the patient's eyelid movements via one or more images from a first camera; and The patient's head movement is monitored via one or more images from a second camera.

19. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises: In response to the monitored eyelid movement, the patient's second blink is detected; In response to the monitored head movement, at least a specified minimum amount of movement of the patient's head associated with the detected second blink is detected; as well as The second blink is ignored in response to the detected movement of the patient's head.

20. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein, The ignoring includes excluding OCT data generated by one or more OCT scans occurring within a specified time interval of the detected second blink from the patient data storage device.

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