Handheld radar system and method for measuring intraocular pressure and assessing ocular disease

Abstract

A system and method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye and reflective impedance of the eye based on generation of an electromagnetic energy source by a radar generator, creating a pattern of generated electromagnetic energy at a predetermined frequency, emitting the pattern of electromagnetic energy from a distance to or into the eye, receiving reflected energy from the eye surface, and converting the reflected energy into a Smith chart display data format capable of displaying the impedance reflection characteristics of the eye for tonometry and other evaluation of eye disease and for detecting indicators of brain disease.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Copyright Notice A portion of this disclosure contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the copying and reproduction of the patent document or patent disclosure in the exact form as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 C.FR 1.71(d). (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 360,536, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on October 8, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present inventive concept relates to a wireless handheld system and method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye to determine if an eye disease is present and for measuring impedance reflection characteristics of other parts of the eye to detect other eye diseases. More specifically, the present general inventive concept relates to a wireless handheld system and method for emitting electromagnetic waves incident on the eye and receiving reflected energy back from the eye to determine if eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, floaters, and other pre-existing eye diseases are present. The present general inventive concept also provides a wireless handheld system and method for emitting electromagnetic waves incident on the eye and receiving reflected energy back from the eye to detect the presence of beta amyloid plaques in the eye to determine if Alzheimer's disease, and to detect the presence of deterioration of the myelin sheath covering the nerves at the back of the eye to determine if multiple sclerosis (MS) is present. [Background technology]

[0003] Ocular diseases, especially glaucoma, are extremely common in people of all ages. It is well known that glaucoma is detected by measuring the increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) in the human eye. If glaucoma is detected at an early stage, it can be treated and vision can be preserved. Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the world. 90% of glaucoma cases are called "open angle glaucoma", where the intraocular pressure (IOP) remains above normal or spikes and if not treated as required under medical supervision, it often causes damage to the optic nerve, especially affecting peripheral vision. The commonly known method of measuring intraocular pressure is the tonometry method. It consists of a process where the eye is numbed and then a device that shines with blue light and applies pressure to the eye is touched to the surface of the eye. These devices must be used by a professional and therefore cannot be used by a layperson. Furthermore, IOP changes over a 24-hour period due to changes in the production of aqueous humor within the human eye. Most people tend to reach their peak IOP in the morning, but some people reach their peak in the afternoon, evening, or while sleeping. The purpose of measuring intraocular pressure daily is to enable doctors to better manage a patient's glaucoma treatment and to alert the patient to contact their ophthalmologist if intraocular pressure spikes.

[0004] In applanation tonometry, the curvature of the cornea of ​​the eye is flattened or applanated by a flat piston. The piston usually has a constant known weight and the applanation area is determined by indirect methods or the piston is of known surface area and the intraocular pressure required to applanate that area is determined by calculating the force required to applanate that area. Devices that use a piston of known surface area include a) Machay-Marg, which uses electronic means for reading, b) Goldmann slit lamp, which uses optical means for reading, and c) Tonour, which uses a pump-based pressure indication. All of these known methods require both a local anesthetic and a device that contacts the eye, thus carrying the risk of corneal abrasion. Furthermore, each of these methods is complex, expensive, and difficult to use. These devices are large and cumbersome and must be used by a physician on the patient.

[0005] Another known method of testing IOP is called the "air puff method" using an air puff tonometer. Air puff tonometers also use applanation, which flattens a portion of the eye's cornea with a standardized puff without actually touching the eye. In this method, a central air plane is used, which requires a light emitter on one side and a photodetector on the other side. Corneal applanation is measured by collecting reflected light from the center of the cornea. The system records the air force required to flatten the cornea and displays the intraocular pressure corresponding to that force. The air puff tonometer must be used at a certain distance from the cornea, and the instrument has a built-in optical alignment system. Well-known problems with the air puff method are the overestimation of low intraocular pressure and the underestimation of high intraocular pressure. Underestimation leads to false negative results.

[0006] Cohen, U.S. Patent No. 9,795,295, discloses a tonometer for checking intraocular pressure through the eyelid, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Here, the mechanical IOP monitor includes a cylinder 2 with an ocular plate 11 attached to an inner tube 8, which moves against the pressure of a spring 15. Inside the cylinder are mechanisms for converting pressure and detecting intraocular pressure, as well as components for sending a signal indicating when a set intraocular pressure is exceeded. Here, the ocular plate 11 must be placed on the eyelid or outer surface of the eye, and then the internal spring 15 is compressed by a force applied by the user. The force is transmitted through the eyelid to the surface of the eye where a visual indicator indicates a pass or fail of the intraocular pressure reading. The device is suitable for use without on-site supervision by a skilled artisan, and without the need for prior anesthesia, whereas Cohen's device requires contact with the eye or eyelid, and also requires the application of a mechanical force to the eye. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a portable handheld tonometer and method that can measure intraocular pressure (IOP) in an eye without contacting the eye and without applying direct pressure to the eye.

[0008] There is also a need for a portable handheld device and method that can assess eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, floaters, and other existing eye diseases, without contacting the eye and without applying direct pressure to the eye.

[0009] There is also a need for a portable handheld device and method that can vary the frequency of transmitted electromagnetic waves to detect various types of eye disorders.

[0010] There is also a need for an inexpensive, portable, handheld device and method for measuring intraocular pressure based on the eye's ability to re-radiate in the presence of electromagnetic waves.

[0011] There is also a need for an inexpensive, portable, handheld device and method that allows a person to measure the IOP of their eye daily so that a physician can better manage the user's glaucoma treatment and alert the user to contact an ophthalmologist for an appointment if intraocular pressure spikes throughout the day. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present general inventive concept provides a wireless system and method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye to determine whether an eye disease is present. More specifically, the present general inventive concept provides a wireless system and method for emitting electromagnetic waves incident on the eye to determine whether an eye disease is present, such as glaucoma, cataracts, vitreous floaters, MS visual impairment, and other pre-existing eye diseases.

[0013] The present general inventive concept also provides a wireless system and method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye to determine whether Alzheimer's disease is present.

[0014] Additional features and advantages of the present general inventive concepts will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concepts.

[0015] The foregoing and / or other features and advantages of the general concept of the present invention are accomplished by providing a portable handheld radar tonometer system for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye, the system comprising: a microwave source configured to generate a source of electromagnetic energy, measure reflected energy from a surface of the eye, and convert the measured reflected energy into a Smith chart display data format; a radar antenna configured to generate and radiate a pattern of electromagnetic energy from the microwave source at a predetermined frequency to the eye and simultaneously receive energy reflected from the eye; a coaxial cable connected between the microwave source and the radar antenna for transmitting electromagnetic energy therebetween; and an on-board computer processor for storing and transmitting the Smith chart display format data to an external display configured to display the Smith chart impedance of the eye.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined frequency of the electromagnetic waves is a resonant frequency of the eye.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, the radar antenna is a microwave antenna dipole configured to serve as a loaded electrical connection to the microwave source to provide an electromagnetic reflected signal from the eye for intraocular data processing.

[0018] In another exemplary embodiment, the frequency of the generated pattern of electromagnetic energy is adjustable to target the distribution of electromagnetic energy to different components of the eye.

[0019] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the system includes a portable display device having software configured to display a Smith chart impedance of the eye using the transmitted Smith chart display format data.

[0020] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the radar antenna is configured to be positioned approximately 1 mm away from the surface of the eye.

[0021] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the microwave source is a nano-vector network analyzer (VNA).

[0022] The foregoing and / or other features and advantages of the present general inventive concept may also be achieved by providing a method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye, the method comprising the steps of generating a source of electromagnetic energy using a radar generator, generating a pattern of generated electromagnetic energy at a predetermined frequency, radiating the pattern of electromagnetic energy to a surface of the eye while receiving reflected energy from the surface of the eye, and converting the reflected energy into a Smith chart display data format capable of displaying the impedance reflection characteristics of the eye.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined frequency of the electromagnetic waves is a resonant frequency of the eye.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment, the frequency of the generated pattern of electromagnetic energy is adjustable to target the distribution of electromagnetic energy to different components of the eye.

[0025] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the generated pattern of electromagnetic energy is directed at the eye surface from a distance of about 1 mm from the eye surface.

[0026] The foregoing and / or other features and advantages of the present general inventive concept are accomplished by providing a method for measuring the reflected impedance of an eye, comprising the steps of generating a source of electromagnetic wave energy, generating a pattern of said electromagnetic wave energy at a predetermined frequency, radiating the pattern of electromagnetic wave energy from a distance to and into the eye, receiving energy reflected from the eye surface, converting the reflected wave energy into a Smith chart display data format capable of processing electromagnetic resonant reflection characteristics of the eye, and displaying the resonant reflection characteristics for evaluation of IOP and other ocular disorders.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined frequency of the electromagnetic waves is set to a resonant frequency of the eye to assess IOP.

[0028] In another exemplary embodiment, the frequency of the generated pattern of electromagnetic energy is adjustable to target the distribution of electromagnetic energy to different components of the eye.

[0029] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the generated pattern of electromagnetic energy is directed at the eye surface from a distance of about 1 mm from the eye surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] These and / or other features and advantages of the inventive concept will become apparent and be more readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a conventional handheld tonometer for checking intraocular pressure in the eye. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a handheld wireless system for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A illustrates a radar antenna dipole of the system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of reading the results of the intraocular pressure measurement method according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows different patterns of soliton energy in the eye that are generated by transmitting electromagnetic waves incident on the eye at different frequencies using the handheld wireless system of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of a solitonic wave radiated at a frequency higher than the resonant frequency provided by the radar antenna dipole of the system of FIG. 1 to also assess other eye diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

[0031] The drawings illustrate several exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and should not be considered as limiting its scope, as the overall inventive concept may admit of other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are to scale and are intended to clearly illustrate the principles of the exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept. In the drawings, reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding elements throughout the several views, but are not necessarily identical. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the following, embodiments will be described to explain the inventive concept with reference to the drawings. Also, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known functions or configurations that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0033] Although the terms "first" and "second" are used herein to describe various elements, it will be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0034] A phrase such as "at least one," when preceding a list of elements, modifies the entire list of elements and does not modify any individual element of the list.

[0035] All terms, including descriptive terms or technical terms, used in this specification should be interpreted as having a meaning that is clear to a person skilled in the art. However, these terms may have different meanings depending on the intention of a person skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technology. In addition, some terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case the meaning of the selected term will be explained in detail in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this specification must be defined based on the meaning of the term together with the explanation of the entire specification.

[0036] Furthermore, when a part "includes" or "has" an element, the part does not exclude other elements, but can further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. In the following description, terms such as "unit" and "module" indicate a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and the unit and block may be embodied as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept are directed to wireless systems and methods for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) to determine the presence of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, floaters, MS visual impairment, and other pre-existing eye diseases. The present general inventive concept is also directed to wireless systems and methods for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye to determine the presence of Alzheimer's disease.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a portable handheld radar tonometer system 100 for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept. The portable handheld radar system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment can include a nano-vector network analyzer (VNA) 112 configured to generate an electromagnetic energy source, measure reflected wave energy from the surface of the eye, and convert the measured reflected wave energy into VNA Smith chart display data. Alternative equivalent devices capable of providing energy for evaluation and detection of eye disease can be used, such as, for example, a microwave source. The portable handheld radar system 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 can also include a single-board computer processor 114 for data recording and analysis, and can provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® communication capabilities with a mobile phone or other personal display device to convert the measured reflected wave energy into Smith chart data format and transmit the VNA Smith chart display data. Both the VNA 112 and the computer 114 can be powered by a small battery power source 116 or other efficient power source.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A, a radar antenna 112a, such as a small dipole radar antenna, can be connected to the VNA 112 via a flexible microwave coaxial cable 112b. The radar antenna 112a can include an antenna dipole 112a1 having a length of about 2.5 cm. The radar antenna 112a is disposed at a first end of the flexible coaxial cable 112b opposite a second end of the flexible coaxial cable that is connected to the VNA 112. The radar antenna 112a generates a pattern of electromagnetic energy that can be focused on the surface of the eye. The radar antenna 112a transmits electromagnetic energy at a set frequency. The set frequency of the transmitted electromagnetic energy depends on what type of disease one wishes to detect in the eye and can be controlled via the VNA 112, as described in more detail below. Other frequencies of the transmitted electromagnetic energy can be set to detect, for example, beta amyloid plaques occurring in certain parts of the eye that may be indicative of Alzheimer's disease, or the myelin sheaths that cover the nerves at the back of the eye, which may indicate the presence of multiple sclerosis (MS). In other words, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves can be adjusted via VNA 112 based on what is intended to be detected by receiving the impedance energy reflected from the eye. It should be noted that alternative equivalent types of antennas for sensing the electromagnetic properties of the eye, such as electric and magnetic sensing antennas, can be used that provide the intended purposes described herein without departing from the principles, spirit and scope of the inventive concepts.

[0041] The radar antenna 112a can radiate the generated electromagnetic energy to the eye via the dipole 112a1. The radar antenna dipole 112a1 is preferably held in a position above the eye at a distance of about 1 mm from the eye. It should be noted that alternative equivalent types of antennas capable of performing the intended purpose of radiating electromagnetic waves and receiving reflected energy as described herein can be used without departing from the principles, spirit and scope of the general inventive concept.

[0042] The radar antenna 112a may be positioned on the frame of the eyeglasses such that when the eyeglasses are worn, the radar antenna 112a is naturally positioned approximately 1 mm from the eyes of a person wearing the eyeglasses. It is noted that the radar antenna 112a may alternatively be positioned on another device that serves to position the radar antenna 112a approximately 1 mm from the eyes.

[0043] When the radar antenna 112a is positioned adjacent to the eye, it causes the emitted electromagnetic waves to be incident on the eye. The radar antenna 112a is preferably positioned approximately 1 mm away from the eye and should not be in contact with the eye. In an exemplary embodiment, the radar antenna 112a emits electromagnetic waves at the resonant frequency of the eye (approximately 855-860 megahertz) that is typically optimal for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in a normal adult-sized eye. In other words, if the axial length (AEL) measured from front to back is approximately ½ the wavelength of the emitted electromagnetic waves, then when the electromagnetic waves are incident on the eye, a resonance occurs such that most of the absorbed electromagnetic energy of the waves resides in and near the center of the eye volume and within the vitreous humor of the eye (see FIG. 3). The average range of axial lengths of the eyes of people in the age range of 21 to 91 years has been found to be 21.8 mm to 24 mm.

[0044] The radar antenna 112a receives energy waves reflected from the eye at a fixed frequency. This reflection occurs because the surface of the eye develops a dielectric impedance due to radar energy absorbed by the eye. Since the frequency of the electromagnetic waves is transmitted at the resonant frequency of the eye (1 / 2 wavelength of the axial length (AEL) of the eye), the impedance is essentially purely resistive. The surface impedance of the eye determines the amplitude and phase of the reflected wave as a percentage of the incident wave generated at the radar antenna 112a. The approximately spherical volume of the eye acts not only as an absorber of the incident electromagnetic energy, but also as a reflector of this incident electromagnetic energy. As a result, the radar antenna 112a recognizes the eye by directly receiving the reflected wave signal. In effect, the eye acts as an electrically resistive load on the radar antenna 112a at the first resonant frequency of the eye as shown on the Smith chart. When electromagnetic energy is transmitted at various selected frequencies to be incident on the eye, the returned reflected energy provides a wide range of reflective impedances of the eye that can be displayed on the Smith chart for evaluation of the eye. Figure 3 shows an example of a radar antenna 112a transmitting electromagnetic waves into the eye, and the electric field direction and relative amplitude of the electromagnetic waves both outside and inside the eye (indicated by the arrows). As shown in Figure 3, absorbed electromagnetic energy is internally reflected within the eye volume, thus creating a volumetric pattern of electric and magnetic field energy. The 1 / 2 wavelength of the internal reflections is selected to cause resonance in the eye volume.

[0045] It should be noted that the incident waves from the radar antenna have a much longer wavelength compared to that of the eye. Essentially, the fluid in the eye compresses the wavelength in the eye due to the dielectric properties of the fluid. Thus, when the frequency of the electromagnetic wave is adjusted so that 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave is substantially the same size as the axial length (AEL) of the eye, as pointed out above, a resonance of the eye occurs and absorbed electromagnetic energy resides at and near the center of the eye volume (mainly in the vitreous humor), while a small amount of absorbed energy occurs at the boundary of the eye (the cornea), giving the eye the ability to reflect waves back to the radar antenna due to the corneal surface impedance established by the internal reflection of the waves. This impedance is purely resistive in nature at the resonant frequency. The surface impedance is a measure of the electromagnetic reflectivity of the eye. The radar antenna 112a essentially detects the eye as a small resistive target at the first observed IOP resonance data point on the Smith chart data display.

[0046] Intraocular pressure (IOP) is defined as the fluid pressure in the eye given by (F / C+P), where F represents the aqueous humor flow rate, C represents the aqueous humor outflow rate, and P is the episcleral venous pressure. Since the axial length (AEL) of the eye is correlated with the IOP, it is desirable to select the operating frequency of the radar antenna 112a relative to the IOP such that the 1 / 2 wavelength of the electromagnetic waves in the eye is approximately equal to the AEL. The resonance provides the highest sensitivity for IOP measurement using the portable handheld radar tonometer system 100 shown in FIG. 2. By selecting the operating frequency of the electromagnetic waves with 1 / 2 wavelength equal to the AEL, measurement accuracy and sensitivity to small changes in IOP are guaranteed.

[0047] Further referring to FIG. 3, both the incident radar signal (arrow pointing left of the cornea) and the signal reflected back to the radar antenna at resonance (arrow pointing right away from the cornea) are shown. The first resonant frequency condition maximizes the wave power in the eye while minimizing the amount reflected back to the radar antenna. The distribution of wave power from the front to the back of the eye at resonance is greatest at the center of the eye and least at the eye volume boundary. During testing with the portable handheld radar tonometer system 100, this distribution was experimentally shown to provide the greatest sensitivity for IOP measurements. The reflected wave received by the antenna 112a is in the form of a signal voltage that is transmitted to a compact vector network analyzer (VNA) 112 by a compact coaxial transmission line 112b that connects the radar antenna terminal of the radar antenna 112a to the vector network analyzer (VNA) 112.

[0048] The resonant frequency corresponds to an electrical 1 / 2 wavelength of electromagnetic wave oscillations in the eye, which is primarily based on the volume of the highly dielectric vitreous humor (VH). Electromagnetic absorption is extensive in the vitreous humor (VH) volume due to its high dielectric constant compared to other parts of the eye, such as the retina, cornea, etc. The relative dielectric constant of the relatively large VH volume is approximately 69 with negligible electrical conductivity. The eye essentially scatters and absorbs incident radar energy. Several eye components may interact with the electromagnetic signal that is absorbed by the eye, depending on their dielectric properties, shape, and the location of the radar antenna 112a adjacent to the eye surface. In ophthalmic practice, the well-known exponential (Friedenwald) relationship between volume changes associated with changes in intraocular pressure has been employed for IOP data processing using measured radar data. However, this has only been achieved with large and expensive industrial-sized stationary instruments. However, with the portable handheld radar system 100 shown in Figure 2 and the process described above, it is possible to obtain an indication (direction and relative amplitude) of the electric fields inside and outside the eye generated by the radar antenna 112a, as shown by the arrows in Figure 3. Note that the arrows shown in Figure 3 are not drawn to scale and are only shown to illustrate the electric fields both inside and outside the eye as a result of the electromagnetic waves generated and transmitted by the radar antenna 112a.

[0049] The backscattered or reflected electric field received by the radar antenna 112a and measured by the vector network analyzer (VNA) 112 provides IOP data of the eye in the form of Smith chart data. This IOP data in Smith chart format can be transmitted from the single board computer 114 via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 114a to a mobile device 150 that includes an app that displays the Smith chart data, as shown in FIG.

[0050] FIG. 4 shows a Smith Chart (SC) display of measurements received by the nano-VNA 112 and converted to Smith Chart data after the radar antenna 112a transmits electromagnetic waves incident on the eye. Here, the reflection coefficient and resistance at the resonant frequency are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a typical IOP resonant measurement performed results in a measured eye resistance of less than about 10 ohms, shown along the horizontal axis of the Smith Chart at the tip of the arrow.

[0051] The operating frequency of the radar antenna 112a can be altered to provide various three-dimensional distributions of the electromagnetic field pattern inside the eye. In other words, the portable handheld radar system 100 can direct its electromagnetic energy distribution to different components of the eye volume based on the frequency used relative to the size of the eye and the orientation of the antenna 112a. Additionally, the frequency used and the radar antenna radiation can be altered through antenna design, as described below. These different distributions of the electric field pattern inside the eye can be theoretically predicted using Mie electromagnetic scattering theory. As noted above, the first resonance is used for successful IOP applications, but radar tonometry applications for assessing various diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AZ) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), for example, can also be performed using the portable handheld radar system 100 shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, the accumulation of beta amyloid plaques has been shown to be an indicator of the presence of Alzheimer's Disease. Thus, by transmitting focused electromagnetic field energy (solitary energy distribution) to the retina through frequency selection, one can obtain Smith Chart impedance values ​​for the eye that correlate with the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, indicating the presence of Alzheimer's disease, and the presence of myelin sheaths covering the nerves at the back of the eye, indicating risk for multiple sclerosis (MS).

[0052] 5 shows six different patterns of soliton energy distribution within a dielectric sphere (i.e., the eye) due to electromagnetic waves incident on the sphere at different frequencies. These patterns show possible internal eye distributions of electromagnetic energy at different measurement frequencies using the portable handheld radar system 100 and the process described above.

[0053] 6 shows an isolated eye pattern at a higher frequency than the IOP case, where a radar antenna 112a that is electrically smaller than the free space wavelength at which it generates and transmits a resonant frequency, such as a Hertzian dipole antenna, is most effective.

[0054] While several embodiments of the general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A portable handheld radar system for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye and assessing indicators of ocular and brain disease, comprising: an electromagnetic force source configured to generate wave energy that is absorbed by the eye and reflected by solitons within the eye generated by the absorbed energy, the electromagnetic force source configured to measure the resulting reflected wave energy from the surface of the eye, convert the reflected wave energy into a Smith chart impedance data format, and correlate the intraocular pressure measurement of the eye and / or the assessment and treatment of ocular and brain disorders; a radar antenna configured to generate solitons, which are concentrations of electromagnetic energy at the lesion in the eye, and simultaneously receive energy reflected from the eye; a miniature coaxial cable connected between the electromagnetic power source and the radar antenna for suitably transmitting eye return data therebetween; an on-board computer processor for storing, transmitting, and analyzing said Smith chart format data for measuring intraocular pressure and / or evaluating other eye and brain diseases using Mie electromagnetic scattering of solitons within the eye; A system having:

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic power source is either a continuous wave energy source or a pulsed wave energy source.

3. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the radar antenna is any configuration of metal and dielectric materials outside the eye that provides an electromagnetic radiation pattern focused directly on a desired portion of the eye surface or a non-radiative field that couples to the eye surface, and the non-radiative field that couples to the eye surface is a capacitive field that couples to the eye surface, an inductive field that couples to the eye surface, or both.

4. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the generated wave energy is tunable by frequency and antenna position to generate solitons anywhere within the eye and analyze the ocular reflexes to assess specific eye diseases.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a portable display device having software configured to display a Smith chart impedance of the eye using the transmitted Smith chart format data.

6. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the radar antenna is configured to be positioned approximately 1 mm from the surface of the eye.

7. 10. The system of claim 1, The system wherein the electromagnetic power source is a continuous wave energy source or a pulsed wave energy source.

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