Intraocular pressure measuring device and intraocular pressure measuring program

Abstract

To provide an intraocular pressure measuring device and an intraocular pressure measuring program that can proceed with intraocular pressure measurement for each eye to be examined efficiently.SOLUTION: An intraocular pressure measuring device for measuring intraocular pressure of an eye to be examined includes: measurement control means for measuring intraocular pressure of an eye to be examined automatically; measurement value acquisition means for acquiring an intraocular pressure measurement value by the measurement control means; reliability acquisition means for acquiring reliability of the measurement value acquired by the intraocular pressure acquisition means; and measurement frequency setting means for changing the total intraocular pressure measurement frequency executed by the measurement control means for the eye to be examined on the basis of the measurement value and the reliability. The measurement control means repeats the measurement on the basis of the total measurement frequency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intraocular pressure measurement device and an intraocular pressure measurement program for measuring the intraocular pressure of a subject's eye. [Background technology]

[0002] A known intraocular pressure measuring device is a non-contact tonometer that detects the deformation state of the cornea (for example, the applanation state) and measures the intraocular pressure by ejecting a fluid such as air from a nozzle toward the test eye or by emitting ultrasound. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-89454 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-253190 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned intraocular pressure measuring device can be used, for example, for screening whether the subject's eye may have a disease. However, measuring the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye too many times can easily place a burden on the subject, while measuring the intraocular pressure too few times can result in a lack of reliability.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure has as its technical object to provide an intraocular pressure measurement device and an intraocular pressure measurement program that can efficiently perform intraocular pressure measurement for each subject eye. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure is characterized by having the following configuration.

[0007] (1) An intraocular pressure measuring device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an intraocular pressure measuring device for measuring the intraocular pressure of a test eye, comprising: a measurement control means for automatically measuring the intraocular pressure of the test eye; a measurement acquisition means for acquiring a measurement value of the intraocular pressure by the measurement control means; a reliability acquisition means for acquiring a reliability of the measurement value acquired by the intraocular pressure acquisition means; and a measurement count setting means for changing the total number of measurements of the intraocular pressure performed by the measurement control means for the test eye based on the measurement value and the reliability, wherein the measurement control means repeats measurement based on the total number of measurements. (2) An intraocular pressure measurement program according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is an intraocular pressure measurement program used in an intraocular pressure measurement device that measures the intraocular pressure of a test eye, and includes a measurement control step that is executed by a processor of the intraocular pressure measurement device to automatically measure the intraocular pressure of the test eye, a measurement value acquisition step that acquires a measurement value of the intraocular pressure by the measurement control step, a reliability acquisition step that acquires a reliability of the measurement value acquired by the measurement value acquisition step, and a measurement count setting step that changes the total number of measurements of the intraocular pressure performed by the measurement control step on the test eye based on the measurement value and the reliability, and is characterized in that the measurement control step repeats measurement based on the total number of measurements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of an intraocular pressure measuring device. [Diagram 2] 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a face photographing unit and a fluid discharging unit. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an intraocular pressure measuring unit. [Figure 4] 13 is an example of a setting screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control operation. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a measurement result screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <Summary> An overview of an intraocular pressure measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The items classified in <> below can be used independently or in conjunction with each other.

[0010] The intraocular pressure measurement device of the present embodiment measures the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye. For example, the intraocular pressure measurement device may measure the intraocular pressure by ejecting a fluid toward the subject's eye. Also, for example, the intraocular pressure measurement device may measure the intraocular pressure by emitting an ultrasonic wave toward the subject's eye.

[0011] The intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment includes a measuring means (e.g., a measuring unit 100). For example, the measuring means may include an intraocular pressure measuring means. For example, the intraocular pressure measuring means may include a fluid ejection means that ejects a fluid onto the cornea of ​​the test eye, and measures the intraocular pressure by deforming the cornea with the fluid. For example, the intraocular pressure measuring means may include an intraocular pressure measuring optical system as a part of the intraocular pressure measuring means. Also, for example, the measuring means may include a corneal shape distribution measuring means. For example, the corneal shape distribution measuring means may measure the corneal shape distribution of the test eye. For example, the corneal shape distribution measuring means may include a corneal shape distribution measuring optical system as a part of the corneal shape distribution measuring means.

[0012] <Measurement control means> The intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment includes a measurement control means (e.g., a control unit 80). The measurement control means automatically measures the intraocular pressure of the subject eye. For example, the measurement control means may measure the intraocular pressure by controlling the operation of the intraocular pressure measuring means. In this case, for example, the measurement control means may proceed with the measurement by controlling the operation of the intraocular pressure measuring means based on a preset measurement program or the like. Note that, for example, the measurement control means may repeat the measurement based on the total number of measurements of intraocular pressure changed by a measurement number setting means described below.

[0013] <Method of acquiring measurement value> The intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment includes a measurement value acquiring means (e.g., a control unit 80). The measurement value acquiring means acquires the measurement value of the intraocular pressure by the measurement control means. For example, the measurement value acquiring means may acquire the measurement value of the intraocular pressure based on the pressure of the fluid from the fluid ejection unit directed toward the cornea and the amount of deformation detected when the cornea is deformed by the fluid (as one example, the amount of light received from the cornea-reflected light beam). For example, the measurement value acquiring means may acquire the measurement value of the intraocular pressure using a table or an arithmetic formula that associates the pressure of the fluid with the amount of deformation detected.

[0014] <Method of obtaining reliability> The intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment includes a reliability acquiring means (e.g., a control unit 80). The reliability acquiring means acquires the reliability of the measurement value acquired by the intraocular pressure acquiring means. For example, the reliability may be information that can evaluate the reliability of the intraocular pressure measurement. As an example, it may be information that indicates the presence or absence of reliability, the degree of reliability, etc.

[0015] For example, the reliability obtaining means may obtain the reliability of the measurement value based on the amount of deformation detected when the cornea is deformed by the fluid. In this case, for example, the reliability obtaining means may obtain the reliability of the measurement value based on at least one of the peak level of the amount of deformation detected, the stability of the change curve of the amount of deformation detected, etc.

[0016] <Method for setting the number of measurements> The intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment includes a measurement count setting means (e.g., a control unit 80). The measurement count setting means changes the total number of intraocular pressure measurements performed by the measurement control means for the subject eye, based on the measurement value and the reliability. For example, the measurement count setting means may increase or decrease the total number of intraocular pressure measurements, based on the measurement value and the reliability. For example, this allows the intraocular pressure measurement to be carried out efficiently for each subject eye.

[0017] For example, when the reliability of the intraocular pressure measurement value is appropriate, the measurement count setting means may further determine whether the measurement value satisfies a predetermined criterion, thereby changing the total number of measurements. That is, for example, the measurement count setting means may consider the reliability of the intraocular pressure measurement value and the reliability as a priority, and after determining whether the reliability is appropriate, may change the total number of measurements by determining whether the measurement value satisfies a criterion. For example, this may reduce the number of times the fluid is sprayed onto the subject's eye, thereby reducing the burden on the subject and obtaining accurate measurement values.

[0018] For example, the measurement count setting means may increase the total number of measurements when the reliability of the intraocular pressure measurement value is appropriate and the measurement value does not satisfy a predetermined standard. In this case, for example, the measurement count setting means may increase the total number of measurements by only one time, or may increase the total number of measurements by multiple times. For example, this allows many measurement values ​​to be obtained according to the possibility of a disease or the like of the subject's eye, so that the examiner can easily grasp the condition of the subject's eye.

[0019] For example, when the reliability of the measured intraocular pressure value is not appropriate, the measurement count setting means may add the total number of measurements each time until a measured value with appropriate reliability is obtained. In this case, for example, the measurement count setting means may add the total number of measurements one at a time, or may add the total number of measurements multiple times at a time. For example, this allows accurate measured values ​​to be obtained even when a sufficient amount of light is not received due to fluctuation of the pressure plane of the cornea of ​​the subject eye, or when a measurement error occurs.

[0020] In this embodiment, the initial total number of measurements for the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye is one, and the measurement number setting means may increase the total number of measurements by at least two or more times if the reliability is appropriate and the measured value does not satisfy a predetermined standard, and may add one each time if the reliability is not appropriate until a measured value with appropriate reliability is obtained. For example, this can reduce the burden on the subject even when multiple measured values ​​are required for the subject's eye.

[0021] <Output method> The intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment includes an output means (e.g., a control unit 80). The output means outputs, in a distinguishable manner, a first measurement value, which is a measurement value acquired by the measurement value acquiring means before the total number of measurements is changed by the measurement number setting means, and a second measurement value, which is a measurement value acquired by the measurement value acquiring means after the total number of measurements is changed by the measurement number setting means.

[0022] For example, the output means may output an alert to enable the first measurement value and the second measurement value to be distinguished. For example, the alert may be an alert that can distinguish between the first intraocular pressure value and the second intraocular pressure value by only setting the first intraocular pressure value as the object of discrimination. Also, for example, the alert may be an alert that can distinguish between the first intraocular pressure value and the second intraocular pressure value by only setting the second intraocular pressure value as the object of discrimination. Of course, for example, the alert may be an alert that can distinguish between the first intraocular pressure value and the second intraocular pressure value by setting both the first intraocular pressure value and the second intraocular pressure value as the object of discrimination.

[0023] For example, the output means may control a display means and cause the display means to display an alert. Also, for example, the output means may control a sound generation means (for example, a speaker) and cause the sound generation means to generate an alert as sound. Also, for example, the output means may control a notification means (for example, a lamp) and indicate the alert by lighting or blinking the notification means. Also, for example, the output means may control a printing means (for example, a printer) and cause the printing means to print an alert. Also, for example, the output means may control an external storage means (for example, a memory or a server) and transmit an alert to the external storage means. Of course, for example, the output means may execute a combination of these controls, or may execute a different control from these controls.

[0024] For example, when the output means controls the display means, the display means may display a message as an alert. For example, the alert may be displayed by emphasizing at least one of the first intraocular pressure value and the second intraocular pressure value. As an example, the alert may be displayed by at least one of reversing or changing the color, blinking the numerical value, and the like. For example, the alert may be displayed by attaching a sign (for example, at least one of a mark, an icon, a letter, a number, a symbol, and the like) to at least one of the first intraocular pressure value and the second intraocular pressure value. Furthermore, for example, the alert may be displayed by further emphasizing such a sign.

[0025] The present disclosure is not limited to the device described in the present embodiment. For example, the terminal control software (program) that performs the functions of the above embodiment can be supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the control device (e.g., CPU, etc.) of the system or device can read and execute the program.

[0026] <Example> An example of an intraocular pressure measuring device according to this embodiment will be described below. Here, the left-right direction of the intraocular pressure measuring device is represented as the X direction, the up-down direction as the Y direction, and the front-rear direction as the Z direction.

[0027] <Device configuration> FIG. 1 is an external view of an intraocular pressure measuring device 1. The intraocular pressure measuring device 1 includes a base 2, a face support unit 3, a drive unit 4, a speaker 5, a display unit 81, an operation unit 82, and a measurement unit 100. The face support unit 3 is fixed to the base 2 and supports the face of the subject. The face support unit 3 includes a forehead rest 3a, a chin rest 3b, a chin rest sensor 3c, a chin rest drive unit 3d, and the like. The chin rest sensor 3c detects whether the chin is placed on the chin rest 3b. The chin rest drive unit 3d drives the chin rest 3b in the Y direction to change the height. The drive unit 4 drives the measurement unit 100 in the XYZ directions relative to the base 2. The speaker 5 generates voice announcements and the like. The display unit 81 displays various information (for example, a face image of the subject, an anterior eye image of the subject's eye, a measurement result of the subject's eye, and the like). The operation unit 82 performs various settings. In this embodiment, a display unit 81 with a touch panel may also serve as the operation unit 82. The measurement unit 100 houses a face photographing unit 300, a fluid discharge unit 200, an intraocular pressure measuring unit 400, and the like, which will be described later.

[0028] <Facial Photography Department> 2 is a schematic diagram of the face photographing unit 300 and the fluid discharging unit 200. The face photographing unit 300 includes a face illumination optical system 310 and a face photographing optical system 320. The face illumination optical system 310 illuminates the face of the subject. The face illumination optical system 310 includes an illumination light source 311. The illumination light source 311 may be a light source with low directivity. The illumination light source 311 may also be a light source that emits infrared light.

[0029] The face photographing optical system 320 photographs the face of the subject. The face photographing optical system 320 includes an imaging lens 321, an imaging element 322, and the like. The imaging element 322 receives a light beam reflected from the face. This captures a face image including at least one of the left eye and the right eye of the subject's eye E. An output signal from the imaging element 322 is input to the control unit 80 and the display unit 81.

[0030] In this embodiment, the face photographing optical system 320 includes a wide-angle lens as the imaging lens 321, so that the subject's face can be photographed with a wide angle of view. For example, the angle of view may be 87° or more. This makes it easier for both eyes of the subject to be included in the face image. In addition, in this embodiment, a visible light cut filter may be disposed in the optical path of the face photographing optical system 320. This limits noise light due to visible light when photographing the subject's face. Here, the reflected light of infrared light from the face is detected by the imaging element 322, but in this case, there is a possibility that noise light due to infrared light may be incident. For this reason, the gain of the imaging element 322 may be adjusted to reduce the influence of noise due to infrared light.

[0031] <Fluid discharge section> The fluid discharge unit 200 discharges a fluid onto the cornea of ​​the subject's eye E. The fluid discharge unit 200 includes a cylinder 201, a piston 202, a solenoid actuator 203 (hereinafter, solenoid 203), a nozzle 206, and the like. The cylinder 201 and the piston 202 are used as an air compression mechanism for compressing air to be discharged onto the subject's eye. For example, the cylinder 201 is cylindrical. The piston 202 slides along the axial direction of the cylinder 201. The piston 202 compresses air in an air compression chamber 234 inside the cylinder 201. The solenoid 203 of this embodiment is a so-called direct acting solenoid, and operates linearly. The solenoid 203 includes a movable body 204 and a coil 205. For example, a magnetic body such as a permanent magnet is used for the movable body 204. When a current flows through the coil 205, a magnetic field is generated inside the coil 205. The movable body 204 is moved in the direction A in Fig. 2 by the electromagnetic force received from the magnetic field. The movable body 204 is fixed to the piston 202 by screws, bolts, nuts, etc. (not shown). Therefore, the piston 202 moves together with the movable body 204. The movement of the movable body 204 moves the piston 202 in the compression direction (or forward direction, direction A in Fig. 1). The nozzle 206 discharges the compressed air to the outside of the device.

[0032] The fluid compressed in the air compression chamber 234 in the cylinder 201 by the movement of the piston 202 is discharged from the nozzle 206 toward the cornea of ​​the subject's eye E through a tube (which may be a pipe) 220 connected to the tip of the cylinder 201 and an airtight chamber 221 that contains the compressed air. For example, the cylinder 201 may be arranged parallel to a horizontal plane (XZ plane), and the piston 202 may be moved horizontally in the cylinder 201 by driving the solenoid 203, thereby compressing the fluid. For example, the cylinder 201 may be arranged such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the inner surface of the cylinder 201 guides the piston 202. Therefore, the movement direction (compression direction) of the piston 202 is horizontal. Each of the above-mentioned components is arranged on a stage provided in the housing of the device main body.

[0033] In addition, the solenoid 203 of this embodiment can change the moving direction of the movable body 204 by changing the direction of the current flowing through the coil 205. For example, when a current flows in the forward direction through the coil 205, the movable body 204 moves in the compression direction (forward direction, direction A in FIG. 2), and when a current flows in the reverse direction, the movable body 204 moves in the opposite direction (rearward direction, direction B in FIG. 2). Therefore, by switching the direction of the current flowing through the coil 205, the moving direction of the piston 202 that moves together with the movable body 204 can be changed. For example, after a current flows in the forward direction through the coil 205, the piston 202 moves in the direction A to compress the fluid in the air compression chamber 234, and then a current flows in the reverse direction through the coil 205, the piston 202 moves in the direction B to return to the initial position.

[0034] For example, the fluid ejection unit 200 may include a glass plate 208 and a glass plate 209. The glass plate 208 is transparent, holds the nozzle 206, and transmits observation light and alignment light. The glass plate 209 forms a rear wall of the airtight chamber 221 and transmits observation light and alignment light.

[0035] For example, the fluid discharge section 200 may include a pressure sensor 212 and an air vent hole 213. The pressure sensor 212 detects, for example, the pressure in the airtight chamber 221. The air vent hole 213 reduces resistance until the piston 202 gains initial velocity, for example, and can obtain a pressure change that rises proportional to time.

[0036] <Intraocular pressure measurement section> 3 is a schematic diagram of the intraocular pressure measuring unit 400. The intraocular pressure measuring unit 400 measures intraocular pressure from the relationship between the deformation state of the cornea when a fluid is discharged onto the cornea of ​​the subject's eye and the pressure of the fluid.

[0037] An image of the subject's eye illuminated by the infrared illumination light source 30 is formed on the image sensor 35 via the beam splitter 31, the objective lens 32, the dichroic mirror 33, the imaging lens 37, and the filter 34. That is, the optical system from the beam splitter 31 to the image sensor 35 has an image sensor and is used as an observation optical system for observing the anterior segment of the subject's eye. In this case, the optical axis L1 is used as the observation optical axis.

[0038] The filter 34 transmits light from the light source 30 and the infrared light source 40 for alignment, but is opaque to light from an infrared light source 50 for corneal deformation detection (described later) and visible light. The image formed on the imaging element 35 is displayed on a display unit 81.

[0039] Infrared light projected from the light source 40 through the projection lens 41 is reflected by the beam splitter 31 and projected from the front onto the subject's eye. A corneal bright spot formed at the corneal apex by the light source 40 is imaged on the image sensor 35 through the beam splitter 31 to the filter 34, and is used for detecting alignment in the up, down, left and right directions. That is, the optical system from the beam splitter 31 to the image sensor 35 has an image sensor and is used as a detection optical system for detecting the alignment state in the up, down, left and right directions with respect to the subject's eye. In this case, the optical axis L1 is used as the alignment optical axis. In this embodiment, the detection optical system also serves as an observation optical system for observing the anterior segment.

[0040] The fixation optical system 48 has an optical axis L1, and presents a fixation target to the subject's eye E from the front direction. In this case, the optical axis L1 is used as a fixation optical axis. The fixation optical system 48 has, for example, a visible light source (fixation lamp) 45, a projection lens 46, and a dichroic mirror 33, and projects light onto the subject's eye E to fixate the subject's eye E in the front direction. The visible light source 45 may be a light source such as an LED or a laser. The visible light source 45 may be, for example, a pattern light source such as a point light source, a slit light source, or a ring light source, or a two-dimensional display such as a liquid crystal display.

[0041] The visible light emitted from the visible light source 45 passes through the projection lens 46, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 33, passes through the objective lens 32, and is then projected onto the fundus of the subject's eye E. This causes the subject's eye E to fixate on the fixation point in the front direction, and the line of sight is fixed. The visible light emitted from the visible light source 45 passes through the projection lens 46 and the objective lens 32, and is converted into a parallel beam.

[0042] The corneal deformation detection optical system includes a light projecting optical system 500a and a light receiving optical system 500b, and is used to detect the deformation state of the cornea Ec. Each of the optical systems 500a and 500b is disposed in the measurement unit 100 and moved three-dimensionally by the driving unit 4.

[0043] The light projecting optical system 500a has an optical axis L3 as a light projecting optical axis, and irradiates illumination light from an oblique direction toward the cornea Ec of the subject's eye E. The light projecting optical system 500a has, for example, an infrared light source 50, a collimator lens 51, and a beam splitter 52. The light receiving optical system 500b has a photodetector 57, and receives the illumination light reflected by the cornea Ec of the subject's eye E. The light receiving optical system 500b is disposed approximately symmetrically to the light projecting optical system 500a with respect to the optical axis L1. The light receiving optical system 500b has, for example, a lens 53, a beam splitter 55, a pinhole plate 56, and a photodetector 57, and forms an optical axis L2 as a light receiving optical axis.

[0044] The light emitted from the infrared light source 50 is made into a substantially parallel beam by the collimator lens 51, and after being reflected by the beam splitter 52, becomes coaxial (coincident) with the optical axis L3 of the light receiving optical system 70b described later, and is projected onto the cornea Ec of the subject's eye. The light reflected by the cornea Ec becomes coaxial (coincident) with the optical axis L2 of the light projecting optical system 70a described later, passes through the lens 53, is reflected by the beam splitter 55, passes through the pinhole plate 56, and is received by the photodetector 57. The lens 53 is coated with a coating that is opaque to the light from the light source 30 and the light source 40. The optical system for detecting corneal deformation is disposed so that the amount of light received by the photodetector 57 is maximized when the subject's eye is in a predetermined deformation state (flat state).

[0045] This corneal deformation detection optical system also serves as a part of the first working distance detection optical system, and the light projecting optical system of the first working distance detection optical system also serves as the light projecting optical system 500a of the corneal deformation detection optical system. The light receiving optical system 600b that receives the reflected light from the cornea Ec by the infrared light source 50 has, for example, the lens 53, beam splitter 58, condenser lens 59, and position detection element 60 of the light projecting optical system 500a, and forms an optical axis L2 as a light receiving optical axis.

[0046] The illumination light projected from the infrared light source 50 and reflected by the cornea Ec forms an index image, which is a virtual image of the infrared light source 50. The light of the index image passes through the lens 53 and the beam splitter 55, is reflected by the beam splitter 58, passes through the condenser lens 59, and is incident on a one-dimensional or two-dimensional position detection element 60 such as a PSD or a line sensor. When the subject's eye E (cornea Ec) moves in the working distance direction (Z direction), the index image formed by the infrared light source 50 also moves on the position detection element 60, so that the control circuit 20 obtains working distance information based on the output signal from the position detection element 60. The output signal from the position detection element 60 in this embodiment is used for alignment (coarse adjustment) in the working distance direction (Z direction). The light receiving optical system 600b of the first working distance detection optical system does not have a magnification as large as the light receiving optical system 70b described later. Therefore, the distance detection range of the position detection element 60 in the Z direction is wider than that of the light receiving element 77.

[0047] The corneal thickness measuring optical system includes a light projecting optical system 70a, a light receiving optical system 70b, and a fixation optical system 48, and is used to measure the corneal thickness of the subject's eye E. The light projecting optical system 70a also serves as a part of the corneal deformation detecting optical system and the first working distance detecting optical system.

[0048] The light projection optical system 70a has an optical axis L2 as a light projection optical axis, and irradiates illumination light (measurement light) from an oblique direction toward the cornea Ec of the subject's eye E. The light projection optical system 70a has, for example, an illumination light source 71, a condenser lens 72, a light limiting member 73, a concave lens 74, and a lens 53 that also serves as the corneal deformation detection optical system. The illumination light source 71 is a visible light source or an infrared light source (including near-infrared), and light sources such as LEDs and lasers are used. The condenser lens 72 condenses the light emitted from the light source 71. The infrared light source 50 and the light source 71 each use a wavelength band.

[0049] The light limiting member 73 is disposed in the optical path of the light projecting optical system 70a and limits the light emitted from the light source 71. The light limiting member 73 is disposed at a position approximately conjugate with the cornea Ec. For example, a pinhole plate, a slit plate, or the like is used as the light limiting member 73. The light limiting member 73 is used as an aperture that passes a portion of the light emitted from the light source 71 and blocks the other light. The light projecting optical system 70a forms a predetermined pattern light beam (for example, a spot light beam, a slit light beam) on the cornea of ​​the subject's eye E.

[0050] The light receiving optical system 70b has a light receiving element 77 and receives the illumination light reflected by the front and back surfaces of the cornea of ​​the subject's eye E. The light receiving optical system 70b is disposed approximately symmetrically with the light projecting optical system 70a with respect to the optical axis L1. The light receiving optical system 70b has, for example, a light receiving lens 75, a concave lens 76, and a light receiving element 77, and forms an optical axis L3 as a light receiving optical axis. The light receiving optical system 70b in FIG. 3 also serves as a second working distance detection optical system that detects the alignment state in the Z direction with respect to the subject's eye E.

[0051] The light receiving element 77 has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and receives reflected light from the front and back surfaces of the cornea. For example, a light detection device such as a one-dimensional line sensor or a two-dimensional area sensor is used for the light receiving element 77. The light receiving optical system 70b of the corneal thickness measurement optical system and the second working distance detection optical system performs observation with a large magnification. Therefore, the distance detection range of the light receiving element 77 in the Z direction is narrower than that of the position detection element 60.

[0052] When the subject's eye E (cornea Ec) moves in the working distance direction (Z direction), the reflected light of the light source 71 on the cornea Ec also moves on the light receiving element 77, so that the control unit 80 obtains working distance information based on the output signal from the light receiving element 77 of the second working distance detection optical system. In addition, the control unit 80 knows the state of corneal deformation and blinking of the subject's eye E from the output signal from this light receiving element 77, and controls the drive of the solenoid 203.

[0053] Light emitted from an illumination light source 71 is collected by a collecting lens 72 and illuminates a light limiting member 73 from behind. Then, the light from the light source 71 is limited by the light limiting member 73, and then focused (collected) near the cornea Ec by the lens 53. For example, a pinhole image (when a pinhole plate is used) or a slit image (when a slit plate is used) is formed near the cornea Ec. At this time, the light from the light source 71 is imaged near the intersection with the visual axis on the cornea Ec.

[0054] When illumination light is projected onto the cornea Ec by the light projection optical system 70a, the illumination light reflected by the cornea Ec travels in a direction symmetrical to the projected light beam with respect to the optical axis L1. The reflected light is then imaged on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 77 by the light receiving lens 75.

[0055] The lens 53, which is used both in the receiving optical system 500b, 600b and the projecting optical system 70a, is positioned so as to focus the reflected light from the cornea Ec by the infrared light source 50 at the center of the hole in the pinhole plate 56, and to focus the illumination light from the light source 71 on the front and back surfaces of the cornea Ec.

[0056] <Control Unit> 2, the control unit 80 includes a CPU (processor), a RAM, a ROM, etc. The CPU controls the driving of each unit in the intraocular pressure measuring device 1. The RAM temporarily stores various information. The ROM stores various programs executed by the CPU, etc. The control unit 80 may be configured with multiple control units (i.e., multiple processors).

[0057] The control unit 80 is electrically connected to the chin rest driving unit 3d, the driving unit 4, the speaker 5, the display unit 81, the operation unit 82, the face photographing unit 300, the fluid ejection unit 200, the intraocular pressure measuring unit 400, a non-volatile memory 85 (hereinafter, memory 85), and the like. The memory 85 is a non-transient storage medium that can retain the stored contents even if the power supply is cut off. For example, the memory 85 may be a hard disk drive, a flash ROM, a USB memory, or the like. The memory 85 may store the measurement results of the subject's eye E.

[0058] <Control action> The control operation of the intraocular pressure measuring device 1 will be described. In this embodiment, alignment between the subject's eye E and the measurement unit 100 and intraocular pressure measurement of the subject's eye E are performed fully automatically. For example, when the examiner selects a button for starting measurement of the subject's eye E, the control unit 80 generates a voice prompt to guide the subject's actions.

[0059] First, the measurement unit 100 is aligned with the right eye (measurement eye) of the subject. The control unit 80 issues a voice announcement such as "Place your face on the device and place your forehead on it" from the speaker 5. The control unit 80 also turns on the fixation lamp 45, the illumination light source 311 for illuminating the face, the infrared illumination light source 30 for illuminating the anterior eye, and the infrared light source 40 for projecting an alignment target image.

[0060] When the subject's face is placed on the chin rest 3b and a control signal is input from the chin rest sensor 3c, the control unit 80 starts alignment of the measurement unit 100. The subject's face is illuminated by the illumination light source 311 and is imaged by the image sensor 322 for capturing an image of the face, and the facial image is displayed on the display unit 81. The control unit 80 detects the right and left eyes from the facial image, estimates the three-dimensional coordinates of the right and left eyes, and moves the measurement unit 100 in the XYZ directions based on the three-dimensional coordinate of the right eye. For example, this allows the measurement unit 100 to be roughly aligned with respect to the right eye.

[0061] Furthermore, as the measurement unit 100 approaches the right eye, the right eye becomes able to view the fixation lamp 45. An alignment index image is projected onto the cornea of ​​the right eye. The right eye is photographed by the imaging element 35 for photographing the anterior segment, and the anterior segment image is displayed on the display unit 81. The control unit 80 detects the alignment index image from the anterior segment image, and moves the measurement unit 100 in the XYZ directions based on the positional relationship between them. For example, this allows the measurement unit 100 to be finely aligned with the right eye, and the right eye and the measurement unit 100 to be at a predetermined working distance.

[0062] Next, the intraocular pressure of the right eye is measured. When the measurement of the corneal thickness is completed, the control unit 80 generates a voice announcement such as "Wind is blowing" from the speaker 5. In addition, the control unit 80 drives the solenoid 203 and moves the piston 202 to compress the air in the cylinder 201 and blow the compressed air from the nozzle 206 toward the cornea Ec. The cornea Ec gradually deforms due to the blowing of the compressed air, and when it reaches a flat state, the maximum amount of light is incident on the photodetector 57. Furthermore, the control unit 80 obtains the intraocular pressure value (measurement value) based on the output signal from the photodetector 57 and the output signal from the pressure sensor 212. For example, the control unit 80 may monitor the change over time of the output signal from the photodetector 57 (i.e., the amount of light received) and the change over time of the output signal from the pressure sensor 212 (i.e., the pressure), and obtain the intraocular pressure value (measurement value) based on the pressure or time when the amount of light received becomes maximum.

[0063] When the control unit 80 has completed the intraocular pressure measurement of the right eye, it similarly performs intraocular pressure measurement of the left eye and generates a voice announcement such as "Measurement has been completed" from the speaker 5. Furthermore, the control unit 80 may display the intraocular pressure values ​​(measured values) of the right and left eyes on the display unit 81, print them out, output them to the outside via wireless or wired communication, or the like.

[0064] <Number of times intraocular pressure is measured in the examined eye> In the intraocular pressure measuring device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to measure the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye a predetermined number of times (for example, once, etc.) regardless of the subject. However, depending on the subject's eye, there are cases where measuring the predetermined number of times is insufficient. For example, if the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is within the normal range, the measurement can be ended here, thereby reducing the burden and shortening the time. On the other hand, for example, if the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is outside the normal range, performing the second or subsequent measurements makes it easier to determine the possibility that the eye is diseased. For this reason, the intraocular pressure measuring device 1 may be configured to change the number of measurements as appropriate according to the intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye.

[0065] Furthermore, in the intraocular pressure measuring device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a reliability for evaluating the reliability of the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye with respect to the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye. For example, the reliability of the intraocular pressure value is determined based on whether or not the peak of the amount of light received by the photodetector 57 has reached a predetermined level, whether or not the change curve of the amount of light received is stable, etc. For this reason, the intraocular pressure measuring device 1 may be configured to change the number of measurements as appropriate using the reliability of the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye as well as the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye.

[0066] For example, before starting a fully automated measurement of the subject's eye, the examiner operates the operation unit 82 to call up a setting screen 90 for setting various parameters for intraocular pressure measurement. The control unit 80 causes the display unit 81 to display the setting screen 90 in response to an operation signal from the operation unit 82.

[0067] 4 is an example of the setting screen 90. For example, the setting screen 90 has an intraocular pressure value change button 91, a first measurement number change button 92, a second measurement number change button 93, a low reliability exclusion button 94, a measurement mode switching button 95, a confirmation button 96, and the like.

[0068] The intraocular pressure change button 91 is a button for switching the reference value for the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye. For example, since the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye is generally considered to be in the normal range of 10 to 20 mmHg, the reference value may be set to a value equal to the upper limit of this range (20 mmHg) or a value around this upper limit. As one example, the reference value may be set to "17 mmHg", which is a value slightly smaller than the upper limit of the general intraocular pressure range.

[0069] The first measurement count change button 92 is a button for switching the first measurement count to be performed when the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye is less than the reference value. For example, the first measurement count set by the first measurement count change button 92 is the initial total measurement count for intraocular pressure measurement of the subject eye. As an example, it may be set to "1 time" when it is considered that the subject eye is unlikely to have a disease. The second measurement count change button 93 is a button for switching the second measurement count to be performed when the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye exceeds the reference value. For example, the second measurement count set by the second measurement count change button 93 is the total measurement count after changing the initial total measurement count when various conditions are met. As an example, it may be set to "3 times" when it is considered that the subject eye is likely to have a disease. The reference value of the intraocular pressure value and the number of measurements of each may be fixed values ​​or arbitrary values.

[0070] The low reliability exclusion button 94 is a button for determining whether to adopt or exclude data with low reliability for the intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye. For example, when low reliability data is adopted, the button is set to "OFF," and when data with low reliability is excluded, the button is set to "ON." The measurement mode switching button 95 is a button for changing whether or not to repeat measurement until highly reliable data is obtained when low reliability data for the intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is obtained. For example, when measurement is repeated until highly reliable data is obtained, the button is set to "ON," and when measurement is not repeated, the button is set to "OFF."

[0071] The examiner can combine the settings of various parameters (e.g., intraocular pressure value (reference value), number of measurements, consideration of reliability, change of measurement mode, etc.) by operating various buttons on the setting screen 90. Note that, for example, if the examiner wishes to always measure the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye a predetermined number of times, the first number of measurements and the second number of measurements can both be set to the same number. As an example, if the examiner wishes to always measure the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye three times, both the first number of measurements change button 92 and the second number of measurements change button 93 can be set to "3 times." When the examiner operates the confirm button 96, the control unit 80 reflects the settings based on the operation signal from the confirm button 96.

[0072] Hereinafter, a flow of setting various parameters in measuring the intraocular pressure of a subject eye will be described in order with reference to FIGS.

[0073] 5 shows a flow chart for changing the number of measurements depending only on the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye. For example, the reference value for the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye is set to "17 mmHg", the first number of measurements when the intraocular pressure is less than the reference value is set to "1 time", and the second number of measurements when the intraocular pressure is greater than the reference value is set to "3 times". Here, the low reliability exclusion button 94 is set to "OFF" so that even low reliability data is adopted. At this time, the measurement mode switching button 95 may be automatically set to "OFF".

[0074] First, intraocular pressure measurement is performed on the subject's eye (step S1-a). Each time the intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is acquired, the number of measurements is counted up and stored in the memory 85. At this stage, the number of measurements is "1". Next, it is determined whether the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is less than a reference value (step S1-b). For example, the control unit 80 determines whether the first intraocular pressure value is less than 17 mmHg by comparing the first intraocular pressure value with the reference value. If the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is less than 17 mmHg (step S1-b: YES), the number of measurements has already reached "1", so the measurement is terminated. On the other hand, if the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye exceeds 17 mmHg (step S1-b: NO), it is determined whether the number of measurements has reached "3" (step S1-c). For example, the control unit 80 determines whether the number of measurements has reached 3 by referring to the current number of measurements from the memory 85. For example, since the number of measurements at this stage is "1 time" (step S1-c: NO), intraocular pressure measurement is performed again (step S1-d). For example, by repeating the determination of the number of measurements (step S1-c) and the execution of intraocular pressure measurement (step S1-d), the second and third intraocular pressure values ​​of the test eye are obtained, respectively. When the number of measurements of the test eye reaches "3 times" (step S1-c: YES), the measurement is terminated.

[0075] Fig. 6 shows a flow chart for changing the number of measurements depending on the intraocular pressure value and reliability of the subject's eye. The reference value for the intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye, the first number of measurements when the value is less than the reference value, and the second number of measurements when the value is more than the reference value are the same. Here, the low reliability exclusion button 94 is set to "ON" to exclude low reliability data, but measurements are not repeated until high reliability data is obtained, and the measurement mode switch button 95 is set to "OFF".

[0076] When intraocular pressure measurement is performed on the subject's eye (step S2-a), the reliability of the first intraocular pressure value and the reliability of the first intraocular pressure value are determined preferentially (step S2-b). For example, the control unit 80 determines the reliability of the first intraocular pressure value according to the amount of light received by the light detector 57. For example, the control unit 80 determines that the reliability is low when the peak of the amount of light received does not reach a predetermined level (step S2-b: NO). At this time, the first intraocular pressure value is regarded as an error, but since the measurement mode switching button 95 is "OFF", the intraocular pressure measurement ends without being repeated. The intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye in this case may be output as a reference value or a measurement error. On the other hand, for example, the control unit 80 determines that the reliability is high when the peak of the amount of light received exceeds a predetermined level (step S2-b: YES). At this time, it is determined whether the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye meets the reference value (step S2-c).

[0077] 5, in Fig. 6, if the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is less than 17 mmHg (step S2-c: YES), the measurement is terminated because the number of measurements has reached "1". If the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye exceeds 17 mmHg (step S2-c: NO), the determination of the number of measurements (step S2-d) and the execution of intraocular pressure measurement (step S2-e) are repeated until the number of measurements has reached "3".

[0078] That is, for example, if the reliability of the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is appropriate and the first intraocular pressure value is less than 17 mmHg, the total number of intraocular pressure measurements is not changed from 1, and the measurement is terminated. For example, if the reliability of the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is appropriate and the first intraocular pressure value exceeds 17 mmHg, the total number of intraocular pressure measurements is changed from 1 to 3, and the missing 2 measurements are continued, and then the measurement is terminated.

[0079] For example, if the total number of measurements is increased when either the intraocular pressure value or the reliability of the subject eye satisfies a condition, there is a possibility that unnecessary blowing of air or the like will be performed, which will increase the burden on the subject, or that the number of samples will be small, which may make it difficult to confirm the authenticity of the intraocular pressure value. Therefore, for example, by first considering the reliability of the first intraocular pressure value of the subject eye in this way, it becomes easier to set an appropriate number of intraocular pressure measurements for each subject eye. Next, by considering the first intraocular pressure value of the subject eye and appropriately changing the total number of measurements depending on whether the subject eye is likely to be a diseased eye, the examiner can easily obtain the intraocular pressure value required for diagnosis, etc.

[0080] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart for changing the number of measurements according to the intraocular pressure value and reliability of the subject's eye. The reference value for the intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye, the first number of measurements when the value is less than the reference value, and the second number of measurements when the value exceeds the reference value are the same. Here, the low reliability exclusion button 94 is set to "ON" to exclude low reliability data, and the measurement mode switching button 95 is set to "ON" to repeat measurements until high reliability data is obtained. In this case, the first number of measurements may be set to "1 time" for high reliability data, and the second number of measurements may be set to "3 times" for high reliability data.

[0081] When intraocular pressure measurement is performed on the subject's eye (step S3-a), the reliability of the first intraocular pressure value is determined (step S3-b). The intraocular pressure value and the reliability are associated with each other and stored in the memory 85. If the first intraocular pressure value is determined to be low reliability (step S3-b: NO), it is determined whether a predetermined number of low reliability data have been accumulated (step S3-c). For example, the control unit 80 determines whether the number of low reliability data has reached a predetermined number by referring to the current number of low reliability data from the memory 85. As an example, the predetermined number may be set in advance to "3 pieces" or the like. At this stage, the number of low reliability data becomes "1 piece" (step S3-c: NO), and the measurement mode switching button 95 is "ON", so that the flowchart proceeds to perform intraocular pressure measurement again.

[0082] That is, for example, if the reliability of the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is not appropriate, the total number of intraocular pressure measurements is increased by one each time until an intraocular pressure value with appropriate reliability is obtained. Here, the total number of intraocular pressure measurements is increased from one to two. For example, when the second intraocular pressure measurement of the subject's eye is performed, the total number of measurements will be reached, but if the reliability is not appropriate and the upper limit of the number of low reliability data has not been reached, the total number of measurements is increased by one again. That is, the total number of intraocular pressure measurements is increased from two to three. For example, when the intraocular pressure measurements are repeated in this manner and a predetermined number of low reliability data is reached (step S3-c: YES), the measurement is terminated.

[0083] If the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye (or the nth intraocular pressure value measured again) is determined to be highly reliable (step S3-b: YES), it is determined whether the intraocular pressure value is less than the reference value (step S3-d). If the intraocular pressure value is less than 17 mmHg (step S3-d: YES), the measurement is terminated since the number of measurements "one" at which highly reliable data was obtained has been reached. If the intraocular pressure value exceeds 17 mmHg (step S3-d: NO), it is determined whether the number of measurements "three" at which highly reliable data was obtained has been reached at this point (step S3-e). At this stage, the number of measurements at which highly reliable data was obtained is "one" (step S3-e: NO), so intraocular pressure measurement is performed again (step S3-f).

[0084] The reliability of the second intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye is also determined in the same manner as in step S3-b (step S3-g). If the second intraocular pressure value is determined to be low reliability (step S3-g: NO), the number of low reliability data is counted up. Then, like in step S3-c, it is determined whether the upper limit of the number of low reliability data has been reached (step S3-h). For example, if there are fewer than "three" pieces of low reliability data (step S3-h: NO), the process returns to step S3-f and intraocular pressure measurement is repeated. For example, if there are "three" pieces of low reliability data (step S3-h: YES), the measurement is terminated.

[0085] If the second intraocular pressure value is determined to be highly reliable (step S3-g: YES), then similar to step S3-d, it is determined whether the number of measurements has reached "three" at the present time, which is the number of measurements required to obtain highly reliable data (step S3-i). For example, if the number of measurements required to obtain highly reliable data has not reached "three" (step S3-i: NO), the process returns to step S3-f and intraocular pressure measurement is repeated. For example, if the number of measurements required to obtain highly reliable data has reached "three" (step S3-i: YES), the measurement is terminated.

[0086] For example, by changing the total number of measurements in this way so that an intraocular pressure value with an appropriate reliability for the subject's eye is obtained for a predetermined number of measurements, it is possible to obtain a more accurate intraocular pressure value while reducing the burden on the subject and shortening the measurement time. In addition, by using multiple intraocular pressure values ​​with consideration given to the reliability, the examiner can more easily accurately determine the possibility of a diseased eye.

[0087] <Intraocular pressure value output> In this embodiment, the initial total number of measurements for intraocular pressure measurement of the subject's eye (in other words, the first number of measurements that can be set using the first number of measurements change button 92) is set to 1, and the changed total number of measurements for intraocular pressure measurement of the subject's eye (in other words, the second number of measurements that can be set using the second number of measurements change button 93) is set to 3. Therefore, when the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye exceeds the reference value, three measurements are performed and three corresponding intraocular pressure values ​​are obtained.

[0088] Here, the intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye may be output so as to distinguish between a first intraocular pressure value obtained before the total number of measurements is changed and a second intraocular pressure value obtained after the total number of measurements is changed. For example, the first intraocular pressure value of the subject's eye corresponds to the first intraocular pressure value, and the second and third intraocular pressure values ​​of the subject's eye correspond to the second intraocular pressure value, so that the display forms of these may be different. For example, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 81 to display a measurement result screen 110.

[0089] 8 is an example of the measurement result screen 110. For example, the measurement result screen 110 displays left and right intraocular pressure values ​​111. For example, the left and right intraocular pressure values ​​111 include at least one intraocular pressure value (first intraocular pressure value) obtained in the first intraocular pressure measurement. Note that, if there are multiple intraocular pressure values ​​(second intraocular pressure values) obtained in the second or subsequent intraocular pressure measurements, an average value of these may be calculated.

[0090] Also, for example, an alert mark 112, an identification mark 113, etc. are displayed on the measurement result screen 110. The alert mark 112 is a mark indicating low reliability data. As an example, the alert mark 112 is an asterisk symbol placed next to an intraocular pressure value with low reliability. Of course, the alert mark 112 may be any symbol other than an asterisk symbol as long as it allows the user to grasp that the data is low reliable. The identification mark 113 is a mark for distinguishing between the first intraocular pressure value and the second intraocular pressure value. As an example, the identification mark 113 is an underline placed next to the second intraocular pressure value. Of course, the identification mark 113 may be any symbol other than an underline (for example, bold or italics) as long as it allows the user to grasp the first intraocular pressure value and the second intraocular pressure value.

[0091] For example, the examiner can easily understand the number of times the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye has been measured, the intraocular pressure value and the reliability of each intraocular pressure value, etc., by checking the measurement result screen 110. In addition, for example, the examiner can determine the possibility of a diseased eye by using the first intraocular pressure value and the second intraocular pressure value.

[0092] As described above, for example, the intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment includes a measurement control means for automatically measuring the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye, a measurement acquisition means for acquiring the measurement value of the intraocular pressure by the measurement control means, a reliability acquisition means for acquiring the reliability of the measurement value acquired by the intraocular pressure acquisition means, and a measurement number setting means for changing the total number of intraocular pressure measurements performed by the measurement control means for the subject's eye based on the measurement value and the reliability, and the measurement control means repeats the measurement based on the total number of measurements. This allows the intraocular pressure measurement to be performed efficiently for each subject's eye. For example, the number of measurements is changed from the first measurement value for the subject's eye in consideration of the possibility of a disease, etc., thereby reducing the burden on the subject and obtaining multiple measurement values ​​required by the examiner for diagnosis, thereby improving efficiency.

[0093] In addition, for example, in the intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment, when the reliability is appropriate, the measurement count setting means changes the total number of measurements by determining whether or not the measured value satisfies a predetermined standard. For example, by first checking the reliability and then checking the measured value, it is possible to reduce the number of times the fluid is sprayed onto the subject's eye, thereby reducing the burden on the subject and obtaining accurate measured values.

[0094] In addition, for example, in the intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment, the measurement number setting means increases the total number of measurements when the reliability is appropriate and the measured value does not satisfy a predetermined standard. This allows the examiner to easily grasp the condition of the examined eye, since many measured values ​​can be obtained according to the possibility of a disease, etc. of the examined eye.

[0095] In addition, for example, in the intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment, when the reliability is not appropriate, the measurement number setting means adds the total number of measurements each time until a measurement value with appropriate reliability is obtained. This makes it possible to obtain accurate measurement values ​​even when, for example, a sufficient amount of light is not received due to fluctuation of the pressure plane of the cornea of ​​the test eye, or when a measurement error occurs.

[0096] Also, for example, in the intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment, the initial total number of measurements for measuring the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye is one, and if the reliability is appropriate but the measured value does not satisfy a predetermined standard, the total number of measurements is increased by at least two or more, and if the reliability is not appropriate, the total number of measurements is increased by one each time until a measured value with appropriate reliability is obtained. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the subject, for example, even when multiple measured values ​​are required for the subject's eye.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, the intraocular pressure measuring device of this embodiment includes an output means for outputting in a distinguishable manner a first measurement value, which is a measurement value acquired by the measurement value acquiring means before the total number of measurements is changed by the measurement number setting means, and a second measurement value, which is a measurement value acquired by the measurement value acquiring means after the total number of measurements is changed by the measurement number setting means. This makes it easy to guess how the intraocular pressure measurement has been carried out, for example, even in a case where an examiner is not present near the subject and the intraocular pressure measurement is performed automatically.

[0098] <Example of transformation> In this embodiment, the alignment of the subject eye and the intraocular pressure measurement are performed in a fully automatic manner, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the alignment of the subject eye and the corneal thickness measurement may be performed in a fully automatic manner, or the alignment of the subject eye, the corneal thickness measurement, and the intraocular pressure measurement may be performed in a fully automatic manner. In this case, for example, the control unit 80 may generate a voice announcement such as "Measurement will start. Do not place your hands on the device" from the speaker 5 after the alignment is completed. In addition, for example, the control unit 80 may control the light projecting optical system 70a and the light receiving optical system 70b in the corneal thickness measurement optical system, and calculate the distance (peak-to-peak distance) between the reflected signal at the front surface of the cornea and the reflected signal at the rear surface of the cornea detected by the light receiving element 77 to obtain the corneal thickness.

[0099] In this embodiment, the initial total number of measurements for the intraocular pressure measurement of the subject eye is set to "1 time", and when the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye exceeds the reference value, the total number of measurements is increased to "3 times", but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the initial total number of measurements for the intraocular pressure measurement of the subject eye may be set to "3 times", and when the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye is less than the reference value, the total number of measurements may be reduced to "1 time". That is, for example, the intraocular pressure measurement may be set to be performed multiple times on the subject eye in advance, and when it is considered that the subject eye is unlikely to have a disease, the number of measurements may be reduced.

[0100] In this embodiment, the configuration is described by taking an example of a configuration in which an upper limit reference value for the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye is set, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a lower limit reference value for the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye may be set. For example, in this case, the same value as the lower limit (10 mmHg) in the normal range (10 to 20 mmHg) of general intraocular pressure values, or a value around the lower limit, may be set as the reference value. As an example, the reference value may be set to "13 mmHg", which is a value slightly larger than the lower limit of general intraocular pressure values. Of course, it is also possible to set the upper limit and lower limit reference values ​​for the intraocular pressure value of the subject eye. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 80 Control section 100 Measuring part 200 Fluid discharge section 300 Face Photography Department 400 Intraocular pressure measurement unit

Claims

1. An intraocular pressure measuring device for measuring intraocular pressure of a subject's eye, comprising: a measurement control means for automatically measuring the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye; a measurement acquisition means for acquiring a measurement value of the intraocular pressure by the measurement control means; a reliability acquisition means for acquiring a reliability of the measurement value acquired by the intraocular pressure acquisition means; a measurement number setting means for changing a total number of measurements of the intraocular pressure to be performed by the measurement control means on the subject's eye based on the measurement value and the reliability; Equipped with The measurement control means repeats the measurement based on the total number of measurements.

2. The intraocular pressure measuring device according to claim 1, The intraocular pressure measuring device is characterized in that, when the reliability is appropriate, the measurement number setting means changes the total number of measurements by further determining whether the measurement value satisfies a predetermined criterion.

3. 3. The intraocular pressure measuring device according to claim 2, The intraocular pressure measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement count setting means increases the total number of measurements when the reliability is appropriate and the measured value does not satisfy a predetermined criterion.

4. The intraocular pressure measuring device according to claim 2 or 3, The intraocular pressure measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement count setting means, when the reliability is not appropriate, adds the total number of measurements each time until a measurement value with an appropriate reliability is obtained.

5. The intraocular pressure measuring device according to claim 4, the initial total number of measurements for measuring the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye is one, The measurement number setting means If the reliability is appropriate and the measured value does not satisfy a predetermined standard, increase the total number of measurements by at least two or more; moreover, If the reliability is not adequate, the total number of measurements is increased by one each time until a measurement with an adequate reliability is obtained. An intraocular pressure measuring device.

6. In the intraocular pressure measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a first measurement value which is the measurement value acquired by the measurement value acquisition means before the total measurement count is changed by the measurement count setting means; a second measurement value that is the measurement value acquired by the measurement value acquisition means after the total measurement count is changed by the measurement count setting means; An intraocular pressure measuring device comprising: an output means for outputting a discernible signal.

7. An intraocular pressure measurement program for use in an intraocular pressure measurement device for measuring intraocular pressure of a subject's eye, comprising: When executed by a processor of the intraocular pressure measuring device, a measurement control step of automatically measuring the intraocular pressure of the subject's eye; a measurement value acquiring step of acquiring a measurement value of the intraocular pressure by the measurement control step; a reliability acquisition step of acquiring a reliability of the measurement value acquired in the measurement value acquisition step; a measurement number setting step of changing a total number of measurements of the intraocular pressure to be performed on the subject's eye by the measurement control step based on the measurement value and the reliability; Equipped with The measurement control step includes repeating the measurement based on the total number of measurements.

Images