ophthalmic devices

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmic device that allows the patient to easily place their face in the center position of the chin rest. [Solution] An ophthalmic device for examining the eye of a subject, comprising a chin rest on which the subject's chin rests, and an examination unit for examining the eye of the subject, wherein the chin rest has a tapered shape that narrows towards the center of the chin rest in the left-right direction. For example, the tapered shape of the chin rest is a mortar-shaped concave shape, where the distance between the walls gradually narrows towards the center of the chin rest. Alternatively, for example, the tapered shape of the chin rest is a V-shape that extends in the left-right direction of the chin rest.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmologic apparatus for examining an eye to be examined.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] As ophthalmologic apparatuses for examining an eye to be examined, an intraocular pressure measuring apparatus, an eye refractive power measuring apparatus, a wavefront aberration measuring apparatus, an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (SLO), a fundus camera, a visual field measuring apparatus, a corneal shape measuring apparatus, a corneal endothelium imaging apparatus, and the like are known. For example, in these ophthalmologic apparatuses, the position of the eye to be examined is maintained when imaging or measuring the eye to be examined by supporting the subject's chin with a chin rest.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] However, in conventional ophthalmologic apparatuses, it has been difficult for a subject to place the center position of the face (for example, the chin) in alignment with the center position of the chin rest.

[0005] In view of the conventional problems, the present disclosure has a technical object to provide an ophthalmologic apparatus that allows a subject to easily place the face at the center position of the chin rest.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

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

[0007] An ophthalmic device for examining an eye, comprising a chin rest for resting the chin of the subject and an examination unit for examining the eye, wherein the chin rest has a tapered shape that narrows towards the center in the left-right direction of the chin rest. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the external configuration of an ophthalmic device. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the measurement unit. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the optical system of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an example of a chin rest with a mortar-shaped concave design. [Figure 5] This is an example of a V-shaped chin rest. [Figure 6] This is an example of a design that allows the taper angle to be changed to create a V-shape in the chin rest. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Overview> An overview of the ophthalmic apparatus according to this embodiment is described below. The items classified in <> below can be used independently or in relation to each other.

[0010] The ophthalmic device described herein is a device for examining an eye. For example, the ophthalmic device may be an objective optometry device that objectively measures the ocular characteristics of the eye (refractive power, axial length, corneal shape, etc.). For example, the ophthalmic device may be an ophthalmic imaging device that photographs the anterior segment of the eye and acquires anterior segment image data of the eye, corneal shape data of the eye, etc. Alternatively, for example, the ophthalmic device may be an ophthalmic imaging device that photographs the fundus of the eye and acquires frontal image data of the fundus, tomographic image data of the fundus, etc. That is, it may be at least one of a refractive power measuring device, a corneal curvature measuring device, a corneal shape measuring device, an intraocular pressure measuring device, an axial length measuring device, a fundus camera, an OCT device, an SLO device, etc.

[0011] The ophthalmic apparatus of this disclosure comprises a chin rest and an examination unit. The chin rest (e.g., chin rest 3b) supports the chin of the subject. Details of the chin rest will be described later. The examination unit (e.g., examination unit 100) examines the eye under examination. The examination unit may include an examination optical system as part of its components. For example, the examination optical system may have at least one of various optical systems, such as an ophthalmic imaging optical system for photographing the tissue of the eye under examination (fundus imaging optical system, tomography imaging optical system, etc.) and an ophthalmic characteristic measurement optical system for measuring the ophthalmic characteristics of the eye under examination (e.g., intraocular pressure measurement optical system, axial length measurement optical system, refractive power measurement optical system, corneal curvature measurement optical system, etc.).

[0012] The ophthalmic apparatus of this disclosure may further include a drive unit, a control unit, etc. The drive unit (for example, drive unit 4) adjusts the relative positional relationship between the eye under examination and the examination unit. The drive unit may be configured to move the examination unit relative to the eye under examination in order to adjust the relative positional relationship between the eye under examination and the examination unit. In this case, the drive unit may be configured to move the examination unit in a three-dimensional direction (i.e., at least one of the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions) relative to a base that supports the examination unit. For example, the drive unit may include a drive source such as a motor and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the drive source (for example, a sliding mechanism). The control unit (for example, control unit 80) controls the drive unit to move the examination unit at least in the left-right direction. Of course, the control unit can also control the drive unit to move the examination unit in the up-down and front-back directions.

[0013] <Chin rest> In this embodiment, the chin rest may have a tapered shape that narrows towards the center position in the left-right direction. For example, the chin rest may have a tapered shape that narrows towards the center position in the left-right direction in projection or cross-sectional views of the chin rest at least from the front-to-back direction. The chin rest may also have a tapered shape in projection or cross-sectional views of the chin rest from the left-to-right direction. This makes it visually easy for the subject to understand the center position of the chin rest in the left-to-right direction, and allows them to easily place the center of their face (center of the chin) on the center position of the chin rest in the left-to-right direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the gravitational force on the subject's jaw is supported by the normal force of the jaw rest. For example, depending on the tapered shape of the jaw rest, it may be possible to support the tip of the jaw with the surface of the jaw rest rather than with a single point. Also, depending on the tapered shape of the jaw rest, it may be possible to support the surrounding area of ​​the jaw with two points or two surfaces on each side of the jaw rest. Of course, depending on the tapered shape of the jaw rest, both the tip and the surrounding area of ​​the jaw may be in contact with each other at a point or with a surface. Increasing the contact area and contact points between the jaw and the jaw rest in this way can create a feeling of discomfort when the center of the face is positioned off-center from the center of the jaw rest. In addition, the gravitational force on the jaw is distributed and applied to the jaw rest, making it less likely for the center of the face to shift off-center from the center of the jaw rest.

[0015] The jaw rest may have a tapered shape, specifically a mortar-shaped concave form. In other words, it may have a conical concave form. For example, the cone shape may include an elliptical cone shape, with the major axis of the elliptical cone oriented in the left-right direction and the minor axis in the front-back direction. The jaw rest may have a gradually narrowing of the spacing between the walls of the mortar-shaped part as it approaches the center in the left-right direction. The walls of the mortar-shaped part may narrow linearly or curvilinearly as they approach the aforementioned center (i.e., as they become deeper).

[0016] For example, if the chin rest has a mortar-shaped concave form, the subject can easily understand that the center position in the left-right direction lies on the extension of the apex of the mortar shape. Therefore, the center position of the face (center position of the chin) can be easily placed on the left-right center position of the chin rest. Also, if the chin rest has a mortar-shaped concave form, the subject can fit the tip and surrounding part of the chin into the concave form. At this time, the tip of the chin is roughly aligned with the extension of the apex of the mortar shape, so the left-right direction of the center position of the face and the center position of the chin rest tend to coincide (or nearly coincide). Furthermore, even if the center position of the face is shifted from the center position of the chin rest, the contact area between the chin and the chin rest becomes wider than before, or the number of contact points between the chin and the chin rest increases, making it easier to feel discomfort and to easily readjust the face. In addition, by fitting the chin into the concave form, the chin comes into contact with the chin rest not only in the left-right direction but also in the front-back direction, so, for example, it is easier to suppress the face shifting from the center position of the chin rest due to movement or rotation of the face during the examination.

[0017] The jaw rest may have a tapered shape, specifically a V-shape extending in the left-right direction. The spacing between the walls of the V-shaped members may gradually narrow towards the center of the jaw rest in the left-right direction. The walls of the V-shaped members may narrow linearly or curvilinearly as they approach the aforementioned center (i.e., as they deepen). For example, the V-shaped members may be members that gradually rise from the bottom to the top when viewed from the front-to-back direction.

[0018] For example, even when the chin rest has a V-shape, a subject can easily recognize that the center position in the left-right direction lies on the extension line of the vertex of the V-shape. Therefore, the center position of the face (the center position of the chin) can be easily placed on the center position of the chin rest in the left-right direction. Further, when the chin rest has a V-shape, the subject can fit the tip portion and the peripheral portion of the chin into the recess. At this time, the tip portion of the chin is roughly aligned on the extension line of the vertex of the V-shape, so the left-right direction of the center position of the face and the center position of the chin rest tends to match (substantially match). Even if the center position of the face is placed offset from the center position of the chin rest, the contact area between the chin and the chin rest becomes larger than in the conventional art, or the number of contact points between the chin and the chin rest increases, which makes the subject more likely to feel discomfort, and the face can be easily repositioned. Furthermore, as the subject fits the chin into the recess, the chin comes into wider contact with the chin rest in the left-right direction, so that, for example, the face shifting or rotating during examination and deviating from the center position of the chin rest can be easily suppressed.

[0019] When the chin rest has a V-shape as a tapered shape, the taper angle of the tapered shape (V-shape) may be made variable. For example, the taper angle of the V-shape may be changed in conjunction with the contact between the chin and the chin rest when the subject places the chin on the chin rest. As an example, when an external force is applied to the chin rest, positioning may be performed by narrowing the taper angle with reference to the center position of the chin rest in the left-right direction. Further, for example, the taper angle of the V-shape may be changed via electric drive based on an operation signal or the like from an operation unit. As an example, positioning may be performed by allowing an examiner to set an arbitrary taper angle in advance.

[0020] For example, when the taper angle of the chin rest is made variable, the shape of the chin rest can be adjusted to match the facial shape of the subject. Specifically, the taper angle of the chin rest can be moved to support the chin so as to correspond to the chin angle that varies from one subject to another. This makes it easier to align (substantially align) the left-right direction of the center position of the face and the center position of the chin rest. In addition, regardless of the subject, the tip portion and the peripheral portion of the chin come into contact with the chin rest, so that the displacement of the subject's face from the center position in the left-right direction of the chin rest during examination can be more easily suppressed.

[0021] Regarding the tapered shape of the chin rest of the present embodiment, the taper angle may be set based on a general chin angle. For example, the tapered shape of the chin rest may have a taper angle of 150 degrees or less. Further, for example, the tapered shape of the chin rest may have a taper angle of 110 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less. In this case, the tapered shape of the chin rest can be designed to have a taper angle of 110° to 150°. Even if the tapered shape of the chin rest has a taper angle larger than 150 degrees, its center position in the left-right direction can be visually recognized. However, when the taper angle is 150 degrees or less, the center position in the left-right direction can be more visually recognized, and as a result, the face can be easily placed on the center position in the left-right direction of the chin rest.

[0022] Further, regarding the tapered shape of the chin rest of the present embodiment, the depth may be set based on the general length from the chin tip to the lower lip. For example, the tapered shape of the chin rest may have a depth of 15 mm or more from the upper end to the lower end of the chin rest. Further, for example, the tapered shape of the chin rest may have a depth of 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less. In this case, the tapered shape of the chin rest can be designed to have a depth of 15 mm to 30 mm. Even if the depth of the chin rest is shallower than 15 mm, the chin can be brought into contact therewith. However, by providing a depth of 15 mm or more, the contact surfaces and contact points with the chin increase, and the displacement of the face can be suppressed for stabilization.

[0023] For example, if the tapered shape of the chin rest has an appropriate taper angle and depth, it becomes easier for the subject to visually determine the lateral center position of the chin rest. As a result, the effect of making it easier for the subject to rest their chin so that the center of their face coincides (or nearly coincides) with the center of the chin rest can be further enhanced. Also, for example, if the taper angle and depth of the chin rest are set based on the general jaw angle and the length from the tip of the chin to the lower lip, it becomes easier for the peripheral part of the jaw to come into contact with the chin rest in many subjects, and the number of contact points between the jaw and the chin rest increases. Therefore, for many subjects, it is possible to suppress the movement or rotation of the face during the examination, which causes the face to deviate from the lateral center position of the chin rest.

[0024] <Department Head> In this embodiment, when switching between the left and right eyes of the eye being examined, the control unit may set a second position information in the left-right direction for the other eye based on a first position information in the left-right direction for one eye, and then move the examination unit. For example, the first position information may be the position information of the examination unit when alignment with one eye is completed. For example, the first position information may be expressed as coordinates indicating the current position of the examination unit with respect to its initial position (in other words, reference position) in the left-right direction. Alternatively, for example, the second position information may be expressed as coordinates indicating the planned position of the examination unit relative to its initial position, or the planned position of the examination unit relative to its current position. Note that the first and second position information do not necessarily have to be expressed as coordinates; for example, they may be expressed as distances to the initial position or the current position.

[0025] The control unit may set second position information based on the first position information such that the left-right coordinates (i.e., the X-coordinate) relative to the initial position are reversed. In other words, the control unit may set second position information based on the first position information such that the left-right distance relative to the initial position is the same. By using the chin rest of this embodiment, the center position of the subject's face and the center position of the chin rest tend to coincide (or nearly coincide) in the left-right direction. Therefore, when the measurement of the left eye and the right eye are automatically switched, moving the examination unit in this way relative to the eye to be measured later allows the examination unit to be appropriately positioned in front of the eye. That is, a large misalignment in the left-right direction between the eye to be measured later and the examination unit is unlikely to occur. Consequently, the alignment of the examination unit relative to the eye being examined can be completed efficiently.

[0026] <Examples> An embodiment of an ophthalmic device will be described based on the drawings. The ophthalmic device of this embodiment is a non-contact tonometer that measures the intraocular pressure of the eye being examined without contact. The non-contact tonometer measures the intraocular pressure of the eye being examined by, for example, discharging a fluid onto the cornea of ​​the eye being examined and analyzing the relationship between the deformation state of the cornea at that time and the pressure of the fluid. Note that the ophthalmic device is not limited to a non-contact tonometer, but may be any other ophthalmic device used for other examinations.

[0027] Figure 1 shows the external configuration of the ophthalmic device 1. The ophthalmic device 1 may include a base 2, a face support unit 3, a drive unit 4, a control unit 80, a display unit 85, an examination unit (measurement unit) 100, etc. The base 2 supports the examination unit 100 so that it can move. The face support unit 3 supports the face of the patient. 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, etc. The chin rest sensor 3c detects whether the chin is resting on the chin rest 3b. The chin rest drive unit 3d moves the chin rest 3b up and down to adjust its height. The drive unit 4 moves the examination unit 100 relative to the base 2 in the XYZ direction (three-dimensional direction). Of course, the drive unit 4 may be provided separately for each direction of movement. The drive unit 4 may be equipped with a well-known movement mechanism. The control unit 80 controls the entire ophthalmic device 1. The display unit 85 displays, for example, an observation image of the eye under examination and measurement results. The display unit 85 may be provided integrally with the ophthalmic device 1, or it may be provided separately from the device. The display unit 85 may be positioned so that the display screen faces not only the subject but also the subject. Various operation instructions from the examiner or the subject are input to the display unit 85. The display unit 85 may also be used as an operation unit 86. In this case, the display unit 85 is used for various settings of the ophthalmic device 1, starting measurements, operations during air inhalation, etc. Various human interfaces such as joysticks, mice, keyboards, trackballs, buttons may be used as the operation unit 86. The examination unit 100 includes an optical system for measuring the eye under examination. The examination unit 100 in this embodiment includes a fluid discharge unit 200, a measurement optical system 10, etc.

[0028] <Fluid discharge section> The fluid discharge unit 200 discharges fluid, for example, onto the cornea of ​​the eye E under examination. The fluid discharge unit 200 comprises, for example, a cylinder 201, a piston 202, a solenoid actuator (hereinafter also referred to as a solenoid) 203, and a nozzle 206. The cylinder 201 and piston 202 are used as an air compression mechanism to compress the air discharged to the eye under examination. The cylinder 201 is, for example, cylindrical. The piston 202 slides along the axial direction of the cylinder 201. The piston 202 compresses the air in the air compression chamber 234 inside the cylinder 201. The solenoid 203 in this embodiment is a so-called linear solenoid and operates linearly. The solenoid 203 comprises a movable body 204 and a coil 205. For example, a magnetic material such as a permanent magnet is used for the movable body 204. When current flows through the coil 205, a magnetic field is generated inside the coil 205. The movable body 204 is moved in direction A in Figure 2 by an electromagnetic force received from a 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 causes the piston 202 to move in the compression direction (or forward direction, direction A in Figure 2). The nozzle 206 discharges compressed air to the outside of the device. The nozzle 206 has a discharge port 206a.

[0029] The fluid compressed in the air compression chamber 234 within the cylinder 201 by the movement of the piston 202 is discharged from the nozzle 206 toward the cornea of ​​the eye E being examined, via a tube (or pipe) 220 connected to the tip of the cylinder 201, and an airtight chamber 221 containing the compressed air. For example, the cylinder 201 may be arranged parallel to the horizontal plane (XZ plane), and the fluid compression may be performed by the piston 202 moving horizontally within the cylinder 201 by the drive of the solenoid 203. For example, the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 201 is arranged parallel to the horizontal direction, and the inner surface of the cylinder 201 guides the piston 202. Therefore, the direction of movement (compression direction) of the piston 202 is the horizontal direction. Each of the above components is arranged on a stage provided inside the housing of the main body of the device.

[0030] Furthermore, the solenoid 203 in this embodiment can change the direction of movement of the movable body 204 by changing the direction of the current flowing through the coil 205. For example, when current flows in the forward direction through the coil 205, the movable body 204 moves in the compression direction (forward direction, direction A in Figure 2), and when current flows in the reverse direction, the movable body 204 moves in the opposite direction (reverse direction, direction B in Figure 2). Therefore, by switching the direction of the current flowing through the coil 205, the direction of movement of the piston 202, which moves together with the movable body 204, can be changed. For example, by flowing a forward current through the coil 205 and moving the piston 202 in direction A to compress the fluid in the air compression chamber 234, the piston 202 can be moved in direction B and returned to its initial position by flowing a reverse current through the coil 205.

[0031] The fluid discharge section 200 may include, for example, 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 the rear wall of the airtight chamber 221 and transmits observation light and alignment light.

[0032] The fluid discharge section 200 may also include, for example, 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 the resistance until the piston 202 gains initial velocity, allowing for a pressure change with a time-proportional rise.

[0033] <Measurement optical system> Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the measurement optical system 10 of the ophthalmic device 1. The measurement optical system 10 includes, for example, an observation optical system 130, an index projection optical system 140, a fixation optical system 48, a corneal deformation detection optical system 500, a corneal thickness measurement optical system 70, a face imaging optical system 90, and the like.

[0034] <Observation Optical System> The observation optical system 130 captures an anterior segment image for observing the eye under examination. The anterior segment image captured by the observation optical system 130 is used for alignment of the examination unit 100, etc. The observation optical system 130 includes, for example, a beam splitter 31, an objective lens 32, a dichroic mirror 33, an imaging lens 37, a filter 34, and an image sensor 35. Illumination light from the infrared illumination light source 30 is reflected by the anterior segment and formed on the image sensor 35 via the beam splitter 31, objective lens 32, dichroic mirror 33, imaging lens 37, and filter 34. Optical axis L1 is used as the observation optical axis.

[0035] The filter 34 transmits light from the infrared illumination source 30 and the alignment indicator light source 40, but is opaque to light from the infrared light source 50 for corneal deformation detection (described later) and to visible light. The image formed on the image sensor 35 is displayed on the display unit 85.

[0036] <Indicator projection optical system> The indicator projection optical system 140 projects an indicator onto the eye under examination. The indicator projection optical system 140 includes an indicator light source 40, a projection lens 41, and the like. The indicator light source 40 can be switched on / off, for example. The indicator light source 40 may also be able to set an arbitrary light intensity. Infrared light projected from the indicator light source 40 via the projection lens 41 is reflected by the beam splitter 31 and projected onto the eye under examination from the front. The corneal bright spot formed at the corneal apex by the indicator light source 40 is imaged onto the image sensor 35 via the beam splitter 31 and filter 34 and used for detecting alignment in the up, down, left, and right directions. The optical axis L1 is used as the alignment optical axis.

[0037] The fixation optical system 48 has an optical axis L1 and presents the fixation target to the eye E being examined from the front. In this case, the optical axis L1 is used as the fixation optical axis. The fixation optical system 48 includes, for example, a visible light source (fixation lamp) 45, a projection lens 46, and a dichroic mirror 33, and projects light onto the eye E being examined to cause it to fixate in the front direction. The visible light source 45 can be an LED, a laser, or other light source. In addition, the visible light source 45 can be 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.

[0038] 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 projected onto the fundus of the eye under examination E. As a result, the eye under examination E fixates on a fixed point in the forward direction, fixing the line of sight. The visible light emitted from the visible light source 45 is converted into a parallel beam of light by passing through the projection lens 46 and the objective lens 32.

[0039] The corneal deformation detection optical system 500 includes a light-emitting optical system 500a and a light-receiving optical system 500b, and is used to detect the deformation state of the cornea Ec. Each optical system 500a and 500b is located in the inspection unit 100 and is moved three-dimensionally by the drive unit 4.

[0040] The light projection optical system 500a has an optical axis L3 as the light projection optical axis and illuminates the cornea Ec of the eye under examination E from an oblique direction. The light projection optical system 500a includes, 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 reflected light of the illumination light at the cornea Ec of the eye under examination E. The light receiving optical system 500b is arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the light projection optical system 500a with respect to the optical axis L1. The light receiving optical system 500b includes, for example, a lens 53, a beam splitter 55, a pinhole plate 56, and a photodetector 57, and forms an optical axis L2 as the light receiving optical axis.

[0041] Light emitted from the infrared light source 50 is made into a nearly parallel beam by the collimator lens 51, reflected by the beam splitter 52, and then 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 eye under examination. The light reflected from the cornea Ec becomes coaxial (coincident) with the optical axis L2 of the light projection 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 indicator light source 40. Furthermore, the optical system for detecting corneal deformation is arranged so that the amount of light received by the photodetector 57 is maximized when the eye under examination is in a predetermined deformed state (flattened state).

[0042] Furthermore, the corneal deformation detection optical system 500 also serves as part of the first working distance detection optical system, and the light projection optical system of the first working distance detection optical system also serves as the light projection optical system 500a of the corneal deformation detection optical system 500. The light receiving optical system 600b, which receives reflected light from the cornea Ec by the infrared light source 50, has, for example, the lens 53, beam splitter 58, focusing lens 59, and position detection element 60 of the light projection optical system 500a, and forms the optical axis L2 as the light receiving optical axis.

[0043] Illumination light emitted from the infrared light source 50 and reflected by the cornea Ec forms a virtual image of the infrared light source 50, which is a reference image. The light from this reference image passes through lens 53 and beam splitter 55, is reflected by beam splitter 58, passes through focusing lens 59, and enters a one-dimensional or two-dimensional position detection element 60 such as a PSD or line sensor. As the eye under examination E (cornea Ec) moves in the working distance direction (Z direction), the reference image from the infrared light source 50 also moves on the position detection element 60, so the control circuit 20 obtains working distance information based on the output signal from the position detection element 60. In this embodiment, the output signal from the position detection element 60 is used for alignment (rough 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 as high a magnification as the light receiving optical system 70b described later. Therefore, the distance detection range in the Z direction of the position detection element 60 is wider than that of the light receiving element 77.

[0044] The corneal thickness measurement optical system 70 includes a light-emitting 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 eye E under examination. In addition, the light-emitting optical system 70a also serves as a part of the corneal deformation detection optical system 500 and the first working distance detection optical system.

[0045] The light projection optical system 70a has an optical axis L2 as the light projection optical axis and irradiates illumination light (measurement light) from an oblique direction toward the cornea Ec of the eye E under examination. The light projection optical system 70a includes, for example, an illumination light source 71, a focusing lens 72, a light limiting member 73, a concave lens 74, and a lens 53 which is also used in the corneal deformation detection optical system 500. The illumination light source 71 is a visible light source or an infrared light source (including near-infrared), and for example, a light source such as an LED or a laser is used. The focusing lens 72 focuses the light emitted from the illumination light source 71. The infrared light source 50 and the illumination light source 71 use different wavelength bands.

[0046] The light limiting member 73 is positioned in the optical path of the light projection optical system 70a and limits the light emitted from the illumination light source 71. The light limiting member 73 is positioned approximately conjugate to the cornea Ec. Examples of light limiting members 73 include pinhole plates and slit plates. The light limiting member 73 is used as an aperture that allows some of the light emitted from the illumination light source 71 to pass through while blocking other light. The light projection optical system 70a then forms a predetermined pattern of light beam (e.g., spot beam, slit beam) on the cornea of ​​the eye E under examination.

[0047] The light-receiving optical system 70b has a light-receiving element 77 and receives reflected light from the illuminating light on the front and back surfaces of the cornea of ​​the eye under examination E. The light-receiving optical system 70b is arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the light-emitting 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 the optical axis L3 as the light-receiving optical axis. Note that the light-receiving optical system 70b in Figure 3 also serves as a second working distance detection optical system for detecting the alignment state in the Z direction with respect to the eye under examination E.

[0048] The light-receiving element 77 has multiple photoelectric conversion elements and receives reflected light from the front and back surfaces of the cornea, respectively. For example, the light-receiving element 77 can be a one-dimensional line sensor, a two-dimensional area sensor, or other optical detection device. The light-receiving optical system 70b of the corneal thickness measurement optical system 70 and the second working distance detection optical system performs observation at a high magnification. Therefore, the distance detection range in the Z direction of the light-receiving element 77 is narrower than that of the position detection element 60.

[0049] As the eye under examination E (cornea Ec) moves in the working distance direction (Z direction), the reflected light from the illumination light source 71 at the cornea Ec also moves across the photodetector 77. Therefore, the control unit 80 obtains working distance information based on the output signal from the photodetector 77 of the second working distance detection optical system. The control unit 80 also uses this output signal from the photodetector 77 to determine the corneal deformation state and blinking of the eye under examination E, and controls the drive of the solenoid 203.

[0050] Light emitted from the illumination light source 71 is focused by the focusing lens 72, illuminating the light limiting member 73 from behind. After the light from the illumination light source 71 is limited by the light limiting member 73, it is imaged (focused) near the corneal Ec by the lens 53. Near the corneal Ec, for example, a pinhole image (when a pinhole plate is used) or a slit image (when a slit plate is used) is formed. At this time, the light from the illumination light source 71 is imaged near the point where it intersects with the visual axis on the corneal Ec.

[0051] When illumination light is projected onto the cornea Ec by the light projection optical system 70a, the reflected light from the cornea Ec travels in a direction symmetric to the projected light beam with respect to the optical axis L1. The reflected light is then imaged by the light-receiving lens 75 onto the light-receiving surface on the light-receiving element 77.

[0052] The lens 53, which is used in both the light-receiving optical systems 500b and 600b and the light-emitting optical system 70a, is positioned to concentrate the reflected light from the infrared light source 50 at the center of the hole in the pinhole plate 56, and to concentrate the illumination light from the illumination light source 71 at both the front and back surfaces of the corneal Ec.

[0053] The face imaging optical system 90, for example, captures the face of a subject. The face imaging optical system 90 is, for example, an optical system for capturing a face that includes at least one of the subject's left or right eyes. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the face imaging optical system 90 of this embodiment mainly comprises, for example, an image sensor 91 and an imaging lens 92.

[0054] The facial imaging optical system 90 is positioned to capture both eyes of the subject when the examination unit 100 is in its initial position. In this embodiment, the initial position of the examination unit 100 is set to a position shifted to the right with respect to the optical axis L1 of the examination unit 100 to facilitate examination of the right eye. Therefore, the facial imaging optical system 90 is positioned to capture both eyes of the subject when the examination unit 100 is in its initial position shifted to the right. For example, the facial imaging optical system 90 is positioned at the center of the machine when the examination unit 100 is in its initial position. If the initial position is set based on, for example, half the interpupillary distance, i.e., the unilateral interpupillary distance, the facial imaging optical system 90 may be positioned shifted to the left or right by the unilateral interpupillary distance with respect to the machine center of the device body.

[0055] In this embodiment, the face imaging optical system 90 is moved together with the inspection unit 100 by the drive unit 4. Of course, the face imaging optical system 90 may also be fixed to the base 2 and not move.

[0056] The face imaging optical system 90 may also be a wide-angle camera. In this case, the imaging lens 92 may be, for example, a wide-angle lens. Wide-angle lenses include, for example, fisheye lenses and conical lenses. This allows the face imaging optical system 90 to reliably capture the subject's face with a wide field of view. The face imaging optical system 90 may also perform infrared imaging. This makes the captured image less susceptible to the influence of the surrounding environment. Of course, it may also be a camera that captures visible light.

[0057] <Control System> As shown in Figure 2, the ophthalmic device 1 includes a control unit 80. The control unit 80 is responsible for various controls of the ophthalmic device 1. The control unit 80 includes, for example, a general CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, ROM 82, RAM 83, etc. For example, the ROM 82 stores the ophthalmic device control program for controlling the ophthalmic device 1, initial values, etc. For example, the RAM 83 temporarily stores various information. The control unit 80 is connected to the examination unit 100, the facial imaging optical system 90, the drive unit 4, the display unit 85, the operation unit 86, the chin rest drive unit 3d, the storage unit (e.g., non-volatile memory) 84, etc. The storage unit 84 is, for example, a non-transient storage medium that can retain its contents even if the power supply is cut off. For example, a hard disk drive, a removable USB flash memory, etc. can be used as the storage unit 84.

[0058] <Chin rest> The chin rest 3b in this embodiment has a tapered shape that narrows downwards toward the center position in the left-right direction (X direction). For example, because the chin rest 3b has such a tapered shape, the subject can easily visually determine the center position of the chin rest 3b in the left-right direction and easily place their chin on the center position of the chin rest 3b in the left-right direction. Typical embodiments will be described below in order with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0059] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the jaw rest 3b will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows an example in which the tapered shape of the jaw rest 3b is a mortar-shaped concave shape. Figure 4(a) is a front view of the jaw rest 3b. Figure 4(b) is a rear view of the jaw rest 3b. Figure 4(c) is a perspective view of the jaw rest 3b. The jaw rest 3b includes a recess 310, a positioning part 313, etc.

[0060] The recess 310 is a component for fitting the jaw. The surface of the recess 310 is a surface that can come into contact with the jaw, and the recess 310 functions as a jaw support. The recess 310 is recessed in a mortar shape. For example, the spacing between the walls in the left-right direction gradually narrows toward the left-right central position C1x of the recess 310. Also, for example, the spacing between the walls in the front-back direction gradually narrows toward the front-back (Z-direction) central position C1z of the recess 310. In other words, for example, the spacing between the walls of the recess 310 narrows as it gets deeper. In the recess 310, the mortar-shaped opening is elliptical (approximately elliptical). For example, the major axis of the ellipse is arranged in the left-right direction, and the minor axis is arranged in the front-back direction.

[0061] The positioning part 313 is a member for contacting the front of the jaw. The positioning part 313 functions as a fixing part that fixes the position of the jaw in the front-to-back direction. The positioning part 313 also functions as a restraining part that prevents the jaw from rotating around the axis in the vertical direction (Y direction).

[0062] In this embodiment, the taper angle of the tapered shape of the chin rest 3b is set based on the angle of a typical jaw. More specifically, in the projection view of the recess 310 from the front (see Figure 4(a)), the taper angle θ1 formed by the left wall surface W1a and the right wall surface W1b that form the mortar shape is set based on the angle of a typical jaw. For example, the taper angle θ1 may be between 110 and 150 degrees. Also in this embodiment, the distance from the upper end to the lower end of the chin rest 3b is set based on the length from the tip of the chin to the lower lip. For example, the upper end of the chin rest 3b is at the position 311a of the mortar-shaped opening surface of the recess 310, and the lower end of the chin rest 3b is at the position 311b of the apex of the mortar shape of the recess 310. Therefore, the distance F1 (in other words, depth F1) from position 311a to position 311b is set based on the length from the tip of the chin to the lower lip. For example, the distance F1 may be between 15 mm and 30 mm.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 4, the taper angle θ1 of the recess 310 is set to 135 degrees and the distance F1 to 20 mm, based on the typical jaw angle and the distance from the chin to the lower lip. Furthermore, the length of the positioning part 313, specifically the distance D1 from the upper end 313a to the lower end 313b of the positioning part 313, is set to 10 mm. For example, if the taper angle θ1 of the recess 310 has an appropriate angle and the distance F1 has an appropriate distance, the lateral center position of the recess 310 becomes visually easier to understand. Also, for example, if the lateral center position of the jaw is offset from the lateral center position of the recess 310, it is more likely to cause discomfort. If the distance F1 or distance D1 of the recess 310 is too long, at least a part of the subject's mouth will be covered, making conversation with the examiner difficult. Therefore, it is preferable that the combined length of distance F1 and distance D1 be set to a length that does not cover the lower lip.

[0064] In the chin rest 3b of this embodiment, the recess 310 does not necessarily have to have a positioning portion 313. In this case, the length of the distance F1 of the recess 310 should be set to a length that does not overlap the lower lip. Also, in the chin rest 3b of this embodiment, the left wall surface W1a and the right wall surface W1b that form the mortar shape of the recess 310 do not necessarily have to be provided in a straight line. For example, the left wall surface W1a and the right wall surface W1b of the recess 310 may be provided in a curved shape. Also, in the chin rest 3b of this embodiment, the opening surface of the recess 310 may have a shape other than an ellipse.

[0065] [Second Example] A second embodiment of the jaw rest 3b will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows an example in which the tapered shape of the jaw rest 3b is V-shaped. Figure 5(a) is a front view of the jaw rest 3b. Figure 5(b) is a rear view of the jaw rest 3b. Figure 5(c) is a perspective view of the jaw rest 3b. The jaw rest 3b includes a recess 320, a positioning part 323, etc.

[0066] The recess 320 is a component for fitting the jaw. The surface of the recess 320 is a surface that can come into contact with the jaw, and the recess 320 functions as a jaw support. The recess 320 is V-shaped. For example, each component forming the V shape extends in the left-right direction toward the left-right center position C2x of the recess 320. For example, the distance between each component forming the V shape narrows as the recess deepens. The positioning portion 323 is a component for contacting the front side of the jaw. The positioning portion 323 also functions as a restraining component that prevents the jaw from rotating around its vertical axis.

[0067] Similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment as well, the taper angle θ2 of the recess 320 in the chin rest 3b is set based on a typical chin angle. Also, the distance D2 of the positioning part 323 is positioned considering the typical length from the tip of the chin to the lower lip. For example, in a projection view of the recess 320 from the front (see Figure 5(a)), the taper angle θ2 formed by the left wall surface W2a and the right wall surface W2b of the V-shaped member may be set to 135 degrees. In Figure 5, the left wall surface W2a and the right wall surface W2b form an arc, but they may be considered as straight lines when determining the taper angle θ2. Also, for example, the distance D2 from the upper end position 323a to the lower end position 323b of the positioning part 323 may be set to 10 mm. This makes the left-right center position of the recess 320 easier to understand visually. Also, for example, if the left-right center position of the chin is offset from the left-right center position of the recess 320, it is more likely to feel uncomfortable.

[0068] Furthermore, the longer the V-shaped member is, the more easily the subject's face is fixed, and as a result, rotation of the face in the left-right direction is also more easily suppressed. In addition, the recess 320 does not necessarily have to be provided with a positioning part 323.

[0069] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the jaw rest 3b will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an example in which the taper angle of the jaw rest 3b can be changed to a V-shape. Figure 6(a) shows the state where the taper angle θ3 (taper angle θ3a) is open. Figure 6(b) shows the state where the taper angle θ3 (taper angle θ3b) is closed. Both Figure 6(a) and Figure 6(b) show a front view of the jaw rest 3b. The jaw rest 3b includes a support part 350, a recess 330, a positioning part 333, etc. The support part 350 is a member for supporting the recess 330. The recess 330 is a member for fitting the jaw. The surface of the recess 330 is a surface that can come into contact with the jaw, and the recess 330 functions as a jaw support. The positioning part 333 is a member for contacting the front side of the jaw. The positioning part 323 also functions as a restraining part that prevents the jaw from rotating around the vertical axis.

[0070] Here, for example, the support portion 350 is a member that branches out in the left-right direction, and the recess 330 (and the positioning portion 333 integrally formed with the recess 330) are connected to the support portion 350 so as to be symmetrical in the left-right direction. Also, for example, the recess 330 and the positioning portion 333 can rotate around the rotation axis R of the support portion 350 in a direction that narrows or widens the taper angle θ3 (θ3a and θ3b). Therefore, when the subject brings their chin into contact with the recess 330, the state changes from that in Figure 6(a) to that in Figure 6(b), the recess 330 is pushed down, and its taper angle changes from θ3a to θ3b. By adjusting the taper angle θ3b according to the angle of the subject's chin, the displacement of the face from the left-right center position of the chin rest is more easily suppressed.

[0071] In Figure 6, an example is given of a configuration in which the taper angle θ3 is changed mechanically in accordance with the contact of the subject's jaw. However, a configuration in which the taper angle θ3 is changed electrically is also possible. For example, in this case, a motor or the like may be provided in the recess 330 as a drive source, and the taper angle θ3 may be adjusted by the rotation of the motor.

[0072] <Control operation> The control operation of the ophthalmic device 1, which has the above configuration, will now be explained. Here, we will take the example of the case where the ophthalmic device 1 is equipped with a chin rest 3b (having a mortar-shaped concave form) as shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, here we will take the example of performing corneal thickness measurement and intraocular pressure measurement using the ophthalmic device 1. Of course, it is also possible to perform other examinations using the ophthalmic device 1.

[0073] In the ophthalmic device 1 of this embodiment, the examiner manually completes the alignment of the examination unit 100 for the right eye and measures the right eye. Subsequently, the control unit 80 automatically moves the examination unit 100 in the left-right direction to position it in front of the left eye. After that, the examiner manually completes the alignment of the examination unit 100 for the left eye and measures the left eye.

[0074] <Right eye alignment> To support the subject's face on the face support 3, the examiner places the forehead in contact with the forehead rest 3a and the chin in contact with the chin rest 3b. At this time, because the chin rest 3b has a recess 310, if the frictional force between the face and the recess 310 is small, the subject's face (chin) will slide and naturally be positioned at the center in the left-right direction. The subject's chin is supported by the counterforce from the direction normal to the chin rest 3b and the frictional force generated between the chin and the chin rest 3b. If the subject's face is placed off-center from the left-right center of the recess 310, one side of the face will contact the chin rest 3b first. The subject will feel discomfort due to the frictional resistance on only one side of their face and readjust their chin. Alternatively, the subject will feel discomfort due to the difference in the sensation of contact between the left and right peripheral parts of their chin and the left and right wall surfaces W1a and W1b, and readjust their chin. As a result, the left-right center position of the face and the left-right center position of the chin rest 3b coincide (or nearly coincide). The face is supported evenly distributed across the left and right contact points or contact surfaces. Based on the detection signal from the chin rest sensor 3c, the control unit 80 detects that the chin is resting on the chin rest 3b, illuminates the subject's face, and captures an image of the anterior segment of the right eye. The control unit 80 also displays the anterior segment image on the display unit 85.

[0075] The examiner operates the control unit 86 to move the examination unit 100 in at least one of the X, Y, and Z directions relative to the right eye while confirming the anterior segment image of the right eye. For example, the examination unit 100 is moved in the XY direction so that the center position of the alignment index image included in the anterior segment image matches the optical axis L. Alternatively, the examination unit 100 is moved in the Z direction based on the image ratio between the image spacing of the alignment index image at infinity and the image spacing of the alignment index image at finite distance. When the control unit 80 detects that the displacement of the optical axis L relative to the center position of the alignment index image and the displacement of the image ratio of the alignment index image are within an acceptable range, the alignment is considered complete.

[0076] The completed alignment position of the examination unit 100 in the left-right direction (X direction) relative to the right eye is stored in the memory unit 84 as first position information. For example, the control unit 80 stores the left-right coordinates of the examination unit 100 in the memory unit 84. The left-right coordinates of the examination unit 100 may be considered as coordinates based on the central position (origin position) in the left-right range of motion of the examination unit 100. As an example, the left-right central position C1x of the chin rest 3b and the origin position in the left-right range of motion of the examination unit 100 are the same position, and the right side as seen from the examiner (i.e., the left eye side of the subject) is represented by positive coordinates, and the left side as seen from the examiner (i.e., the right eye side of the subject) is represented by negative coordinates.

[0077] [Measurement of corneal pressure and intraocular pressure in the right eye] Once the alignment of the right eye is complete, the control unit 80 measures the corneal thickness and intraocular pressure of the right eye. First, the control unit 80 measures the corneal thickness of the right eye using the corneal thickness measurement optical system 70. For example, the control unit 80 determines the corneal pressure by calculating the distance (peak distance) between the reflected signal on the front surface of the cornea and the reflected signal on the back surface of the cornea detected by the photodetector 77.

[0078] Next, the control unit 80 measures the intraocular pressure of the right eye using the fluid discharge unit 200 and the corneal deformation detection optical system 500. For example, the control unit 80 drives the solenoid 203 to move the piston 202. This compresses the air in the cylinder 201, and the compressed air is blown from the nozzle 206 towards the cornea. The cornea Ec is gradually deformed by the blowing of compressed air, and when it reaches a flattened (or compressed) state, the maximum amount of light is incident on the photodetector 57. The control unit 80 determines the intraocular pressure value based on the output signal from the pressure sensor 212 and the output signal from the photodetector 57.

[0079] [Left eye alignment] Once the control unit 80 has finished measuring the corneal thickness and intraocular pressure of the right eye, it automatically moves the examination unit 100 in the left-right direction to position it in front of the left eye. Based on the first left-right position information of the examination unit 100 relative to the right eye, the control unit 80 sets the second left-right position information of the examination unit 100 relative to the left eye. For example, the control unit 80 calculates the +X coordinate by making the -X coordinate of the examination unit 100 symmetric with respect to the origin position of the examination unit 100 in the left-right direction, and sets this +X coordinate as the second position information. The control unit 80 also moves the examination unit 100 from the -X coordinate to the +X coordinate. In other words, the examination unit 100 is moved to the opposite side by the same distance from the origin position.

[0080] In this embodiment, the chin rest 3b ensures that the left-right center position of the subject's face coincides with (or nearly coincides with) the left-right center position of the chin rest 3b. Therefore, when switching between the left and right eyes, even if the examination unit 100 is moved by the same distance in the left-right direction, the left-right positions of the left eye and the examination unit 100 are less likely to deviate. On the other hand, as with conventional chin rests, if it is difficult to align the center position of the subject's face with the center position of the chin rest, moving the examination unit 100 by the same distance in the left-right direction tends to cause the examination unit 100 to be positioned significantly away from the left eye. In this case, the examiner's alignment operations for the left eye increase, leading to decreased efficiency.

[0081] The examiner operates the control unit 86 as needed to move the examination unit 100 relative to the left eye in at least one of the X, Y, and Z directions, while confirming the anterior segment image of the left eye. As mentioned above, the left-right position of the examination unit 100 relative to the left eye can be appropriately positioned without any special adjustment by the control unit 80. Also, since the heights of the right and left eyes are the same (approximately the same), the vertical position of the examination unit 100 relative to the left eye can also be appropriately positioned without any special adjustment. Also, since the depths of the right and left eyes are the same (approximately the same), the anterior-posterior position of the examination unit 100 relative to the left eye can also be appropriately positioned without any special adjustment. If the examination unit 100 is moved backward relative to the right eye, for example, it may be appropriate to move the examination unit 100 forward relative to the left eye to adjust to an appropriate working distance. Alignment is completed when the examination unit 100 is positioned within the allowable range of alignment in each direction.

[0082] [Measurement of corneal pressure and intraocular pressure in the left eye] Once the alignment of the left eye is complete, the control unit 80 measures the corneal thickness and intraocular pressure of the left eye. Since the values ​​can be obtained using the same measurement method as for the right eye, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0083] [Result Output] When the control unit 80 acquires the measurement results for the right and left eyes, it outputs this data. For example, the control unit 80 displays the measurement results on the display unit 85, prints them out, or outputs them to an external device wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0084] As described above, the ophthalmic apparatus of this embodiment comprises a chin rest on which the subject's chin rests and an examination unit for examining the subject's eye. The chin rest has a tapered shape that narrows towards the center of the chin rest in the left-right direction. Conventional ophthalmic apparatuses have chin rests with a nearly flat contact surface with the chin, making it difficult to determine the center in the left-right direction. However, by giving the contact surface with the chin a tapered shape, as in the chin rest of this embodiment, the center in the left-right direction becomes visually easier to determine. For example, the apex of the taper can be determined to be the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, the subject can easily place the center of their face (in this case, the center of their chin) on the center of the chin rest in the left-right direction.

[0085] Furthermore, in the ophthalmic device of this embodiment, the tapered shape of the chin rest is a mortar-shaped concave shape, and the spacing between the walls of the mortar gradually narrows toward the center of the chin rest. When the chin rest has a mortar-shaped concave shape, the subject can easily grasp that the center position in the left-right direction is on the extension of the apex of the mortar shape. Therefore, the center position of the face (center position of the chin) can be easily placed on the left-right center position of the chin rest. Also, when the chin rest has a mortar-shaped concave shape, the subject can fit the tip and surrounding part of the chin into the concave shape. By increasing the contact area between the chin and the chin rest, or increasing the number of contact points between the chin and the chin rest, the subject can easily feel discomfort when the center position of the face is misaligned, and can easily readjust the position of the face. Furthermore, when the subject fits the chin into the concave shape, the chin comes into contact with the chin rest not only in the left-right direction but also in the front-back direction, so, for example, it is possible to suppress the chin from shifting away from the center position of the chin rest due to movement or rotation of the face during the examination.

[0086] Furthermore, in the ophthalmic device of this embodiment, the tapered shape of the chin rest is a V-shape extending in the left-right direction. When the chin rest is V-shaped, the subject can easily grasp that the left-right center position is on the extension of the apex of the V-shape. Therefore, the center position of the face (center position of the chin) can be easily placed on the left-right center position of the chin rest. In addition, the subject can bring the tip and surrounding part of the chin into contact with the member forming the V-shape. In this case as well, because the contact area between the chin and the chin rest is wider than in conventional devices, or the number of contact points between the chin and the chin rest is increased, the subject can easily feel discomfort when the center position of the face is misaligned, and can easily readjust their face position. Furthermore, by having the subject's chin in wider contact with the chin rest in the left-right direction, it is possible to suppress, for example, the movement or rotation of the face during the examination, which can cause the face to shift from the center position of the chin rest.

[0087] Furthermore, in the ophthalmic device of this embodiment, the tapered shape of the chin rest is adjustable in terms of the taper angle. With this configuration, the taper angle of the chin rest can be moved to accommodate different chin angles depending on the patient, thereby supporting the chin. Regardless of the patient, contact between the tip and surrounding portion of the chin and the chin rest helps to further suppress the displacement of the patient's face from the lateral center position of the chin rest during the examination.

[0088] Furthermore, in the ophthalmic device of this embodiment, the tapered shape of the chin rest has a taper angle of 150 degrees or less and a depth of 15 mm or more from the upper end to the lower end of the chin rest. For example, the subject can more easily visually determine the lateral center position of the chin rest by having an appropriate taper angle and depth. As a result, the effect of making the lateral alignment (approximate alignment) of the center position of the face and the center position of the chin rest can be further enhanced. Also, for example, by setting the taper angle and depth of the chin rest based on the general angle of the jaw and the length from the tip of the chin to the lower lip, the peripheral part of the jaw becomes more likely to come into contact with the chin rest in many subjects, and the number of contact points between the jaw and the chin rest increases. Therefore, for many subjects, it is possible to suppress the movement or rotation of the face during the examination, which causes the face to deviate from the lateral center position of the chin rest.

[0089] Furthermore, the ophthalmic apparatus of this embodiment includes a drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye under examination and the examination unit, and a control unit that controls the drive unit and moves the examination unit at least in the left-right direction. When switching between the left and right eyes of the eye under examination, the control unit sets a second left-right positional information for the other eye based on a first left-right positional information for one eye, and moves the examination unit. For example, by using the chin rest of this embodiment, the center position of the subject's face (center position of the chin) is approximately placed on the left-right center position of the chin rest. Therefore, when the examination unit is moved to a predetermined position indicated by the second positional information based on the first positional information, a large discrepancy is unlikely to occur between the eye under examination (the other eye) and the examination unit in the left-right direction. Consequently, left-right alignment can be smoothly performed when moving the examination unit relative to the eye under examination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 3. Face support section 3b Chin rest 80 Control Unit 85 Display section 100 Inspection Department

Claims

1. An ophthalmic device for examining the eye under examination, A chin rest on which the subject's chin rests, The examination unit for examining the eye to be examined, Equipped with, The ophthalmic apparatus is characterized in that the chin rest has a tapered shape that narrows towards the center position in the left-right direction of the chin rest.

2. In the ophthalmic device according to claim 1, The tapered shape of the jaw rest is a mortar-shaped concave shape, An ophthalmic apparatus characterized in that the spacing between the walls of the mortar gradually narrows toward the central position of the chin rest.

3. In the ophthalmic device according to claim 1, An ophthalmic device characterized in that the tapered shape of the chin rest is a V-shape extending in the left-right direction.

4. In the ophthalmic device according to claim 3, An ophthalmic device characterized in that the tapered shape of the chin rest can be changed at a different taper angle.

5. In any ophthalmic device according to claim 2 to 4, The ophthalmic apparatus is characterized in that the tapered shape of the chin rest has a taper angle of 150 degrees or less, and the depth from the upper end to the lower end of the chin rest is 15 mm or more.

6. In an ophthalmic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A drive unit for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the eye to be examined and the examination unit, A control unit that controls the drive unit and moves the inspection unit at least in the left-right direction, Equipped with, The ophthalmic apparatus is characterized in that, when switching between the left and right eyes of the eye being examined, the control unit sets a second position information in the left-right direction for the other eye based on the first position information in the left-right direction for one eye, and moves the examination unit.

Images