System and method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment spectral domain imaging

Abstract

The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging enabling biometry and OCT functionalities in a single device. The system comprises a scanner module for keratometry and anterior / posterior imaging, an OCT engine with a dual reference arm interferometer for high-resolution imaging, an automated alignment unit for precise positioning, and a polarization controller optimizing image quality. This all-in-one solution enables simultaneous anterior and posterior segment evaluations, enhancing diagnostic efficiency while reducing the need for multiple devices. The system's compact design, real-time data processing, and cost-effective operation streamline clinical workflows and improve patient experience. By offering comprehensive diagnostics for applications such as IOL power calculation, retinal disease monitoring, and glaucoma assessment, the invention addresses limitations of existing systems and provides an advanced, futureproof tool for modern ophthalmic practices.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED OPTICAL BIOMETRY AND POSTERIOR SEGMENT SPECTRAL DOMAIN IMAGINGCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the priority of the Indian Provisional Patent Application filed on 16thof January 2025, with the number 202541003833 and titled, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED OPTICAL BIOMETRY AND POSTERIOR SEGMENT SPECTRAL DOMAIN IMAGING”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by the way of reference.

[0002] The present invention is generally related to the field of ophthalmic diagnostic devices. The present invention is particularly related to optical imaging and biometry systems. The present invention is more particularly related to a system and method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment spectral domain imaging.

[0003] Current ophthalmic diagnostic devices often provide solutions either for anterior or posterior segment imaging and measurements separately. Existing systems like Laser Partial Coherence Interferometry (PCI) and Optical Low-Coherence Reflectometry (OLCR) are specialized for anterior segment measurements such as axial length and corneal curvature. However, they do not support posterior segment imaging, necessitating the use of separate Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) devices for retinal and optic nerve imaging.

[0004] This fragmented approach results in inefficiencies, increased costs, and patient discomfort due to the need for multiple devices and repeated procedures. These systems face challenges in capturing high-quality images in the presence of dense cataracts or media opacity, which often compromise diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, the alignment mechanisms of current devices are manual and cumbersome, leading to prolonged examination times and reduced clinical throughput. Advanced solutions like swept-source OCT systems address some of these issues but remain expensive and are limited to posterior segment imaging. These devices lack the capability to simultaneously perform anterior and posterior segment evaluations, which is critical for comprehensive eye care.

[0005] Hence, there exists a need for a system and method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging that provides simultaneous imaging and measurements, addresses alignment challenges, and ensures cost-effective and efficient diagnostics.

[0006] The abovementioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide simultaneous imaging of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.

[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to enable precise biometric measurements, including axial length and corneal curvature.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to facilitate high-resolution imaging of the retina, optic nerve, and macula.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to incorporate advanced alignment mechanisms for semi-automatic positioning of the device relative to the patient’s eye.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide motorized polarization control for optimizing imaging quality in challenging conditions.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to offer a compact, ergonomic, and cost-effective solution for comprehensive ophthalmic diagnostics.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce operational inefficiencies by integrating multiple diagnostic functions into one device.

[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging. The system comprising: a scanner module enabling light projection and image capture for a plurality of ocular regions; an OCT engine processing reflected light for detailed imaging; and an alignment unit enabling the precise positioning of the device relative to the patient’s eye. The scanner module further comprising a keratometry channel designed to measure corneal curvature with precision; an OCT channel designed for capturing high resolution cross-sectional images of the anterior and posterior segments; an IRIS camera channel providing real-time imaging of the iris and white-to-white measurements for precise alignment; a fixation target channel stabilizing the patient’s gaze by providing an adjustable internal target to focus on specific ocular regions during imaging; a polarization light control module separately controlling the light directed to the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. The keratometry channel further comprises a double telecentric optical system and an illumination system. The double telecentric is designed enables constant magnification across the field of view, eliminating distortion and ensuring accurate measurements. The illumination system comprises a plurality of precisely positioned LEDs providing a consistent and parallel light source enabling uniform illumination of the corneal surface. The OCT channel further comprises anterior segment scanning channel and posterior segment channel. The anterior segment scanning channel comprises a telecentric OCT scanning mechanism with high depth of field capturing simultaneous images of the corneal tissue and the lens; a beam shrinker assembly reducing the diameter of the collimated beam, increasing its focus and depth of field in the anterior segment scanning. The posterior segment channel comprises a fan-based OCT scanning system pivoting at the pupil, and facilitating precision OCT scan, wherein the channel is configured for capturing a plurality of scans including line scans, volume scans, macula cube, and optic nerve head (ONH) images; and an internal fixation target enabling the operator to choose the scanning location by shifting the fixation point, ensuring precise imaging of various posterior segment regions. The iris camera channel comprises a high depth of field camera system capturing white-to-white measurements of the horizontal visible iris diameter, crucial for fitting contact lenses and other ophthalmic devices. This channel further enables a viewport for the operator and provides input for the automatic alignment system. The high depth of field enables the camera imaging when the scanner head is far away from the working distance and provides alignment feedback. The polarization control module is configured with two polarizing beam splitters (PBS) controlling the intensity of light transmitted and reflected in separate paths. The first PBS, splits light into reflected and transmitted paths. The light rays travelling along the reflected and transmitted paths meet at the second PBS, wherein the reflected light is reflected again while the transmitted light is transmitted further, enabling control over the light's intensity in each path, minimizing the loss typically associated with conventional beam splitters. The combination of polarizing beam splitters are configured such that when light passes through the cornea and retina channels of the OCT system, the light intensity directed to the anterior and posterior segments are individually controlled, ensuring the highest quality images of specific eye sections as needed. The design further enables for some light to reflect onto a sensor from the OCT system, and by focusing and collimating the light from two sources into distinct beams for the cornea and retina channels, enabling the sensor to distinguish between the light from each channel, and further enabling closed-loop control of the polarizer and the light intensity in each respective channel, optimizing the system's performance.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the OCT Engine is configured with a dual reference arm interferometer with a Fixed Reference Arm capturing corneal images used as a reference to capture other parts of the eye, and a Movable Reference Arm capturing the retinal images at various axial lengths of eye as well as capture lenticular surfaces; an SLED light source providing broadband light for deep tissue penetration and high resolution imaging of ocular structures; a spectrometer processing the reflected light at high speed generating detailed cross sectional images; and a motorized polarization controller manipulating and stabilizing the polarization state of light traveling through an optical fiber, comprising a series of rotating waveplates and fiber squeezers precisely controlled by electric motors, wherein the polarization state of the light is dynamically adjusted by adjusting the orientation of these waveplates or the pressure applied by the fiber squeezers. The OCT engine simultaneously captures corneal and retinal images enabling accurate measurements of a plurality of biometrics including axial length, lens thickness, and anterior chamber depth.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging is provided. The method comprises: Initialization and Patient Preparation wherein the system is powered on, its components, are initialized and the patient is seated comfortably, ensuring proper head positioning; Aligning the scanning module with patient’s eye, wherein the alignment unit begins its operation by activating the motorized movement mechanisms along the X, Y, and Z axes, the iris camera channel captures real-time images of the patient’s eye and identifies key landmarks like the pupil center and white-to-white boundaries, the system automatically adjusts the scanner head's position to align its optical axis with the patient’s eye, and the fixation target channel is activated to stabilize the patient’s gaze, dynamically adjusting and ensuring the target is clearly visible and focused; Keratometry Measurement, wherein the a plurality of collimated LEDs illuminate the cornea, the reflections from the corneal surface are captured by the high-resolution sensor and the corneal parameters including the radius of curvature and astigmatism are estimated; Anterior Segment Imaging, wherein the anterior segment of the eye, including the cornea and lens, is scanned using the OCT engine’s anterior channel, high-resolution images of the anterior chamber depth, corneal thickness, and lens curvature are captured, and the data is processed in real time and displayed for clinical evaluation; Posterior Segment Imaging, wherein the posterior OCT channel is activated to image the retina, macula, and optic nerve, a fan-based scanning system pivots at the pupil providing wide-field imaging and also targeting specific regions of interest by dynamically adjusting the fixation target, and generating detailed cross-sectional images, including line scans, volume scans, and macula cubes; Real-Time Data Processing and Display, wherein the system generates high-resolution images with high axial resolution and displays the imaging and measurement data in real time, allowing the clinician to interpret and evaluate the results. The method of measuring corneal curvature with precision by keratometry channel comprises projecting parallel light beams onto the cornea by the six collimated LEDs; capturing the reflections by the sensor; Analyzing the separation and geometry of these reflections for calculating the cornea’s radius of curvature.

[0020] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating the preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

[0021] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] illustrates a system for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] illustrates a method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] illustrates a method for assessing cornea using keratometery channel, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0027] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging. The system comprising: a scanner module enabling light projection and image capture for a plurality of ocular regions; an OCT engine processing reflected light for detailed imaging; and an alignment unit enabling the precise positioning of the device relative to the patient’s eye.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scanner module further comprising a keratometry channel designed to measure corneal curvature with precision; an OCT channel designed for capturing high resolution cross-sectional images of the anterior and posterior segments; an IRIS camera channel providing real-time imaging of the iris and white-to-white measurements for precise alignment; a fixation target channel stabilizing the patient’s gaze by providing an adjustable internal target to focus on specific ocular regions during imaging; a polarization light control module separately controlling the light directed to the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the keratometry channel further comprises a double telecentric optical system and an illumination system. The double telecentric design enables constant magnification across the field of view, eliminating distortion and ensuring accurate measurements. The illumination system comprises a plurality of precisely positioned LEDs providing a consistent and parallel light source enabling uniform illumination of the corneal surface.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the OCT channel further comprises anterior segment scanning channel and posterior segment channel. The anterior segment scanning channel comprises a telecentric OCT scanning mechanism with high depth of field capturing simultaneous images of the corneal tissue and the lens; a beam shrinker assembly reducing the diameter of the collimated beam , increasing its focus and depth of field in the anterior segment scanning. The posterior segment channel comprises a fan-based OCT scanning system pivoting at the pupil, and facilitating precise OCT scan, wherein the channel is configured for capturing a plurality of scans including line scans, volume scans, macula cube, and optic nerve head (ONH) images; and an internal fixation target enabling the operator to choose the scanning location by shifting the fixation point, ensuring precise imaging of various posterior segment regions.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the iris camera channel comprises a high depth of field camera system capturing white-to-white measurements of the horizontal visible iris diameter, crucial for fitting contact lenses and other ophthalmic devices. This channel further enables a viewport for the operator and providing input for the automatic alignment system. The high depth of field enables the camera imaging when the scanner head is far away from the working distance and also provides alignment feedback.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the polarization control module is configured with two polarizing beam splitters (PBS) controlling the intensity of light transmitted and reflected in separate paths. The first PBS, splits light into reflected and transmitted paths. The light rays travelling along the reflected and transmitted paths meet at the second PBS, wherein the reflected light is reflected again while the transmitted light is transmitted further, enabling control over the light's intensity in each path, minimizing the loss typically associated with conventional beam splitters. The combination of polarizing beam splitters is configured such that when light passes through the cornea and retina channels of the OCT system, the light intensity directed to the anterior and posterior segments are individually controlled, ensuring the highest quality images of specific eye sections as needed. The design further enables for some light to reflect onto the keratometer sensor from the OCT system, and by focusing and collimating the light from two sources into distinct beams for the cornea and retina channels, enabling distinguishing between the light from each channel by the keratometer, and further enabling closed-loop control of the polarizer and the light intensity in each respective channel, optimizing the system's performance.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method of measuring corneal curvature with precision by keratometry channel comprises projecting parallel light beams onto the cornea by the six collimated LEDs; capturing the reflections by the sensor; Analyzing the separation and geometry of these reflections for calculating the cornea’s radius of curvature.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the OCT Engine is configured with a dual reference arm interferometer with a Fixed Reference Arm capturing corneal images used as a reference to capture other parts of the eye, and a Movable Reference Arm capturing the retinal images at various axial lengths of eye as well as capture lenticular surfaces; an SLED light source providing broadband light for deep tissue penetration and high resolution imaging of ocular structures; a spectrometer processing the reflected light at high speed generating detailed cross sectional images; and a motorized polarization controller manipulating and stabilizing the polarization state of light traveling through an optical fiber, comprising a series of rotating waveplates and fiber squeezers precisely controlled by electric motors, wherein the polarization state of the light is dynamically adjusted by adjusting the orientation of these waveplates or the pressure applied by the fiber squeezers. The OCT engine simultaneously captures corneal and retinal images enabling accurate measurements of a plurality of biometrics including axial length, lens thickness, and anterior chamber depth.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging is provided. The method comprises: Initialization and Patient Preparation wherein the system is powered on, its components, are initialized and the patient is seated comfortably, ensuring proper head positioning; Aligning the scanning module with patient’s eye, wherein the alignment unit begins its operation by activating the motorized movement mechanisms along the X, Y, and Z axes, the iris camera channel captures real-time images of the patient’s eye and identifies key landmarks like the pupil center and white-to-white boundaries, the system automatically adjusts the scanner head's position to align its optical axis with the patient’s eye, and the fixation target channel is activated to stabilize the patient’s gaze, dynamically adjusting and ensuring the target is clearly visible and focused; Keratometry Measurement, wherein the a plurality of collimated LEDs illuminate the cornea, the reflections from the corneal surface are captured by the high-resolution sensor and the corneal parameters including the radius of curvature and astigmatism are estimated; Anterior Segment Imaging, wherein the anterior segment of the eye, including the cornea and lens, is scanned using the OCT engine’s anterior channel, high-resolution images of the anterior chamber depth, corneal thickness, and lens curvature are captured, and the data is processed in real time and displayed for clinical evaluation; Posterior Segment Imaging, wherein the posterior OCT channel is activated to image the retina, macula, and optic nerve, a fan-based scanning system pivots at the pupil providing wide-field imaging and also targeting specific regions of interest by dynamically adjusting the fixation target, and generating detailed cross-sectional images, including line scans, volume scans, and macula cubes; Real-Time Data Processing and Display, wherein the system generates high-resolution images with high axial resolution and displays the imaging and measurement data in real time, allowing the clinician to interpret and evaluate the results.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for assessing cornea using keratometery channel is provided. The method comprises: Illuminating the cornea; Capturing the light reflected from the cornea; Analyzing the reflected images; and Estimating the radius of curvature of the cornea.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for precise alignment of the system with the patient’s eye is provided. The method comprises: Aligning the system with the patient’s eye via motorized movements; Providing real-time feedback to the operator; and automatic adjustment based on feedback from the IRIS camera.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for integrated optical coherence tomography imaging of an anterior segment and a posterior segment of an eye. The system comprises a scanner module including a plurality of optical channels configured to project and receive light from different anatomical regions of the eye, wherein the plurality of optical channels includes an anterior segment imaging channel and a posterior segment imaging channel. Each optical channel is configured with optical elements such as lenses and beam shaping components for focusing and directing incident light to a corresponding region of the eye. The system further comprises an optical coherence tomography engine operatively coupled to the scanner module, the optical coherence tomography engine including a dual reference arm interferometer having a fixed reference arm configured for anterior segment imaging and a movable reference arm configured for posterior segment imaging. The dual reference arm interferometer is configured to generate depth resolved imaging signals from both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. A polarization light control module is optically coupled to the scanner module and the optical coherence tomography engine, the polarization light control module comprising electronically controllable polarization elements arranged to independently regulate a polarization state and intensity of light propagated through the anterior segment imaging channel and the posterior segment imaging channel. A polarization controller is provided to electronically adjust the polarization elements in response to control signals. A sensor is configured to monitor optical characteristics of light returning from the eye through the anterior and posterior segment imaging channels. A control unit is operatively coupled to the sensor and the polarization controller, the control unit being configured to implement a closed loop feedback process by dynamically adjusting the polarization elements based on the monitored optical characteristics. The system is thereby configured to perform coordinated optical coherence tomography imaging of both the anterior segment and the posterior segment of the eye using the plurality of optical channels, the dual reference arm interferometer, and the closed loop polarization control.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the polarization light control module comprises a plurality of polarizing beam splitters arranged to separate incident light into reflected and transmitted optical paths. The polarizing beam splitters are further arranged to recombine the optical paths in a manner that enables independent control of light intensity delivered to the anterior segment imaging channel and the posterior segment imaging channel. By selectively adjusting the polarization orientation and transmission characteristics of the beam splitters, the system is capable of regulating the distribution of optical power between the different imaging channels, thereby optimizing signal strength and image quality for both anterior and posterior segment imaging.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scanner module further comprises a keratometry channel including an illumination unit configured to project a plurality of collimated light beams onto a corneal surface of the eye and a sensor configured to capture reflected beam patterns from the corneal surface. The control unit is further configured to compute corneal curvature parameters based on geometric analysis of the reflected beam patterns, including analysis of beam separation and reflection geometry. This enables estimation of corneal radius of curvature and related biometric parameters to support preoperative and diagnostic assessments.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scanner module further comprises an iris imaging channel configured to capture images of a visible iris boundary of the eye. The control unit is configured to process the captured iris images to determine a white to white measurement corresponding to a horizontal visible iris diameter. The white to white measurement is used to assist in biometric assessment and alignment of the system relative to the eye for accurate imaging and measurement.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises an alignment unit including motorized positioning mechanisms configured to move the scanner module along orthogonal axes to align an optical axis of the system with a pupil of the eye. The system also comprises a fixation target channel configured to provide a visual fixation reference to stabilize a gaze of a patient during imaging. The fixation target may be adjustable to direct the patient’s gaze toward selected anatomical regions, thereby enabling controlled imaging of both anterior and posterior eye structures.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to adjust the polarization elements in real time based on variations in optical signal strength caused by ocular media properties such as corneal opacity, cataracts, or retinal reflectivity. By continuously monitoring returning optical signals and dynamically modifying the polarization state and intensity of the incident light, the system optimizes image quality for both anterior segment imaging and posterior segment imaging under varying clinical conditions.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for performing integrated optical coherence tomography imaging of an anterior segment and a posterior segment of an eye. The method comprises projecting light toward the eye through a plurality of optical channels including an anterior segment imaging channel and a posterior segment imaging channel of a scanner module. The projected light is directed using optical elements configured to focus the light toward corresponding anatomical regions of the eye. Light reflected from the eye is interferometrically processed using a dual reference arm interferometer comprising a fixed reference arm for anterior segment imaging and a movable reference arm for posterior segment imaging. A polarization light control module comprising adjustable polarization elements is used to electronically control a polarization state and intensity of the projected light. Optical characteristics of light returning from the eye are monitored using a sensor. The polarization elements are dynamically adjusted based on the monitored optical characteristics using a closed loop feedback process. Coordinated optical coherence tomography images of both the anterior segment and the posterior segment of the eye are thereby generated.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises illuminating a corneal surface using a keratometry channel, capturing reflected light patterns using a sensor, and computing corneal curvature parameters based on geometric analysis of the reflected light patterns. The computed parameters include corneal radius of curvature and related biometric values that support clinical evaluation and surgical planning.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises capturing iris images using an iris imaging channel, determining a white to white measurement of the eye based on the captured iris images, and using the white to white measurement to assist in aligning the scanner module with the eye. This facilitates accurate positioning of the optical axis for subsequent imaging procedures.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises moving the scanner module along multiple axes using a motorized alignment unit to align an optical axis of the system with a pupil of the eye. The method also comprises presenting a fixation target to stabilize a gaze of a patient during imaging, thereby ensuring consistent positioning of the eye and enabling reliable acquisition of optical coherence tomography images.

[0049] illustrates a system for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a Scanner Module 100; Keratometery Channel 101; OCT Channel 102; IRIS Camera Channel 103; Fixation Target Channel 104; Polarization Light Control Module 105; OCT Engine 106; Fixed Reference Arm 107; Movable Reference Arm 108; Spectrometer 109; SLED 110; Polarization Controller 111; and Alignment Unit 112.

[0050] illustrates a method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises: Initialization and patient preparation (201); Aligning the scanning module with patient’s eye (202); Keratometery measurement (203); Anterior segment imaging (204); Posterior segment imaging (205); Analyzing the images (206); and Real-time display (207).

[0051] illustrates a method for assessing cornea using keratometery channel, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises: Illuminating the cornea (301); Capturing the light reflected from the cornea (302); Analyzing the reflected images (303); and Estimating the radius of curvature of the cornea (304).

[0052] Although the embodiments herein are described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein with modifications.ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

[0053] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for integrated optical biometry and posterior segment imaging. By integrating biometry and posterior segment imaging into a single device, the system reduces the need for multiple diagnostic machines, saving clinics significant capital investment and maintenance costs. The system simplifies clinical workflows by enabling preoperative assessments, such as biometry, and postoperative evaluations, such as posterior segment OCT, within the same device. The reduced administrative burden associated with managing multiple systems further enhances cost efficiency.

[0054] The system improves the patient’s experience by consolidating anterior and posterior evaluations into a single visit, minimizing the need for multiple appointments or referrals. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also enhances patient convenience and reduces operational costs associated with scheduling and patient management. Additionally, the comprehensive imaging capabilities of the system allow clinicians to thoroughly assess the health of both the front and back of the eye in one session. This ensures no critical diagnostic information is missed, particularly in complex cases such as cataracts with underlying retinal or optic nerve conditions.

[0055] The invention offers a superior return on investment (ROI) for clinics. The ability to serve a wider range of patients by offering advanced diagnostic services, such as IOL power calculation, glaucoma monitoring, and retinal disease assessments, increases both the number of procedures performed and the clinic’s revenue potential. Moreover, the system’s versatility and integration of advanced technologies like OCT ensure that clinics remain equipped with cutting-edge tools, eliminating the need for frequent upgrades and additional investments in separate devices. This futureproof approach makes the system a valuable long-term investment for modern ophthalmic practices.

[0056] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1.A system for integrated optical coherence tomography imaging of an anterior segment and a posterior segment of an eye, the system comprising:a scanner module (100) comprising a plurality of optical channels including an anterior segment imaging channel and a posterior segment imaging channel, each optical channel being configured with optical elements for focusing and directing incident light toward corresponding anatomical regions of the eye;an optical coherence tomography engine (106) operatively coupled to the scanner module (100), the optical coherence tomography engine (106) comprising a dual reference arm interferometer including a fixed reference arm (107) configured for anterior segment imaging and a movable reference arm (108) configured for posterior segment imaging, the dual reference arm interferometer being configured to generate depth resolved imaging signals from both the anterior segment and the posterior segment of the eye;a polarization light control module (105) optically coupled to the scanner module (100) and the optical coherence tomography engine (106), the polarization light control module (105) comprising electronically controllable polarization elements arranged to independently regulate a polarization state and intensity of light propagated through the anterior segment imaging channel and the posterior imaging channel;a polarization controller (111) configured to electronically adjust the polarization elements of the polarization light control module (105) in response to control signals;a sensor configured to monitor optical characteristics of light returning from the eye through the anterior segment imaging channel and the posterior segment imaging channel; and,a control unit operatively coupled to the sensor and the polarization controller (111), the control unit being configured to implement a closed loop feedback process by dynamically adjusting the polarization elements based on the monitored optical characteristics,wherein the system is configured to perform coordinated optical coherence tomography imaging of both the anterior segment and the posterior segment of the eye using the plurality of optical channels of the scanner module (100), the dual reference arm interferometer of the optical coherence tomography engine (106), and the closed loop polarization control.2.The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polarization light control module (105) comprises a plurality of polarizing beam splitters arranged to separate incident light into reflected and transmitted optical paths and to recombine the optical paths in a manner that enables independent control of light intensity delivered to the anterior segment imaging channel and the posterior segment imaging channel.3.The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scanner module (100) further comprises a keratometry channel (101) including an illumination unit configured to project a plurality of collimated light beams onto a corneal surface of the eye and a sensor configured to capture reflected beam patterns, the control unit being further configured to compute corneal curvature parameters based on geometric analysis of the reflected beam patterns.4.The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scanner module (100) further comprises an iris imaging channel (103) configured to capture images of a visible iris boundary of the eye and determine a white to white measurement corresponding to a horizontal visible iris diameter for biometric assessment and alignment.5.The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an alignment unit (112) including motorized positioning mechanisms configured to move the scanner module (100) along orthogonal axes to align an optical axis of the system with a pupil of the eye, and a fixation target channel (104) configured to provide a visual fixation reference to stabilize a gaze of a patient during imaging.6.The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the polarization elements of the polarization light control module (105) in real time based on variations in optical signal strength caused by ocular media properties, thereby optimizing image quality for both anterior segment imaging and posterior segment imaging under varying clinical conditions.7.A method for integrated optical coherence tomography imaging of an anterior segment and a posterior segment of an eye, the method comprising:projecting light toward the eye through a plurality of optical channels of a scanner module (100) including an anterior segment imaging channel and a posterior segment imaging channel;directing the projected light using optical elements configured to focus the light toward corresponding anatomical regions of the eye;interferometrically processing light reflected from the eye using an optical coherence tomography engine (106) comprising a dual reference arm interferometer including a fixed reference arm (107) for anterior segment imaging and a movable reference arm (108) for posterior segment imaging;electronically controlling a polarization state and intensity of the projected light using a polarization light control module (105) comprising adjustable polarization elements;monitoring optical characteristics of light returning from the eye using a sensor;dynamically adjusting the polarization elements using a polarization controller (111) based on the monitored optical characteristics through a closed loop feedback process; and,generating coordinated optical coherence tomography images of both the anterior segment and the posterior segment of the eye.8.The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising illuminating a corneal surface using a keratometry channel (101), capturing reflected light patterns using a sensor, and computing corneal curvature parameters based on geometric analysis of the reflected light patterns.9.The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising capturing iris images using an iris imaging channel (103), determining a white to white measurement of the eye, and using the white to white measurement to assist in aligning the scanner module (100) with the eye.10.The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising moving the scanner module (100) along multiple axes using an alignment unit (112) to align an optical axis of the system with a pupil of the eye, and presenting a fixation target using a fixation target channel (104) to stabilize a gaze of a patient during imaging.

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