Acoustic Intraocular Pressure Measurement via Reflection Coefficient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP), such as applanation tonometry, are prone to errors, especially in patients with thin central corneal thickness, and are costly, making them unreliable and inconvenient for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A method using acoustic waves directed at the eye to generate reflected waves, with a smartphone or electronic device measuring the coefficient of reflection to determine IOP, providing a more accurate and cost-effective means of measuring and monitoring IOP without physical indentation of the cornea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If applanation tonometry is used to measure IOP, then a measurement method is provided, but measurement error increases (up to 5 mmHg error rate)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical applanation tonometry system with an acoustic wave-based measurement system. Instead of using physical contact and mechanical force to measure IOP, the invention uses sound waves to detect ocular properties and calculate pressure, eliminating mechanical indentation errors and improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure IOP. Rather than directly measuring pressure through corneal indentation, the system uses sound wave propagation characteristics (velocity, attenuation, reflection) as intermediaries to infer IOP, thereby avoiding direct mechanical contact errors.
2Measurement precision
If applanation tonometry instruments are used, then IOP measurement is possible, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive acoustic transducers and signal processing components instead of expensive specialized tonometry equipment. The system uses readily available acoustic sensors and computational algorithms to achieve accurate IOP measurement, dramatically reducing device manufacturing cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic measurement system can be integrated into multiple platforms (portable devices, clinical equipment, research instruments), making the technology universally applicable. This multi-functionality reduces development and manufacturing costs by sharing components and software across different applications.
3Measurement precision
If applanation tonometry is used, then IOP measurement is achieved, but patient comfort decreases due to corneal indentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical corneal indentation with non-contact acoustic wave measurement. Sound waves pass through or reflect off the cornea without applying significant mechanical force, eliminating the harmful indentation effect while maintaining measurement precision through acoustic property analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mechanical vibration in the form of acoustic waves to probe ocular properties. Instead of static mechanical pressure, dynamic sound wave vibrations are used to assess tissue characteristics and calculate IOP, reducing mechanical stress on the cornea while providing accurate measurements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach offers a more reliable and comfortable method for measuring IOP, reducing errors associated with traditional techniques and making it accessible for widespread use, particularly with the widespread availability of smartphones.
Implementation Method 1
directing an acoustic incident wave at the surface of an eye to generate a reflected wave, measuring a coefficient of reflection of the acoustic incident wave and the reflected wave
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for measuring the intraocular pressure of an eye in a human. The methods include directing an acoustic incident wave at the surface of the eye to generate a reflected wave, measuring the coefficient of reflection of the incident and reflected waves, and determining the intraocular pressure of the eye from the coefficient of reflection. Also disclosed are methods of diagnosing glaucoma and/or intraocular hypertension.