Contact Lens Tear-Film Imaging for Quantitative Breakup Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing tear-film dynamics in contact lens wearers provide limited and variable results, inadequately describing tear film dynamics and failing to correlate well with clinical outcomes such as comfort and visual performance, and are not suitable for use with contact lenses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an imaging apparatus that projects a known pattern on the tear film surface of a contact lens, captures video data, performs image segmentation, and generates displacement maps to quantify tear film changes, outputting metrics such as breakup velocity, acceleration, and magnitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive techniques are used to assess tear-film parameters, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescent dyes as intermediaries that bind to tear-film components (mucin, lipids, aqueous layer) to enable non-invasive visualization and measurement. The dyes act as mediators between the measurement system and tear-film parameters, allowing precise quantification without direct interference with the tear film itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive measurement methods with optical-based imaging and analysis systems. By using fluorescence imaging, image processing algorithms, and computational analysis, the system achieves precise tear-film parameter measurement without mechanical contact or invasive procedures
2Device complexity
If existing imaging techniques are used to assess tear-film dynamics, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and quantitative analysis capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluorescent dyes as intermediaries that specifically bind to different tear-film components (mucin, lipids, aqueous layer), enabling precise visualization and quantitative analysis of tear-film dynamics through fluorescence imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple imaging with advanced fluorescence imaging systems combined with image processing algorithms and computational analysis, transforming qualitative visual assessment into precise quantitative measurement of tear-film parameters
3Measurement precision
If invasive or complex techniques are used to measure tear-film parameters, then measurement precision improves, but patient comfort and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluorescent dyes that automatically bind to tear-film components upon application, enabling the tear film to 'self-mark' its structural components. This eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation or invasive procedures while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical measurement methods with non-invasive optical imaging and computational analysis, achieving precise tear-film parameter measurement through fluorescence imaging and image processing without patient discomfort
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
Provides more accurate quantification of tear film dynamics, allowing for better assessment of clinical outcomes and recommendations for contact lens design, materials, and usage.
Implementation Method 1
The technique employs the use of a fluorescent dye
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for quantitatively assessing tear-film dynamics associated with contact lenses. An example method includes projecting an image of one or more shapes on a tear film surface of the contact lens worn on the eye, capturing video data, comprising a plurality of image frames, of the one or more shapes projected on the tear film surface of the contact lens over a period of time, performing image segmentation on a plurality of reflection patterns included in the plurality of image frames, generating a plurality of maps of the tear film surface of the contact lens indicating changes to the tear film surface of the contact lens during the period of time, and outputting, based on the plurality of maps, one or more metrics quantifying the changes to the tear film surface of the contact lens over the period of time.