Corneal Bending Moduli Determination via Dynamic Deformation Cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional non-contact tonometers and ocular response analyzers are limited by their focus on only two specific moments of applanation during the corneal deformation cycle, leading to variability in intraocular pressure measurements and a lack of comprehensive biomechanical data, which can be affected by alignment issues and blinking.
Innovation Solution
A method that applies a changing force to the cornea to induce a deformation cycle and generates signal information related to the corneal radius of curvature, inverts and calibrates this information to effective curvature, and plots the dynamic relationship between curvature and applied force to determine various biomechanical properties, including bending moduli and hysteresis areas, over the entire deformation cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only two specific moments of applanation are analyzed during the corneal deformation cycle, then the measurement process is simplified, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to variability from alignment issues and blinking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the corneal deformation cycle into multiple discrete analysis points beyond just the two traditional applanation moments. By dividing the continuous deformation cycle into several measurement segments (including pre-applanation, first applanation, post-applanation, and return phases), the system captures more comprehensive biomechanical data, reducing variability from alignment issues and blinking while maintaining process feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary actions by analyzing multiple parameters throughout the entire deformation cycle before finalizing the intraocular pressure measurement. By performing preliminary analyses at various stages (corneal response magnitude, deformation rate, pressure-curvature relationships), the system establishes a more robust measurement foundation that compensates for alignment variations and transient effects
2Loss of time
If only two specific moments of applanation are analyzed during the corneal deformation cycle, then the measurement time is reduced, but loss of information increases due to lack of comprehensive biomechanical data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by continuously monitoring and analyzing corneal deformation parameters throughout the entire deformation cycle rather than only at discrete moments. The system maintains continuous data acquisition and processing across all phases (inward deformation, applanation, outward return), ensuring no valuable biomechanical information is lost while managing measurement time through efficient real-time processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the measurement by incorporating temporal continuity across the entire deformation cycle. By transforming the analysis from two isolated time points to a continuous time-based profile, the system captures dynamic biomechanical properties (deformation rates, acceleration, hysteresis) that provide comprehensive information without proportionally increasing measurement time
3Reliability
If the entire deformation cycle is analyzed to determine various biomechanical properties, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional analysis system that simultaneously determines multiple biomechanical properties (intraocular pressure, corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, bending moduli, deformation rates) from a single deformation cycle measurement. This universal approach improves reliability by cross-validating measurements across different parameters while managing system complexity through integrated processing
4Measurement precision
If the entire deformation cycle is analyzed to determine various biomechanical properties, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by structuring the analysis around the natural periodic deformation cycle of the cornea. By synchronizing measurements with the inherent rhythm of corneal response to the air pulse, the system extracts precise biomechanical information at optimal phases (applanation points, maximum deformation, return phases) without requiring excessive analysis time, maintaining precision through rhythmic sampling
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 enhances the accuracy and repeatability of biomechanical measurements by analyzing the entire deformation cycle, providing a wider dynamic range of data that improves diagnostic capabilities and reduces measurement variability.
Implementation Method 1
The collimated illumination beam is obliquely incident to the cornea along illumination axis 12 and will be reflected by the corneal surface. When the corneal surface is curved, the initial collimated illumination beam will be broadened (fanned out) upon reflection from the curved surface
Implementation Method 2
a fluid pulse, e.g. an air pulse generated by a pump mechanism, is discharged at the eye to deform the cornea through a deformation cycle. The fluid pulse applies an increasing pressure on the eye to a level that is adequate to deform the cornea inward
Implementation Method 3
the ORA determines corneal hysteresis (CH), a result of an intrinsic biomechanical property of the corneal tissue itself
Data Source
AI summary
A changing force is applied to a cornea to cause a corneal deformation cycle. Signal information related to a corneal radius of curvature during the corneal deformation cycle is inverted and calibrated to an effective curvature defined as the inverse of the radius of curvature of the cornea. A dynamic relationship between the effective curvature of the cornea and the force applied to the cornea during the corneal deformation cycle is represented, and at least one biomechanical property of the corneal tissue, for example a bending modulus, is determined from the dynamic relationship.