Corneal Fluorescence Depth Scanning for Cross-Linking Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cross-linking treatment systems fail to provide real-time, quantitative measurements of cross-linking agent distribution and structural characteristics of the cornea, leading to increased procedural variability and sub-optimal clinical results.
Innovation Solution
Employ illumination and imaging techniques to determine the distribution of a cross-linking agent, such as riboflavin, in the cornea using a measurement system that includes a light source, optical elements, a pinhole structure, and a detector to capture fluorescence emissions, allowing for depth-resolved measurements and structural assessments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cross-linking treatment systems are used, then treatment can be performed, but real-time quantitative measurements of cross-linking agent distribution and structural characteristics cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring fluorescence emissions from the cross-linking agent during treatment and providing quantitative measurements of agent distribution and corneal structural characteristics, allowing immediate adjustment of treatment parameters to achieve optimal cross-linking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluorescence emission as an intermediary signal to indirectly measure cross-linking agent distribution and corneal structural changes. The fluorescence signal serves as a mediator that translates chemical concentration and structural information into detectable optical measurements
2Measurement precision
If illumination and imaging techniques are implemented to monitor cross-linking agent distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single illumination and imaging platform to simultaneously perform multiple measurements: cross-linking agent distribution mapping, corneal thickness monitoring, and structural characteristic assessment, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical-based fluorescence detection. Instead of using mechanical probes or contact-based methods to measure agent distribution, the system uses non-contact optical illumination and imaging to achieve precise 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
Enables precise, real-time monitoring of cross-linking agent distribution and structural characteristics, ensuring sufficient agent presence before treatment and optimizing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit an excitation light that causes a fluorescing agent, e.g., a cross-linking agent, applied to a cornea to generate a fluorescence emission
Implementation Method 2
an optical element positioned to receive the excitation light from the light source and configured to focus the excitation light to an area of corneal tissue at a selected depth of the cornea
Implementation Method 3
The pinhole structure is positioned to receive the fluorescence emission from the fluorescing agent in the cornea. The aperture is configured to selectively transmit the fluorescence emission from the area of corneal tissue at the selected depth
Data Source
AI summary
In a corneal measurement system, an optical element focuses an excitation light to an area of corneal tissue at a selected depth. In response, a fluorescing agent applied to the cornea generates a fluorescence emission. An aperture of a pinhole structure selectively transmits the fluorescence emission from the area of corneal tissue at the selected depth. A detector captures the selected fluorescence emission transmitted by the aperture and communicates information relating to a measurement of the selected fluorescence emission captured by the detector. A controller receives the information from the detector and determines a measurement of the fluorescing agent in the area of corneal tissue at the selected depth. The system may include a scan mechanism that causes the optical element to scan the cornea at a plurality of depths, and the controller may determine a measurement of the fluorescing agent in the cornea as a function of depth.