Corneal Optical Sensor for Intraocular Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) are infrequent, invasive, and lack accuracy, making it difficult to effectively monitor and treat glaucoma, as they do not account for daily variations in pressure and require bulky equipment.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive, passive optical sensor is implanted in the cornea to measure IOP using a portable reader that emits an optical beam, which is reflected by the sensor and processed to estimate pressure, allowing for frequent and accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a passive optical sensor is implanted in the cornea, then measurement frequency and accuracy are improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a passive optical sensor that uses light reflection principles. The sensor detects IOP changes through optical path length variations caused by corneal deformation, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps or power sources while achieving continuous, accurate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin-film optical sensor structure that can be implanted in the cornea. The flexible membrane component deforms with IOP changes, enabling minimally invasive implantation while maintaining measurement capability through the flexible shell's optical path variations.
2Measurement precision
If contact tonometry is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform IOP measurements at home using a portable reader device without requiring clinical intervention. The passive sensor continuously monitors IOP, and patients can view their measurements through the reader, making the system self-service oriented and eliminating the need for repeated visits to the doctor's office.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact tonometry procedure with an optical measurement system. Instead of requiring physical contact and manual operation, the system uses optical beams to detect IOP changes, improving patient comfort while maintaining accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If noncontact tonometry is used, then patient comfort is improved, but measurement accuracy and device portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a passive optical sensor as an intermediary between the cornea and the measurement system. This sensor continuously converts IOP changes into optical path length variations, enabling accurate measurements without direct mechanical contact or bulky pump arrangements, thus achieving both comfort and accuracy.
4Device complexity
If infrequent IOP measurements are performed, then device simplicity is maintained, but monitoring effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous IOP monitoring through a passive sensor that operates without interruption. The sensor continuously detects IOP changes and stores data for later retrieval, enabling frequent measurements without requiring complex active systems or power sources, thus maintaining simplicity while improving monitoring reliability.
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 more frequent and accurate IOP measurements, improving the monitoring of glaucoma progression and treatment effectiveness by providing a user-friendly, minimally invasive solution for home use.
Implementation Method 1
an optical beam is emitted by a transmitter inside the reader. The beam may travel through free space (the ambient environment outside of the eye) and then enters the cornea where it impinges upon the sensor and is reflected by the sensor, towards a receiver in the reader. The reflection changes as it follows the changing IOP of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
An intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement system. An optical pressure sensor is implantable in the cornea of an eye, wherein the sensor has a sealed cavity that changes shape as a function of IOP of the eye. An optical transmitter that is outside of the eye emits an incident optical beam. A receiver that is also outside of the eye produces an output signal in response to receiving reflections of the incident beam from the sensor. A processor is configured to estimate the IOP of the eye based on processing the output signal of the receiver. Other aspects are also described and claimed.