Eye Imaging System Using Infrared Illumination for Anterior Segment Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating eye conditions, such as iritis or anterior uveitis, using slit lamps are subjective, prone to errors, and uncomfortable for patients due to bright light exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an illumination device that illuminates a linear volume of aqueous fluid in the eye at an angle between 25 to 65 degrees from the line of sight, and at least one imaging device configured to acquire image data using infrared and/or visible light, allowing for precise evaluation of inflammatory processes and other eye attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a slit lamp generates high-intensity visible light to illuminate the eye for examination, then the examiner can visualize microscopic cellular detail, but the patient experiences significant discomfort and photophobia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of illumination light from visible spectrum to infrared spectrum (700-1400 nm). This parameter change allows the illumination to penetrate ocular media and visualize cellular structures without causing photophobic discomfort to the patient, as the infrared light is not perceived by the human eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physiological limitation of visible light examination with an optical substitution using infrared illumination and corresponding infrared-sensitive imaging sensors. This substitution enables visualization of cellular detail through a different physical mechanism that bypasses the patient's photophobia response.
2Device complexity
If an examiner uses subjective visual estimation to evaluate white blood cells and flare in the anterior chamber, then the examination can be performed with simple equipment, but the determination is subject to various sources of error including individual bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the examiner's subjective visual estimation with an automated image analysis system that processes infrared images to objectively quantify cellular structures and flare. This substitution eliminates individual bias and provides precise, reproducible measurements while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated analysis system that performs the evaluation function independently without requiring examiner interpretation. The system self-processes the imaging data to generate objective measurements of white blood cell density and flare intensity, removing human subjectivity from the measurement process.
3Ease of operation
If the slit lamp creates an optical section of various tissues and fluid-filled spaces, then the examiner can evaluate inflammatory conditions, but there are no precision controls on volume or other scene variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through automated image analysis that measures and quantifies the illuminated volume and cellular density. The system provides real-time feedback on the examined region's parameters, enabling precise control and documentation of the evaluation volume, which can be used to track changes over time with consistent measurement conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual optical sectioning with automated infrared imaging that provides consistent, reproducible illumination and detection geometry. This substitution eliminates variability in scene variables through standardized imaging parameters while maintaining ease of operation through automated capture and analysis.
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
The system enables objective and precise evaluation of eye conditions by reducing subjectivity and discomfort, allowing for accurate assessment of inflammatory processes and other attributes, and providing a consistent imaging environment.
Implementation Method 1
The beam of light can comprise infrared and/or visible light. The infrared light, which is generally invisible to both the operator and subject, can have a peak wavelength in a range between 750 to 850 nanometers.
Implementation Method 2
at least one imaging device configured to acquire image data of the eye while being illuminated by the illumination device. The at least one imaging device can include at least one side imaging device having an imaging axis at approximately a ninety degree angle to the axis of the beam of light.
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for imaging an eye of a patient is described. An illumination device can illuminate a linear volume of aqueous fluid of the eye of the patient with visible and/or infrared light from a location in a range between 25 to 65 degrees from a line of sight of the eye. At least one imaging device can acquire image data of the eye while it is being illuminated by the illumination device. The image data can be evaluated to determine one or more attributes of an aqueous fluid in an anterior segment of the eye delimited by the posterior surface of the cornea and the most anterior surfaces of the iris or lens and/or one or more attributes of the iris, eye, or surrounding tissues.