Eye Scattering Spectrum Determination for Retinal Reflectance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate measurement of retinal reflectance is hindered by noise and spectral shifts caused by pre-retinal scattering of light within the eye, making it difficult to obtain quality retinal reflectance data for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like age-related macular degeneration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the scattering spectrum of the eye by combining first and second back scattering spectra indicative of light scattered from ocular media and neural retina, respectively, to correct reflectance data and improve the accuracy of optical density measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light is directed at the eye to measure retinal reflectance, then retinal reflectance data can be obtained, but noise and spectral shifts are introduced due to pre-retinal scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scattering problem into distinct components by measuring back-scattering spectra from different retinal layers (neural retina and optical media) separately, then combines them to create a comprehensive scattering spectrum that can be used to correct the reflectance measurements and eliminate the harmful scattering effects.
2Measurement precision
If back scattering spectra from multiple sources are combined to create a comprehensive scattering spectrum, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal scattering spectrum that accounts for scattering from multiple sources (neural retina and optical media) within a single integrated measurement framework. This multi-functional approach allows one system to handle multiple scattering contributions simultaneously, improving measurement accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 method enhances the accuracy of optical density measurements by correcting for scattering effects, leading to more precise representation of reflectance from deeper retinal layers and improved diagnosis of retinal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
light scattered from a neural retina of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method of determining a scattering spectrum of an eye. The method comprises receiving data from a detector indicative of a reflected wave of radiation reflected from the retina, wherein the reflected wave of radiation is formed by an incident wave of masked radiation directed towards a retina of the eye, such that at least one region masked from the incident wave is present on the retina, determining a first back scattering spectrum indicative of light scattered from an optical media of the eye in dependence on a portion of the reflected wave of radiation corresponding to the at least one masked region, determining a second back scattering spectrum indicative of light scattered from a neural retina of the eye in dependence on retinal structure information representative of neural retinal structure, and determining the scattering spectrum of the eye in dependence on the first back scattering spectrum and the second back scattering spectrum.