Eyewear Ocular Compression for Dynamic Glaucoma Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic tools for glaucoma are limited by their inability to dynamically control and measure intraocular pressure (IOP), which restricts their effectiveness in characterizing eye changes and understanding glaucoma progression, as they are primarily designed for static IOP measurements.
Innovation Solution
An eyewear-based system with an ocular compression device that applies direct mechanical force to increase IOP, compatible with ocular imaging devices like OCT and OCTA, allowing for controlled IOP variations and simultaneous analysis of both eyes, facilitating more efficient diagnosis and understanding of glaucoma progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static IOP measurement methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but dynamic characterization of glaucoma progression is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an ocular compression device with ocular imaging devices (OCT/OCTA) into an integrated system. The compression device includes a frame with compression members that can be positioned and secured around the eye, allowing mechanical application of force while maintaining compatibility with imaging systems. This merging enables simultaneous IOP manipulation and optical imaging, resolving the contradiction between dynamic capability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ocular compression device is designed to work with multiple imaging modalities including OCT and OCTA, making it a universal platform for dynamic glaucoma research. The device can apply controlled compression forces while allowing various imaging systems to capture eye structures at different IOP levels, providing multi-functional capability that enables dynamic characterization without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.
2Measurement precision
If controlled IOP manipulation is implemented, then glaucoma progression characterization is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates tonometers to measure IOP in real-time during compression, providing feedback to the compression device controller. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust compression forces dynamically to achieve and maintain target IOP levels. The feedback mechanism ensures precise IOP control while managing the complexity through automated adjustment based on measured values.
Solution Approach 2:
The device controls IOP by systematically changing mechanical compression parameters (force magnitude, duration, timing) rather than relying on complex physiological manipulation. By varying these physical parameters in a controlled manner, the system achieves precise IOP manipulation with relatively simple control mechanisms, as the relationship between compression force and IOP is more directly controllable than alternative methods.
3Productivity
If dynamic imaging at varying IOP is enabled, then diagnostic capability is enhanced, but imaging time and procedure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic compression cycles where the compression members are applied and released in a rhythmic pattern. During compression phases, IOP is elevated for imaging; during release phases, IOP returns to baseline. This periodic action allows multiple imaging measurements at different IOP levels to be obtained in a systematic sequence, improving diagnostic efficiency by organizing the time-consuming measurements into structured cycles rather than continuous procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows preliminary positioning and securing of the compression members around the eye before imaging begins. The frame and compression members can be pre-adjusted to the correct position, and the system can be prepared in advance to deliver compression cycles at optimal times. This preliminary preparation reduces the actual imaging procedure time by eliminating setup delays during the measurement process.
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 characterization of optic nerve head changes and retinal vascular networks at varying IOP levels, enhancing glaucoma diagnosis and treatment options by providing dynamic imaging capabilities, thereby improving the prognosis and understanding of glaucoma development.
Implementation Method 1
an ocular compression device positioned around a user's head to compress the globes of the user's eyes using direct mechanical force to artificially increase the user's IOP
Implementation Method 2
The extraocular compression of the globes restricts the flow of aqueous humor through the veins and applies direct, controlled pressure to the globes, allowing for the IOP to increase as well as stay at the desired elevated IOP
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an eyewear-based system and method comprised of an ocular compression device positioned around a user's head to compress the globes of a user's eyes using direct mechanical force to artificially elevate the user's intraocular pressure. An application of this system is to increase intraocular pressure in users with glaucoma or users who are at risk for glaucoma to assess novel biomarkers for glaucoma progression. The ocular compression device may be used in conjunction with an ocular imaging device, such as an optical coherence tomography angiography device, to characterize changes in the user's optic nerve head structure as a function of intraocular pressure. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.