Handheld Applanation Tonometer for Portable Intraocular Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) are prone to variability, require expensive and bulky equipment, and are often invasive, limiting their portability and repeatability, which hampers accurate glaucoma diagnosis and management.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, portable applanation tonometer that applies a constant force to the eye using a conically-shaped distal tip, capturing images to automatically calculate IOP with an image-processing algorithm, allowing for non-invasive and consistent measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is used to measure intraocular pressure, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to expensive, bulky, and immobile equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: a handheld applanator unit for measurement and a separate imaging system for capturing the applanation surface. This segmentation allows the measurement function to be portable while maintaining accuracy through the separate high-quality imaging component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical observation with automated optical imaging and digital image processing. The imaging system captures images of the applanation surface, and software algorithms automatically calculate IOP based on the applanation area, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical tonometers and subjective human judgment.
2Reliability
If traditional tonometry methods are used, then measurement capability is maintained, but repeatability and objectivity deteriorate due to reliance on human observation and subjective interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated feedback through image capture and digital processing. The imaging system captures the applanation surface, and the software automatically analyzes the image to determine the applanation area and calculate IOP, providing objective feedback that eliminates human subjectivity and improves repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-measurement through automated image capture and analysis. The system independently captures images of the applanation surface and automatically calculates IOP without requiring human interpretation, enabling the device to serve itself in the measurement process and eliminating observer bias.
3Adaptability or versatility
If invasive tonography methods are used to measure outflow facility, then measurement capability is achieved, but patient comfort and measurement duration deteriorate due to long testing duration and poor tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical tonography methods with non-invasive optical imaging. By capturing images of the applanation surface and analyzing the applanation area, the system can calculate outflow facility without requiring invasive procedures or prolonged testing, significantly reducing patient discomfort and measurement time.
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 accurate, consistent, and non-invasive IOP measurements, facilitating better glaucoma management and diagnosis through portable and user-friendly technology.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing device obtains images of the area of the eye flattened under the force
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for measuring intraocular pressure of the eye are disclosed. More particularly, the improved systems, devices, and methods enable the use of applanation tonometry and tonography to make such measurements using a portable, handheld applanation device. The applanation devices apply a constant fixed force to the surface of the eye. The resulting applanation mire can be captured by an image-capturing device and the intraocular pressure can be calculated using a provided algorithm based on the applanation mire and a known reference with respect to the eye.