Non-Invasive Intraocular Pressure Detection via Corneal Deformation Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring intraocular pressure are invasive, costly, and lack real-time and long-term tracking capabilities, making it difficult to manage glaucoma effectively, as they do not account for diurnal and nocturnal fluctuations in pressure.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive intraocular pressure detecting device that uses a pressure generation unit, light source, and image sensing unit to create a speckle pattern on the eyeball, allowing for the measurement of intraocular pressure through analysis of the pattern's feature size, enabling self-detection and continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional non-contact tonometry (NCT) is used, then intraocular pressure can be measured without contact, but the device has complex architecture, large size, and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and optical alignment systems of conventional NCT with a simplified approach using air pressure to deform the cornea and capture deformation patterns through imaging. The mechanical force sensing system is substituted with optical imaging of corneal deformation, achieving non-contact measurement with simpler device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from conventional NCT systems, retaining only the essential functions: air pressure generation, corneal imaging, and pressure calculation. This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining non-contact measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If applanation tonometers are used, then accurate intraocular pressure measurement is achieved, but direct contact with cornea and local anesthesia are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based applanation method with a non-contact optical imaging method. Instead of physically flattening the cornea with a probe, the system uses air pressure to induce controlled deformation and captures the deformation pattern through imaging, eliminating the need for corneal contact and anesthesia while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air pressure as an intermediary medium to transfer the measurement function from direct corneal contact to non-contact deformation. The air pressure acts as a mediator that indirectly measures intraocular pressure through corneal deformation patterns, avoiding direct contact with the cornea.
3Duration of action of moving object
If implantable intraocular pressure sensors are used, then continuous real-time monitoring is achieved, but surgical implantation is required which is highly invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the patient to perform self-measurement at home using a simple handheld device. The system is designed for ease of operation by patients themselves, eliminating the need for surgical implantation while providing continuous monitoring capability through repeated home measurements. The device serves itself by being simple enough for patient self-administration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implanting a sensor inside the eye to measure pressure continuously, the patent inverts the approach by using external non-contact measurement that can be repeated frequently. The measurement function is moved from inside the eye to outside, allowing continuous monitoring through multiple external measurements rather than a single implanted sensor.
4Reliability
If follow-up visits every three months or half year are scheduled, then clinical monitoring is performed, but only snapshot values are obtained that cannot reflect long-term fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms discrete periodic measurements into a continuous monitoring approach by enabling patients to measure intraocular pressure frequently at home. The system allows continuous data collection over time, capturing diurnal and nocturnal fluctuations that would be missed by periodic clinical visits, while maintaining reliable clinical monitoring through centralized data management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where measurement data is transmitted to doctors for analysis and treatment adjustment. This closed-loop feedback enables continuous monitoring and real-time treatment optimization based on actual intraocular pressure patterns, allowing doctors to adjust medication timing and dosage according to measured fluctuations rather than relying on periodic snapshot values.
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 device provides a simple, safe, and precise means for patients to monitor intraocular pressure at home, offering real-time tracking and alerts, thereby improving glaucoma management by accounting for fluctuations and facilitating timely interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, configured to emit light to irradiate the target surface, so as to generate a speckle pattern on the target surface
Implementation Method 2
a pressure generation unit, configured to apply pressure to a target surface of an eyeball, such that a deformation is generated on the target surface
Data Source
AI summary
An intraocular pressure detecting device includes a pressure generation unit, a light source, an image sensing unit and a processing unit. The pressure generation unit applies pressure to a target surface of an eyeball along a first operation axis direction, such that a deformation is generated on the target surface. The light source emits light that irradiates the target surface along a second operation axis direction, so as to generate a speckle pattern on the target surface. The image sensing unit observes and records an image variation of the speckle pattern along a third operation axis direction. The processing unit is signally connected with the image sensing unit to receive an image of the speckle pattern. The processing unit identifies and analyzes a feature size of the image of the speckle pattern for obtaining an intraocular pressure value of the eyeball. An intraocular pressure detecting method is also described.