Iridocorneal Angle Imaging Probe With Converging Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for imaging the iridocorneal angle, such as gonioscopy and EyeCam, are either subjective, uncomfortable for patients, require expertise, or are costly and time-consuming, and fail to provide detailed imaging due to limitations in penetrating depth and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held probe with a miniaturized CCD camera and radially arranged illumination sources, including white light and NIR, that converges light and imaging axes at the iridocorneal angle, allowing for wide-field imaging in both light and dark conditions with variable resolution and a coupling gel to avoid total internal reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods (gonioscopy, EyeCam) are used to image the iridocorneal angle, then imaging capability is achieved, but the methods are subjective, require operator expertise, and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical gonioscopy system with an automated optical imaging system using a CCD camera and structured illumination. The mechanical mirror-based gonioscopy is substituted by an optical probe that captures images automatically, eliminating subjective operator interpretation and reducing time consumption while maintaining imaging precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameters by using multiple light sources at specific angles (70°-78°) relative to the corneal contact surface, and adjusts the imaging parameters through a miniaturized CCD camera with variable resolution at different depths. These parameter optimizations enable automated imaging without requiring operator expertise.
2Device complexity
If the probe uses a single imaging lens orthogonal to the corneal contact surface, then the device structure is simplified, but imaging the angle region behind the sclera is obstructed due to total internal reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical coupling gel as an intermediary medium between the corneal contact surface and the eye. This gel has refractive index properties that eliminate total internal reflection at the corneal interface, allowing light to penetrate and enabling the simple orthogonal imaging structure to capture the iridocorneal angle region that would otherwise be obstructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a coupling gel with specific refractive index properties that match the corneal tissue. This parameter adjustment eliminates the total internal reflection phenomenon, allowing the simplified orthogonal imaging structure to reliably image the angle region behind the sclera.
3Area of stationary object
If illumination sources are arranged radially about the imaging axis, then wide-field illumination is achieved, but the imaging and illumination axes must converge precisely at the target region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the angular parameters of the radially arranged illumination sources, positioning them at specific angles (70°-78°) relative to the corneal contact surface. This parameter optimization ensures that the illumination axes converge with the imaging axis at the target iridocorneal angle region, achieving wide-field illumination while maintaining precise alignment through design specifications rather than requiring high manufacturing tolerances.
4Measurement precision
If the probe provides variable resolution at different depths, then detailed imaging of the angle region is achieved, but the camera configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic resolution system where the miniaturized CCD camera provides variable resolution at different depths of the anterior chamber. This dynamic capability allows the system to automatically adjust resolution based on the depth of the imaged structure, providing high detail for near structures while maintaining adequate coverage for deeper regions, without requiring multiple fixed-resolution cameras.
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 non-invasive, cost-effective, and efficient imaging of the iridocorneal angle with high resolution, reducing patient discomfort and operator expertise requirements, and providing permanent documentation of angle structures.
Implementation Method 1
cannot be observed obliquely as the input beam from this region undergoes total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
the imaging axis and the illumination axes converge in the eye
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(e)
Figure 4(a)~4(e)
AI summary
A probe for iridocorneal angle imaging of an eye, the probe comprising: a distal end having a corneal contact surface; a camera having an imaging lens at the distal end and an imaging axis orthogonal to the corneal contact surface; and at least two illumination sources, each illumination source having an illumination axis at an angle to the corneal contact surface such that the imaging axis and the illumination axes converge in the eye.