Microfluidic Intraocular Pressure Sensor with Optical Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring intraocular pressure, such as Goldmann applanation tonometry, are inaccurate due to factors like corneal thickness and require professional administration, limiting frequent or home monitoring of glaucoma patients.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic intraocular pressure sensor implanted in the eye, using a channel with a gas and fluid interface, allowing for optical readout of pressure changes via a camera and image analysis, enabling frequent and accurate monitoring of intraocular pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Goldmann applanation tonometry is used to measure intraocular pressure, then a professional measurement can be obtained, but the measurement accuracy is affected by corneal thickness and biomechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the corneal surface to the intraocular space by implanting a pressure sensor directly inside the eye, eliminating the interference of corneal thickness and biomechanical properties on measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid-gas interface as an intermediary mechanism that transmits intraocular pressure to the sensor channel, allowing accurate pressure measurement without direct contact with the cornea, thus avoiding corneal-related measurement errors
2Productivity
If Goldmann applanation tonometry is performed, then intraocular pressure can be measured, but frequent or home monitoring is limited due to requiring professional administration
Solution Approach 1:
The implanted sensor enables patients to perform self-monitoring of intraocular pressure at home without requiring professional administration, as the device automatically measures and can transmit pressure data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement process with an automated implanted sensor system that continuously or periodically measures pressure and can wirelessly transmit data, eliminating the need for professional intervention
3Measurement precision
If an implanted microfluidic sensor is used, then frequent and accurate intraocular pressure monitoring is enabled, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within an intraocular lens or implanted in the anterior chamber, integrating multiple functions (pressure sensing, fluid containment, optical readout) into a compact hierarchical structure that minimizes surgical 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
Enables precise and frequent measurement of intraocular pressure, allowing for better glaucoma management and home monitoring, reducing the need for frequent clinical visits.
Implementation Method 1
The inner diameter of the channel is sized to be capable of holding the fluid within the channel according to capillary forces
Implementation Method 2
at least part of a chamber wall has a flexible membrane... The membrane would flex based on an intraocular pressure therewith establishing an equilibrium pressure interface
Data Source
AI summary
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the global world. It is a multifactorial disease with several risk factors, of which intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important. IOP measurements are used for glaucoma diagnosis and patient monitoring. IOP has wide diurnal fluctuation, and is dependent on body posture, so the occasional measurements done by the eye care expert in clinic can be misleading. We provide an implantable sensor, based on microfluidic principles, which in one example has 1 mmHg limit of detection, high sensitivity and excellent reproducibility. This sensor has an optical interface, which enables IOP to be read with, for example, a cell phone camera. The design, fabrication, along with the option of self-monitoring are promising steps toward better patient care and treatment for this devastating disease.