Multispectral Ocular Surface Evaluator for Tear Film Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ocular surface evaluation methods lack a comprehensive, compact device that integrates key measurements such as tear film analysis, corneal birefringence, and meibography, with limitations in distinguishing tear film reflected light from iris background noise and limited spectral information, particularly in the infrared spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A multispectral or hyperspectral ocular surface evaluating device with a broadband illumination source and polarizing structure, capable of imaging the ocular surface and retina, incorporating polarimetric imaging to measure corneal birefringence and providing detailed spectral reflectance information across visible and infrared spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods (slit lamp, fluorescein staining) are used to evaluate ocular surface, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and measurement precision is limited due to inability to distinguish tear film from iris background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional single-wavelength visible light to broadband illumination covering visible and infrared spectra. This spectral parameter change enables the detection system to capture wavelength-dependent reflectance characteristics of the tear film, allowing differentiation from iris background noise through spectral analysis rather than relying on contrast-enhancing stains or complex optical setups
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension by adding spectral information (wavelength dimension) to the traditional spatial imaging. The detection system records reflectance intensity across multiple wavelengths, creating a spectral dimension that enables differentiation of ocular surface components based on their unique spectral signatures, thereby improving measurement precision without increasing spatial device complexity
2Loss of information
If broadband illumination covering visible and infrared spectra is used, then spectral information is enhanced, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively illuminating the ocular surface with broadband light and using spectral filters to capture only the relevant wavelength ranges (visible and infrared) that contain diagnostic information about the tear film and ocular surface. This selective spectral capture reduces the total energy that needs to be processed and stored, while still obtaining comprehensive spectral information for diagnosis
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple key measurements (tear film analysis, corneal birefringence, meibography) are integrated into one device, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single ocular surface evaluating device that performs multiple diagnostic functions: tear film analysis through spectral reflectance, corneal birefringence measurement through polarimetric imaging, and meibography through infrared imaging. The broadband illumination source and spectral detection system serve as universal components that enable all these measurements without requiring separate specialized devices, thereby improving adaptability while managing device complexity through shared optical pathways
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 comprehensive and accurate analysis of ocular surface health by integrating multiple key measurements into one device, improving the distinction of tear film from iris background noise and enhancing lipid layer thickness measurement accuracy with detailed spectral information.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination projector comprises a broadband illumination source panel covering the visible and near infrared spectra
Implementation Method 2
a polarizing structure to illuminate an ocular surface and adjacent structures of an eye and project a pattern on the ocular surface
Implementation Method 3
incorporating polarimetric imaging to measure corneal birefringence
Implementation Method 4
measure the change in the reflected images off the cornea of a grid or ring pattern
Implementation Method 5
recording the images with a plurality of spectral channels in visible and near infrared spectra using spectral filters or dispersive optical elements
Data Source
AI summary
A multispectral or hyperspectral ocular surface evaluating device is disclosed, comprising an illumination projector, which comprises a broadband illumination source panel and a polarizing structure to illuminate an ocular surface and adjacent structures of an eye and project a pattern on the ocular surface; an imaging system to form images; a detection system to record the images with a plurality of spectral channels in visible and near infrared spectra; and a computer to display and analyze the images. Also disclosed is a method of evaluating ocular surface health using a multispectral or hyperspectral ocular surface evaluating device, which comprises illuminating an ocular surface and adjacent structures of an eye with polarized light from an illumination projector; forming images with the imaging system; recording images formed on the detection system; digitally processing the recorded images; and analyzing the recorded images to evaluate ocular surface health with the computer.