Multi-Detector Tear Film Assessment Using Aligned Ocular Surface Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing the tear film are either rudimentary, time-consuming, or require invasive procedures, and dedicated devices often struggle with usability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A multi-detector system comprising an OCT device, aberrometer, and reflection topographer, combined with a computer system, analyzes tear film data by identifying signal-to-noise ratios, data inconsistencies, and residual analysis to detect abnormalities in the tear film, generating a graphical representation of the ocular surface with tear film abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated devices are used to assess tear film, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measuring devices (OCT device, aberrometer, and reflection topographer) into an integrated system that shares common components such as the optical path, detection system, and control unit. This merging approach maintains high measurement precision through multi-modal data collection while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components and simplifying operational procedures.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated devices are used to assess tear film, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system is designed to perform multiple tear film assessment functions simultaneously using a single operational workflow. The system can conduct OCT imaging, aberrometry, and topography measurements in one unified process, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices and simplifying the user experience while maintaining comprehensive measurement precision across all modalities.
3Measurement precision
If invasive procedures are used for tear film assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the eye's own reflected light and natural optical properties to generate measurement data. The OCT device, aberrometer, and reflection topographer all rely on light reflected from the eye surface without requiring external dyes, stains, or invasive interventions. This self-service approach enables high-precision tear film assessment while completely avoiding eye surface irritation or damage.
4Ease of operation
If rudimentary screening methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tear film assessment into three distinct measurement segments: OCT imaging for structural analysis, aberrometry for wavefront analysis, and reflection topography for surface mapping. Each segment contributes specific precision advantages, and their integrated analysis through data fusion algorithms provides comprehensive high-precision assessment while maintaining a unified simple user interface that preserves ease of operation.
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
Provides a comprehensive, non-invasive, and efficient assessment of tear film abnormalities, enhancing the accuracy and usability of tear film analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device that directs OCT light towards the eye, detects the OCT light reflected from the eye, and generates OCT data that describes the eye from the reflected OCT light
Implementation Method 2
a wavefront aberrometer subsystem... determines irregular features... by comparing wavefront aberrometry map and corneal topography map
Implementation Method 3
a corneal topographer subsystem... generates a corneal topography map... evaluate images of Placido rings reflected from the cornea
Data Source
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AI summary
In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic system for assessing a tear film of an eye comprises measuring devices and a computer. The measuring devices detect light reflected from the eye, where an ocular surface of the eye comprises the tear film, and generate data from the reflected light that describes the eye. The computer aligns the data corresponding to the same location for a plurality of locations, assesses the data at the locations to detect one or more abnormalities of the tear film, and determines a tear film description from the assessment of the data at the locations.