Ocular Surface Interferometry for Contact Lens Intolerance Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact lens wear can disrupt the natural tear film, leading to dry eye symptoms and intolerance, as it reduces corneal sensitivity and tear production, making it challenging to determine which patients are ideal candidates for contact lens wear, especially those with underlying dry eye diseases like meibomian gland dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
An ocular surface interferometry (OSI) system that images and analyzes the ocular tear film by capturing optical wave interference of specularly reflected light to determine tear film characteristics such as thickness, viscosity, and movement rate, allowing for the assessment of contact lens intolerance by comparing images with a lipid layer-contact lens layer optical wave interference model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If contact lens wear is continued, then vision correction is maintained, but tear film disruption increases leading to dry eye symptoms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of tear film characteristics using optical wave interference imaging before contact lens wear begins. By measuring lipid layer thickness, aqueous layer thickness, and tear film breakdown time in advance, the system can predict whether a patient is suitable for contact lens wear and identify those at risk for dry eye symptoms before discomfort occurs.
2Ease of operation
If contact lens wear duration is increased, then convenience is improved, but corneal sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to patients and clinicians by continuously monitoring tear film characteristics during contact lens wear. Optical wave interference imaging captures changes in lipid and aqueous layer thickness, allowing real-time assessment of tear film health. This feedback enables early detection of corneal sensitivity changes and tear film disruption, prompting timely intervention to prevent discomfort and vision issues.
3Measurement precision
If tear film analysis is performed continuously, then contact lens intolerance detection is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical and invasive tear film analysis methods with optical wave interference imaging. By using light waves to measure tear film characteristics non-invasively, the system eliminates the need for punctal occlusion, Schirmer tests, or other mechanically complex procedures. The optical method provides precise measurements of lipid and aqueous layer thickness through interference pattern analysis, significantly simplifying the overall measurement process while maintaining high accuracy.
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 the prediction of contact lens intolerance by analyzing tear film characteristics, helping to identify suitable candidates and preventing discomfort or vision issues associated with dry eye diseases in contact lens wearers.
Implementation Method 1
capturing optical wave interference of specularly reflected light from the ocular tear film
Implementation Method 2
optical wave interference of specularly reflected light from the ocular tear film
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for determining contact lens intolerance in contact lens wearer patients based on tear film characteristics analysis and dry eye symptoms are disclosed. In embodiments herein, imaging of the ocular tear film is performed during contact lens wear. An analysis of the image of the ocular tear film is performed to determine one or more tear film characteristics of the ocular tear film. The tear film characteristics can be used to determine the effect or possible effect of contact lens wear on the ocular tear film, and thus be used to determine contact lens intolerance of the patient. The tear film characteristics used to analyze contact lens intolerance based on images of the ocular tear film involving contact lens wear may include dry eye symptoms, including but not limited to tear film (e.g., lipid and/or aqueous) thickness, tear film viscosity, and tear film movement rate in the eye.