Ocular Surface Temperature Sensing for Eye Drop Use Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring eye drop application are inadequate, as they often require modifications to eye drop formulations, are intrusive, or fail to account for individual application techniques and physiological differences among patients.
Innovation Solution
A method and optical apparatus using thermopile IR sensors to measure infrared emission from the ocular surface, generating temperature trends before and after eye drop application, to detect subtle changes indicative of eye drop use, eliminating the need for manual monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescent dyes are added to eye drops for detection, then monitoring capability is improved, but eye drop formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from the eye drop formulation itself by using existing fluorescent markers that are naturally present in many eye drop formulations, rather than adding specialized detection dyes. The system detects these existing markers using a fluorescence detector, thereby avoiding formulation complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluorescence detector as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between eye drop application and monitoring. This detector captures fluorescence signals from the eye area after instillation, enabling accurate detection without requiring complex modifications to the eye drop formulation itself.
2Measurement precision
If camera-based systems are used to ensure correct eye drop application, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but device intrusiveness and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical camera-based visual verification systems with a fluorescence detection system. Instead of using cameras to capture images and analyze application accuracy, the system uses fluorescence detectors to sense the presence of fluorescent markers, providing accurate monitoring through a simpler, less intrusive optical mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence (a form of light emission/color change) as the basis for detection. Many eye drop formulations contain fluorescent markers that emit light when excited, allowing the detector to identify eye drop presence and application through optical signal changes rather than requiring complex image analysis.
3Productivity
If electrical drop counters are attached to eye drop bottles, then drop dispensing monitoring is improved, but application correctness information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the fluorescence detector provides real-time information about eye drop application status. The system detects whether drops have been correctly instilled into the eye by sensing fluorescence signals from the eye area, and can provide feedback to confirm proper application, thereby recovering the application correctness information that simple drop counters miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the drop counting function with the application verification function into a single integrated system. The fluorescence detector serves dual purposes: it detects the presence of fluorescent markers (indicating drops have been dispensed) and verifies correct application (by detecting fluorescence in the eye area), combining multiple monitoring functions into one device.
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
Accurately and continuously monitors eye drop application, reducing human error and ensuring adherence to prescribed usage regimes for treating ocular conditions like glaucoma and dry eye syndrome.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a temperature of an ocular surface of the user's eye, using at least one temperature sensor in an optical apparatus worn by a user... using thermopile IR sensors to measure infrared emission from the ocular surface
Implementation Method 2
measuring a temperature of an ocular surface of the user's eye, using at least one temperature sensor in an optical apparatus worn by a user
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is method for monitoring use of eye drops in user's eye (300). The method comprising measuring temperature of ocular surface (OS) of user's eye, at first plurality of time instants within first time duration (FTD), prior to optical apparatus (OA) (200) not being in use for predefined time period; generating first temperature trend (FTT), for FTD; measuring temperature of OS of user's eye, at second plurality of time instants within second time duration (STD), subsequent to OA being in use, wherein OA is brought to use after OA not being in use for predefined time period; generating second temperature trend (STT), for STD; determining change in temperature trend between FTT and STT; determining if change in temperature trend is greater than predefined value; and when it is determined that change in temperature trend is greater than predefined value, deeming use of the eye drops in the user's eyes.