Optical Apparatus for Simultaneous Intraocular Pressure and Corneal Property Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-contact tonometers are unable to simultaneously measure intraocular pressure and other corneal properties such as elasticity, viscosity, central corneal thickness, and eye weight during a single inspection.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus comprising an optical measurement module, an air-puff module, and a central processing module that generates air pressure to deform the cornea, allowing for the measurement of intraocular pressure and corneal properties through optical interference, including elasticity, viscosity, central corneal thickness, and curvature, while also determining eye weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional non-contact tonometer uses air-puff method to measure intraocular pressure, then measurement speed is fast and non-invasive, but it cannot simultaneously measure other corneal properties such as elasticity, viscosity, and central corneal thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single optical apparatus. The device integrates intraocular pressure measurement (via air-puff method) and corneal property measurement (via optical interference) into one system, allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple parameters including IOP, elasticity, viscosity, and central corneal thickness in a single inspection session.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform various measurements. The system can measure not only intraocular pressure but also corneal elasticity, viscosity, central corneal thickness, and other properties using the same device, making it a universal measurement tool for comprehensive eye health assessment.
2Device complexity
If conventional non-contact tonometer measures only intraocular pressure, then device complexity is low and operation is simple, but measurement comprehensiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement capabilities into one integrated system. The apparatus combines the air-puff mechanism for pressure measurement with optical interference measurement systems for corneal property assessment, allowing comprehensive measurements without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical apparatus achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both pressure-sensitive detection and optical interference detection capabilities. This allows the single device to adapt to various measurement needs including IOP, corneal elasticity, viscosity, and thickness measurements.
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 non-contact, simultaneous measurement of intraocular pressure and comprehensive corneal properties, providing more detailed information than conventional tonometers.
Implementation Method 1
The second unit is used for measuring properties of the cornea in an optical interference way
Data Source
AI summary
The optical apparatus includes an optical measurement module, a central processing module, and an air-puff module. The air-puff module is used for generating an air pressure to a surface of the cornea according a blow pattern to cause a deformation of the cornea. The optical measurement module includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit is used for measuring an intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye according to the deformation of the cornea. The second unit is used for measuring properties of the cornea in an optical interference way. The central processing module is coupled to the first unit and the second unit and used for receiving and processing the intraocular pressure and the properties of the cornea to provide a result.