Optical Intraocular Pressure Sensor with Flexible Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring intraocular pressure are inadequate due to infrequent single-point measurements, which are labor-intensive, impractical, and often inaccurate, and existing implantable devices are cumbersome, error-prone, and pose biocompatibility risks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an intraocular pressure sensor with a flexible membrane that deforms in response to pressure changes, illuminated by a light source, and detected using an electronic imaging device, which creates an interference pattern correlated with pressure, and a processing device performs phase calculations to determine pressure accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-point intraocular pressure measurements are performed in a physician's office, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement frequency and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling patients to perform intraocular pressure measurements at home without physician assistance. The handheld device allows patients to independently conduct frequent measurements, eliminating the need for office-based professional administration while maintaining measurement quality and enabling continuous monitoring for better glaucoma management.
2Productivity
If implantable electronic sensors are used for frequent measurement, then measurement frequency increases, but device complexity and biocompatibility risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing systems with a simple optical measurement system. Instead of using implantable electronic sensors that require power sources and complex circuitry, the invention uses light reflection and interference patterns to measure intraocular pressure, eliminating the need for implanted electronics while enabling frequent measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the eye by using a handheld external device rather than implanting sensors within the eye. This extraction eliminates biocompatibility concerns and device complexity associated with implantable electronics while maintaining the ability to perform frequent measurements.
3Productivity
If implantable electronic sensors are used, then frequent measurement capability is achieved, but error rate and biocompatibility problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensing mechanisms with optical interference measurement. By using light reflection from the cornea and analyzing interference patterns, the system achieves accurate measurements without the errors and biocompatibility issues inherent in implantable electronic sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the intraocular pressure state through interference patterns. The light reflection and interference create a measurable pattern that replicates the pressure information without requiring direct electronic contact with ocular tissues, thereby improving reliability.
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
This system enables frequent, accurate, and reliable measurement of intraocular pressure with reduced error and improved biocompatibility, allowing for better management of glaucoma and patient compliance monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible membrane both transmits and reflects the one or more wavelengths of light, the substrate member reflects the one or more wavelengths of light transmitted by the flexible membrane, the light reflected by the substrate member interferes with light reflected from the flexible membrane to create an interference pattern, and the interference pattern corresponds to intraocular pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determination of intraocular pressure includes: an intraocular pressure sensor; a light source illuminating the sensor with one or more wavelengths of light; and a detector that measures emitted light from the sensor. The sensor includes a substrate member, a spacer member, and a flexible membrane, which define a sealed cavity. The flexible membrane moves in response to intraocular pressure changes. A device for measuring intraocular pressure includes: the sensor; an anchoring member attached to the sensor for immobilizing the sensor in an eye; and a protective member attached to the anchoring member and covering the sensor to prevent contact between the flexible membrane and the eye. A method for determination of intraocular pressure includes: placing the sensor in an eye; illuminating, with a light source, the sensor with one or more wavelengths of light; and detecting, with a detector, a resultant light that contains information about intraocular pressure.