Peripheral Retinal OCT With Mirrored Lens for Wide-Field Tear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye exams for detecting retinal tears are technically challenging, labor-intensive, uncomfortable for patients, and unable to digitally record findings, often missing early signs of retinal detachment due to limited field-of-view and manual visualization methods.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral retinal OCT system combining OCT imaging with gonioscopic lenses and mirrored contact lenses to provide wide-field, high-resolution imaging of the peripheral retina, allowing for digital recording and easier detection of retinal tears without scleral depression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional eye examination methods are used to detect retinal tears, then the examination can be performed with standard equipment, but the field-of-view is limited and manual recording is required, reducing detection accuracy and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines OCT imaging technology with gonioscopic lens optics to create an integrated peripheral retinal imaging system. The OCT device is coupled with the gonioscopic lens so that optical coherence tomography scans can be performed through the lens's wide-field viewing capability, merging the high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of OCT with the wide-angle visualization of gonioscopy to achieve comprehensive peripheral retinal examination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a gonioscopic lens as an intermediary optical element between the OCT imaging system and the patient's eye. This lens acts as a mediator that expands the field-of-view of the OCT device while maintaining optical coupling, allowing the OCT system to capture peripheral retinal structures that would otherwise be inaccessible with standard OCT imaging geometry
2Productivity
If manual examination and recording methods are used, then the practitioner can perform the exam with basic training, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated image capture and digital recording capabilities that perform the documentation function without requiring manual note-taking by the practitioner. The OCT device automatically captures cross-sectional images of the peripheral retina and stores them digitally, allowing the system to serve itself in terms of data acquisition and archiving, thereby improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of physical eye examination and handwritten recording with an automated optical imaging system. The OCT device uses light-based interferometry to automatically generate and store digital images of the peripheral retina, substituting the mechanical manual examination process with an automated optical-mechanical system that reduces labor intensity and examination time
3Area of stationary object
If scleral depression is performed during conventional examination, then the practitioner can visualize the peripheral retina, but the patient experiences discomfort and the procedure becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging dimension by using OCT's cross-sectional imaging capability through the gonioscopic lens. Instead of relying on mechanical scleral depression to shift retinal layers into view, the system uses optical sectioning to capture images at different depths, allowing visualization of the peripheral retina in its natural position without physical manipulation that causes patient discomfort
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 faster, more comfortable, and accurate detection of retinal tears and detachments through micron-level resolution imaging, reducing patient discomfort and improving early detection and treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system
Implementation Method 2
an OCT imaging device comprising a light source, a beam steering mechanism, and a focusing lens
Implementation Method 3
a contact lens for placing on the eye comprising one or more angled mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
Peripheral retinal OCT can be used to generate peripheral retinal OCT images allowing for the peripheral retina to be viewed. A peripheral retinal vision system can determine that a set of fiducial markers is in a field-of-view of at least one camera and record positional data comprising a contact lens position and angle with respect to an OCT imaging system having OCT scanning mirrors in a first position. The system can determine whether a retinal layer is in an OCT scan captured while the set of fiducial markers is in the field-of-view of the at least one camera and the OCT scanning minors are in the first position; and for an OCT scan having he retinal layer and being captured while the set of fiducial markers is in the field-of-view of the at least one camera and the OCT scanning minors are in the first position, store that OCT scan.