Reflectometry Instrument for Macular Pigment Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instruments for measuring macular pigment in the eye require pupil dilation, which is uncomfortable for patients and increases procedure time and cost, while also lacking in accuracy and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A reflectometry instrument that illuminates the macula using a light source and mirrors to separate the illumination and detection beams, allowing for accurate measurement of macular pigment without pupil dilation, including lutein and zeaxanthin, using an illumination system, detection system, and imaging system to provide a live image and determine the amount of macular pigment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pupil dilation is used to enable macular pigment measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into separate illumination and detection paths using beam splitting optics. This allows the measurement to be performed through the undilated pupil by directing illumination light at an angle and collecting reflected light through a different optical path, eliminating the need for pupil dilation while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
Beam splitting optics and dichroic mirrors are introduced as intermediary elements to separate the illumination and detection beams. These intermediaries enable the system to measure macular pigment through the natural pupil size by routing light through different optical paths, thus improving patient comfort without sacrificing measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If pupil dilation is used to enable macular pigment measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into separate illumination and detection paths using beam splitting optics. This allows the measurement to be performed through the undilated pupil by directing illumination light at an angle and collecting reflected light through a different optical path, eliminating the need for pupil dilation while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with beam splitting optics and dichroic mirrors that enable measurement through the natural pupil. This preliminary design eliminates the need for time-consuming pupil dilation procedures, allowing immediate measurement to be performed without additional preparation time
3Measurement precision
If beam separation is implemented to avoid interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Beam splitting optics and dichroic mirrors are introduced as intermediary elements to separate the illumination and detection beams. These intermediaries enable the system to measure macular pigment through the natural pupil size by routing light through different optical paths, thus improving patient comfort without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Dichroic mirrors with specific wavelength selectivity are used to separate illumination and detection beams based on their color (wavelength) characteristics. This allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy while managing optical path complexity through wavelength-based beam separation
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 precise and efficient measurement of macular pigment without dilating the pupil, reducing patient discomfort and procedure time, while improving accuracy and usability, and allowing for measurement in a lit environment.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the illumination beam reflects from the macula and forms a detection beam
Implementation Method 2
The first mirror reflects the illumination beam toward the macula and reflects the detection beam from the macula
Data Source
AI summary
A reflectometry instrument includes a light source for emitting an illumination beam that illuminates the macula. A portion of the illumination beam is reflected from the macula and forms a detection beam. The detection beam is indicative of macular pigment in the macula. The instrument also includes a first mirror for reflecting the illumination beam toward the macula and for reflecting the detection beam from the macula. The instrument is configured so that the illumination beam and the detection beam remain separated between the macula and the first mirror.