Retinal Image Analysis for Objective Intraocular Scattering Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring intraocular scattering lack a robust, objective technique suitable for clinical use, relying on subjective measurements that are cumbersome and prone to variability, and existing objective techniques are not adaptable to clinical settings due to sensitivity to ocular aberrations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that project a collimated point light beam onto the retina, record and analyze retinal images to calculate an objective scattering index (OSI) by distinguishing between central and peripheral light energy, correcting low-order aberrations to isolate scattering effects, and applying this to quantify intraocular scattering and tear film quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective methods are used to measure intraocular scattering, then measurement can be performed, but the results are cumbersome and prone to variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective patient responses with an objective optical measurement system. A point light source projects light through the ocular media onto the retina, and a camera records the reflected light pattern. The point spread function is calculated from these images, providing an objective quantification of intraocular scattering without requiring patient subjectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the patient's own eye as the measurement instrument. The ocular media being measured serves as the optical path for the measurement itself, with the retina acting as both the target and the recording surface. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for external subjective assessment.
2Reliability
If objective techniques are used to measure intraocular scattering, then measurement robustness is improved, but the techniques are not adaptable to clinical settings due to sensitivity to ocular aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the scattering component from the total optical degradation. By projecting a point light source and recording the retinal image, the system separates the point spread function into components representing aberrations and scattering. This allows scattering to be measured independently in a clinical setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures the point spread function at multiple spatial frequencies and uses the variance of these measurements to quantify scattering. By changing the spatial frequency parameter and analyzing the statistical properties of the point spread function across different frequencies, the system robustly separates scattering from aberrations.
3Loss of information
If the point spread function is measured without correcting for aberrations, then the measurement includes all optical degradation, but scattering cannot be isolated from aberration effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the point spread function into distinct components. The total point spread function measured on the retina is divided into an aberration component and a scattering component. This segmentation allows the scattering contribution to be isolated and quantified separately while preserving the overall optical quality assessment.
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
Provides a robust, objective quantification of intraocular scattering, enabling accurate classification of cataracts and tear film quality, facilitating clinical application by minimizing the influence of aberrations and ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
recording means for recording an image of the plane of the retina resulting from the reflected light of said collimated point light in the retina
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system and method for measuring light diffusion in the eyeball or eye region, by recording and processing retinal images. The inventive system includes a double-pass ophthalmoscopic system having means for correcting low-order aberrations. Said system can be used to record images of the plane of the retina on a CCD camera, the outer part of said images containing information relating to ocular scattering. The aforementioned images can be used to obtain the objective scattering index (OSI), providing the ratio between the energy on the outer part of the image and the energy in the central part, or, alternatively, the modulation transfer function (MTF) area can be used for this purpose once the low frequencies have been filtered. According to the inventive method, the low-order aberrations are corrected before a retinal image or a temporal sequence of retinal images is captured and recorded.