Self-Administered OCT Eye Scanning With a Custom Refractive Eyepiece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OCT devices for eye care are expensive, require skilled operators, and limit patient access to optical scanning due to the need for office visits, which can lead to delayed detection of vision changes.
Innovation Solution
A novel, low-cost optical scanning device with a customized eyecup containing a patient-specific lens, allowing self-administration and cloud-based image processing for automated data analysis, enabling home use or kiosk deployment without a clinician, and providing early warning systems for vision changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional OCT devices are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase, requiring skilled operators and office visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable contact lens-based OCT probes that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization and calibration systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through factory-calibrated disposable probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the OCT scanning functionality from complex traditional devices and integrates it directly into simple contact lenses. This separation allows the measurement function to be miniaturized and simplified, reducing overall device complexity while preserving optical scanning precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional OCT devices require skilled operators, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates, limiting patient access
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens-based OCT system enables patients to perform self-examinations by simply inserting the disposable lens into their eye. The device automatically captures and transmits retinal images, eliminating the need for skilled operators while maintaining measurement precision through automated imaging protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal OCT solution that works for all patients regardless of their visual acuity or dexterity. The contact lens design accommodates various eye conditions and the automated image capture and transmission functions make the device universally operable without requiring specialized training.
3Measurement precision
If patients visit office for OCT scans, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases, delaying detection of vision changes
Solution Approach 1:
Patients can perform OCT scans at home using the disposable contact lens device, eliminating travel time to office visits. The automated image capture and wireless transmission to healthcare providers enable continuous monitoring without scheduling appointments, significantly reducing time delay in detecting vision changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous at-home monitoring of retinal health through repeated use of disposable contact lenses. Patients can perform scans whenever needed, creating a continuous stream of data that allows for real-time detection of vision changes rather than periodic office visits.
4Measurement precision
If traditional OCT devices are expensive, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of manufacture deteriorates, limiting device accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable contact lens OCT probes can be manufactured using standard contact lens fabrication processes combined with integrated optical components. This approach leverages existing manufacturing infrastructure, making production easier and more scalable compared to traditional OCT devices, while maintaining measurement precision through factory calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses mass-producible contact lens materials and optical components that can be replicated using established manufacturing techniques. This copying approach allows for standardized production of precise optical elements at lower cost and higher volume compared to custom-built traditional OCT devices.
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 cost-effective, user-friendly optical scanning with automated data analysis, facilitating early detection of vision changes and reducing the need for frequent office visits.
Implementation Method 1
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has become a standard of care in eye care practices
Implementation Method 2
Presets for the device allow the device to be customized for the patient's eye refraction. In one embodiment their glasses prescription is utilized to manufacture a custom lens mounted in the eyepiece of the system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for obtaining optical coherence tomography of the optical system of a person, comprising: an eyepiece customized for alignment and positioning to contact a person's eye socket and having a lens pocket for receiving a refractive lens customized for the person's eye refraction characteristics; a condensing system for receiving light from the eyepiece; a scanning module optically connected to the condensing system and having a mirror tiltable in two directions for obtaining optical scanning data from the person's optical system; and a spectrometer and camera module optically connected to the scanning module for obtaining and storing the optical scanning data, wherein the eyepiece, condensing system and scanning module are arranged to provide an optical path for delivering a light beam to the person's eye, and receive reflected light to be directed to the scanning module.