Slit Lamp Microscope Fluorescence Imaging Goblet Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for examining goblet cells, such as impression cytology and confocal reflection microscopy, are invasive, uncomfortable for patients, and costly, with limited contrast between goblet cells and surrounding cells, necessitating a more effective and cost-efficient imaging solution.
Innovation Solution
A slit lamp microscope equipped with a light source unit emitting near-ultraviolet and visible light, including 405 nm wavelength, an excitation filter to induce fluorescence in stained goblet cells, and a light receiving filter to capture fluorescent light, allowing for non-invasive imaging of goblet cells without physical contact and minimizing corneal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If confocal reflection microscope is used to image goblet cells, then imaging capability is achieved, but equipment cost is high and contrast between goblet cells and surrounding cells is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive specialized equipment (confocal reflection microscope) with a widely available slit lamp microscope that can be used for both routine eye examinations and goblet cell imaging. This substitution uses a more accessible, cost-effective device to achieve the same imaging function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence properties where goblet cells emit specific wavelengths of light when excited by 405 nm near-ultraviolet light. The light receiving filter captures this fluorescent signal, creating high contrast between goblet cells and surrounding cells through wavelength-specific detection, thereby improving imaging contrast without requiring expensive specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If impression cytology is used to examine goblet cells, then cell extraction is achieved, but corneal damage occurs and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical impression cytology method (pressing filter paper onto the cornea to extract cells) with an optical imaging method using fluorescence excitation. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and physical extraction, thereby preventing corneal damage while still enabling goblet cell examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the natural fluorescence property of goblet cells when stained with fluorescein or similar dyes. By exciting these stained cells with 405 nm light, the goblet cells themselves emit the fluorescent signal needed for imaging, eliminating the need for external cell extraction and staining procedures that cause discomfort.
3Ease of operation
If standard slit lamp microscope is used for eye examination, then ease of use is maintained, but goblet cell imaging capability is insufficient due to poor contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the standard slit lamp microscope by adding specific optical components (405 nm light source, excitation filter, and light receiving filter) that enable goblet cell imaging only when needed. The system maintains its standard functionality for routine examinations while providing specialized imaging capability through selectively activated fluorescence detection, thereby preserving ease of use while enhancing measurement precision.
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 clear imaging of fluorescently excited goblet cells with reduced patient discomfort and additional costs, using a widely available slit lamp microscope, thereby providing a cost-effective and non-invasive method for observing goblet cells.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation filter that transmits only light with a wavelength of 405 nm that induces a fluorescence reaction in stained goblet cells
Implementation Method 2
an excitation filter that transmits only light with a wavelength of 405 nm that induces a fluorescence reaction in stained goblet cells among the light irradiated from the light source unit
Implementation Method 3
a light receiving filter that transmits only the light fluorescently reacted in the goblet cells among the light received by the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A slit lamp microscope may include first and second arms rotatably provided on a main shaft; a microscope provided on the first arm and used to observe a subject's eyeball; a light source unit provided on the second arm and irradiating light including near-ultraviolet and visible light regions, including light with a wavelength of 405 nm, to the eyeball of a subject; a third arm rotatably provided on the main shaft; a camera provided on the main shaft and imaging the eyeball of the subject; an excitation filter that transmits only light with a wavelength of 405 nm that induces a fluorescence reaction in stained goblet cells among the light irradiated from the light source unit to the eyeball of the subject; and a light receiving filter that transmits only the light fluorescently reacted in the goblet cells among the light received by the camera.