Corneal Tear Film Interferometry for Sub-Micron Thickness Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical tests for dry eye disease lack sufficient resolution and regional sensitivity to detect discrete changes in tear film dynamics, making diagnosis and management of the condition challenging.
Innovation Solution
An interferometry system using a broadband light source and customized objective lens to achieve sub-micron resolution for tear film thickness measurement, combined with a post-processing algorithm to isolate and analyze tear film signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional clinical tests are used for tear film measurement, then the testing process is simple, but the measurement precision and regional sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements point-by-point scanning of the corneal surface, dividing the measurement into discrete spatial locations. This segmentation approach enables high-resolution mapping of tear film thickness across different regions of the cornea, achieving sub-micron precision while managing system complexity through systematic data acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement methods with optical interferometry. By using light interference patterns to measure tear film thickness, the system achieves sub-micron resolution without mechanical contact, eliminating mechanical limitations while managing optical system complexity
2Measurement precision
If point-by-point interferometry scanning is performed, then the measurement resolution improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning patterns to systematically acquire interference data across the corneal surface. By organizing measurements in regular temporal and spatial sequences, the system achieves comprehensive high-resolution mapping while optimizing measurement time through efficient data acquisition protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary motion correction by tracking corneal features before final measurement analysis. This preliminary action compensates for eye movements during scanning, enabling accurate point-by-point measurements without requiring excessively long measurement times or repeated scans
3Measurement precision
If motion correction is applied during scanning, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback-based motion correction by continuously monitoring corneal feature positions during scanning and adjusting measurements in real-time. This feedback mechanism maintains measurement accuracy despite eye movements, managing processing complexity through iterative correction algorithms that refine results based on observed motion patterns
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 measurement of tear film thickness with unprecedented resolution, improving diagnosis and management of dry eye disease by providing comprehensive and high-resolution evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a point-by-point scan of a cornea of an eye from an interferometry system, where the point-by-point scan includes at least an interference signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various systems and methods of using interferometry to measure the tear film for disease prediction and treatment. A point-by-point scan of a corneal surface of an eye is obtained from an interferometry system, including at least an interference signal. Next, a large field-of-view of the corneal surface is obtained from an objective lens with a curved focal plane matched to a curvature of the corneal surface. Subsequently, motion correction is performed on the point-by-point scan. Then, noise is filtered from the interference signal. A tear film lipid layer signal and a precorneal tear film signal are separated from the filtered interference signal. Later, a best fit frequency for the tear film lipid layer signal and the precorneal tear film signal are determined. Then, a thickness of the tear film lipid layer and the precorneal tear film are determined based at least in part on the best fit frequency.