This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is aimed at developing a high speed and high sensitivity system for measuring optical dimensions of human eye, such as the total axial length, corneal thickness and the location and thickness of the crystalline lens, in a non-contact manner using infrared light, invisible to the eye. This task is accomplished by improving the existing technique of time domain low-coherence interferometry. In case of a live patient, who cannot be immobilized for steady measurements, speed and sensitivity of the measurements are especially important to achieve high accuracy and precision.
The broader impacts of this research are aimed at benefiting large part of the population that suffers from cataract and other vision problems. The U.S. population of over 65 years old expected to increase to over 70 million in 2030. Therefore, there is a dramatic need for tools to treat the wave of eye diseases and problems inherent to such population. Information on the structure of the eye is required in eye surgeries, including those that deal with replacing the crystalline lenses affected by cataract. The proposed research will result in an array of critical tools aimed at mapping out the eye, for medical research and for treatment of the diseases.
" project resulted in the development of an ophthalmic instrument for measuring axial dimensions of human eye. The information provided by the instrument can be used in clinical settings (for example for selecting a proper intraocular lens replacement in cataract surgeries), or in laboratory settings to study eye deformations. The instrument measures corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, crystalline lens thickness and the distance between the posterior surface of the lens and the retina. The instrument takes advantage of 40+ years of improvements in the field of optical fiber communications, as well as advancements in the Optical Coherence Tomography techniques. The instrument is based on using light for measurements (i.e. does not require physical contact with the eye), has no mechanically moving parts, and is faster than the currently existing instruments, thus allowing for more accurate measurements and therefore more accurate clinical decisions. The instrument addresses the dramatic need for tools to treat the wave of eye diseases and problems expected with aging population. Significant portion of U.S. population, suffering from cataract or other diseases, is set to benefit from this technology. Choosing a correct intraocular lens (IOL) is a crucial step in surgeries that deal with replacement of the crystalline lens. The developed instrument can become a critical tool in the quest to restore and maintain perfect vision for those suffering from ophthalmic ailments. Two prototypes (with slightly different configurations) have been constructed and tested with ex-vivo eyes. The prototypes are available for further commercialization. In the meanwhile, further improvements in the instrument are conducted in a collaboration with a commercial partner for internal research and development purposes.
