Apparatus and method for the kinetic analysis of tear stability
US7121666B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B3/101
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for the kinetic analysis of tear interference is disclosed. The apparatus includes a light source for illuminating a tear film of a cornea, an optical train for modifying the light before it reaches the cornea and after it is the carrier of an image from the cornea, an image recorder to record a series of images of the illuminated tear film, and an image output for providing the series of images to a display; the series of images illustrating a tear film dispersion pattern indicative of a tear stability condition. The method includes the steps of illuminating the film on a cornea of said eye with light, recording a series of images of the illuminated film, and outputting the series of images to a display. The series of images illustrating at least one of a lipid film spread and a tear film dispersion pattern indicative of a tear stability condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.