Apparatus and method for determination of tear osmolarity
US8885156B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/434
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus comprises a spectrophotometer system configured to measure light absorbance by a tear sample, a refractometer system configured to measure refractive index of the tear sample, and an evaluation unit programmed to calculate an osmolarity of the tear sample based on the measured absorbance and refractive index and stored calibration curves. The spectrophotometer and refractometer systems may share a common prism contacted by the tear sample during measurement. The evaluation unit may be programmed to carry out steps of a method for determining osmolarity of the tear sample in accordance with the invention. The osmolarity of the tear sample may be used as an indicator in diagnosing dry eye.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.