The present invention relates to devices for determining one or more corneal biomechanical properties and, in particular, to devices comprising one or more self-sensing cantilevers for probing corneal surfaces.
Glaucoma is a serious and complex eye disease that can induce optic nerve damage and visual field loss. Glaucoma is generally linked to high intraocular pressure (IOP). Accordingly, IOP is routinely measured in eye exams as a tool for the screening, diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Many ophthalmologists measure IOP with the Goldman applanation tonometer. This device makes the incorrect assumption that the cornea is a thin membrane. Moreover, the applanation tonometer acquires a single IOP measurement during the eye exam. IOP varies throughout the day with a baseline circadian rhythm and in response to physical activity, recumbency, and the cardiac cycle. Therefore, a single measurement fails to provide a complete picture of one or more eye indications.
In view of these disadvantages, devices for determining one or more corneal biomechanical properties are described herein which, in some embodiments, exhibit the versatility for continuous and intermittent IOP monitoring. In some embodiments, a device comprises at least one self-sensing cantilever calibrated against a control of known biomechanical properties, wherein the self-sensing cantilever is coupled to a base configured to position the self-sensing cantilever adjacent to or in contact with a corneal surface. In some embodiments, for example, the base can be coupled to a prism of an applanation tonometer. Alternatively, the base can be coupled to a lens, such as a contact lens.
In another aspect, methods of determining one or more corneal biomechanical properties are described herein. A method, in some embodiments, comprises providing a device including at least one self-sensing cantilever calibrated against a control of known biomechanical properties, and positioning the self-sensing cantilever adjacent to or in contact with a corneal surface. The corneal surface is probed with the self-sensing cantilever, and a value is assigned to the one or more corneal biomechanical properties based on output signal of the self-sensing cantilever.
In a further aspect, methods of determining IOP of a patient are described herein. In some embodiments, a method comprises providing a device including at least one self-sensing cantilever calibrated against a control of known biomechanical properties, and positioning the self-sensing cantilever adjacent to a corneal surface of the patient. The corneal surface of the patient is probed with the self-sensing cantilever, and a value is assigned to the corneal Young's modulus of the patient based on output signal of the self-sensing cantilever. IOP is subsequently derived from the value of the patient's corneal Young's modulus.
These and other embodiments are further described in the following detailed description.
Embodiments described herein can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, and drawings and their previous and following descriptions. Elements, apparatus and methods described herein, however, are not limited to the specific embodiments presented in the detailed description, examples and drawings. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In addition, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of “1.0 to 10.0” should be considered to include any and all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1.0 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10.0 or less, e.g., 1.0 to 5.3, or 4.7 to 10.0, or 3.6 to 7.9.
All ranges disclosed herein are also to be considered to include the end points of the range, unless expressly stated otherwise. For example, a range of “between 5 and 10” or “from 5 to 10” or “5-10” should generally be considered to include the end points 5 and 10.
Further, when the phrase “up to” is used in connection with an amount or quantity, it is to be understood that the amount is at least a detectable amount or quantity. For example, a material present in an amount “up to” a specified amount can be present from a detectable amount and up to and including the specified amount.
In one aspect, a device described herein comprises at least one self-sensing cantilever calibrated against a control of known biomechanical properties, wherein the self-sensing cantilever is coupled to a base configured to position the self-sensing cantilever adjacent to a corneal surface. In some embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of self-sensing cantilevers. Turning now to specific components, any self-sensing cantilever not inconsistent with the technical objectives described herein can be employed. The self-sensing cantilever, for example, can comprise any tip geometry for probing corneal surfaces. In some embodiments, the tip exhibits a rounded geometry with radius of curvature. The radius of curvature can have any desired value. In some embodiments, for example, the radius of curvature is from 1 μm to 50 μm. Moreover, the self-sensing cantilever, in some embodiments, can comprise piezo-resistive circuitry for signal generation in response to cantilever deflection. The self-sensing cantilever can be associated with a resonant circuit having frequency varying with respect to resistance of the cantilever tip. A resonant stimulator for activation of the self-sensing cantilever can also be employed. The resonant stimulator, for example, can pulse an electromagnetic signal to activate circuitry of the self-sensing cantilever.
Electrical apparatus associated with the self-sensing cantilever can also include a receiving circuit for receiving signal(s) from the self-sensing cantilever. Signal output may be routed through an amplifier, in some embodiments. Additional components can include analog-to-digital converter, digital storage, digital signal processing, signal filtration apparatus, and/or environmental compensation circuitry to address signal variations resulting from factors including temperature, orientation, motion, and/or other data received from auxiliary components. Electrical components associated with the self-sensing cantilever can be powered by one or more battery packs and/or other power sources including photovoltaic, thermoelectric and/or tribological power sources.
As described herein, the self-sensing cantilever is calibrated against a control of known biomechanical properties. In some embodiments, the control is a test eye, such as that obtained from an animal. A test eye, for example, may be a porcine test eye, in some embodiments. Alternatively, the control may be a synthetic sample mimicking corneal biomechanical properties. Calibration of the self-sensing cantilever against the known control enables output signal/data of the self-sensing cantilever to be assigned or correlated to accurate values for various corneal biomechanical properties, such as Young's modulus of elasticity of the full thickness human cornea. In some embodiments, the self-sensing cantilever is placed into a standard atomic force microscopy (AFM) set up and calibrated using traditional, split diode arrangement with a laser reflected surface. Displacements and force outputs can be correlated to the self-sensing cantilever output.
The self-sensing cantilever can be coupled to a base, the base configured to position the self-sensing cantilever adjacent to the corneal surface. Any base not inconsistent with the technical objectives described herein can be employed. In some embodiments, the base is a ring or annular base. The self-sensing cantilever can have any desired orientation relative to the base. In some embodiments, the cantilever tip faces inward from the ring perimeter. Alternatively, the cantilever tip may face outward from the ring perimeter. Moreover, the self-sensing cantilever may lie in the same plane as the ring or may be inclined relative to the ring. In some embodiments, the cantilever is straight or linear. Alternatively, the cantilever may exhibit curvature. The curvature may be continuous along the cantilever or the curvature may be interrupted by one or more linear sections. The cantilever, for example, may exhibit curvature addressing one or more contours of the cantilever environment, such as the contour of a contact lens and/or contour of the ocular environment. When multiple self-sensing cantilevers are present on the device, the cantilevers may exhibit similar orientations relative to the base. In other embodiments, the cantilevers may have differing orientations relative to the base.
In some embodiments, devices described herein can be coupled to a prism of an applanation tonometer. In such embodiments, the device can be employed to determine one or more corneal biomechanical properties during an eye exam of the patient. In some embodiments, the prism can comprise a contoured surface for assessing corneal curvature while the device comprising the self-sensing cantilever determines corneal Young's modulus. As described further herein, these parameters can be used to derive IOP of the patient.
In another embodiment, the device can be coupled to a lens, such as a contact lens or a flexible corneal lens. The base, for example, can be coupled to, or encapsulated in, the contact lens material for positioning the one or more self-sensing cantilevers adjacent to the corneal surface. When coupled to a contact lens or other lens, devices described herein can be used for continuous measuring or monitoring of one or more corneal biomechanical properties. Such data can be employed in developing a detailed and accurate assessment of eye health. In some embodiments, the device may comprise wireless data transmission apparatus for passing data to one or more electronic monitoring devices, such as a mobile phone or computer.
While self-sensing cantilevers are described herein, the foregoing embodiments can be achieved with other types of cantilevers. Accordingly, embodiments described herein are not limited to the use of self-sensing cantilevers. Any cantilever operable to achieve the technical objectives described herein can be employed.
In another aspect, methods of determining one or more corneal biomechanical properties are described herein. A method, in some embodiments, comprises providing a device including at least one self-sensing cantilever calibrated against a control of known biomechanical properties, and positioning the self-sensing cantilever adjacent to or in contact with a corneal surface. The corneal surface is probed with the self-sensing cantilever, and a value is assigned to the one or more corneal biomechanical properties based on output signal of the self-sensing cantilever.
In a further aspect, methods of determining intraocular pressure (IOP) of a patient are described herein. In some embodiments, a method comprises providing a device including at least one self-sensing cantilever calibrated against a control of known biomechanical properties, and positioning the self-sensing cantilever adjacent to a corneal surface of the patient. The corneal surface of the patient is probed with the self-sensing cantilever, and a value is assigned to the corneal Young's modulus of the patient based on the output signal of the self-sensing cantilever. TOP is subsequently derived from the value of the patient's corneal Young's modulus.
In some embodiments, the Young's modulus is combined with corneal radius of curvature and/or central corneal thickness to derive patient TOP. Devices employed in methods described herein can have any design, architecture, calibration, and/or properties detailed in Section I hereinabove.
In one non-limiting embodiment, TOP can be derived from a patient's corneal Young's modulus according to the following non-limiting analysis. The self-sensing cantilever can be treated as a spherical indenter, in some embodiments. The Hertz model for a spherical indenter is:
where F is the measured force, R is the radius of the spherical indenter, and D is the measured indentation. The resultant equation describing the relationship between TOP and the biomechanical properties of the cornea is:
where RAFM is the radius of curvature of the self-sensing cantilever tip. RC and CCT are corneal radius of curvature and central corneal thickness, respectively. RC and CCT can vary considerably between patients and in the case of prolonged wear of contact lenses. These will be measured separately during the experiment to develop the empirical relationship. Describing the empirical relationship will provide a set of expected values over a range of TOP, CCT, RC, and E. The foregoing equations are examples of deriving TOP from measured corneal Young's modulus. Additional analytical techniques correlating corneal Young's modulus to TOP are also contemplated.
Embodiments described herein can be understood more readily by reference to the following Examples. Elements, apparatus, and methods described herein, however, are not limited to any specific embodiment presented in the Examples. It should be recognized that these are merely illustrative of some principles of this disclosure, and are non-limiting. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent without departing from the spirit and the scope of this disclosure.
As described herein, the calibration of intraocular pressure assessment instruments, such as a self-sensing cantilever, control enables output signal/data of the self-sensing cantilever to be assigned or correlated to accurate values for various corneal biomechanical properties, such as Young's modulus of elasticity of the full thickness human cornea. It will be appreciated, that traditional methods of measuring intraocular pressure are not correctly calibrated for accurately measuring various corneal biomechanical properties, such as a corneal Young's modulus of elasticity. Accordingly, in order to determine a true intraocular pressure as described herein, assessment instruments can first be normalized for a given patient's corneal modulus of elasticity.
As will be appreciated through the following examples and experimental procedures, atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be leveraged to directly measure a corneal modulus of elasticity over a physiological range of intraocular pressure. Utilizing the corneal modulus of elasticity measurements, a relationship between intraocular pressure and the modulus of elasticity can be determined. Accordingly, devices and methods described herein may demonstrate sensitivity to changes in intraocular pressure based on surface measurements of corneal modulus of elasticity.
Looking initially at
As described herein, the self-sensing cantilever is calibrated against a control of known biomechanical properties, for example the self-sensing cantilever is placed into a standard atomic force microscopy (AFM) set up and calibrated using traditional, split diode arrangement with a laser reflected surface. Displacements and force outputs can be correlated to the self-sensing cantilever output. This instant example illustrates AFM measurements of biomechanical properties of an artificial cornea at 0 mmHg, as such the control is a synthetic sample that mimics corneal biomechanical properties. Artificial corneal buttons were provided and were adhered to a standard 35 mm Petri dish. Each Petri dish having an adhered corneal button were then filled with warm, ˜75-95° F., deionized water until the artificial cornea was covered. The submerged corneal button (artificial cornea) was then allowed to equilibrate for about 10 minutes. Using an AFM setup (e.g. AFM setup 300 of
2. AFM Measurement of Biomechanical Properties Using ssAFM
A custom holder was developed to allow the ssAFM cantilever to be connected directly to the piezoelectric mechanism used in a standard or custom AFM system. As depicted in
3. ssAFM Measurement of Biomechanical Properties of Artificial Corneas at 0 mmHg
The same corneal buttons used in Example 1 above, were then used to look at ssAFM (as opposed to traditional AFM) measurements of biomechanical properties of artificial corneas. The ssAFM was mounted on the piezoelectric actuator of the custom AFM (e.g. AFM setup 300 of
Subsequently, the voltage versus time graphs corresponding to
From the graphs of
4. ssAFM Measurement of Biomechanical Properties of Artificial Corneas Under Pressure
A realistic corneal model designed to practice corneal surgery was provided. The material of the cornea was the same as the corneal buttons that were used in Examples 1 and 3 above. The corneal model was placed in a custom developed pressure chamber that could, for example, mimic intraocular pressure. A pressure sensor of the pressure chamber had a computer-controlled readout, so exact pressure within the chamber could be recorded. The ssAFM was placed in contact with the cornea, and the piezoelectric actuator was used to indent the cornea 15 μm, while recording the output signal from the ssAFM. This was repeated for pressures of 10 mmHg, 15 mmHg, 25 mmHg, 30 mmHg, and 33 mmHg. As illustrated by
Various embodiments of the invention have been described in fulfillment of the various objects of the invention. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims priority to pursuant to Article 8 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/975,971 filed Feb. 13, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
This invention was made with government support under Grant Nos. EY026098 and TR001111 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US21/17919 | 2/12/2021 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62975971 | Feb 2020 | US |