Bifocal OCT System for Imaging Accommodation of the Eye
Jianhua Wang and Shuliang Jiao
Problem
Accommodation is the process by which the eye increases optical power to maintain a focus on an object near the eyes. The range of accommodation usually declines with age causing farsightedness. Currently, there are no methods that resolve the whole anterior segment, a requirement for studying accommodation. Optical Coherence Tomography may be used to study eye accommodation and develop a treatment for restoring its function if it could provide ultra-long imaging depth, which exceeds existing capabilities of OCT apparatus.
Solution
To increase imaging depth, an OCT system is modified to include two linked OCT engines operating at different wavelengths to image different focal planes. Two independent images are then combined, effectively doubling the operating depth of an OCT system and enabling eye accommodation research.
Competitive Advantage
The present invention enables OCT technology to be used to study eye accommodation and to develop a treatment for restoring its function. Conventional OCT apparatus are not capable of providing the imaging depth required for eye accommodation studies.
Applications
The present technology can be used as a new clinical diagnosis tool for evaluation of accommodation and the effect of accommodative intraocular lens.
Patent Status
International Patent Application No. PCT/US08/82393 entitled "BIFOCAL OCT SYSTEM FOR IMAGING ACCOMMODATION OF THE EYE" was filed on November 5, 2008.
Licensing Opportunity
We are looking for a commercialization partner with capabilities in product development, sales, and marketing. An exclusive worldwide license is available.
About the Inventors
Jianhua (Jay) Wang, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology at University of Miami. Prior to the current position, he worked as a research assistant professor in University of Rochester Eye Institute, with a second appointment in the Center for Vision Research (CVS) at the University of Rochester, and as a research associate in the center for contact lens research (CCLR) at University of Waterloo, Canada, where he obtained his Ph.D. degree on vision science. He has conducted extensive research using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in anterior segment of the eye during the last 6 years and has published many articles. Dr. Wang also earned a MD degree in China and practiced ophthalmology for 7 years in China.
Shuliang Jiao received his Ph.D. in Laser technology in 1992 and a second Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering in 2003. His research has focused on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and polarimetry in biological tissues since 2000. Dr. Jiao joined the faculty of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in March 2004. Through his effort, several generations of high resolution 3D ophthalmic spectral-domain OCT system have been developed for imaging the retinal and anterior segments of human and animals. Dr. Jiao's research interests include both OCT technology development and OCT applications in ophthalmology, dermatology, and small animal imaging (structural and functional).
Selected References
Wang JH, Fonn D, Simpson T, Jones L. The measurement of corneal epithelial thickness in response to hypoxia using optical coherence tomography. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2002;133:315-319.
Wang JH, Fonn D, Simpson T, Jones L. Relation between optical coherence tomography and optical pachymetry measurements of corneal swelling induced by hypoxia. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2002;134:93-98.
Wang JH, Fonn D, Simpson T. Topographical thickness of the epithelium and total cornea after hydrogel and PMMA contact lens wear with eye closure. Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science. 2003;44:1070-1074.
Wang JH, Fonn D, Simpson T, Jones L. Pre-corneal and pre- and post-lens tear film thickness measured with optical coherence tomography. Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science. 2003;44:2524-2528.
Wang JH, Fonn D, Simpson T. Topographical thickness changes of the epithelium and total cornea after overnight lens wear of flat-fitted rigid gas permeable lenses. Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science. 2003;44:4742-4746.
Wang JH, Thomas JM, Cox I, Rollins A. Non-contact measurements of central corneal epithelial and flap thickness after laser in situ keratomileusis. Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science. 2004;45:1812-1816.
Wang JH, Simpson T, Fonn D. Objective measurements of corneal light backscatter during corneal swelling using optical coherence tomography. Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science. 2004;45:3493-3498.
Thomas JM, Wang JH, Rollins A. Sturm J. Comparison of corneal thickness measured with 1310 nm OCT, ultrasonic pachymeter and Orbscan. Journal of Refractive Surgery. 2006;22:671-678.
