Wearable Micro-Sensors for Digital Palpation Tonometry and Soft Tissue Analysis

眼压测量是临床眼科的重要诊断工具。眼压升高是导致青光眼的主要原因，青光眼是一种导致视神经损伤并随后失明的疾病。目前IOP是通过高盛？压平眼压计，一种测量将角膜压平到规定接触面积所需的力的机械装置。触诊（数字）血压计通过眼睑测量眼压，因此不需要麻醉和器械消毒。本提案的目的是展示一种可穿戴的触觉传感器，可用于家庭IOP的频繁测量。提出的组织建模和分析将生成眼睛的3D刚度图，并提高我们对眼睛及其组织的力学特性的理解。拟议研究的社会效益包括减少住院就诊的需要和更好地管理高眼压和青光眼的发作。进一步的潜在应用包括前列腺癌和乳腺癌筛查。该项目将为研究生和本科生提供培训机会。LEGO Mindstorms教育机器人在测试拟议传感器任务中的创新应用将为本科生和STEM教师提供参与机会。

Measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important diagnostic tool in clinical ophthalmology. Elevated IOP is the leading cause of Glaucoma, a disease leading to damage of the optic nerve and subsequently, to blindness. Currently IOP is measured via the Goldman?s applanation tonometer, a mechanical device that measures the force required to flatten the cornea to a prescribed contact area. Palpation (digital) tonometry measures the intraocular pressure through the eyelid and therefore, does not require anesthesia and instrument sterilization. The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate a wearable tactile sensor that can be used for frequent measurements of IOP at home. The proposed tissue modeling and analysis will generate a 3D stiffness map of the eye and improve our understanding of the mechanical properties of the eye and its tissues. Societal benefits of the proposed research include reduced need for hospital visits and better management of episodes of elevated IOP and glaucoma. Further potential applications include prostate and breast cancer screening. The project will provide training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. An innovative application of LEGO Mindstorms educational robotics to the task of testing of the proposed sensors will provide participation opportunities for undergraduate students and STEM teachers.