Scleral Lens Sensor for Ocular Electrolyte Analysis
Ali K Yetisen1, Nan Jiang2, Carmen M Castaneda Gonzalez1
1Institute for Measurement Systems and Sensor Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, D-80290, Germany.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|December 14, 2019
Summary
A novel fluorescent scleral lens sensor enables quantitative tear analysis for early ocular disease diagnosis. This point-of-care system accurately measures key ions and pH, aiding in dry eye assessment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Sensing Technologies
Background:
- Early diagnosis of ocular diseases is crucial for effective treatment.
- Current diagnostic methods may lack point-of-care convenience and comprehensive analyte analysis.
- Tear fluid contains vital biomarkers for eye health assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multiplexed fluorescent scleral lens sensor for quantitative tear analyte analysis.
- To enable point-of-care measurement of pH, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ ions.
- To create a handheld system for diagnosing ocular conditions like dry eye.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a scleral lens with multiplexed fluorescent sensors for specific ions and pH.
- Development of a handheld ophthalmic readout device with LEDs and bandpass filters.
- Integration of a smartphone application for quantitative data acquisition and analysis.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated quantitative measurement of physiological tear levels for pH, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ ions.
- Achieved specific sensitivities and detection ranges for each ion and pH probe.
- Validated the system's capability for assessing dry eye severity and subtypes.
Conclusions:
- The developed fluorescent scleral lens sensor system offers a promising point-of-care solution for ocular diagnostics.
- Multiplexed sensing in a scleral lens allows for comprehensive tear analysis.
- This technology can significantly aid in the early detection and management of eye diseases, particularly dry eye.
