Flexible Eyelid Pressure and Motion Dual-Mode Sensor Using Electric Breakdown-Induced Piezoresistivity and Electrical...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Ophthalmology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Ocular surface disorders are linked to eyelid-cornea mechanical interactions.
• Accurate eyelid pressure measurement is crucial for diagnosing and preventing these conditions.
• Existing flat sensors lack eye-motion detection, causing discomfort and inaccuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an integrated, curved, flexible, dual-mode sensor array.
• To enable simultaneous detection of eyelid pressure and motion.
• To improve diagnostic capabilities for ocular surface disorders.

Main Methods:

• Utilized soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films as transducers and substrates.
• Developed a novel manufacturing method using electrical breakdown for piezoresistive pressure sensing.
• Employed electrical potential sensing for eyelid motion detection.

Main Results:

• Achieved a low pressure detection limit of 3.2 Pa.
• Successfully measured eyelid pressure during eye opening and blinking in animal models (rabbit eyes).
• Demonstrated simultaneous eyelid pressure and motion detection capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed flexible dual-mode sensor offers a promising solution for monitoring eyelid pressure.
• This technology can aid in the assessment and management of ocular surface disorders.
• The integrated sensing approach enhances diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort.