Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for determining blood sugar level without blood using dark adaptation of the optic nerve, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program performing the method. The apparatus irradiates stimulating light onto the pupil of a subject. A detecting device determines when the subject responds to the light. A calculator then calculates the blood sugar based on the response to the stimulating light.

Abstract: An ophthalmic image sensing apparatus includes an examination optical system for examining an eye to be examined, an image sensing optical system for sensing an image of the eye to be examined, an examination image pickup element for picking up the image of the eye to be examined through the examination optical system, an image-sensing image pickup element for picking up the image of the eye to be examined through the image sensing optical system, an examination condition setting device for determining image sensing states of the examination optical system and the examination image pickup element, and a driving device for determining image sensing states of the image sensing optical system and the image-sensing image pickup element based on the examination conditions determined by the examination condition setting device.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a functional signal in retinal images. An optical imaging device comprises a stimulation light source, an interrogating light source, and a detector. The retina is stimulated by the stimulation light source. The retina is then illuminated by an interrogation light, and the reflected intensity from the retina is measured at an interrogating spectral band that indicates the state of hemoglobin saturation before and after visual stimulation. The optical changes that result from retinal neuronal activity are captured by the detector. The signal representing the state of hemoglobin saturation before and after visual stimulation is isolated. In an embodiment of the present invention, this signal is isolated using principle components analysis (PCA).

Abstract: An in-vivo blood composition analyzing apparatus and method generates a laser beam at the blood vessels of the patient's eye. The Raman scattered photons from the blood vessels are collected and used to generate a Raman spectrum indicative of the blood composition. In one embodiment, a laser beam is generated with two streams of photons, the photons of one beam being entangled with the photons of the other beam. One stream is then directed at the eye and only the other beam is analyzed to obtain said Raman spectrum. Alternatively, the scattered photons from the second beam are also analyzed and the results are correlated for greater efficiency and accuracy.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for determining a temperature at which a phase change occurs in a fluid sample, a method for measuring a temperature at which a phase change occurs in a sample and a sample cell.

Abstract: A method and system for non-invasively measuring the concentration of an optically-active substance in a subject are provided. The system includes a light source adapted to transmit light towards a subject or object having a concentration of an optically-active substance, a polarizer positioned between the light source and the subject, an image capturing device, and a processor. The image capturing device is positioned to receive light reflected from the subject and create a measured image therefrom. The measured image defines measured light intensity data. The processor is configured to calculate a concentration of the optically-active substance based on a selected portion of the measured light intensity data.

Abstract: A non-invasive device for measuring blood glucose levels comprises an enclosure with a cover and dual openings, wherein the enclosure is covered with a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic); at least two test cards arranged at specified distances and positioned within the enclosure; an illuminator and a conical light reflecting surface for casting a beam on the test cards. Light from one test card is reflected through one of the dual openings to sensing receptors of one eye. In order to enable the part of a diffuse beam reflected from the second test card made parallel within 10° to fall on the sensing receptors of the second eye, the enclosure is provided with a tubular prism covered with a closing plate having an opening at a first end while having an opening covered preferably with transparent material at a second end.

Abstract: An improved punctum plug is more easily visualized when positioned within a punctual canal of a recipient. The body of the plug features an outwardly exposed surface when properly positioned, and a substance causing at least the outwardly exposed surface to contrast with surrounding tissue, such that the use of the substance causes the plug to be more easily visualized than if the substance were not present. The substance, which may be disposed on the outwardly exposed surface or within the body of the plug, may include a saturated coloration, or may be phosphorescent, fluorescent or otherwise operative to reflect or re-radiate light to assist in visualization. For example, the substance may include an organic or inorganic phosphor or fluorescent material, reflective beads, quantum dots, a dye or pigment. Such reflection or re-radiation may occur at the same or different wavelength(s) compared to the illumination wavelength(s), whether or not either or both are within the visible part of the spectrum.

Abstract: A method for monitoring blood/tissue gases, blood pH, and other elements of blood and tissue chemistry is described that uses a sensor tip that is placed adjacent to the conjunctiva of a patient to be monitored. Monitors and sensor using optical fiber sensors for performing the monitoring are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is related to optical non-invasive methods and instruments to detect the level of analyte concentrations in the tissue of a subject. The spectra of mid-infrared radiation emitted from a subject's body are altered corresponding to the concentration of various compounds within the radiating tissue. In one aspect of the invention, an instrument floods a body surface of the subject, such as the subject's eye, with radiation in the mid-infrared range and measures analyte concentrations based on mid-infrared radiation reflected back to the instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spatially resolved Raman detection of molecules indicative of the borders of lesions with normal tissue are disclosed. A region of biological tissue was illuminated with monochromatic light. A Raman shifted light signal is detected from endogenous molecules in the region, the molecules being spatially organized in a localized first area of the region. These molecules are indicative of a border between normal tissue and a lesion. The Raman shifted light signal is then spatially resolved in at least one direction.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the present invention identify the presence of and/or the concentration of a selected analyte in a subject by: (a) illuminating a selected region of the eye of a subject with an optical excitation beam, wherein the excitation beam wavelength is selected to generate a resonant Raman spectrum of the selected analyte with a signal strength that is at least 100 times greater than Raman spectrums generated by non-resonant wavelengths and/or relative to signals of normal constituents present in the selected region of the eye; (b) detecting a resonant Raman spectrum corresponding to the selected illuminated region of the eye; and (c) identifying the presence, absence and/or the concentration of the selected analyte in the subject based on said detecting step. The apparatus may also be configured to be able to obtain biometric data of the eye to identify (confirm the identity of) the subject.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spatially resolved Raman detection of calcification in tissues are disclosed. A region of soft non-arterial biological tissue is illuminated with monochromatic light. A spatially organized first area of calcified tissue is then detected in the region by detecting a Raman shifted light signal. The Raman shifted light signal is spatially resolved in at least one direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for accurately measuring the blood oxygen saturation with a retinal vessel. The apparatus includes an optical source for illuminating the retinal vessel with optical signals. The apparatus also includes a filter, such as an aperture, disposed within the path of the optical signals returning from the eye. The filter preferentially passes single pass optical signals that have diffused through the retinal layer and/or the choroidal layer of the eye while traversing the retinal vessel only once, while blocking or otherwise redirecting the other optical signals. The apparatus also includes a detector for separately detecting at least the single pass optical signals and, in some instances, the other optical signals as well. The apparatus can also include a processing element for determining the blood oxygen saturation in the retinal vessel based upon the optical signals that have been detected.

Abstract: Described herein is a medical device, such as a catheter or guidewire, which comprises an elongate body, a MRI imaging sensor and a contrast medium contained within the medical device, the contrast medium enhancing the MRI image of body tissue. The contrast medium may be contained or encapsulated in the elongate body, the imaging sensor, or a reservoir(s) in the elongate body or imaging sensor. The contrast medium may be, for example, gadolinium or a superparamagnetic contrast medium.

Abstract: The determination of blood glucose in an individual is carried out by projecting illuminating light into an eye of the individual to illuminate the retina with the light having wavelengths that are absorbed by rhodopsin and with the intensity of the light varying in a prescribed temporal manner. The light reflected from the retina is detected to provide a signal corresponding to the intensity of the detected light, and the detected light signal is analyzed to determine the changes in form from that of the illuminating light. For a biased sinusoidal illumination, these changes can be expressed in terms of harmonic content of the detected light. The changes in form of the detected light are related to the ability of rhodopsin to absorb light and regenerate, which in turn is related to the concentration of blood glucose, allowing a determination of the relative concentration of blood glucose.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the present invention identify the presence of and/or the concentration of a selected analyte in a subject by: (a) illuminating a selected region of the eye of a subject with an optical excitation beam, wherein the excitation beam wavelength is selected to generate a resonant Raman spectrum of the selected analyte with a signal strength that is at least 100 times greater than Raman spectrums generated by non-resonant wavelengths and/or relative to signals of normal constituents present in the selected region of the eye; (b) detecting a resonant Raman spectrum corresponding to the selected illuminated region of the eye; and (c) identifying the presence, absence and/or the concentration of the selected analyte in the subject based on said detecting step. The apparatus may also be configured to be able to obtain biometric data of the eye to identify (confirm the identity of) the subject.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus has a first light source for the measurement of a blood flow velocity by the Doppler shift method, and a second light source which differs in wavelength from the first light source and used for tracking of a blood vessel to be measured. This apparatus can simultaneously obtain a blood oxygen concentration from the difference in reflectance between two light sources from the measurement position on the blood vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the use of Raman spectroscopy to non-invasively detect molecular characteristics of the constituents of the aqueous humor, vitreous humor, lens or retina. The method can be employed for the detection of molecular changes underlying ocular pathologies. In one embodiment of the invention, the method involves the steps of introducing light into the eye of the subject using a laser; collecting Raman spectra emitted from the eye; dispersing the collected Raman spectra onto a detector; and analyzing detected Raman spectral data to identify a molecular change related to an ocular pathology. The non-invasive method provided by the invention makes use of techniques and equipment that enable detection of Raman spectra with light intensities that fall within acceptable safety standards.

Abstract: An ocular blood-flow meter includes an optical system for applying measuring light to a blood vessel of a subject eye, and for receiving light scattered by the blood vessel of the subject eye. A mechanism is provided for changing a direction in which the measuring light is applied and a direction in which the scattered light is received so as to enable a plurality of measurements in different directions. A controller performs the plurality of measurements in the different directions by using the optical system and the mechanism so as to obtain information concerning a blood flow. An output device provides a received-light signal obtained by the optical system or the information concerning the blood flow. An input device enables an operator to select a re-measurement operation in a desired direction from the different directions and to instruct the selected re-measurement operation.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens comprising a receptor moiety can be used to determine the amount of an analyte in an ocular fluid. The receptor moiety can bind either a specific analyte or a detectably labeled competitor moiety. The amount of detectably labeled competitor moiety which is displaced from the receptor moiety by the analyte is measured and provides a means of determining analyte concentration in an ocular fluid, such as tears, aqueous humor, or interstitial fluid. The concentration of the analyte in the ocular fluid, in turn, indicates the concentration of the analyte in a fluid or tissue sample of the body, such as blood or intracellular fluid.

Abstract: There are many inventions described and illustrated herein. In one aspect, the present invention is a system and technique for non-invasively measuring, monitoring, inspecting, characterizing, determining and/or evaluating the blood glucose level in the aqueous humor of the eye of a patient (for example, a diabetic). In one embodiment, the present invention employs a plurality of wavelengths of light (for example, more than three) to measure, monitor, characterize, determine and/or evaluate the blood glucose level or concentration of a patient. The plurality of wavelengths of light may be directed into the aqueous humor of the eye and the reflected light (i.e., the light reflected by the eye) is detected and analyzed to provide information which is representative of the blood glucose level or concentration of the patient.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a subject for medical conditions includes causing light to impinge on at least one eye of the subject, directing reflected light from such light beam to photosensors, converting the received reflected light to corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a processor. Processing the signals by effecting a comparison between stored information regarding the medical condition and the data provided by the monitoring to determine if an undesired medical condition exists and, if so, communicating such result. The cycle is repeated at predetermined intervals which may be short or prolonged. The method may be employed for a wide variety of medical conditions and preferably is employed with frequent cyclic monitoring for conditions such as miosis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and blood flow related conditions. A related apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A spectral bio-imaging method for enhancing pathologic, physiologic, metabolic and health related spectral signatures of an eye tissue, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing an optical device for eye inspection being optically connected to a spectral imager; (b) illuminating the eye tissue with light via the iris, viewing the eye tissue through the optical device and spectral imager and obtaining a spectrum of light for each pixel of the eye tissue; and (c) attributing each of the pixels a color or intensity according to its spectral signature, thereby providing an image enhancing the spectral signatures of the eye tissue.

Abstract: The determination of blood glucose in an individual is carried out by projecting illuminating light into an eye of the individual to illuminate the retina with the light having wavelengths that are absorbed by rhodopsin and with the intensity of the light varying in a prescribed temporal manner. The light reflected from the retina is detected to provide a signal corresponding to the intensity of the detected light, and the detected light signal is analyzed to determine the changes in form from that of the illuminating light. For a biased sinusoidal illumination, these changes can be expressed in terms of harmonic content of the detected light. The changes in form of the detected light are related to the ability of rhodopsin to absorb light and regenerate, which in turn is related to the concentration of blood glucose, allowing a determination of the relative concentration of blood glucose.

Abstract: Illuminating light of selected wavelengths in the visible or infrared range is projected through the pupil of the eye onto the fundus, and the light reflected back and out through the pupil is detected and analyzed, preferably using the area of the optic disk for analyzing the retinal vessels overlying the optic disk. Specific wavelengths of illuminating light may be chosen for each blood component to be analyzed depending on the spectral characteristics of the substance being analyzed. The reflected image from the retina may be used to measure non-photoreactive blood components such as hemoglobin, and photoreactive components such as bilirubin. For the measurement of photoreactive components, images may be taken before and after, or during, illumination of the eye with light at wavelengths which will affect the photoreactive analyte, enabling measurements of the concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: A non-invasive spectral measurement of a native, diagnostic or treatment component in blood or tissue, illuminates the back of the eye and collects return light that has passed through and been reflected from choroidal or retinal tissue. Spectral analysis detects a retinal tissue state, or detects the level of a blood or serum constituent, which may be a native constituent or a dye, marker or pharmacological agent. Time-resolved or spectral decay monitoring may be used to assess organ functioning, e.g., by administering a serum-carried indicator of uptake, clearance or binding rate for specific organs. Circulating cells or material diagnostic of different conditions may also be detected by spectral analysis, either directly, or by tagging with a suitable label.

Abstract: A system for testing for the existence of a biomedical condition of an animal test subject having first and second devices for projecting radiant energy. The first device for projecting radiant energy projects a beam of radiant energy into and through the tissue of a portion of the animal test subject. The second device for projecting radiant energy is implanted in the body of the animal test subject and projects a second beam of radiant energy out of the body in response to the projected radiation of the first radiant energy source. The second device for projecting radiant energy can be a mirror that reflects the first beam of radiant energy or it can be a source of radiant energy, such as a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser, that emits a specific wavelength of light when activated by the first device for projecting radiant energy. A detector positioned outside the body and relative to the second device for projecting radiant energy detects the second beam of radiant energy.

Abstract: Illuminating light of selected wavelengths in the visible or infrared range is projected through the pupil of the eye onto the fundus, and the light reflected back and out through the pupil is detected and analyzed, preferably using the area of the optic disk for analyzing the retinal vessels overlying the optic disk. Specific wavelengths of illuminating light may be chosen for each blood component to be analyzed depending on the spectral characteristics of the substance being analyzed. The reflected image from the retina may be used to measure non-photoreactive blood components such as hemoglobin, and photoreactive components such as bilirubin. For the measurement of photoreactive components, images may be taken before and after, or during, illumination of the eye with light at wavelengths which will affect the photoreactive analyte, enabling measurements of the concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the conjunctiva and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device. The signal can be communicated by wires or radio telemetered to an externally placed receiver.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for analyzing the blood-brain barrier includes obtaining a Raman spectrum of a selected portion of the eye and monitoring the Raman spectrum to ascertain a change to the dynamics of the blood brain barrier.

Abstract: Illuminating light of selected wavelengths in the visible or infrared range is projected through the pupil of the eye onto the fundus, and the light reflected back and out through the pupil is detected and analyzed, preferably using the area of the optic disk for analyzing the retinal vessels overlying the optic disk. Specific wavelengths of illuminating light may be chosen for each blood component to be analyzed depending on the spectral characteristics of the substance being analyzed. The reflected image from the retina may be used to measure non-photoreactive blood components such as hemoglobin, and photoreactive components such as bilirubin. For the measurement of photoreactive components, images may be taken before and after, or during, illumination of the eye with light at wavelengths which will affect the photoreactive analyte, enabling measurements of the concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: The concentration of glucose in the anterior chamber of an eye is non-invasively measured by guiding a beam through a polarizer (4), a quarter wave plate (6), a polarization modulator (20), and an analyzer (7). After initializing the polarizer and the analyzer to extinguish the beam, it is guided parallel to the iris (56) of the eye (50) and introduced into the anterior chamber (57), wherein it is refracted, impinges on and is reflected from the iris, and exits the anterior chamber approximately collinear with the portion (55A) of the beam incident on the anterior chamber. The beam then is guided onto a detector (10), and a sufficient signal is applied to the polarization modulator to extinguish the beam. The signal represents the glucose concentration in the patient's blood.

Abstract: A fundus blood flow metering method includes a series of steps of carrying out alignment of the positional relation with an eye to be examined, carrying out aiming of a blood vessel to be measured, and measuring a velocity of blood flow while tracking the blood vessel so as to track and capture eye movement. After the sequential operation, the direction of incidence of a measuring beam is switched to another direction and the series of steps are again carried out for the same blood vessel, starting from the alignment.

Abstract: The concentration of glucose in the anterior chamber of an eye is non-invasively measured by guiding a beam through a polarizer (4), a quarter wave plate (6), a polarization modulator (20), and an analyzer (7). After initializing the polarizer and the analyzer to extinguish the beam, it is guided parallel to the iris (56) of the eye (50) and introduced into the anterior chamber (57), wherein it is refracted, impinges on and is reflected from the iris, and exits the anterior chamber approximately collinear with the portion (55A) of the beam incident on the anterior chamber. The beam then is guided onto a detector (10), and a sufficient signal is applied to the polarization modulator to extinguish the beam. The signal represents the glucose concentration in the patient's blood.

Abstract: In the spectroreflectometry oxygenation measuring method and device, a light source produces a light beam having a spectral bandwidth including the wavelengths from 450 nm to 850 nm. A first optical system propagates the light beam from the light source to a two-dimensional area of the fundus of a patient's eye, the light beam being reflected at least in part by the fundus of the patient's eye to produce a reflected light beam. A detector unit detects the spectral content of the reflected light beam and produces a signal indicative of the spectral content of this reflected light beam. A second optical system propagates the reflected light beam from the fundus of the patient's eye to the detector unit. This second optical system comprises an optical scanning sub-system for scanning a plurality of points of the two-dimensional area of the fundus of the patient's eye.

Abstract: In the spectroreflectometry oxygenation measuring method and device, a light source produces a light beam having a spectral bandwidth including the wavelengths from 450 nm to 850 nm. A first optical system propagates the light beam from the light source to the fundus of a patient's eye, the light beam being reflected at least in part by the fundus of the patient's eye to produce a reflected light beam. A detector unit detects the spectral content of the reflected light beam and produces a signal indicative of this spectral content. A second optical system propagates an axial central portion of the reflected light beam along a predetermined propagation path from the fundus of the patient's eye to the detector unit. To that effect, the second optical system comprises a mirror defining an angle of 45.degree.

Abstract: Dry eyes are more objectively and exactly diagnosed on the basis a rate of decrease in corneal surface temperature due to the heat vaporization in tear evaporation as determined by measuring corneal surface temperatures in time course from one blinking to next blinking of eyes of patients by an infrared radiation thermometry.

Abstract: Relative directions of excitation and photoreceiving optical systems are so set that an angle formed by optical axes thereof in the air is 14.degree., and an eyeball is fixed in such a direction that its ocular axis divides the angle formed by the optical axes into two equal parts. On a light incidence side of a one-dimensional solid-state image pickup device of the photoreceiving optical system, a slit is arranged for inputting measuring light components generated from portions of the eyeball having different depth positions on an excitation light beam in photoelectric conversion elements of different positions of the image pickup device.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for measuring the oxygen saturation of blood within a retinal vessel illuminates the retinal vessel with light having a combination of wavelengths selected to reduce the error in the measured blood oxygen saturation. The oxygen saturation measuring method and apparatus illuminates a retinal vessel with light having the selected combination of wavelengths. For example, the oxygen saturation measuring method and apparatus can illuminate the retinal vessel with light having a first wavelength between 460 nm and 503 nm, a second wavelength between 600 nm, and 770 nm and a third wavelength between 770 nm and 1000 nm. The oxygen saturation measuring method and apparatus then measures the transmittance of the blood within the retinal vessel in response to the illumination at each of the selected wavelengths.