Devices and Method for Generating A Stimulus to Evaluate Ocular Sensitivity

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the at least one liquid droplet delivered to the subject.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a heating element (or cooling element) for altering the temperature of the liquid.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a heating element (or cooling element) is located within the valve assembly.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid droplet creates a mechanical, chemical, and/or thermal stimulus.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid is tear-like and/or is warmed up to substantially the same temperature as the eye of the subject.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of one or more droplets and/or its velocity is adjusted to adjust the strength of the stimulus.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a sub-mechanical threshold setting is used and the liquid is modified to make it increasingly acidic or alkaline i.e., use of a soap and/or concentrated saline solutions, etc.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid droplet is heated or cooled while keeping the mechanical stimulation at a sub-threshold level.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to apply the liquid droplet to a precise, predetermined location on the ocular surface of the subject's eye.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device is considered non-invasive.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to provide repeated stimulus on the same location.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein device comprises two or more nozzles and the two or more nozzles are configured to provide various combinations of simultaneous or alternate stimulus.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to test the spatial resolution of the sensory system by having two droplets contact the surface of the subject's cornea simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously) with adjustable lateral separation.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to include presentation of a bright, high contrast image to the contralateral eye for the subject to concentrate on.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to reduce/minimize the volume of the droplet and increasing the velocity to achieve perceived stimulation.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to switch off illumination shortly before the droplet is projected (e.g., in a randomized manner to assist with the masking of the stimulus).

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a trigger (e.g., a button) to enable the operator to administer the liquid droplet to the subject.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a feedback button configured to enable the patient to acknowledge whether they were able perceive the liquid droplet.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid comprises nanoparticles suspended in the liquid or mixed with the liquid prior to delivery and selected to achieve a specific goal (e.g., size color, active coating, etc.).

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of droplets of equal size and velocity are generated in rapid sequence (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 kHz) to increase the stimulus strength of the liquid.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the delay time between two or more repeated stimuli are varied.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein responsiveness is evaluated by having two or more valves that deliver droplets simultaneously and the lateral separation of the droplets may be varied (or alternatively with one valve that moves quickly between two positions).

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to avoid delivering too many large liquid droplets at rapid sequence.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid may be degassed to prevent, minimize, and/or reduce air bubbles in the system.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to slightly vary the actual time-point of stimulation with respect to other, earlier stimulation or in relation to the diming of illumination.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the stimulus is substantially synchronized with the subject's blink.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein optical or acoustical signals are used to trigger a blink at a pre-determined time period prior (or after) delivering the liquid droplet.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to monitor the blink of the subject and to deliver the droplet after a certain delay time.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the working distance between the nozzle and the ocular surface is about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 mm.

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein active pressure generating devices (used with our without a valve) may be used to eject a liquid droplet (e.g. similar to bubble jet technology or piezo activated printing head technology).

The device of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a chemical stimulus is generated by utilizing two ejectors aimed at the same spot on the ocular surface—one ejector configured to deploy a chemical stimulant and the other injector configured deploy plain water or a neutralizing liquid, in a predefined ratio.