Non-contact air esthesiometer

Abstract

Embodiments of the technology developed are a non-contact air esthesiometer used for measuring corneal sensitivity. In certain embodiments, the apparatus takes the OKI DX-255 Basic Digital Fluid Dispenser and modifies it for use to produce a 2-second stream of room-temperature air directed at the center of a patient's cornea. The input to the device is a compressed air tank, IN which can be easily changed, connected to an inline filter. The output is a hose line connected to a valve that permits finer adjustments in airflow rate to a disposable 200-microliter-filter pipette tip. This outlet tip is secured with self-setting rubber and housed in a metal stand with horizontal and vertical travel that can be directly mounted to a standard slit lamp. Four red LED lights were placed around the air outflow that can be used for patient fixation and alignment on the central cornea.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.