US 7,001,020 B2 · Complete autorefractor system in an ultra-compact package

Abstract

An autorefractor system in an ultra-compact package is described for rapidly and objectively measuring the refractive state of the eye. The autorefractor detector system, in conjunction with a secondary light source, uses one photodetector such as a charge coupled device (“CCD”) or one photodiode, to intercept a light beam at two distances from a secondary retinal light source created by one relay lens, one pupil emitter conjugate lens and one pupil detector conjugate lens. The signals produced by the photodetector are used to determine the full spherocylindrical refraction of the eye. A novel illumination and imaging system provides multiple capabilities to image the eye, control accommodation, and acquire and maintain optical alignment, while obtaining other measurements of the eye.

Claims40

Dependent claims

Apparatus for obtaining spherocylinder measurement of an eye comprising:

a primary emitter of a light beam imaged by optical elements to form a secondary retinal light source from said light beam on said eye's retina;
a photodetector comprising a light detector for measurement of at least a first retinal image and a second retinal image of said secondary retinal light source as observed by said photodetector respectively at proximal and distal positions relative to said secondary retinal light source and generation of signals proportional to the measured images said photodetector being positioned,
optically beyond said first retinal image in a near beam to detect diminutions of light in various meridians of said near beam, and
optically beyond said second retinal image in a far beam to detect diminutions of light in various meridians of said far beam,
wherein all elements of the detector system are in a straight line optical path, and
computation means responsive to said signals for calculating said spherocylinder measurement of said eye.

3 more elements

A method for obtaining spherocylinder measurement of an eye comprising:

creating an optical light path by causing a primary emitter of a light beam imaged by optical elements to form a secondary retinal light source from said light beam on said eye's retina;
disposing a photodetector comprising a light detector in said optical light path for measurement of at least a first retinal image and a second retinal image of said secondary retina light source as observed by said photodetector respectively at proximal and distal positions relative to said secondary retinal light source and generation of signals proportional to the measured images said photodetector being positioned,
optically beyond said first retinal image in a near beam to detect diminutions of light in various meridians of said near beam, and
optically beyond said second retinal image in a far beam to detect diminutions of light in various meridians of said far beam,
wherein all elements of the detector system are in a straight line optical path, and
calculating from said signals said spherocylinder measurement of said eye.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Complete autorefractor system in an ultra-compact package

Life of this patent

Complete autorefractor system in an ultra-compact package

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims40