Abstract
The retina of our eye can suffer permanent damages if
exposed to temperatures above 37° C. Lasers used
in clinical settings can induce such temperatures. The current ways of
measuring retinal temperature are invasive and thus lack proper
clinical utility. FIU researchers have invented methods and devices
to measure retinal temperature non-invasively using a laser speckle
cross-correlation technique. This technique involves observing speckle contrast
created by a coherent light source illuminating a surface such as a retina. Any
changes in the surface properties, such as temperature decrease speckle
cross-correlation, and can be used to measure the temperature at specific
locations throughout the retina of an eye. We are looking for partners to
commercialize this device.Benefit
A non-invasive way to measure the retinal temperature distributionMarket Application
This device and technique can be used to assess the pathophysiological rate of ambient light-induced retinal temperature elevation, ocular pathology, and other clinical applications that require non-invasive methods.
Abstract
Delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation
is called preterm birth. It is a major
cause of infant deaths, neurological disorders, long-term cognitive and other
health issues related to hearing, vision, digestion, and breathing in infants. Hence, it is important to identify at-risk pregnancies to reduce preterm births.FIU inventors have developed a device and a method that uses optical and polarization-sensitive techniques to assess
preterm birth risks in pregnant women. A pregnant women’s cervix becomes softer
due to a decrease in pyridinoline cross-link concentration and proteoglycan
concentration which leads to disorganization of collagen in the cervix. A weak
structured cervix can result in preterm birth. The technology makes it possible to measure collagen organization in the cervix, assess cervix
health, characterize the composition and structure of cervical tissue and
measure preterm labor risk. In vivo images of the cervical tissue using the
Mueller matrix polarimetry can also be analyzed. Cervical tissue maps can be
generated to be used as care provider tools. The invention can potentially
reduce preterm birth. We are looking for business partners to
commercialize this method.Benefit
Can help reduce the rate of preterm births by giving physicians information about pregnant women’s cervix Can help initiate preventative interventions or therapeutic strategies for at-risk pregnancies to delay the birthMarket Application
The method has clinical applications and can be used in women’s reproductive health treatments