Glaucoma Screener
Symbiosis Institute of Technology | 2018-2019
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This biomedical device spun out of my semester-long internship at the Biomedical Engineering and Technology Innovation Center, IIT Bombay in 2018 and was carried forward as my B.Tech project at the Symbiosis Institute of Technology in 2019 to develop and test the headgear-mounted ophthalmic device for reliable and rapid diagnosis of eye-related diseases such as glaucoma.
TEAM AND ROLE
- Arvind Bhallamudi (Lead Design Engineer)
Led the medical device design, prototyping and fabrication.
- Tapas Pandey (Electronics Engineer)
- Dr. Rupesh Ghyar (Guide)
- Dr. Nitin Khedkar (Guide)
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Industrial Design
- Mechanical Engineering
- Digital Fabrication
- User Testing
- Patent Drafting
PROCESS
Two Five-Month Sprints to Design, Develop and Make
The first phase of the project involved learning about the condition, understanding existing devices, and designing a portable arrangement. The second phase was to solve for functional limitations and develop the product for usability.
Timeline of the second sprint of the project
CURRENT SCENARIO
Research of Symptoms and Treatments for the Leading Cause of Blindness
Over 80 million people are affected by glaucoma worldwide. In this condition, the system for absorbing the intraocular fluid from the eye becomes clogged. It causes intraocular pressure (IOP) to build up, damaging the optic nerve and leading to vision loss and blindness. While there is no cure for this condition, it can be controlled by frequent check-ups if detected early and managed. Gold standard devices like Schiøtz tonometer require the aid of experienced clinicians, and are invasive, time-consuming, uncomfortable and cumbersome.
Goldmann Applanation Tonometer
Schiotz Indentation Tonometer
DEVICE DESIGN
Utilizing a Non-Invasive Diagnosis Method in a Wearable, Portable Module
The device developed in this work is based on research work that utilized a combination of indentation and applanation principle to measure IOP. It involves positioning the indenter such that it just touches the eyelid. Then it is moved forward to gently flatten the cornea through the eyelid to obtain the reaction pressure from the eye.
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Device Mechanism Design, Cross Sectional View
Device System Design, Components and Assembly
PROTOTYPE EVOLUTION
Building Internal Mechanisms, Enclosures and Assembly Fittings
These versions improved ergonomics, assembly fittings and reduced size to make it portable and lightweight. To place the screening module accurately above both eyes of the patient, an indenter positioning system was needed, where the screening module can be fixed and used.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Developing a Headset with a 3-Axis Slider to Stabilize Measurements
For anatomically different facial structures and sizes, concepts to position the indenter were sketched out. The 3-axis slider where the screening module can be positioned and fixed using screw knobs was the most feasible and flexible.
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DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING
Static Simulations and Exploded View for Component Details
A plot of stresses and displacement was generated for two of the key elements of the device – the indenter and the slots on the headgear frame. A nominal load of 1N was applied on the filleted edge of the slots from where the elastic band would be pulled. The maximum displacement is in the range of 10^(-3)mm which renders both parts safe to use.
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USABILITY AND EXPERIENCE
Interactions and Steps to Use
Convenience in diagnosis is a key feature in this design. It requires no special training and allows users to get diagnosed at home or in large medical camps by healthcare workers with three simple steps.
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FINAL PRODUCT
An Accessible, Accurate and Affordable Diagnostic Solution for Glaucoma
The device was successfully validated by measuring the IOP in over 50 patients, which matched well with the values obtained using Goldmann tonometer, the standard in measurement.
OUTCOMES
Positioned as an Ophthalmic Device for Easy and Rapid Diagnosis of a Disease that Affects Thousands Each Year
The design, engineering and findings of this study are published in Design for Tomorrow: Volume III, and an international patent published in the World Intellectual Property Organization.
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
Multimedia and Communications Plan
Balancing creative writing with technical information was done in parallel with the assisting the design team with layouts, visual graphics, imagery and interactions. The communications strategy and website were refined, tested and launched in June 2024.
