Method and system for detection by raman measurements of bimolecular markers in the vitreous humor

摘要

A system to detect eye disease in which monochromatic laser light is directed into the vitreous humor after passing through the front of the eye. A very sensitive detection system then detects the light scattered from the vitreous humor as it exits the eye. The light is scattered at a wavelength different from that of the laser in a manner known as Raman scattering. The wavelength of the Raman scattered photons are shifted by vibrational modes of the molecules, and this shift is a characteristic feature of the molecules interacting with the light. In this way, the Raman scattered light is essentially imprinted with a fingerprint of relevant molecules. As it exits the eye, this Raman scattered light can be separated from other types of scattered light and then routed to a detection system, wherein the results are calibrated against actual standards for the particular vitreous substances being analyzed. An optic arrangement tightly focuses the laser into the vitreous humor and thereby reduces the spectral fingerprints or noise from proteins and other molecules normally present in the lens, cornea, retina and other eye components.