Centre for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

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Visual optics
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THz system
in vitro Through-focus IOL testing
MINECO
ERDF

Project

Biophotonics and hyperspectral imaging technology applied to visual health and skin cancer research.

Principal investigator

Meritxell Vilaseca Ricart [+info]

Summary

BIOHYP aims at developing new methods and diagnostic tools as well as original and feasible solutions applicable to visual health and skin cancer diagnosis based on biophotonics and visual optics along with hyperspectral imaging technology. New lines of research with ambitious objectives that can contribute to the development of new scientific and technological knowledge are proposed in this project. In the field of biophotonics and visual optics, BIOHYP aims at developing new systems and proposing novel methods for the full characterization of intraocular lenses used to correct presbyopia by means of binocular and open-field optical setups capable of evaluating both the objective and subjective visual performance prior to and after surgery. This might lead to a marked improvement of the performance of intraocular lenses used in ophthalmology. The project also includes the development of a new system for the individual assessment of scattering associated to the cornea and the lens based on the light diffusely reflected back by several ocular structures such as the cornea, iris and lens. BIOHYP aims at proposing robust parameters for the scattering assessment useful for the detection and follow-up of corneal diseases, cataracts and eyes with dry-eye symptom. On the other hand, BIOHYP aims at using fully autonomous and automatic registers of eye movements and pupil diameter to propose new methods for diagnosis of the visual function and visual therapy, much faster and cheaper than the methods used at present. This can therefore have a strong social impact approaching to everyone visual therapy treatments.

In the field of hyperspectral imaging technology, BIOHYP aims at developing a novel expanded hyperspectral imaging system covering the visible and the infrared ranges (up to 5 micrometers) with a high-precision tunable luminaire based on light-emitting diodes (LED), as well as proposing new algorithms based on this system for the earlier detection and follow-up of skin cancer lesions, especially melanoma which is the most aggressive one. BIOHYP will also make use of such a technology to develop a novel fast and expanded system covering the visible and infrared (up to 2.5 micrometers) based on LEDs but also tunable filters of liquid crystal technology for the dynamic recording of the ocular fundus. This will enable detecting and following-up ocular diseases such as retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma by means of new diagnostic tools. Finally, the project aims at developing a TeraHertz-based monitoring system and new algorithms and robust parameters for the characterization of contact and intraocular lens materials and corneal hydration, making use of this novel technology. These tools may assist in the diagnosis and treatment of corneal alterations such as dystrophies, degenerations, injuries, and corneal graft rejection as they produce marked changes in the water content of the cornea. If sufficient sensitivity can be achieved, THz sensing may also be helpful for tear film evaluation in eyes with dry-eye symptom.

The outcome of BIOHYP will not only benefit the visual health and the skin cancer sectors but will also provide novel and valuable tools based on photonic and optical technologies suitable to be transferred to industry for innovation.

Partners

MINISTERIO DE ECONOMÍA Y COMPETITIVIDAD (MINECO) [+info]

Extranet
CD6 Centre for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development
Rambla de Sant Nebridi, 10  ·  08222  ·  Terrassa (Barcelona)