A Wearable On-Eyelid Sensor Network for Vestibular-Ocular Reflex Assessment (Case No. 2023-166)

Summary:

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed an ultra-thin, self-powered, waterproof, biocompatible, and sensitive on-eyelid sensor network for wireless eye movement detection, enhancing vestibular diagnostics.

Background:

The human balance system relies on the interaction of the vestibular system with the visual and somatosensory systems. When disorders affect the vestibular organs in the inner ear, they can result in peripheral vertigo, characterized by feelings of spinning or dizziness. Roughly 40% of U.S. adults encounter vertigo, and approximately 80% of cases are peripheral. Detecting vestibular disorders early is essential to prevent falls and preserve one's overall well-being. Current diagnostic methods, like the bithermal vestibular caloric test and head-impulse test, have drawbacks: they lack objective measurements, depend on bulky recording equipment, and are limited in testing environments. To modernize vestibular assessments, there is a need for innovative wearable sensors for continuous monitoring and diagnosis. Additionally, the growing demand for Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) equipment drives the need for improved on-eyelid tracking networks. These technologies rely on precise eye movement tracking for a seamless and immersive user experience, making advancements in this area increasingly crucial. Considering these challenges, there is an urgent need for the development and implementation of a novel on-eyelid sensor network.

Innovation:

Professor Jun Chen and his colleagues have developed a non-invasive sensor for vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) assessment. It is the first comprehensive and wearable eye tracking system providing high-fidelity and multi-indicator monitoring. The sensor is equipped with an ultrathin structure (~80 μm) and human skin-like mechanical softness (tens of kPa to ~1 MPa), featuring self-powered, waterproof, biocompatible and high-sensitive properties. This meticulously designed sensor array demonstrates a groundbreaking approach to diagnosing vestibular disorders by continuously tracking eye movements. It offers a quantitative analysis of spatiotemporal eye movement data, including velocity, frequency, and intensity. This innovation effectively addresses the limitations inherent in the existing VOR assessment system. Furthermore, the envisioned on-eyelid sensor network will pave the way for in-home VOR testing, data-driven diagnosis, telehealth monitoring, research into VR/AR devices, and various related domains reliant on the real-time capture of eye-generated signals.

Potential Applications:

• On-eyelid sensor/wearable eye tracking system for