Towards non-invasive Wilson’s disease progression monitoring based on corneal copper content

Abstract Patients suffering from Wilson’s disease accumulate copper in their body. Copper load may become visible as Kayser-Fleischer (KF) rings - colorful copper-sulfur granules the base of cornea. Reoccurrence KF patients under anti-copper medication be a sign for ineffective treatment. This work proposes hand-held sensing system based on infrared reflectivity measurement cornea potential method regular at-home progression monitoring. The intensity LEDs used is safe operation human eye. As proof concept, was measured when placing sensor onto samples white paper that had tape different sizes centered within sensitive area. Further, determined solutions sulfate saline were poured into adapter bowels fitting head, with Cu2+ concentrations deducted literature. While prototype can to differentiate between two strips 6 and 12 mm2 or larger, measuring principle would needed also determine concentration solutions. Since these in-vitro models cannot fully represent complex in-vivo molecular conditions patients’ corneas, additional measurements eyes are necessary evaluate proposed system.