Orthoptic rehabilitation device for the treatment of binocular diplopia

Abstract

The invention relates to an orthoptic rehabilitation device for the treatment of binocular diplopia, comprising a longitudinal element (12, 13) having a first face (1a) and a second face (1b) and a median axis (X) delimiting, on each face, two symmetrical parts on which are arranged, respectively, a series of fixed visual targets and moving visual targets and a stereogram (11), characterized in that the series of visual targets comprises light-emitting diodes (LEDs 2) arranged on the median axis which are powered by a battery (3) and whose activation is programmable by means of a microprocessor (4). (Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Orthoptic rehabilitation device for the treatment of binocular diplopia Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the field of optics and is concerned, more particularly, with a device intended for orthoptic rehabilitation. Prior art

[0002] Some people suffer from binocular diplopia, which results in the perception of two images of the same object. This double vision can affect one eye, in which case it is called monocular diplopia, or both, in which case it is called binocular diplopia.

[0003] The causes of this visual impairment are numerous and may include an eye infection or trauma, or be a consequence of rheumatic or cerebral problems, the presence of diabetes, or even high blood pressure. This physiological impairment can be treated surgically or through various orthoptic rehabilitation methods aimed at restoring visual convergence.

[0004] There are different types of rehabilitation devices allowing, in particular, the practice of visual correction exercises by means of stereograms formed of two identical figures juxtaposed symmetrically with respect to an axis.

[0005] French patent FR248813 IB 1 describes a device of this type for the rehabilitation of the binocular vision comprising a plate supporting moving targets and fixed targets associated with printed stereograms.

[0006] Another device called "Unicorn glasses" allows, thanks to a removable central rod associated with interchangeable lenses and prisms, to train convergence and maintain it by wearing a frame at home.

[0007] These known devices are however intended to be used with the assistance of specialized personnel (ophthalmologist, orthoptist, or optician) who manage the rehabilitation exercise programs according to the nature and extent of the ocular impairment. Description of the invention

[0008] In this context, the invention sought a technical solution which, in its most general aspect, allows for the automatic implementation of several orthoptic rehabilitation exercise programs for the treatment of binocular diplopia. These programs are adapted to the patient's impairment, allowing them to perform their visual exercises independently and remotely using an eye-tracking device, without the need to involve a facility. specialized or medical personnel.

[0009] This goal is achieved, according to the invention, by means of an orthoptic rehabilitation device for the treatment of binocular diplopia comprising a longitudinal element having a first face and a second face and a median axis delimiting, on each of the faces, two symmetrical parts on which are arranged, respectively, a series of fixed visual targets and moving visual targets and a stereogram, characterized in that the series of visual targets comprises light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged on the median axis which are powered by a battery and whose activation is programmable by means of a microprocessor.

[0010] According to an advantageous feature of the apparatus of the invention, the stereogram includes a graduated ruler arranged on either side of the median axis.

[0011] According to another feature of the invention, the series of diodes includes diodes capable of emitting light of variable color by being controlled by the microprocessor according to the programming.

[0012] According to yet another feature of the device of the invention, the diodes are capable of being activated successively and in an order governed by the microprocessor according to the programming so as to simulate a virtual displacement along the longitudinal element.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the series of diodes is housed in a slot extending along the median axis such that the emitted light is visible on both faces of the longitudinal element.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the microprocessor is connected to a wireless network.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the device includes push buttons mounted on the longitudinal element and intended, respectively, for activating, deactivating and pausing the device and for adjusting the intensity of the light emitted by the diodes and their activation frequency.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment, the device includes a program display unit.

[0017] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal element of the rehabilitation device consists of a plate carrying the battery and the programmable microprocessor.

[0018] In this case, one of the longitudinal end edges of the plate is provided with a cutout for the positioning of a patient's nose.

[0019] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal element of the rehabilitation device consists of a bar.

[0020] Another object of the invention is a use of the orthoptic rehabilitation device, characterized in that the activation of the series of diodes is programmed in function of visual exercises designed for the treatment of binocular diplopia.

[0021] Thus, in principle, the invention proposes an orthoptic rehabilitation device suitable and intended to facilitate the resumption of visual convergence through the practice of programmable exercises.

[0022] The oculomotor device of the invention is lightweight, portable, and easy to use, allowing a patient to perform visual exercises independently and ergonomically. These exercises are directly programmable from the device and run automatically, while remaining adjustable by the patient at any time. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, for which:

[0024] [Fig-1] is a top view of a first embodiment of the rehabilitation device according to the invention.

[0025] [Fig.2] is a bottom view of the rehabilitation device of [Fig.1].

[0026] [Fig.3] is a side view of the rehabilitation device of [Fig.1].

[0027] [Fig.4] is a front view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of education according to invention.

[0028] [Fig.5] is a side view of the rehabilitation device of [Fig.4].

[0029] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

[0030] Naturally, the embodiments of the rehabilitation device according to the invention, schematically illustrated in the figures above and described below, are given only by way of non-limiting examples. It is explicitly provided for within the scope of the invention that different embodiments can be proposed and combined to create others. DETAILED description of a method of implementation

[0031] The invention relates to the general field of orthoptic rehabilitation in the context of the treatment of binocular diplopia.

[0032] More specifically, the invention sought to develop a portable, easy-to-use and autonomous oculomotor device that can be used for orthoptic rehabilitation in a nomadic manner and without the assistance of specialized personnel.

[0033] This device comprises, in a traditional manner and as illustrated by figures 1 to 5 representing two distinct embodiments, a longitudinal element 1 provided with a first face la, a second face 1b and a median axis X.

[0034] The X axis delimits, on each of the faces la, 1b, two symmetrical parts on which are arranged, respectively, a series of visual targets, some of which are fixed and others mobile, and a stereogram 11 ([Fig.l]).

[0035] According to the invention, the series of visual targets comprises light-emitting diodes or "LEDs" 2 arranged on the median axis X, which are powered by a battery 3 and whose activation is programmable by means of a microprocessor 4 (as illustrated by [Fig. 1]). This control microprocessor 4 is preferably a low-power ESP32 with Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi communication capability.

[0036] Battery 3 is preferably of the LiPo type. This battery 3 can be recharged either wirelessly by induction (Qi charging standard) or with a conventional USB charger by plugging it into the port provided for this purpose. When the device is switched off, battery 3 can be charged either wirelessly or via a wired connection using a USB charger.

[0037] The stereogram 11 here includes a graduated ruler arranged on either side of the median axis X. The series of diodes 2 includes diodes capable of emitting lights of varying colors by being controlled by the microprocessor 4 according to the programming chosen.

[0038] More specifically, the diodes 2 are likely to be activated successively or simultaneously and in an order governed by the microprocessor 4 according to the programming, as described below, so as to simulate a displacement of the targets along the X axis. Preferably, the microprocessor 4 is connected to a wireless network, wifi or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0039] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], this rehabilitation device further comprises a series of push buttons 5 mounted on the longitudinal element 1, some of which are located on the side of the housing containing the microprocessor 4. These buttons are used, respectively, to activate, deactivate, and pause the device, to change programs, and to adjust the intensity of the light emitted by the diodes 2, their activation frequency, and their direction of movement. More specifically, one of these buttons reverses the virtual movement of the LEDs, which actually corresponds to successive and rapid phases of one LED turning on and the immediately adjacent LED turning off. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], a side button 5a allows for firmware updates, and a USB port 5b provides the connection for charging the battery.

[0040] A program display unit 6 completes the equipment of the device. This display unit or display includes a seven-segment LED showing the program selected by the patient from among the twenty available programs.

[0041] Loading and updating programs in the computer system embedded in the device and controlled by the microprocessor 4 are carried out by connection to an external server, for example, via a USB cable or via a wireless connection of the wifi type.

[0042] The invention also provides, according to one embodiment, for the possibility of controlling the device remotely via a smartphone or tablet application (running Android or iOS). If necessary, an independent, remote operator can change the program and vary the virtual movement speed and intensity of the light targets, thus allowing the user of the plate to concentrate on their exercise.

[0043] According to a first embodiment of the invention shown in figures 1, 2 and 3, the longitudinal element 1 of the rehabilitation device is here made in the form of a plate 12 carrying the battery 3 and the programmable microprocessor 4.

[0044] According to a variant of the invention specific to this first embodiment, it is possible to provide that the plate 12 of the rehabilitation device integrates all the on-board electronics, by placing it sandwiched between the two faces la, 1b while not exceeding a total thickness of a few millimeters.

[0045] In this embodiment, a series of diodes 2 is placed on each face. A variant could provide that the series of diodes is housed in a slot extending along the median axis X such that the emitted light is visible on both faces 1a, 1b of the plate 1.

[0046] The diodes could be controlled independently or simultaneously if necessary. By default, the diodes on both sides of the device are designed to be systematically and continuously illuminated and synchronized in the same way. This is because, during exercise, the patient does not actively use both sides; the professional operator assisting them receives visual feedback on what the patient sees.

[0047] An update allows the operator to turn off one of the two displays at their request. To do this, they will press and hold the program change button. Indeed, although visual feedback is convenient for the operator, it turns out that the operator eventually experiences eye strain after successive interventions with numerous patients.

[0048] The LEDs are integrated into the plate 12 and, where applicable, are flush with the plate. The plate is made, for example, of matte acrylic and is therefore slightly flexible yet strong. The plate includes a semi-transparent screen 12a ([Fig. 1]) that is bonded to the plate and serves both as a reflector to improve the visibility of the illuminated LEDs and as a filter.

[0049] One of the longitudinal end edges of the plate 1 is provided with a cutout 10 for positioning a patient's nose. The plate 12 can be used in the vertical or horizontal direction depending on the rehabilitation exercises performed, as described below.

[0050] For programs using only the upper surface of plate 12, the user holds plate 12 in their hand, maintaining it in a horizontal plane and the positions it in contact with its nose in the location formed by the cutout 10 provided for this purpose. For programs using both sides (la, 1b), the user holds the plate 12 by hand on its edge and positions it in contact with their nose, with the X axis oriented horizontally.

[0051] It is, however, possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to provide for other ways of using the device of the invention, such as, for example, asking the patient to hold the plate at arm's length, either in a vertical or horizontal position. In this case, using the plate is essentially equivalent to performing the same exercises as with the bar, but at mid-distance. Consequently, a professional possessing both embodiments of the device can perform any form of rehabilitation.

[0052] The rehabilitation exercises are carried out in the manner described below. In general, the objective of the exercises is to guide the user to follow with their eyes the virtual movement of the moving luminous target formed by a lit LED.

[0053] Depending on the program used, the user can also wear stereoscopic glasses with red and green filters (not shown). This accessory makes an LED invisible to one eye; for example, glasses with a red filter on the left and a green filter on the right. Thus, the lighting of a red LED will only be visible to the right eye, while an LED emitting green light will only be visible to the left eye.

[0054] According to a second embodiment of the invention represented by figures 4 and 5, the longitudinal element 1 of the rehabilitation device consists of a bar 13.

[0055] The bar 13 can be made in several different sizes, for example, with a length of 1.5m and 1m, and has up to 50 red / green / blue LEDs spaced approximately 1.25cm apart. The device, in the form of the bar 13, is intended to be self-contained or connected by a cable and connector (for example, a 3.5mm jack) to a control box. This control box is powered by a separate 5V power supply.

[0056] Approximately ten exercise programs are available with this bar. Changing programs is done using a simple push button.

[0057] The bar 13 can be positioned either horizontally or vertically. It can be fixed to a photographer's tripod, hung on the wall, or placed on a table.

[0058] An element 13a ([Fig. 4] and 5) for attaching the bar 13 to a photographer's tripod is mounted in the center of the bar. This element 13a has a thread on each side. Indeed, depending on the tripod and the exercise being performed, it is sometimes necessary to attach the bar on the other side to correctly orient it towards the patient (horizontal, vertical / oblique / facing the LEDs upwards...). Additionally, an element 13b located at the end of the bar 13 ([Fig. 5]) allows the housing to be attached to the bar.

[0059] Depending on the program used, the user can also wear stereoscopic glasses with red and green filters. This accessory makes an LED invisible in one eye; for example, glasses with a red filter on the left and glasses with a green filter on the right. In this case, a red LED will only be visible to the right eye, while a green LED will only be visible to the left eye.

[0060] As with plate 12, the "firmware" update of bar 13 can be carried out by means of a USB cable connection, thus allowing modification or addition of new programs.

[0061] The control unit (or microcontroller) is an Arduino or ESP32 that can be self-powered and designed to support OTA (over-the-air) updates via Wi-Fi. This unit is either standalone or remotely controlled via an application downloaded to a smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS) via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The unit is attached, possibly in a removable manner, to the bar 13. A small battery can also be integrated into the bar. Alternatively, the unit could be attached in a removable manner to the bar while remaining connected by a cable to improve the compactness of the device and allow the operator to position themselves wherever they wish to control the exercises.

[0062] The spacing of the LEDs can also be changed, going from 3.5cm spacing to a smaller spacing in order to increase the number of light targets on the bar and thus make the successive lighting of the LEDs smoother.

[0063] The lighting of the LEDs and therefore their virtual movement speed as well as their luminous intensity is adjustable by the operator, by means of potentiometers provided for this purpose.

[0064] The methods of implementing the rehabilitation process using the device of the invention are described in detail below, first with the device in the form of a plate 12 and then with the device in the form of a bar 13.

[0065] For each program, the intensity of the LED light and their virtual movement speed can be adjusted directly and autonomously by the user or by an independent operator.

[0066] Program 1.1 with the device in the form of plate 12.

[0067] The plate is held flat, horizontally, and placed in contact with the user's nose. A red LED illuminates on the upper surface at a position furthest from the user, indicating the starting point of the program. The LED changes from red to white and moves closer to the user. Upon reaching its closest point to the user, it illuminates red, indicating the end position. The LED then illuminates white again, moves further away, and so on.

[0068] Program 1.2.

[0069] The first LED and the last LED light up red, thus indicating to the patient This indicates where the exercise begins and ends. The red LED then remains lit for a quarter of a second longer before starting to move. The blue LED only moves in one direction (or back again if the user changes direction). For example, once the exercise reaches the point closest to the user, it starts again from the point furthest from the user.

[0070] The user, using the button provided for this purpose, can at any time interrupt the movement (by applying a long manual pressure) and / or reverse it (with a short pressure).

[0071] Program 1.3 with the device in the form of plate 12.

[0072] The plate 12 is held flat, horizontally and placed in contact with the user's nose.

[0073] A steady blue LED lights up at the end of plate 12. A red LED lights up closest to the user and then moves away from the user. Upon reaching the opposite end of plate 12, the virtual movement of the LED reverses, and so on.

[0074] Program 1.4

[0075] The plate 12 is held flat, horizontally, and placed in contact with the user's nose. A steady blue LED is illuminated in the middle of the plate. A red LED moves from the edge of the plate (the position furthest from the user) towards the midpoint without passing it. Upon reaching the middle of the plate, the movement reverses and the LED moves away again.

[0076] Each press of the push button shifts and repositions the (fixed) blue LED by a certain distance so as to be progressively closer to the user. Simultaneously, the virtual displacement amplitude of the blue LED changes according to three distinct amplitudes, respectively, from the middle to the closest point to the user.

[0077] Program 1.5

[0078] At the start of the program, three steady LEDs light up. A blue LED in the center of the plate, a red LED at one end far from the user and a green LED at the other end.

[0079] Pressing the push button starts the movement. The blue LED remains stationary while the red and green LEDs move simultaneously towards the blue LED. Upon reaching the central point, they cross. When the red and green LEDs reach the end of the plate, the movement reverses.

[0080] At any time, the user can interrupt or reverse the movement by pressing the push button. This program allows operation with stereoscopic glasses.

[0081] Program 1.6

[0082] This program is similar in its mode of operation to program 1. A green LED and a red LED are alternately illuminated and move. The choice of the color allows working with stereoscopic glasses with red and green filters.

[0083] Program 1.7

[0084] The plate 12 is still held here on its edge, its longitudinal axis X being oriented in a horizontal direction, and placed in contact with the user's nose. Each eye views a different face of the plate 12.

[0085] The lighting of the LEDs is synchronized between the two faces a, 1b. One LED per face is lit and in the same position.

[0086] Initially, a blue LED at the end of the plate furthest from the user approaches in virtual jumps of about 3cm.

[0087] This program corresponds to a default movement time of approximately one second, with the slowest time being 3 seconds between each movement and the fastest 0.5 seconds. The default program 1.1, on the other hand, starts with a change every 150ms, but these changes can occur within a range between 5ms and 600ms.

[0088] Program 1.8

[0089] Plate 12 is now held on its edge, its longitudinal axis X being oriented in a horizontal direction, and placed in contact with the user's nose. Thus, each eye views a different face of plate 12.

[0090] The LEDs are synchronized between the two faces a, 1b. One LED per face is lit in the center. The color alternates between red and green with each virtual movement.

[0091] The movement occurs from the center outwards. The green LED moves towards the user. The red LED moves away. Only one colored LED is lit at any given time, either red or green. Upon reaching the end of the plate, the movement reverses.

[0092] Using the dedicated push button, the user can interrupt the virtual movement at any time (by pressing and holding) and / or reverse it (with a short press) to indicate to the operator the precise position from which the double LEDs are viewed. The color selection allows operation with stereoscopic glasses with red and green filters.

[0093] Program 1.9

[0094] The plate 12 is still held here on its edge, its longitudinal axis X being oriented in a horizontal direction, and placed in contact with the user's nose. Each eye views a different face of the plate 12.

[0095] The lighting of the LEDs is synchronized between the two faces a, 1b. One LED per face is lit and in the same position.

[0096] Alternatively, a red LED then a green LED lights up at a random position.

[0097] This program, by default, is a slow program. The user must have time to find and see the LED lit up on the plate

[0098] The choice of color allows working with stereoscopic glasses with red and green filters.

[0099] The various rehabilitation exercise programs using the device of the invention in the form of a bar 13 will now be described in detail. In each of these programs, the light intensity and the virtual movement speed of the LEDs are always adjustable by an operator or the user himself.

[0100] Fixed program 2.0 with the device embodiment in the form of a bar 13.

[0101] To the left of bar 13 is a fixed green LED, in the middle a fixed blue LED and On the right, a fixed red LED.

[0102] Program 2.1: visual pursuit with amplitude change.

[0103] Initially, a blue LED lights up in the center of the bar 13. It moves from left to right over a distance of approximately 20 cm, moving back and forth. After five back-and-forth movements, the distance increases by 20 cm until it reaches the full length of the bar. Once the maximum distance is reached, the exercise starts again at the smallest possible distance.

[0104] Program 2.2: full visual pursuit.

[0105] At the start of the program, a blue LED lights up in the middle of the bar, then this LED moves from left to right of the bar and vice versa.

[0106] Program 2.3: visual pursuit with alternating colors.

[0107] Initially, an LED lights up in the center of the bar, then this lit LED moves from left to right along the entire length of the bar and vice versa. The color changes from green to red alternately with each virtual movement of the LED.

[0108] This exercise allows, by using stereoscopic glasses with green and red filters, to visualize, by each eye only one LED every other time.

[0109] Program 2.4: Sine.

[0110] The user positions himself in line with bar 13, the bar being in front of him.

[0111] A blue LED lights up on the left side, closest to the user. It It then moves to the right, away from the user. Once it reaches the end of the bar, it starts again from the left side. However, from the user's perspective, it appears to only move back and forth.

[0112] Program 2.5: Inverted Sine.

[0113] This program is identical to program 4 except that the LED begins its virtual movement on the opposite side of the bar from the user's position. Then, it moves towards the user and, upon reaching the beginning of the bar, returns to its starting point. However, it does not move back and forth. From the user's point of view, it only returns.

[0114] Program 2.6: Alternating flashing.

[0115] Three LEDs flash alternately according to the following sequence. The LED on the left side of bar 13 lights up red then goes out. The middle LED lights up blue then goes out. The LED on the right side lights up green then goes out, and so on.

[0116] Program 2.7: alternating opposite flashing.

[0117] Two LEDs light up alternately, left side green and right side red.

[0118] Program 2.8: random alternating flashing.

[0119] Alternating flashing of the LEDs in red and green in random positions on bar 13. This exercise can be performed with stereoscopic glasses.

[0120] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0121] It is specified that all features, as they appear to a person skilled in the art from reading this description, the figures and the associated claims, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that the technical context makes such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

Demands

1. An orthoptic rehabilitation device for the treatment of binocular diplopia comprising a longitudinal element (12, 13) having a first face (1a) and a second face (1b) and a median axis (X) delimiting, on each of the faces, two symmetrical parts on which are arranged, respectively, a series of fixed visual targets and moving visual targets and a stereogram (11), characterized in that the series of visual targets comprises light-emitting diodes (LEDs 2) arranged on the median axis and capable of emitting light of variable color by being powered by a battery (3) and controlled by a microprocessor (4) according to a program and in that said stereogram (11) comprises a graduated ruler arranged on either side of the median axis (X).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the diodes (2) are capable of being activated successively and in an order governed by the microprocessor according to the programming so as to simulate a virtual displacement along the longitudinal element.

3. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the series of diodes (2) is housed in a slot extending along the median axis (X) such that the emitted light is visible on both faces (la, 1b) of the longitudinal element (12).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microprocessor (4) is connected to a wireless network.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises push buttons mounted on the longitudinal element (12, 13) and intended, respectively, for activating, deactivating and pausing the device and for adjusting the intensity of the light emitted by the diodes (2) and their activation frequency.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a program display device.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said longitudinal element consists of a plate (12) carrying the battery (3) and the programmable microprocessor (4).

8. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that one of the longitudinal end edges of the plate (12) is provided with a cutout (10) for the positioning of a patient's nose.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that said longitudinal element consists of a bar (13).

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