Ophthalmologic apparatus

Abstract

To provide an ophthalmologic apparatus which allows for correctly grasping a change of the optical characteristics of an optical element used for optometry.SOLUTION: The device comprises: an optical element used for optometry of a subject; an electric circuit 13b which silently changes the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a; a speaker 24 which reports a change of the optical characteristics by the electric circuit 13b; and an arithmetic control circuit 21a which controls the electric circuit 13b and the speaker 24. When changing the optical characteristics by driving the electric circuit 13b, the arithmetic control circuit 21a reports the change of the optical characteristics by driving the speaker 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an ophthalmic device (see, for example, Patent Document 1) in which a plurality of lenses (optical elements) are arranged on the same circumference on a rotatable lens disk, and the lens arranged in front of an examination window through which a subject looks is switched by rotating the lens disk. Also known is an ophthalmic device (see, for example, Patent Document 2) that has a notification means for notifying switching of the display on a display unit provided in a controller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-061508 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-267821 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional ophthalmic devices, the sound generated when the lens disk is rotated can alert the subject or examiner to the change of lens. However, if the sound generated when the lens is changed is small, the subject or examiner may not be able to recognize that the lens has been changed.

[0005] In addition, in ophthalmic devices having a notification means for notifying the user of a change in display on a display unit, the device notifies the user of a change in display but not of a change in lens, which makes it difficult for the subject or the examiner to accurately understand that the lens has been changed.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an ophthalmic apparatus that can accurately grasp changes in the optical characteristics of optical elements used in ophthalmology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the ophthalmic device of the present invention comprises an optical element used for examining the eyes of a subject, a characteristic change mechanism that silently changes the optical characteristics of the optical element, an alarm mechanism that notifies the change in the optical characteristics by the characteristic change mechanism, and a control unit that controls the characteristic change mechanism and the alarm mechanism, and when the control unit drives the characteristic change mechanism to change the optical characteristics, it drives the alarm mechanism to notify the change in the optical characteristics. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As a result, the ophthalmologic apparatus of the present invention can accurately grasp changes in the optical characteristics of the optical elements used in the eye examination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing an ophthalmologic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an optical element unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the ophthalmologic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the notification mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An ophthalmic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on a first embodiment shown in the drawings.

[0011] The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is used for subjective eye examination in which various optotypes 31 are presented to the subject S and the visual function is examined based on the response from the subject S regarding how the optotypes are perceived.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes a corrective device 10 for correcting the visual function of a subject S, a controller 20, and a visual target presenting device 30.

[0013] The corrective device 10 is supported by a support 4 provided on the optometry table 3, which is placed between the visual target presentation device 30 and the subject S. That is, the support 4 extends upward from the side end of the optometry table 3, and an arm 5 extending laterally is attached to the top of the support 4. The corrective device 10 is supported by hanging from the arm 5.

[0014] The optotype presentation device 30 is a device that presents an optotype 31 to the subject S. The optotype presentation device 30 includes a presentation device main body 33 provided with a display window 32 in which the optotype 31 is displayed. The optotype 31 displayed in the display window 32 is selected and displayed by the examiner K operating the controller 20.

[0015] The corrective device 10 includes a pair of housings 11 arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Each housing 11 has an examination window 12. An optical element unit 13 is built into the housing 11.

[0016] The examination window 12 is a through-hole that penetrates the housing 11, and a transparent cover is fitted into the through-hole. When the correction device 10 is placed in front of the eye of the subject S (see FIG. 1), the examination window 12 becomes a through-hole that extends in the direction in which the subject S and the visual target presenting device 30 face each other.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the optical element unit 13 includes an optical element 13a and an electric circuit 13b.

[0018] The optical element 13a is a liquid lens having a light-transmitting container 14a and a plurality of different types of optical liquid materials (e.g., water 14b and oil 14c) sealed in the container 14a, with the interface 14d between the plurality of optical liquid materials serving as a lens. The optical element 13a is provided in a position facing the examination window 12 and placed in front of the subject's eye. The optical element 13a of Example 1 is used for the eye examination of the subject S and functions as a corrective lens for correcting visual function. By looking through the examination window 12, the subject S can view the display window 32 of the optotype presenting device 30 through the optical element 13a.

[0019] Furthermore, in the optical element unit 13, a current or voltage output from the electric circuit 13b is applied to the optical element 13a, changing the shape of the boundary surface 14d. The change in the shape of the boundary surface 14d changes the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a, such as the power to refract light passing through it (refractive power), the focal length, and the working distance. That is, the electric circuit 13b applies a current or voltage to the optical element 13a, which is a liquid lens, changing the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a. Therefore, the optical element unit 13 of Example 1 does not change the optical characteristics of a lens that corrects visual function, for example, by switching the arrangement of multiple lenses relative to the examination window 12.

[0020] Furthermore, in the optical element unit 13, when a current or voltage is applied to the optical element 13a to change the shape of the boundary surface 14d, no noise is generated and the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a are changed silently. In other words, the electric circuit 13b corresponds to a characteristic change mechanism that silently changes the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a.

[0021] Note that "silent" means sound that cannot be perceived by humans. That is, "silent" here means sound whose volume or sound pressure is at least one of which is below the audible threshold, or whose frequency is outside the audible range. Therefore, in the optical element unit 13, sound generated in association with a change in the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a is not perceived by the subject S or the examiner K.

[0022] The controller 20 is a notebook-sized personal computer placed on the optometry table 3. The controller 20 includes a main body 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a speaker 24 (alert mechanism), an illumination device (alert mechanism) 25, and a vibration generator (alert mechanism) 26.

[0023] The main body 21 incorporates an arithmetic and control circuit 21a (control unit, see FIG. 3) having a CPU and memory.

[0024] 3, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a is connected to the operation unit 22, the display unit 23, and the speaker 24, and is also connected to the electric circuit 13b of the optical element unit 13 of the correction device 10. Furthermore, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a is connected to a drive control unit 34 (see FIG. 3) provided in the visual target presentation device 30.

[0025] The arithmetic and control circuit 21a transmits appropriate predetermined control signals to the display unit 23, the speaker 24, the electric circuit 13b, and the drive control unit 34 based on operation instructions input by the examiner K operating the operation unit 22. When the predetermined control signal is input from the arithmetic and control circuit 21a, the electric circuit 13b of the optical element unit 13 applies a current or voltage to the optical element 13a. This changes the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a to a desired state. When the predetermined control signal is input from the arithmetic and control circuit 21a, the drive control unit 34 of the optotype presentation device 30 displays a predetermined optotype 31 in the display window 32.

[0026] The operation unit 22 is a user interface configured with a keyboard provided on the main body 21, a mouse attached to the main body 21, a touch pen capable of communicating with the arithmetic and control circuit 21a, etc. The examiner K operates the operation unit 22 to input operation instructions to the arithmetic and control circuit 21a.

[0027] The display unit 23 is a user interface configured with a liquid crystal display or the like provided in the main body 21. The display unit 23 displays any information, such as the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a and the type of optotype 31 displayed in the display window 32, based on a control signal input from the arithmetic and control circuit 21a.

[0028] The speaker 24 is provided in the main body 21 and is a device that outputs a predetermined sound (announcement sound) based on a control signal input from the arithmetic and control circuit 21a.

[0029] The lighting device 25 is a light source such as an LED that is provided in the main body 21 and emits light based on a control signal input from the arithmetic and control circuit 21 a. The lighting device 25 is provided in a position where the lighting does not interfere with the eye examination.

[0030] The vibration generator 26 is provided in the main body 21 and vibrates based on a control signal input from the arithmetic and control circuit 21 a to generate vibrations. The vibration generator 26 is also provided in the main body 21, and thus transmits vibrations to at least one of the subject S and the examiner K via the main body 21 and the optometry table 3 on which the main body 21 is placed.

[0031] The arithmetic control circuit 21a of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of Example 1 causes the electric circuit 13b to output a current or a voltage and applies the current or voltage to the optical element 13a, thereby changing the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a. Furthermore, when changing the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a, that is, at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the electric circuit 13b, the arithmetic control circuit 21a causes the speaker 24 to output an alert sound. In other words, in the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of Example 1, when the arithmetic control circuit 21a drives the electric circuit 13b to apply a current or a voltage to the optical element 13a and changes the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a, the arithmetic control circuit 21a causes the speaker 24 to output an alert sound to notify the user of the change in the optical characteristics.

[0032] The "alert sound" is a sound that notifies the user of a change in optical characteristics. The alert sound can be any sound, such as a non-verbal electronic sound (beep, beep) such as a beep, a specific melody, a spoken word ("changing lenses"), or the sound of switching lenses. The alert sound may be the same sound that is output continuously, a sound that is a combination of multiple sounds, or a sound that changes depending on the output time. Furthermore, the alert sound may be a sound that continues for a certain period of time, or an intermittent sound.

[0033] Furthermore, the "predetermined timing based on the drive of the electric circuit 13b" can be set arbitrarily, and may be, for example, the same timing as the drive of the electric circuit 13b (application of current or voltage to the optical element 13a), the timing immediately before the drive of the electric circuit 13b, or the timing immediately after the drive of the electric circuit 13b. Note that "immediately before or immediately after the drive of the electric circuit 13b" means a time lag that is shorter than the time required to change the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a.

[0034] Furthermore, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a stops the output of the notification sound from the speaker 24 at any timing. Here, the timing to stop the notification sound may be simultaneous with the completion of the change of the optical characteristics, or may be before the completion of the change of the optical characteristics. Furthermore, the notification sound may continue to be output until a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of the change of the optical characteristics.

[0035] Furthermore, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a of the first embodiment causes the lighting device 25 to emit light when changing the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a, that is, at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the electric circuit 13b. In other words, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, when the arithmetic and control circuit 21a drives the electric circuit 13b to apply a current or a voltage to the optical element 13a and changes the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a causes the lighting device 25 to emit light to notify the user of the change in the optical characteristics.

[0036] The "predetermined timing based on the drive of electric circuit 13b" is as described above. When lighting, lighting device 25 may emit a steady light or a flashing light. Lighting device 25 may emit a single color of light or multiple colors of light. "Light emission by lighting device 25" also includes changing the light emission state of lighting device 25. "Changes in the light emission state" include a change in the light emission color of lighting device 25 from green to red, or from dark gray to light gray, a change in the light intensity, or a change in the lighting interval.

[0037] Furthermore, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a stops the light emission of the lighting fixture 25 at any timing. Note that "stopping the light emission of the lighting fixture 25" also includes changing the light emission state of the lighting fixture 25. The timing for stopping the light emission of the lighting fixture 25 may be simultaneous with the completion of the change in the optical characteristics, or may be before the completion of the change in the optical characteristics. Furthermore, the lighting fixture 25 may continue to emit light for a predetermined time after the completion of the change in the optical characteristics.

[0038] Furthermore, when the arithmetic and control circuit 21a of the first embodiment changes the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a, that is, at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the electric circuit 13b, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a vibrates the vibration generator 26. In other words, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, when the arithmetic and control circuit 21a drives the electric circuit 13b to apply a current or a voltage to the optical element 13a and changes the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a vibrates the vibration generator 26 to notify the user of the change in the optical characteristics.

[0039] The "predetermined timing based on the driving of electric circuit 13b" is as described above. Vibration generator 26 may vibrate continuously for a predetermined time, or may vibrate intermittently.

[0040] Furthermore, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a stops the vibration of the vibration generator 26 at any timing. The timing to stop the vibration of the vibration generator 26 may be simultaneous with the completion of the change of the optical characteristics, or may be before the completion of the change of the optical characteristics. Furthermore, the vibration generator 26 may continue vibrating until a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of the change of the optical characteristics.

[0041] The effects of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be explained as follows.

[0042] When examining visual function based on responses from the subject S, in the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of Example 1, the corrective device 10 is placed between the subject S and the visual target presentation device 30, and the controller 20 is operated by the examiner K.

[0043] Here, the examiner K operates the operation unit 22 of the controller 20 based on the response of the subject S, and changes the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a of the optical element unit 13 built into the correction device .

[0044] The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes an electric circuit 13b that silently changes the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a, a speaker 24 that outputs an alarm sound to notify the user of the change in the optical characteristics caused by the electric circuit 13b, and an arithmetic and control circuit 21a that controls the electric circuit 13b and the speaker 24. When the arithmetic and control circuit 21a drives the electric circuit 13b to change the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a drives the speaker 24 to output the alarm sound, causes the lighting device 25 to emit light, and causes the vibration generator 26 to vibrate.

[0045] As a result, when the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a are changed in a silent state, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 notifies the subject S and the examiner K of the change in the optical characteristics by making them perceive the notification sound output from the speaker 24, the light from the lighting device 25, and the vibration from the vibration generator 26. As a result, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 allows the subject S and the examiner K to accurately understand the change in the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a.

[0046] In addition, when the ophthalmic device 1 drives the notification mechanism (speaker 24, lighting device 25, vibration generator 26) at the same time as driving the electrical circuit 13b (application of current or voltage to the optical element 13a) to notify the change in optical characteristics, the subject S, etc. can be made aware in real time that the optical characteristics are being changed.

[0047] In addition, when the ophthalmic device 1 activates the notification mechanism (speaker 24, lighting device 25, vibration generator 26) just before the electrical circuit 13b is activated to notify the change in optical characteristics, the subject S or the like can predict that the optical characteristics will be changed.

[0048] Furthermore, when the ophthalmic device 1 activates the notification mechanism (speaker 24, lighting device 25, vibration generator 26) immediately after the electrical circuit 13b is activated to notify the change in optical characteristics, the subject S or the like can predict that the change in optical characteristics will be made and an eye examination will be performed.

[0049] In the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of Example 1, the optical element 13a is a liquid lens. The characteristic changing mechanism is an electric circuit 13b that applies a current or a voltage to the optical element 13a, which is a liquid lens, to change the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a. Therefore, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 can easily change the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a in a silent state.

[0050] In the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of Example 1, the notification mechanism for notifying the user of a change in the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a is configured by the speaker 24 that outputs a notification sound. The arithmetic and control circuit 21a causes the speaker 24 to output the notification sound at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the electric circuit 13b.

[0051] In the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the notification mechanism for notifying the user of a change in the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a is configured by the illuminator 25, which is provided at a position where it does not interfere with the eye examination when it emits light. The arithmetic and control circuit 21a causes the illuminator 25 to emit light at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the electric circuit 13b.

[0052] In the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of Example 1, the notification mechanism for notifying a change in the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a is configured by a vibration generator 26 provided in the main body 21 at a position capable of transmitting vibrations to at least one of the subject S and the examiner K. The arithmetic and control circuit 21a vibrates the vibration generator 26 at a predetermined timing based on the drive of the electric circuit 13b.

[0053] In this way, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1, the notification mechanism is configured with the speaker 24, the lighting device 25, and the vibration generator 26, so that the subject S and the examiner K can be made aware of the change in optical characteristics without having to move their line of sight, their fingertips, etc. This makes it possible for the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 to prevent any disruption to the visual function test.

[0054] In the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of Example 1, the speaker 24, the lighting device 25, and the vibration generator 26 are provided as the notification mechanism. However, if the ophthalmic apparatus 1 is provided with at least one of the speaker 24, the lighting device 25, and the vibration generator 26 as the notification mechanism, the subject S and the examiner K can be made aware of the change in the optical characteristics without any action.

[0055] The ophthalmic device of the present invention has been described above based on Example 1, but the specific configuration is not limited to these Examples, and design changes and additions are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim.

[0056] In the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of Example 1, an example was shown in which the notification mechanism for notifying the subject S or the examiner K of a change in the optical properties of the optical element 13a includes a speaker 24, an illuminator 25, and a vibration generator 26. However, the notification mechanism may be any mechanism that notifies the subject S or the examiner K of a change in the optical properties of the optical element 13a. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the notification mechanism may be composed of an onomatopoeia member 27a and a drive mechanism 27b. Here, the onomatopoeia member 27a is a pseudo-lens member disposed in the housing 11 of the correction device 10. Note that the onomatopoeia member 27a does not need to be a lens as long as it is a member that can generate an audible sound (a sound that can be perceived by humans) by moving. The shape, material, etc. of the onomatopoeia member 27a can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 27b is an actuator that moves (here, reciprocates) the onomatopoeia member 27a to change its position.

[0057] The arithmetic and control circuit 21a then drives the drive mechanism 27b at a predetermined timing based on the drive of the electric circuit 13b, and moves the sound imitation member 27a back and forth to change its position. The arithmetic and control circuit 21a then generates a simulated lens switching sound by moving the sound imitation member 27a.

[0058] As a result, when the subject S or the examiner K is made to understand the change in the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 allows the subject S or the examiner K to perceive a pseudo lens switching sound, giving the subject S or the examiner K the sensation of switching a real lens. This allows the subject S or the examiner K to recognize the timing when the optical characteristics have been changed without feeling any discomfort.

[0059] Furthermore, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of Example 1, an example has been shown in which the arithmetic and control circuit 21a causes the speaker 24 to output an alert sound at a predetermined timing based on the drive of the electric circuit 13b. However, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a may cause the speaker 24 to output an alert sound while the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a are stable (while the optical characteristics are not changed), and may stop the output of the alert sound from the speaker 24 at a predetermined timing based on the drive of the electric circuit 13b. In other words, the arithmetic and control circuit 21a may stop the output of the alert sound when changing the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a.

[0060] Even in this case, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 allows the subject S or the like to perceive the stop of the notification sound, thereby making the subject S or the like aware of the change in the optical characteristics of the optical element 13a.

[0061] In addition, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of Example 1, an example has been shown in which the speaker 24, which is an alarm mechanism, is provided in the main body 21 of the controller 20. However, the speaker 24 may be provided in the housing 11 of the correction device 10, the optometry table 3, etc. Furthermore, the speaker 24 may be provided in multiple locations, such as the main body 21 and the housing 11.

[0062] Furthermore, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of Example 1, an example has been shown in which the illumination device 25, which is the notification mechanism, is provided in the main body 21 of the controller 20. However, the illumination device 25 may also be provided in the housing 11 of the correction device 10, the optometry table 3, or the like. The illumination device 25 may also be a backlight for the display unit 23. Note that, when the illumination device 25 is provided in the housing 11, it needs to be provided in a position where the subject S can perceive the light and where it does not affect the optometry. Therefore, it is preferable that the illumination device 25 is provided, for example, around the optometry window 12. The illumination device 25 may also be provided in multiple locations, such as the main body 21 and the housing 11.

[0063] Furthermore, in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of Example 1, an example has been shown in which the vibration generator 26, which is an alarm mechanism, is provided in the main body 21 of the controller 20. However, the vibration generator 26 may also be provided in the housing 11 of the corrective device 10, the optometry table 3, or the like. Note that, when the vibration generator 26 is provided in the housing 11, it needs to be provided in a position where the subject S can perceive the vibration but does not affect the optometry. Therefore, it is preferable that the vibration generator 26 is provided in, for example, a forehead rest. Furthermore, the vibration generator 26 may also be provided in multiple locations, such as the main body 21 and the housing 11.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the main body 21 of the controller 20 is configured by a notebook personal computer. However, the main body 21 is not limited to this. The main body 21 may be, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or other portable information terminal, or may be a dedicated controller for the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 or a desktop personal computer.

[0065] In the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of Example 1, the optical element 13a is a liquid lens, and the characteristic changing mechanism is an electric circuit 13b that applies a current or voltage to the liquid lens to change the optical characteristics. However, the optical element 13a may be any other element as long as its optical characteristics can be changed silently, such as an Alvarez lens or a liquid crystal lens. Furthermore, the optical element 13a may be a filter, a polarized lens, or the like.

[0066] In the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the optical element 13a functions as a corrective lens built into the corrective device 10 that corrects visual function, but the present invention is not limited to this. The optical element 13a may be any optical element that is used for the eye examination of the subject S.

[0067] Furthermore, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment can notify the subject S and the examiner K of the change in the optical properties of the optical element 13a. However, it is sufficient that the ophthalmic apparatus 1 can notify at least one of the subject S and the examiner K of the change in the optical properties of the optical element 13a.

[0068] The following will be further disclosed regarding the above description of the first embodiment and the modified examples. (1) an optical element used to examine the subject's eyes; a characteristic changing mechanism that silently changes the optical characteristics of the optical element; a notification mechanism that notifies the user of a change in the optical characteristic caused by the characteristic change mechanism; a control unit that controls the characteristic change mechanism and the notification mechanism, When the control unit drives the characteristic change mechanism to change the optical characteristic, the control unit drives the notification mechanism to notify the change in the optical characteristic. An ophthalmic device characterized by: (2) In the ophthalmic device described in (1) above, the optical element is a liquid lens; The characteristic change mechanism is an electric circuit that applies a current or a voltage to the liquid lens to change the optical characteristics. An ophthalmic device characterized by: (3) In the ophthalmic device described in (1) or (2) above, the notification mechanism is configured by a speaker that outputs a notification sound, The control unit causes the speaker to output the notification sound at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the characteristic change mechanism, or causes the speaker to stop outputting the notification sound at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the characteristic change mechanism. An ophthalmic device characterized by: (4) In the ophthalmic device described in (1) or (2) above, the notification mechanism is configured by a lighting device provided at a position where it does not interfere with the eye examination when emitting light, The control unit controls the lighting device to emit light at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the characteristic change mechanism. An ophthalmic device characterized by: (5) In the ophthalmic device described in (1) or (2) above, the notification mechanism is configured by a vibration generator provided at a position capable of transmitting vibration to at least one of the subject and the examiner, The control unit vibrates the vibration generator at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the characteristic change mechanism. An ophthalmic device characterized by: (6) In the ophthalmic device described in (1) or (2) above, the notification mechanism is composed of an onomatopoeic member and a drive mechanism that changes the position of the onomatopoeic member; The control unit drives the drive mechanism at a predetermined timing based on the drive of the characteristic change mechanism to change the position of the sound imitation member, thereby generating a simulated lens switching sound. An ophthalmic device characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 10 Orthodontic device 13 Optical element unit 13a Optical elements 13b Electrical circuit (characteristic change mechanism) 20 Controller 21a Calculation control circuit (control unit) 24 Speaker (alert mechanism) 25 Lighting equipment (alarm mechanism) 26 Vibration generator (alarm mechanism) 30 Visual target presentation device

Claims

1. an optical element used for examining the subject's eyes; a characteristic changing mechanism that silently changes the optical characteristics of the optical element; a notification mechanism that notifies the user of a change in the optical characteristic caused by the characteristic change mechanism; a control unit that controls the characteristic change mechanism and the notification mechanism, When the control unit drives the characteristic change mechanism to change the optical characteristic, the control unit drives the notification mechanism to notify the change in the optical characteristic. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

2. 2. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, the optical element is a liquid lens; The characteristic change mechanism is an electric circuit that applies a current or a voltage to the liquid lens to change the optical characteristics. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

3. 3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, the notification mechanism is configured by a speaker that outputs a notification sound, The control unit causes the speaker to output the notification sound at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the characteristic change mechanism, or causes the speaker to stop outputting the notification sound at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the characteristic change mechanism. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

4. 3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, the notification mechanism is configured by a lighting device provided at a position where it does not interfere with the eye examination when emitting light, The control unit controls the lighting device to emit light at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the characteristic change mechanism. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

5. 3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, the notification mechanism is configured by a vibration generator provided at a position capable of transmitting vibration to at least one of the subject and the examiner, The control unit vibrates the vibration generator at a predetermined timing based on the driving of the characteristic change mechanism. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

6. 3. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, the notification mechanism is composed of an onomatopoeic member and a drive mechanism that changes the position of the onomatopoeic member; The control unit drives the drive mechanism at a predetermined timing based on the drive of the characteristic change mechanism to change the position of the sound imitation member, thereby generating a simulated lens switching sound. An ophthalmic device characterized by:

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