User application program, user myopia management device, user eye information processing method, information processing system for myopia management service

Abstract

This application program provides a user-facing application that enables the widespread adoption of myopia management services from a novel and unprecedented perspective, potentially promoting the prevention and progression control of myopia. [Solution] The user application program 30a causes a user terminal device 12 equipped with a display unit 20, which is used by a user who is a target of the myopia management service, to execute a measurement value acquisition process S21 to acquire a measurement value of the user's axial length, and a measurement value display process S27 to display the measurement value acquired in the measurement value acquisition process S21 as a graph on the time axis on the display unit 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Based on the significant increase in the myopic population and its younger age trend in recent years, targeting mainly infants and children, this invention relates to a user application program specialized for user use, etc., which is provided as an effective measure against the increase in the myopic population from a preventive medicine perspective that has never existed in ophthalmology.

Background Art

[0002] Myopia in the human eye not only requires a troublesome life that needs refractive correction means such as glasses and contact lenses, but it has also been pointed out that the stronger the myopia, the more it becomes an ability hindrance in sports, etc., and the risk of having lesions such as retinal detachment and glaucoma due to aging increases. Especially in recent years, due to the significantly increasing prevalence rate of myopia and its younger age trend, the social demand for the prevention and effective suppression of myopia has been increasing.

[0003] In addition, as myopia progresses, the risk increases as described above and corrective means are required, and there is a possibility that the physical and economic burdens also increase. Therefore, prevention and early progression suppression treatment in the early stage are important for myopia.

[0004] On the other hand, while preventive medicine has spread in other medical fields, there is a reality that almost no measures have been taken from the perspective of preventive medicine in the ophthalmology field. Therefore, although early detection for myopia progression suppression treatment is considered important for myopia, there has been a problem that it is difficult to prevent the progression of myopia or receive progression suppression treatment. Especially, myopia often occurs and progresses in the age group of infants and children, and in recent years, the age has been getting even younger. Therefore, it is difficult for the target person to even recognize the onset and degree of progression of myopia, and it is difficult to recognize and report its progression, and it is also a problem that countermeasures are likely to be delayed.

[0005] Furthermore, regarding treatments to suppress myopia progression, various procedures, including orthokeratology using contact lenses (see Patent Document 1, etc.), have been researched and put into practical use in recent years, but it is still difficult to say that knowledge about them is widely disseminated to the general public.

[0006] Under these circumstances, the inventors conducted various studies and research with the aim of raising awareness among users themselves, who are the target of myopia prevention and progression suppression, from a preventive medical perspective to prevent myopia, disseminating knowledge about myopia progression suppression treatment, and improving the effectiveness of myopia progression suppression treatment by enabling early treatment in the early stages of myopia.

[0007] From this perspective, the inventors considered providing an application to a mobile device that would allow users to understand their own visual condition by utilizing, for example, visual acuity (indicated by the Landolt ring) and corrective lens power (diopter value), which are well known as indicators of myopia. However, it was difficult to measure visual acuity and corrective lens power with sufficient accuracy and reliability for users in the infant and child age groups. Furthermore, there are large individual differences in future changes in visual acuity and corrective lens power, making it difficult to obtain statistically significant information, thus making it difficult to provide meaningful information. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-138977 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] In this context, the present invention has been made against the background of the circumstances described above, and its objective is to provide a user application program, a user myopia management device, a user eye information processing method, and an information processing system for myopia management services that can provide a myopia management service that can promote the prevention and progression control of myopia from a novel perspective not previously seen, by directly using the service to raise users' awareness of myopia and thereby evoking a preventive medical perspective focused on ophthalmology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The following describes preferred embodiments for understanding the present invention. However, each embodiment described below is illustrative and can be combined with others as appropriate. Furthermore, the multiple components described in each embodiment can be recognized and adopted as independently as possible, and can be combined with any component described in another embodiment as appropriate. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various other embodiments can be realized.

[0011] The first embodiment is a user application program for a user terminal device equipped with a display unit, used by a user who is a target of a myopia management service, which performs a measurement acquisition process to acquire a measurement of the user's axial length of the eye, and a measurement display process to display the measurement obtained in the measurement acquisition process as a graph on a time axis on the display unit.

[0012] According to the user application program of this embodiment, by providing an application program for users who are targets for myopia prevention and progression suppression, it is possible to directly engage with the users themselves to raise awareness of myopia prevention and progression suppression treatment, and as a result, achieve a new technological effect of providing a myopia management service that enables preventive medical treatment and early myopia progression suppression treatment targeting ophthalmologists, which were not previously available.

[0013] In other words, in the user application program of this embodiment, the user's measured eye axial length is graphically displayed on a time axis on the display unit of the user terminal device used by the user.

[0014] Here, as eye information displayed on the time axis, we have adopted axial length, which until now has only been used professionally. This is because myopia progression in infancy is largely due to the progression of axial myopia, and it is thought that hyperopic focal error, where the focal point is located outside the retina, acts as a trigger. To compensate for this hyperopic focal error, the retina stretches, increasing the axial length, which leads to myopia and its progression. Therefore, by measuring axial length, which has not been very familiar to users in the past, and displaying it as a graph on the display of the user terminal device, we can provide a user-friendly application program that enables users to understand the necessity of myopia prevention and progression control treatment from a novel perspective that has not been seen before, and can provide a myopia management service that can popularize preventive medical responses to myopia and myopia progression control treatment targeted at ophthalmologists.

[0015] In short, the user application program of this embodiment can raise user awareness from a preventive medical perspective regarding myopia, thereby preventing myopia, disseminate knowledge about myopia progression control treatment, and improve the effectiveness of myopia progression control treatment by enabling early treatment in the early stages of myopia. In particular, since the measurement value only needs to be the user's axial length, it is possible to measure and predict the presence and progression of myopia with sufficient accuracy and reliability compared to conventional methods that target infants and children and require users to report their visual condition using Landolt rings.

[0016] The measurement acquisition process is not limited to acquiring the measurement data through direct input from the user terminal device. For example, the measurement data may be provided to the user terminal device via the internet or other means after being measured by an ophthalmologist, or the user terminal device may specify an ophthalmologist's site to retrieve the measurement data. In the future, if axial length measurement becomes easily and commonly available, the user terminal device may directly measure the axial length and acquire the measurement data.

[0017] The second embodiment is a user application program as described in the first embodiment, in which the measurement value acquisition process is executed multiple times at time intervals, while the measurement value display process displays the multiple axial length measurements obtained through the multiple executions of the measurement value acquisition process on the graph display on the display unit.

[0018] By displaying axial length measurements taken at time intervals on a graph on the display unit, users can easily confirm the effectiveness of myopia prevention and myopia progression control treatments. This helps to maintain and improve users' motivation for myopia prevention and progression control. Furthermore, there are no limitations on the display format of "multiple axial length measurements" on the graph. For example, they can be displayed as points or as a line graph.

[0019] A third embodiment further includes, in a user application program described in the first or second embodiment, a prediction data acquisition process that causes the acquisition of prediction data of future changes in axial length of the eye based on the measurement values ​​acquired in the measurement value acquisition process, and a prediction data display process that causes the prediction data acquired in the prediction data acquisition process to be graphically displayed on a time axis on the display unit together with the measurement values ​​acquired in the measurement value acquisition process.

[0020] For example, if the axial length measurement is initially entered along with age (e.g., 6 years old) and diopter value (e.g., 2D), or individually, it becomes possible to display a graph showing how much myopia will develop based on predicted changes in axial length (e.g., at age 15), thereby alerting the user and improving their awareness of preventative care. Furthermore, by displaying predicted changes in axial length when myopia progression control treatment is performed, it is possible to increase the user's willingness to actively participate in myopia progression control treatment.

[0021] Furthermore, "predictive data" can be obtained not only from calculated values ​​and values ​​published in research papers, but also from statistical values, selection or calculation using statistical data, and the use of AI models. Acquisition of predictive data includes, for example, acquisition by directly inputting data from an external source into a terminal device, selecting and acquiring appropriate data from multiple data (including statistical data) stored in a data server connected via an interface, acquiring data by generating it through calculations using influencing factors (age, height, gender, current eye condition, etc.), and acquiring predictive data from information of a specific user using an AI model trained on a large number of specific cases. Such methods may also include acquiring predictive data in cooperation with external software connected via a network such as an internet connection.

[0022] A fourth aspect is a user application program as described in the third aspect, wherein the prediction data acquired by the prediction data acquisition process includes prediction data of the pattern of change in axial length in an emmetropic eye.

[0023] Since the prediction data includes prediction data on the change pattern of the axial length of the eye in emmetropia, the change pattern of emmetropia (non-myopia) can be used as ideal data. Moreover, by obtaining prediction data on the change pattern of the axial length of the eye in emmetropia based on the user's axial length at the current time (measurement time), it is possible to suppress errors particularly caused by large individual differences in axial length. And, for example, by combining with the second aspect, it becomes possible for a user who starts management in the state of emmetropia to objectively recognize whether they deviate from the change pattern of the axial length of the eye in emmetropia over time. This is "significantly and importantly preventive medicine", and moreover, it leads to the realization of "early treatment" of receiving early myopia preventive medicine based on findings of suspected myopia. In short, such an effect cannot be realized by a conventionally known ophthalmic system, and it is possible to more advantageously realize a new technical effect of realizing preventive medical measures for ophthalmology and early suppression treatment of myopia progression. This aspect can effectively provide a preventive medicine system for ophthalmology with such great social significance. Note that the "prediction data of emmetropia" can be obtained by, in addition to the calculated value and the value published in research papers, for example, statistical values, selection or calculation using statistical data, utilization of an AI model, etc., similar to the prediction data in the first aspect described above.

[0024] The fifth aspect is that in the user application program described in the third or fourth aspect, the prediction data obtained by the prediction data acquisition process includes prediction data reflecting the effect of myopia progression suppression treatment.

[0025] Since the prediction data includes prediction data reflecting the effect of myopia progression suppression treatment, it is possible to advantageously motivate the user who comes into contact with the prediction data reflecting the effect of myopia progression suppression treatment displayed on the display unit of the user terminal device to continue the myopia progression suppression treatment. Note that the "prediction data reflecting the treatment effect" can be obtained by, in addition to the calculated value and the value published in research papers, for example, statistical values, selection or calculation using statistical data, utilization of an AI model, etc., similar to the prediction data in the third aspect described above.

[0026] The sixth aspect is in the user application program described in any one of the third to fifth aspects, and includes a measured value deviation acquisition process for obtaining a deviation between the prediction data obtained by the prediction data acquisition process and the measured value obtained by the measured value acquisition process, and an alert process for issuing an alert when the magnitude of the deviation obtained by the measured value deviation acquisition process exceeds a preset deviation tolerance range.

[0027] Since an alert is issued when the magnitude of the deviation exceeds a preset deviation tolerance range, it is possible to effectively recognize a case where a user highly needs to take some preventive measures or receive treatment for suppressing progression. It is possible to more advantageously realize preventive medical measures targeting ophthalmology and early treatment for suppressing myopia progression. Note that the alert can adopt various alerts such as displaying a specific color, blinking, or sound on, for example, a display unit. It is also possible to execute the alert by sending an email or the like to a specific external party. In addition, a determination process for determining the degree of deviation may be adopted so that the mode of the alert varies according to the degree of deviation. Note that the "magnitude of the deviation" may be, for example, a numerical deviation from the prediction data, or a deviation in the rate of change (the slope of a graph representing the change over time) from the prediction data.

[0028] The seventh aspect is in the user application program described in the sixth aspect, and the alert in the alert process includes a confirmation alert for treatment for suppressing myopia progression.

[0029] Since the alert system includes a confirmation alert for myopia progression control treatment, it becomes even more advantageous to initiate early myopia progression control treatment. The "myopia progression control treatment confirmation alert" can further include "ophthalmologist referral processing that introduces a nearby ophthalmologist who provides myopia progression control treatment," and even "ophthalmologist appointment processing that arranges an appointment with the said ophthalmologist." Regarding the specific methods for ophthalmologist referral processing and ophthalmologist appointment processing, for example, an ophthalmologist database containing information such as location, business hours, areas of expertise, and past experience for multiple ophthalmologists may be prepared on a cloud computer, and the user terminal device may access and refer to the information on the cloud computer to obtain information on an appropriate ophthalmologist, which may then be displayed on the display unit of the user terminal device or separately sent to the user's registered email address.

[0030] Furthermore, a user terminal device may access an ophthalmologist's terminal device via a communication line such as the internet, to obtain information such as the current workload and availability of appointments at the ophthalmologist's office and send it to the member, or to perform appointment processing through mutual communication, or to send information such as the history and symptoms of the member who wishes to see the ophthalmologist to the ophthalmologist, or to make an appointment with the ophthalmologist.

[0031] The eighth aspect is a user application program described in any one of the third to seventh aspects, further comprising: a measurement deviation acquisition process that determines the deviation between the predicted data acquired by the prediction data acquisition process and the measured value acquired by the measurement value acquisition process; and an additional service process that provides an additional service when the magnitude of the deviation determined by the measurement deviation acquisition process falls within a preset tolerance range.

[0032] If the magnitude of the deviation obtained through the measurement deviation acquisition process falls within a preset tolerance range, it indicates that the user's current condition allows for myopia prevention or that the myopia progression suppression treatment is effective. Therefore, "additional services" include displaying things that appeal to infants and children on the display unit, such as character displays, predetermined design stamps, animation displays, and point awards redeemable for predetermined services. This can enhance the effectiveness of the application program of the present invention in effectively achieving myopia prevention and myopia progression suppression by increasing the motivation of the main users, which are infants and children.

[0033] The ninth aspect further includes a refractive power acquisition process that causes the user's refractive power value to be acquired in a user application program described in any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0034] By also acquiring the user's uncorrected refractive power (including so-called visual acuity and the diopter value of corrective lenses), it becomes possible to correct or select future predictive data, including information such as "if the user has this level of myopia at their current age, it will worsen to this extent during their growth," thereby enabling more accurate display. Furthermore, general users are more familiar with visual acuity and other metrics than axial length, making it easier for them to anticipate (imagine) the situation. Preferably, the system may also include a process for displaying the acquired refractive power values ​​on the display unit.

[0035] The tenth aspect is a user application program described in any one of the third to eighth aspects and the ninth aspect dependent on the third, further comprising: a future visual image acquisition process that acquires a visual image of the future appearance based on predicted data of the future changes in the user's axial length acquired in the prediction data acquisition process; and a future visual image display process that displays the visual image of the future appearance acquired in the future visual image acquisition process on the display unit.

[0036] Currently, it is difficult for users to imagine or understand messages or alerts indicating that their nearsightedness will progress or their eyesight will worsen in the future, especially for infants and young children. Therefore, allowing users to experience firsthand how their vision will actually change is effective from the perspective of early treatment and preventive medicine. This can increase users' motivation for preventing nearsightedness and treating its progression, and may also improve the effectiveness of the user application of this invention. Incidentally, it is possible to acquire visual images of how vision changes by using external computational processing, for example. Specifically, it is possible to use a site that allows users to experience what nearsightedness looks like (Eye Sim), or to use that as a reference for computational processing to display still images or videos.

[0037] The eleventh aspect is a user application program described in any one of the third to eighth, tenth, and ninth aspects dependent on the third, wherein in the predictive data display processing, the predictive data is displayed on the display unit as a band-shaped area extending along the time axis.

[0038] For example, when displaying predictive data using statistical information, adopting a method of displaying predetermined percentile values ​​as a band-shaped area makes it easier for users to intuitively understand the data, including deviations from the median and mean, and thus provides a more user-friendly application program. The predictive data may also be displayed as a linear graph or as points at predetermined time intervals.

[0039] The twelfth aspect is a user application program described in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, which further includes a change rate acquisition process that performs the measurement value acquisition process multiple times at time intervals, and calculates the rate of change on the time axis for multiple measurement values ​​of the axial length of the eye obtained through the multiple executions of the measurement value acquisition process.

[0040] By obtaining the "rate of change" for multiple measurements of axial length taken at time intervals, it becomes possible to evaluate changes in axial length over time, enabling a more accurate understanding of the tendency towards myopia. Furthermore, by combining this with, for example, the third embodiment, it becomes possible to obtain the rate of change for predictive data as well. By comparing the rate of change between predictive data and measured data, it becomes easier to more accurately understand the tendency towards myopia and the degree of effectiveness of myopia progression suppression treatment.

[0041] The 13th aspect is a user application program described in any one of the 1st to 12th aspects, further comprising: an imaging data acquisition process that causes the user to acquire lens imaging data for contact lenses provided to the user for myopia progression suppression treatment; a lens state determination process that causes the state of the contact lenses to be determined from the lens imaging data acquired in the imaging data acquisition process; and a determination result output process that causes the determination result of the lens state acquired in the lens state determination process to be output.

[0042] Contact lenses provided for myopia progression control treatment have a special shape, similar to orthokeratology lenses, which makes them prone to deposits such as protein buildup on the lens surface. However, because they are worn during sleep, the special usage method makes it difficult to consciously recognize deposits due to changes in vision. Therefore, in this embodiment, imaging data (including both still images and videos) is used as objective information to objectively grasp deposits and damage, making it possible to objectively understand the lens condition and thereby maintain and improve safety. Specifically, the determination can be evaluated based on factors such as the degree of color and area (number of pixels) of the imaged lens, and in videos, the movement of the lens due to eye movement and blinking while wearing the lens, as well as the tear film breakup time (BUT). It is also possible to improve the accuracy of detection of foreign matter by applying specific reagents to the images before imaging. Furthermore, the determination result output processing can be displayed on the display unit, or output externally through linkage with other applications (e.g., email).

[0043] The 14th aspect is a user application program as described in the 13th aspect, further comprising an action instruction output process that instructs the user to take necessary action when the judgment result output in the judgment result output process is unfavorable.

[0044] If the judgment result output in the judgment result output process is poor (abnormal), by further including a treatment instruction output process that instructs specific actions (e.g., cleaning or replacement), it is possible to ensure that the user receives appropriate myopia progression control treatment and further improve the myopia progression control effect. The treatment instructions output in the treatment instruction output process may include, for example, a display of a suitable cleaning solution, a link to the purchase process of that cleaning solution, guidance on lens replacement procedures, or, if necessary, instructions to visit an ophthalmologist.

[0045] The 15th aspect further includes, in a user application program described in any one of the 1st to 14th aspects, a treatment information acquisition process that causes the user to acquire information on myopia progression suppression treatment prescribed to them, and an ophthalmologist-oriented information transmission process that causes the user to transmit the measured values ​​acquired in the measurement value acquisition process and the myopia progression suppression treatment information acquired in the treatment information acquisition process to an ophthalmologist-oriented terminal device used by an ophthalmologist.

[0046] According to this embodiment, it is expected that continuous treatment can be efficiently provided even when the user moves and changes ophthalmologists. The ophthalmologist's terminal device includes, for example, a separate database or cloud computer if the system utilizes the cloud.

[0047] The sixteenth aspect is a user application program described in any one of the third to eighth, tenth, ninth, twelfth to fifteenth aspects which are dependent on the third aspect, wherein the predictive data display process and the measured value display process further include a display mode changing process which expands and shrinks the display mode by changing the range of the time axis displayed on the display unit.

[0048] For example, in cases where myopia progression control treatment is performed over a long period, the system can accommodate requests to zoom in on a specific time range for detailed viewing or zoom out to check the changes, including the ability to switch between short-term displays (such as a few months or six months) and long-term displays (such as several years), thereby improving convenience.

[0049] The 17th aspect further includes, in a user application program described in any one of the 1st to 16th aspects, a lifestyle information acquisition process for acquiring the user's lifestyle data, and a lifestyle information display process for displaying the lifestyle data acquired in the lifestyle information acquisition process together with time axis information on the display unit.

[0050] Since the degree and nature of myopia are influenced by lifestyle factors, accumulating and displaying data on these lifestyle factors would make it easier for users to reflect on their lifestyle during a specific time period, for example, if myopia progression is rapid or the treatment for inhibiting myopia progression is effective within that time period. By comparing this period with other time periods as needed, users can more easily strive towards a lifestyle that is likely to inhibit myopia progression, and this would provide them with a useful indicator. Specifically, lifestyle data could include information that is likely to influence changes in axial length, such as the type, presence, and duration of club activities, study time (cram school, home), type, presence, and duration of extracurricular activities, sleep duration and bedtime / wake-up times, contact lens data and wearing time, outdoor activity time, presence and duration of electronic device use, and presence and duration of nighttime treatment lenses.

[0051] The 18th aspect is a user application program as described in the 17th aspect, further comprising an outdoor activity alert process that, when the user's lifestyle data acquired in the lifestyle information acquisition process includes outdoor activity time and the outdoor activity time falls below a predetermined value, issues an outdoor activity alert prompting the user to engage in outdoor activities for a certain period of time or longer.

[0052] By acquiring data on the amount of time spent on outdoor activities, which significantly impacts myopia in infants and children, and issuing alerts to users to encourage them to engage in outdoor activities that are effective in suppressing myopia progression, it is possible to further improve the effectiveness of myopia prevention and myopia progression suppression.

[0053] The 19th aspect further includes, in a user application program described in any one of the 1st to 18th aspects, a member information acquisition process for obtaining the user's member registration information, and a member information display process for displaying the user's member registration information obtained in the member information acquisition process on the display unit.

[0054] By requiring a membership system, it becomes possible to appropriately select personally identifiable information such as address, name, age, and prescription information obtained through member registration information processing to enable the use of the application program. Furthermore, if payment of a membership fee is required as a requirement for membership registration, it is also possible to include a confirmation process to verify payment of the membership fee, and to further include an application usage permission process that enables the use of the application program's functions only after the fulfillment of membership requirements, including payment of the membership fee, has been confirmed in that confirmation process.

[0055] The 20th aspect is a user application program described in the second or any one of the third to 19 aspects subordinate to the second, wherein the multiple axial length measurements obtained by multiple executions of the measurement value acquisition process include those taken during myopia progression suppression treatment and those taken after the myopia progression suppression treatment has been discontinued, and the axial length measurements obtained during the myopia progression suppression treatment and those taken after the myopia progression suppression treatment has been discontinued, as displayed on the display unit by the measurement value display process, are distinguishable on the graph display.

[0056] According to this embodiment, since the axial length measurements obtained during myopia progression control treatment and the axial length measurements obtained when myopia progression control treatment is discontinued can be distinguished on the graph display on the display unit, the effectiveness of myopia progression control treatment can be easily grasped visually, for example. Furthermore, by adopting such an embodiment, for example, discontinuing treatment when the effect of myopia progression control treatment has been sufficiently confirmed (the elongation of the axial length has been sufficiently suppressed), or restarting myopia progression control treatment when the elongation of the axial length has become significant after a predetermined period has elapsed since discontinuing treatment, it can serve as one of the factors in determining whether or not myopia progression control treatment is necessary.

[0057] The 21st aspect is an information processing system comprising a user application program described in any one of the 1st to 20th aspects and an information processing device capable of communicating with the user terminal device used by the user, wherein the information processing device is an information processing system for myopia management services equipped with storage means for storing statistical data of axial length of the eye.

[0058] By including a user application program described in any one of the first to twenty aspects of the information processing system, it is possible to provide an information processing system for myopia management services that can achieve the same effects as when using the user application program described in any one of the first to twenty aspects.

[0059] The 22nd aspect further includes, in the information processing system described in the 21st aspect, a calculation means for determining prediction data described in the 3rd aspect based on the user's measured axial length, using the statistical data of the axial length of the eye stored in the storage means, and a transmission means for transmitting the prediction data determined by the calculation means to the user terminal device.

[0060] According to the information processing system of this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the prediction data described in the third embodiment and provide an information processing system for myopia management services that can achieve the same effects as when a user application program utilizing the prediction data is used.

[0061] A 23rd aspect of the present invention is a myopia management device used by a user who is a target of a myopia management service, the device having a display unit that displays the user's unique axial length measurement on a time axis, and the axial length measurement is displayed on the display unit.

[0062] The user-oriented myopia management device of this embodiment allows users to similarly enjoy the effects and benefits provided by the user application program of the first embodiment, and provides a user-oriented myopia management service that helps users understand the necessity of myopia prevention and progression control treatment, and promotes preventive medical responses to myopia and myopia progression control treatment targeting ophthalmologists.

[0063] A 24th aspect of the present invention is a user-use myopia management device described in the 23rd aspect, wherein predictive data of future changes in the axial length of the eye, obtained based on the measured value of the user's axial length, is displayed on the display unit together with the measured value.

[0064] According to the user-facing myopia management device of this embodiment, for example, it becomes possible to utilize the prediction data described in the third embodiment, and a user-facing myopia management device is provided that can enjoy the above-mentioned effects brought about by a user application program using said prediction data.

[0065] A 25th aspect of the present invention is a user terminal device used by a user who is a target of a myopia management service, which acquires and stores a measurement of the user's axial length of the eye, and displays the stored measurement of the axial length of the eye as a graph on a time axis on a display unit.

[0066] The user eye information processing method of this embodiment allows users to similarly enjoy the effects and benefits provided by the user application program of the first embodiment, and provides a user eye information processing method that enables a myopia management service that helps users understand the necessity of myopia prevention and progression control treatment, and promotes preventive medical responses to myopia and myopia progression control treatment targeting ophthalmologists.

[0067] A 26th aspect of the present invention is a user eye information processing method described in the 25th aspect, wherein predictive data of future changes in the user's axial length, determined based on the measured value of the axial length, is acquired and stored, and the stored measured value of the axial length and the predictive data of the axial length are displayed together in a graph on the display unit.

[0068] According to the user eye information processing method of this embodiment, for example, it becomes possible to use the prediction data described in the third embodiment, and a user eye information processing method is provided that can enjoy the above-mentioned effects brought about by a user application program using said prediction data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0069] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a user application program, a user myopia management device, a user eye information processing method, and an information processing system that can provide a myopia management service that can promote the prevention and progression control of myopia from a novel perspective not previously seen, by directly using the service to raise users' awareness of myopia and thereby evoking a preventive medical perspective focused on ophthalmology. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0070] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of an information processing system for myopia management services as the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]A flowchart illustrating a specific example of how to enable an application program when providing a myopia management service on a membership basis. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating a specific example of how a user application program can be used to acquire predictive data on the future changes in the user's axial length of the eye, and how this data can be displayed on the user's terminal device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a specific example of the data structure stored in the acquired measurement data in the memory unit of an information processing device. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the detailed operation of the information processing system for myopia management services during the predictive data acquisition process. [Figure 6] This figure shows a specific example of how the display unit of a user terminal device displays both the predicted data acquired through the predictive data acquisition process and the user's axial length of the eye acquired through the measurement data acquisition process. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating a specific example of how the information processing system for myopia management services operates when the user's lifestyle data acquired through the lifestyle information acquisition process includes time spent on outdoor activities. [Figure 8] This figure shows another specific example of a display unit on a user terminal device that shows both the predicted data acquired through the predictive data acquisition process and the user's axial length of the eye acquired through the measurement acquisition process. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating a specific example of how the information processing system for myopia management services operates when the measurement acquisition process is performed multiple times with time intervals between operations. [Figure 10] This figure shows yet another specific example of a display unit on a user terminal device that shows both the predicted data acquired through the predictive data acquisition process and the user's axial length of the eye acquired through the measurement data acquisition process. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating another specific example of the operation of an information processing system for myopia management services when the measurement acquisition process is performed multiple times with time intervals between operations. [Figure 12]This figure shows yet another specific example of a display unit on a user terminal device that shows both the predicted data acquired through the predictive data acquisition process and the user's axial length of the eye acquired through the measurement data acquisition process. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating yet another specific example of how an information processing system for myopia management services operates when using contact lenses for myopia progression control therapy. [Figure 14] This figure shows yet another specific example of the display unit of a user terminal device showing the user's axial length of the eye obtained through the measurement acquisition process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0071] The following describes embodiments of the user application program, information processing system for myopia management services, user myopia management device, and user eye information processing method of the present invention, which are capable of providing a myopia management service that can popularize myopia prevention and progression control treatment from a novel perspective not seen before, with reference to the drawings.

[0072] <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of an information processing system 10 for myopia management services that enables the provision of myopia management services based on a novel perspective. Here, the myopia management service may be operated by an organization aimed at promoting myopia prevention and myopia progression control treatment, and may be managed and operated by, for example, a contact lens manufacturer that provides ophthalmic devices for myopia progression control, or an ophthalmologist. The information processing system 10 for myopia management services comprises a user terminal device 12 and an information processing device 14. The user terminal device 12 and the information processing device 14 communicate via a network NW. The network NW includes some or all of the following: WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), Internet, provider equipment, wireless base station, dedicated line, etc. Although Figure 1 shows the user terminal device 12 and the information processing device 14 independently of each other, the user terminal device 12 may have some of the functions of the information processing device 14 described below, and vice versa. Furthermore, some of the functions of the user terminal device 12 and the information processing device 14 may be executed in cooperation with other external information processing devices that communicate via the network NW, or with external software linked via an API (Application Programming Interface). For example, the myopia management service information processing system 10 can also communicate with the ophthalmologist system 16 via the network NW.

[0073] The user terminal device 12 is a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a tablet device, used by users, including infants and children who are eligible for the myopia management service. The user terminal device 12 may be a desktop PC, a laptop PC, or a wearable device such as an HMD (Head Mount Display) or a smartwatch. Although only one user terminal device 12 is shown in Figure 1 for convenience, each user utilizing the myopia management service provided by the myopia management service information processing system 10 possesses a user terminal device 12, and multiple user terminal devices 12 can be connected to communicate with the information processing device 14 and the ophthalmologist system 16 via a network NW.

[0074] The user terminal device 12 includes a communication unit 18, a display unit 20, an operation unit 22, an imaging unit 24, an audio processing unit 26, a control unit 28, and a storage unit 30.

[0075] The communication unit 18 is a wireless communication module that performs wireless communication with a wireless base station connected to the network NW. The display unit 20 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 22 is a device that receives operation instructions from the user and may consist of, for example, a touch panel, touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc. Note that the display unit 20 and the operation unit 22 may be configured as a touch panel display.

[0076] The imaging unit 24 captures an image of the subject using visible light and acquires it as image data; it may be composed of a camera or the like. The audio processing unit 26 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal, converting the audio signal provided from the microphone 26a into a digital signal and providing the converted signal to the control unit. The audio processing unit 26 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 26b, and the speaker 26b converts the audio signal into sound and outputs it to the outside of the user terminal device 12.

[0077] The control unit 28 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a user application program 30a stored in the memory unit 30. The control unit 28 may also be implemented by hardware such as an LSI, ASIC, and FPGA that have the same function as the processor executing the program, or it may be implemented by the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0078] The storage unit 30 is implemented by, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, or a hybrid storage device that combines several of these. The storage unit 30 stores a user application program 30a and member information 30b. Details of the user application program 30a and member information 30b will be described later.

[0079] Next, the information processing device 14 will be described. The information processing device 14 is a computer that provides the user terminal device 12 with prediction data for the future axial length of the eye. The information processing device 14 comprises a communication unit 32, an axial length prediction unit 34, and a storage unit 36. In Figure 1, for convenience, the information processing device 14 is shown as a single device, but it does not need to be a single physical device. Each function may be constructed using appropriate servers or external applications on the cloud that are connected via a network NW.

[0080] The communication unit 32 is a communication interface for connecting to a network NW. The communication unit 32 may be configured, for example, by a network interface card.

[0081] The axial length prediction unit 34 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program stored in the memory unit 36 ​​(such as the axial length prediction data calculation program 52 described later). The program may be stored in advance in a storage device such as an HDD or flash memory (a storage device equipped with a non-transient storage medium), or it may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM (a non-transient storage medium) and installed in the storage device when the storage medium is mounted on a drive device.

[0082] The storage unit 36 ​​can be an HDD, flash memory, RAM, etc. The storage unit 36 ​​may also be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device accessible by the information processing device 14 via a network NW. The storage unit 36 ​​stores information such as a software application module 38, acquired measurement information 40, a trained model 42, myopia progression suppression treatment information 44, and user lifestyle information 46. The software application module 38 may include an axial length prediction data calculation program 52 (described later), a user application program 30a downloadable to the user terminal device 12 via a communication line, and an API (Application Programming Interface). Therefore, the axial length prediction unit 34 may calculate axial length prediction data in cooperation with external software linked via an API (Application Programming Interface). Furthermore, the storage unit 36 ​​can be an example of a storage means for storing, for example, statistical data of axial length in the information processing device 14. Furthermore, the information processing device 14 may include a calculation means that uses the statistical data of axial length stored in the storage means to determine predictive data based on the user's axial length. The predictive data determined by this calculation means can be transmitted to the user terminal device 12, for example, via a transmission means that includes the aforementioned communication unit 32 and network NW. Details of these programs and information stored in the storage unit 36 ​​will be described later.

[0083] Next, the ophthalmologist system 16 will be described. The ophthalmologist system 16 is a system built within an ophthalmologist's office and, for example, includes an information processing device 48 and an ophthalmologist's terminal device 50, which are connected to each other via an internal ophthalmology network to enable data communication. The ophthalmologist system 16 is accessible via the network NW. Although only one ophthalmologist system 16 is shown in Figure 1 for convenience, two or more ophthalmologist systems 16 may be linked via the network NW.

[0084] The storage unit (not shown) of the information processing device 48 stores, for example, user information, information related to the user's myopia progression suppression treatment, and information related to the user's axial length and refractive power over time. The ophthalmologist's terminal device 50, like the user's terminal device 12, is composed of a communication unit (not shown), a display unit, an operation unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, and can be composed of a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a smartphone or other mobile phone, or a tablet terminal.

[0085] <Retrieving Member Registration Information> Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how an application program can be made available on the condition that member registration information is obtained, when a myopia management service is provided on a membership basis. First, in S11, a user who wishes to use the myopia management service (a person of child age or younger, or their guardian) operates the user terminal device 12 to access the application download site of the information processing device 14 via the network NW. In S12, the user operates the user terminal device 12 to input and transmit the requested member information 30b about the user, and the member information acquisition process is executed in the information processing device 14. The member information 30b may include the user ID and the user's name, address, gender, date of birth, ophthalmologist information, insurance card number, social ID number, etc. Next, in S13, the member information entered is transmitted from the information processing device 14 to the user terminal device 12 along with a confirmation request notification. In the following S14, the registered member information is displayed on the display unit 20 in the user terminal device 12, and the member information display process is executed. In the following S15, when the user terminal device 12 sends a confirmation notification (including correction information if any corrections have been made), in the subsequent S16, the information processing device 14 sends an approval notification, and in S17, the user application program 30a becomes available for download to the user terminal device 12 and is stored in the storage unit 30 along with the displayed member information 30b. If payment of a membership fee is required as a condition for member registration, the application usage permission process requiring payment of the membership fee may be further included during initial member registration or subsequent logins. The user application program 30a may also be distributed to the user terminal device 12, for example, through a general digital content distribution service, and the user application program 30a may become available after the user enters the member information 30b after downloading the user application program 30a.

[0086] <Acquisition and display of predicted axial length data> Figure 3 is a specific example of a flowchart showing an example of an operation in which predictive data on the future changes in the user's axial length is obtained using a user application program 30a and displayed on the display unit 20 of the user terminal device 12. First, in S21, the user terminal device 12 is operated to perform a measurement value acquisition process to obtain the user's axial length measurement. The acquisition of the axial length measurement can be done, for example, by inputting the axial length measurement taken by the user at an ophthalmologist, or by acquiring the measurement value stored in the information processing device 48 of the ophthalmologist system 16 connected via a network NW. Alternatively, the user's axial length measurement may be obtained from an axial length measuring device (not shown) connected to the network NW. In addition, in S21, a refractive power acquisition process may be performed simultaneously to acquire the user's refractive power value in addition to the user's axial length measurement. This is because the user's refractive power value (including uncorrected visual acuity and diopter value of corrective lenses, etc.) is often acquired at the same time as the user's axial length measurement. The user's refractive power can also be obtained using the various methods exemplified, similar to the measurement of axial length.

[0087] Preferably, in the following S22, a lifestyle information acquisition process (S22) is performed, in which the user operates the user terminal device 12 and inputs the user's lifestyle data. Specifically, the lifestyle data may include information that is expected to have an effect on changes in axial length, such as the type, presence, and duration of club activities, study time (cram school, home), type, presence, and duration of extracurricular activities, sleep time and bedtime and wake-up time, contact lens data and wearing time, outdoor activity time, presence and duration of use of electronic devices, and presence and duration of wear of nighttime therapeutic lenses. The usage time of electronic devices may also include, for example, the usage time of the user terminal device 12. When the usage status and usage time of the user terminal device 12 are recorded in the user terminal device 12, the usage time of electronic devices as lifestyle data is not limited to the method of input by the user, but may also include the method of being automatically acquired from the user terminal device 12.

[0088] If the user is receiving myopia progression control treatment, the treatment information acquisition process is executed in S23. Treatment information may be acquired by the user operating the user terminal device 12 and inputting the user's treatment information data, or by acquiring treatment information stored in the information processing device 48 of the ophthalmologist system 16 connected via the network NW. The treatment information may include information on treatment methods such as low-concentration atropine eye drops, orthokeratology, and red light therapy, as well as information on prescribed medications.

[0089] The user's axial length measurements and refractive power values ​​obtained in S21, the lifestyle information obtained in S22, and the treatment information obtained in S23 are transmitted to the information processing device 14 in S24 and stored in the acquired measurement information 40 of the storage unit 36 ​​along with the user ID and acquisition date. This allows for the accumulation of measurement values ​​when the measurement value acquisition process (S21) is performed multiple times at time intervals, such as every 3 to 6 months. Furthermore, the user's lifestyle information and treatment information obtained in S22 to S23 are also stored in the acquired measurement information 40 of the storage unit 36 ​​along with the user ID and acquisition date. As a result, it is possible to confirm the changes in the user's axial length and refractive power values ​​over time, which can contribute to confirming the effectiveness of myopia prevention medicine and myopia progression suppression treatment, and to improving the accuracy of predicting future myopia status. In addition, based on the acquired lifestyle information, it is possible to review lifestyle conditions such as the amount of time spent on outdoor activities that may affect changes in axial length, which can serve as an opportunity to make efforts toward improving lifestyle conditions that can be expected to suppress myopia progression, and to increase motivation. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure stored in the acquired measurement value information 40 of the storage unit 36.

[0090] In the following S25, the axial length prediction unit 34 of the information processing device 14 acquires predicted axial length data according to the axial length prediction data calculation program 52, which is a program stored in the software application module 38 of the storage unit 36, and the prediction data acquisition process (S25) is executed. Figure 5 shows the details of the operation of the information processing system 10 for myopia management services in the prediction data acquisition process (S25). In S25-1, the axial length prediction unit 34 acquires the user's acquired axial length and refractive power values ​​acquired within a predetermined period from the acquired measurement value information 40, along with data such as age, gender, lifestyle, and treatment information for myopia progression suppression treatment at the time of acquisition. In the following S25-2, based on the data acquired in S25-1, the unit receives prediction data from the learned model 42 of the storage unit 36, including, for example, the future pattern of changes in axial length (elongation, etc.). The trained model 42 is trained to output predictive data showing how the axial length of the eye will change over time, for example, over the next 1 to several years, based on input data such as the user's axial length, refractive power, age and gender at the time of acquisition, lifestyle, and treatment information for myopia progression control treatment, which are acquired in S25-1.

[0091] The trained model 42 is generated by having a model training program perform machine learning, and is, for example, a parameterized composite function composed of multiple functions. The parameterized composite function is defined by a combination of multiple tunable functions and parameters, and any parameterized composite function may be used as long as it can derive prediction data of the changes in axial length corresponding to the above input information. As the multilayer network used to generate the trained model 42, for example, a deep neural network (DNN), which is a multilayer neural network targeted by deep learning, can be used. As a DNN, for example, a convolutional neural network (CNN) that targets images may be used.

[0092] Furthermore, the reception of prediction data in S25-2 is not limited to that using the example trained model 42. For example, "prediction data" may be calculated values ​​derived from a formula that uses the acquired information as parameters, or published values ​​from research papers etc. derived from the acquired measurements. Moreover, it may be statistical values ​​related to the elongation of the axial length, or selection or calculation using statistical data. Specifically, prediction data may be acquired using existing pediatric axial length analysis software such as "Axial Manager (registered trademark)" manufactured by Tomei Corporation, which can predict the future progression of myopia by analyzing the elongation of the axial length.

[0093] In the following S25-3, the axial length prediction unit 34 stores the predicted data of future changes in axial length received in S25-2, along with the user ID, in the acquired prediction data information 53 of the storage unit 36 ​​and transmits it to the user terminal device 12. This completes the prediction data acquisition process (S25). Returning to Figure 3, in the following S26, the prediction data display process (S26) is executed on the display unit 20 of the user terminal device 12, which displays the prediction data acquired in the prediction data acquisition process (S25) as a graph on the time axis. Figure 6 shows an example of prediction data displayed as a graph on the time axis. The horizontal axis is the age axis, showing data from 6 to 15 years old. The vertical axis shows the axial length. On the graph, the axial length percentile curve 54 for elementary and junior high school boys is shown as a colored region. The pattern of coloring is not limited, but for example, in Figure 6, the coloring becomes darker as you go higher up the graph, indicating that the degree of myopia increases. The axial length percentile curve 54 includes curves representing percentile values ​​2, 5, 10, 25, 75, 90, 95, and 98. At least the curves for the 10th, 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles, and the bands between them, can be understood as predictive data for the pattern of axial length change in emmetropic eyes. This allows users who started management with emmetropic eyes to objectively recognize whether their axial length change pattern has deviated from that of emmetropic eyes over time, thereby promoting preventive medicine for myopia in an easily understandable way.

[0094] In the following S27, the display unit 20 of the user terminal device 12 executes a measurement value display process (S27) which displays the measurement values ​​obtained in the measurement value acquisition process (S21) on top of the graph display shown in the prediction data display process (S26). In the example shown in Figure 6, the measurement values ​​when the axial length of a 7-year-old boy, who is the user, is measured for the first time are displayed in a graph together with the prediction data. The black circles on the graph plot the measurement values ​​of the axial length of the right eye, and the black squares plot the measurement values ​​of the axial length of the left eye. Near the black circles and black squares, the refractive power values ​​(0D) of the right eye and the left eye are displayed in callouts. The curve shown by the dashed line extending to the right from the black circle is the right eye prediction curve 56, which shows the future pattern of change in the axial length of the right eye. The curve shown by the double dashed line extending to the right from the black square is the left eye prediction curve 58, which shows the future pattern of change in the axial length of the left eye. At the measurement point of 7 years and 6 months, the axial length of both eyes was around the 50th percentile, and the refractive power value (0D) shown nearby easily confirmed that the eyes were emmetropic. However, both the right eye prediction curve 56 and the left eye prediction curve 58 were around the 75th percentile at age 13, and the predicted refractive power value was (-2.5D). This is due to the fact that the user's outdoor activity time was below a predetermined value (e.g., 1 hour / day), as shown in the user's lifestyle data acquired in S25-1, and the outdoor activity alert 60 is flashing on the graph in Figure 6. In other words, the prediction data display process (S26) shown in Figure 3 may include the step shown in Figure 7. Since the patent drawings are in black and white, in Figure 6 the measured values ​​of the axial length of the right and left eyes are shown as black circles and black squares, and the right eye prediction curve 56 and the left eye prediction curve 58 are shown as dashed lines and double dashed lines. However, in the actual display unit 20 of the user terminal device 12, multiple colors may be used. For example, the measured value of the axial length of the right eye may be shown as a red circle, and the measured value of the axial length of the left eye as a blue circle. The right eye prediction curve 56 and the left eye prediction curve 58 may also be shown as solid red and blue lines.

[0095] As shown in Figure 7, if the user's lifestyle data acquired in the lifestyle information acquisition process (S22) includes outdoor activity time, in S26-1, a lifestyle information display process is executed to display the outdoor activity time on the time axis information (graph in Figure 6) displayed on the display unit 20. Next, in S26-2, it is checked whether the outdoor activity time is less than a predetermined value (e.g., 1 hour / day). If the answer in S26-2 is YES, in S26-3, an outdoor activity alert process is executed to display an outdoor activity alert 60 on the graph in Figure 6 that prompts the user to engage in outdoor activities for a certain period of time or longer (for example, by making the display frame for the outdoor activity time displayed on the graph in Figure 6 blink, or by displaying a message prompting outdoor activities).

[0096] As shown in the example in Figure 6, even if an eye is emmetropic at the time of axial length measurement, there may be a risk of myopia progression being accelerated due to lifestyle habits acquired during the lifestyle information acquisition process (S22). In such cases, if the user's axial length is elongating and gradually moving away from emmetropia, an alert can be displayed indicating lifestyle habits that should be improved. Users can easily check the difference between the changes in emmetropic eyes displayed on the graph in Figure 6 and the changes in the predicted data, and this can motivate them to improve their lifestyle, such as increasing outdoor activity time, to avoid deviating from the changes in axial length of emmetropic eyes, thereby encouraging proactive actions by users to realize myopia prevention medicine.

[0097] Figure 8 shows another example of predictive data displayed graphically on a time axis. The horizontal axis represents age, from 6 to 15 years old. The vertical axis represents axial length. On the graph, the axial length percentile curve 62 for elementary and junior high school girls is shown as a colored area. The axial length percentile curve 62 includes curves representing percentile values ​​of 2, 5, 10, 25, 75, 90, 95, and 98. At least the curves at the 10th, 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles, and the bands between them, can be understood as predictive data on the pattern of change in axial length in emmetropic eyes, and, similar to the graphical display in Figure 6, can be used to disseminate preventive medicine for myopia in an easily understandable way.

[0098] In the example shown in Figure 8, the measurement acquisition process (S21) is performed three times with time intervals including when the user, a 9-year-old girl, was 7 and 8 years old. The three past axial length measurements are displayed on the graph along with the predicted data. At ages 7 and 8, both the left and right axial lengths are around the 50th percentile, and it can be easily confirmed that the eyes are emmetropic from the refractive power value (0D) shown nearby. However, at age 9, both the left and right axial lengths are between the 75th and 90th percentiles, which is a significant deviation from the right eye prediction curve 64 and left eye prediction curve 66 at age 8, shown by the dashed-dotted and dashed-dotted lines, respectively. In the example shown in Figure 8, the predicted data display process (S26) shown in Figure 3 may include the step shown in Figure 9.

[0099] As shown in Figure 9, if the measurement value acquisition process (S21) is executed multiple times with time intervals, in S26-4, a measurement value deviation acquisition process is executed to determine the deviation between the predicted axial length at age 9 obtained by the previous prediction data acquisition process (right eye prediction curve 64 / left eye prediction curve 66) and the measured axial length obtained by the current measurement value acquisition process (S21) (at age 9). Subsequently, in S26-5, it is checked whether the magnitude of the deviation obtained in the measurement value deviation acquisition process (S26-4) exceeds a predetermined tolerance range. The "magnitude of the deviation" may be the increase in the measured axial length at age 9 from the predicted axial length at age 9, or it may be the rate of change from the predicted data. For example, in the example in Figure 8, the measured axial length at age 9 has increased by more than 0.6 mm from the predicted axial length at age 9, so the judgment in S26-5 is YES. If the answer in S26-5 is YES (if the deviation exceeds a pre-set tolerance range), an alert process is executed in S26-6 to issue an alert. The alert process may, for example, display a myopia progression control treatment confirmation alert 68 on the graph in Figure 8, for example, by flashing an ophthalmologist to confirm whether myopia progression control treatment is necessary, the method and extent of treatment, etc. Preferably, the myopia progression control treatment confirmation alert 68 may further include an "ophthalmologist referral process that introduces a nearby ophthalmologist who provides myopia progression control treatment" and an "ophthalmologist reservation process that arranges a reservation with the ophthalmologist." In order to visit an ophthalmologist who provides myopia progression control treatment after receiving the myopia progression control treatment confirmation alert 68, the storage unit 30 of the information processing device 14 may further store an ophthalmologist database 70 that stores information such as location, business hours, areas of expertise, and past history for multiple ophthalmologists. Furthermore, the myopia progression control treatment confirmation alert 68 is not limited to being displayed flashing on the graph in Figure 8, but may also be sent to a registered email address stored in the user's member information 30b.

[0100] Furthermore, the graph in Figure 8 shows the measurement values ​​obtained in the measurement acquisition process (S21) at age 9, as displayed in the measurement value display process (S27). The black circles on the graph plot the measurement values ​​of the axial length of the right eye, and the black squares plot the measurement values ​​of the axial length of the left eye. Near the black circles and black squares, the refractive power values ​​(-2D) of the right and left eyes are displayed in callouts. The curve shown by the dashed line extending to the right from the black circle at age 9 is the right eye prediction curve 72, which shows the future pattern of change in the axial length of the right eye. The curve shown by the double dashed line extending to the right from the black square at age 9 is the left eye prediction curve 74, which shows the future pattern of change in the axial length of the left eye. At the intersection of the right eye prediction curve 72 and the left eye prediction curve 74 with the vertical axis at age 10, the predicted refractive power value (-2.5D) is shown. Following the alert processing (S26-6) shown in Figure 9, future visual image acquisition processing (S26-7) is performed to acquire a visual image of future vision based on predicted data of future changes in axial length. In the subsequent S26-8, future visual image display processing is performed to display the visual image of future vision acquired in S26-6 on the display unit 20 of the user terminal device 12. As a result, clicking on the intersection of the right eye prediction curve 72 and the left eye prediction curve 74 with the vertical axis at age 10 will display the visual image of future vision on the graph. This means that even if an alert is issued in alert processing (S26-6), it is often difficult for infants and children to understand what it means for their eyesight to worsen. However, by confirming the actual visual image of vision, users can be encouraged to voluntarily participate in myopia progression control treatment. Note that the acquisition of the visual image of vision may utilize a site such as "Eye Sim," which allows users to experience what it is like to see with myopia. Alternatively, the data may be obtained through calculations by collaborating with external software via an API (Application Programming Interface).

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in the example in Figure 8, if the user performs the measurement acquisition process (S21) multiple times with time intervals, the flowchart in Figure 9 (S26-9) may include a means for acquiring the rate of change over time to determine the rate of change of multiple axial length measurements (at ages 7, 8, and 9). By acquiring the "rate of change" of each axial length measurement, the change in axial length can be evaluated over time, allowing for a more accurate understanding of the tendency towards myopia and enabling a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness of myopia progression control treatment. Additionally, the rate of change of multiple prediction data (at ages 7, 8, and 9) may also be acquired. This allows for a more accurate understanding of the tendency towards myopia and the degree of effectiveness of myopia progression control treatment by comparing the rate of change between the prediction data and the measured values.

[0102] Next, in the example shown in Figure 10, the measurement acquisition process (S21) is performed three times with time intervals including when the user, a 9-year-old boy, was 7 and 8 years old. The three past axial length measurements are displayed on the graph along with the predicted data. At ages 7 and 8, both the left and right axial lengths are around the 50th percentile, and it can be easily confirmed that the eyes are emmetropic from the refractive power value (0D) shown nearby. At age 9, both the left and right axial lengths are also around the 50th percentile, and the magnitude of the deviation from the right eye prediction curve 76 and left eye prediction curve 78 at age 8, shown by the dashed-dotted and dashed-dotted lines respectively, is within the acceptable deviation range (e.g., within 0.1 mm). In the example shown in Figure 10, the predicted data display process (S26) shown in Figure 3 may include the step shown in Figure 11.

[0103] As shown in Figure 11, if the measurement value acquisition process (S21) is executed multiple times with time intervals, in S26-10, a measurement value deviation acquisition process is executed to determine the deviation between the predicted axial length at age 9 obtained from the predicted data (right eye prediction curve 76 / left eye prediction curve 78) acquired by the previous prediction data acquisition process (at age 8) and the measured axial length obtained by the current measurement value acquisition process (S21) (at age 9). Subsequently, in S26-11, it is checked whether the magnitude of the deviation obtained in the measurement value deviation acquisition process (S26-10) falls within a predetermined tolerance range (for example, within 0.1 mm). In the example in Figure 10, the measured axial length at age 9 is within 0.1 mm from the predicted axial length at age 9, so the judgment in S26-11 is YES. If the result in S26-11 is YES, an additional service process that provides additional services is executed in S26-12. The additional service processing (S26-12) may include, for example, displaying characters or animations on the graph in Figure 10, or awarding points (see character display 80 in Figure 10). This can increase the motivation of users (infants to children) for myopia prevention and myopia progression control treatment.

[0104] Next, in the example shown in Figure 12, for example, the girl exemplified in Figure 8 above was diagnosed with progressive myopia at the age of 9, received myopia progression control treatment, and her axial length was measured (measurement acquisition process (S21)) at the age of 10. The axial lengths of the right and left eyes at each measurement point from age 7 to 10 are shown. In this example, the myopia progression control treatment is assumed to be orthokeratology. As shown in Figure 12, it can be seen that, as a result of continuing myopia progression control treatment (orthokeratology), the axial length of both the right and left eyes has not changed significantly compared to the time at age 9. In other words, as shown in Figure 8, if myopia progression control treatment was not performed, the right eye prediction curve 72 and left eye prediction curve 74 at age 9 predicted that myopia would progress to a refractive power of approximately -2.5D at age 10. However, by receiving myopia progression control treatment (orthokeratology), the elongation of the axial length of the eye was suppressed (myopia progression was suppressed), resulting in a refractive power of approximately the same level as at age 9 (-2D). Thus, the right eye prediction curve 82 and left eye prediction curve 84 at age 10, unlike at age 9, show that myopia is suppressed to some extent by continuing myopia progression control treatment (orthokeratology), and these prediction data reflect the effect of myopia progression control treatment.

[0105] In this type of orthokeratology, contact lenses for myopia progression control treatment are used for treatment. In the example shown in Figure 12, the measurement value acquisition process (S21) shown in Figure 3 may include the steps shown in Figure 13. Specifically, it may further include an imaging data acquisition process (S21-4) for acquiring lens imaging data for the contact lenses for myopia progression control treatment, a lens condition determination process (S21-5) for determining the condition of the contact lenses for myopia progression control treatment from the lens imaging data acquired in the imaging data acquisition process, and a determination result output process (S21-6) for outputting the determination result of the lens condition acquired in the lens condition determination process (S21-5). Subsequently, in S21-7, it may further include a treatment instruction output process (S21-8) for checking whether the determination result output in the determination result output process (S21-6) is defective, and if it is defective (S21-7=Yes), for instructing the user on the necessary treatment.

[0106] Specifically, the contact lenses for myopia progression control treatment are photographed while the user is wearing them. These lens photographs may be taken daily or at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the above imaging data acquisition process (S21-4) may be performed separately from the measurement value acquisition process (S21), i.e., when the user is not wearing the contact lenses for myopia progression control treatment. The lens imaging data obtained in this way is analyzed using known image processing software to determine the degree of contamination by proteins, etc., accumulated on the lens. If the degree of contamination on the lens exceeds a predetermined amount, i.e., if the judgment result output in the judgment result output process (S21-6) is poor, a lens cleaning alert 86 prompting the user to clean the contact lenses will be displayed on the display unit 20 of the user terminal device 12, for example, as shown in Figure 12. This allows the user to understand the contamination of the contact lenses for myopia progression control treatment and to use them in a clean state by cleaning them. Note that the specific form of the lens cleaning alert 86 is not limited, and it may display a message prompting lens cleaning as shown in Figure 12, or a specific part of the display unit 20 may flash, or specific music may play. Alternatively, the results of the lens condition assessment and the lens cleaning alert 86 may be notified not only to the user (the patient) but also to the user's guardian, etc., for example, through an application such as email.

[0107] However, the action instructed to the user in the above processing instruction output process (S21-8) may be not only lens cleaning but also lens replacement, etc. That is, if the amount of dirt does not fall below a predetermined level even after cleaning the contact lenses and taking and analyzing them again, or if the expiration date of the contact lenses has passed, an instruction to replace the contact lenses may be output instead of cleaning them. Therefore, in addition to the lens cleaning alert 86, a lens replacement alert prompting the user to replace the lenses may be provided on the display unit 20 of the user terminal device 12.

[0108] According to the myopia management service information processing system 10 of this embodiment, by having the user application program 30a executed on the user terminal device 12, the system provides an application program 30a for use by users who are targets for myopia prevention and progression suppression, thereby directly engaging with the users themselves and increasing their motivation for myopia prevention and progression suppression treatment. As a result, a new technological effect has been achieved in realizing the myopia management service information processing system 10 that can provide a myopia management service that enables preventive medical treatment and early myopia progression suppression treatment, which were not previously available for ophthalmologists. In particular, by acquiring axial length measurements, which are important for evaluating the effectiveness of myopia prevention and myopia progression suppression treatment, and displaying predicted data of future changes in axial length as a graph superimposed on percentile curves of axial length for elementary and junior high school students on a time axis, it was possible to make users understand the necessity of myopia prevention and progression suppression treatment using axial length, which was not previously very familiar to users. This made it possible to realize a user-oriented application program 30a and an information processing system 10 for myopia management services that include it, which can provide myopia management services that can promote preventive medical measures for myopia and treatments to suppress the progression of myopia, targeting ophthalmology.

[0109] Furthermore, the user terminal device 12, which implements the user application program 30a, can be considered as a myopia management device used by users who are eligible for the myopia management service, and can be considered as having a display unit 20 that displays the user's unique axial length measurement on a time axis, and a function that displays multiple axial length measurements taken for the user at time intervals on the display unit 20. Such a user myopia management device may also display predicted data on the future changes in axial length, which is determined based on the user's axial length measurement, together with the measurement on the display unit 20.

[0110] In addition, the myopia management service information processing system 10 of this embodiment can advantageously perform a user eye information processing method in which the user terminal device 12 acquires and stores the user's axial length measurement value, and displays the stored axial length measurement value as a graph on the time axis on the display unit 20 of the user terminal device 12. In such a user eye information processing method, prediction data of the future change pattern of the user's axial length, which is determined based on the axial length measurement value, may be acquired and stored, and the stored axial length measurement value and the prediction data of axial length may be displayed together as a graph on the display unit 20.

[0111] <Variation> Although this embodiment has been described in detail as a specific example of the present invention, the present invention is not limited by this specific description. Modifications, improvements, etc., to the extent that they can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in this disclosure. For example, the following modifications of the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0112] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which, if the user has been prescribed myopia progression suppression treatment, a treatment information acquisition process (S23) is performed to allow the user to obtain information about the myopia progression suppression treatment prescribed to them. In this case, the process may be further modified to include an ophthalmologist-oriented information transmission process that transmits the measured values ​​obtained in the measured value acquisition process (S21) and the myopia progression suppression treatment information obtained in the treatment information acquisition process (S23) to an ophthalmologist-oriented terminal device 50 used by the ophthalmologist. This makes it possible to efficiently continue treatment even when the user moves and changes their primary ophthalmologist.

[0113] (2) In the graph displays illustrated in Figures 6, 8, 10, and 12 of the above embodiment, the time axis range was in the range of 6 to 15 years of age, but it is not limited to this. For example, in the user application program 30a, in the predictive data display processing (S25) and the measured value display processing (S27), a display mode change processing may be executed to change the range of the time axis displayed on the display unit 20, thereby enlarging and shrinking the display mode. This makes it possible to efficiently visualize information on the necessary changes, such as when myopia progression suppression treatment is carried out over a long period of time, by switching between short periods such as several months or six months and long periods such as several years, thereby improving convenience.

[0114] (3) Users who utilize the user application program, myopia management service information processing system, user myopia management device, and user eye information processing method according to the present invention may not only be patients themselves who are suppressing the progression of myopia or receiving treatment for myopia, but may also be the guardians of the patients.

[0115] (4) In the above embodiment, the prediction data of the change in axial length of the eye (for example, the right eye prediction curve 56 and the left eye prediction curve 58) was shown as a curve, but for example, a straight line approximating this curve may also be used.

[0116] (5) As shown in Figure 14, if the axial length is measured multiple times at time intervals by the measurement acquisition process, the axial length measurements may include those taken during myopia progression control treatment and those taken during the discontinuation of myopia progression control treatment. In the example in Figure 14, the axial length measured during myopia progression control treatment (e.g., orthokeratology) is shown on the graph as black circles and black squares, while the axial length measured during the discontinuation of myopia progression control treatment is shown on the graph as white circles and white squares. This makes it possible to distinguish between the axial length measurements obtained during myopia progression control treatment and those obtained during the discontinuation of myopia progression control treatment on the graph display in the display unit 20. In the example in Figure 14, it is shown that the elongation of the axial length is suppressed to some extent during myopia progression control treatment, while the axial length elongates significantly during the discontinuation of myopia progression control treatment, indicating that myopia progression control treatment is effective in suppressing the progression of myopia. Furthermore, if, after a predetermined period has elapsed since discontinuing myopia progression control treatment, the axial length is measured and it is confirmed that the axial length has increased, i.e., myopia has progressed, the myopia progression control treatment may be resumed. Alternatively, if no significant increase in axial length is confirmed even after a predetermined period has elapsed since discontinuing myopia progression control treatment, the discontinuation of treatment may be maintained, or if, after resuming treatment, it is confirmed that the increase in axial length has been suppressed to some extent, the treatment may be discontinued again.

[0117] In the example shown in Figure 14, the axial length of the eye measured during orthokeratology treatment is indicated by black circles and black squares. However, the shape and color of the points may be varied depending on the treatment method (e.g., eye drops, orthokeratology, red light therapy, glasses, etc.). This allows for easy understanding of what treatments have been performed, what treatments are being continued, and how effective each treatment has been, simply by looking at the graph. Furthermore, tapping on the points in the graph may display detailed information. For example, not only the type of treatment mentioned above, but also the refractive power (D) value at each point may be displayed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 10. Information processing system for myopia management services 12. User terminal device (myopia management device) 14 Information Processing Devices 16. Ophthalmologist System 18 Communications Department 20 Display section (liquid crystal display device) 22. Control panel (touch panel) 24 Imaging Department 26. Audio Processing Unit 26a Microphone 26b Speaker 28 Control Unit 30 Storage section 30a User application program 30b Member Information 32 Communications Department 34. Axial length prediction section 36 Memory section 38. Software application modules (including axial length prediction data calculation program 52, API, and user application program 30a) 40. Acquired measurement information 42 Pre-trained models 44 Myopia progression prevention treatment information 46. ​​User Lifestyle Information 48 Information Processing Devices 50 Terminal devices for ophthalmologists 52. Program for Predicting Ocular Axial Length Data Calculation 53 Acquired Predictive Data Information 54 Percentile curve of axial length 56 Right eye prediction curve 58. Left eye prediction curve 60 Outdoor Activity Alert 62 Percentile curve of axial length 64 Right eye prediction curve 66. Left eye prediction curve 68 Myopia progression control treatment confirmation alert 70 Ophthalmologist Database 72 Right eye prediction curve 74. Left eye prediction curve 76 Right eye prediction curve 78. Left eye prediction curve 80 Character Display 82 Right eye prediction curve 84. Left eye prediction curve 86 Lens Cleaning Alert NW Network

Claims

1. In a user terminal device equipped with a display unit, used by users who are eligible for myopia management services, A measurement value acquisition process that obtains the measurement value of the user's axial length of the eye, A measurement value display process that displays the measurement values ​​obtained in the measurement value acquisition process as a graph on the time axis in the display unit, A user application program that executes [the command / action].

2. The aforementioned measurement value acquisition process is executed multiple times at time intervals, The measurement value display process displays multiple axial length measurements obtained through multiple executions of the measurement value acquisition process on the graph display in the display unit. The user application program according to claim 1.

3. A prediction data acquisition process that acquires prediction data of the future pattern of change in axial length of the eye, which is determined based on the measurement values ​​acquired in the measurement value acquisition process, A prediction data display process that displays the prediction data obtained in the prediction data acquisition process, together with the measured values ​​obtained in the measured value acquisition process, on a time axis in the display unit, A user application program according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The predicted data obtained by the aforementioned prediction data acquisition process includes predicted data on the pattern of change in axial length in an emmetropic eye. The user application program according to claim 3.

5. The prediction data obtained by the prediction data acquisition process includes prediction data that reflects the effect of myopia progression suppression treatment. The user application program according to claim 3.

6. A measurement deviation acquisition process that determines the difference between the predicted data acquired by the prediction data acquisition process and the measured value acquired by the measurement value acquisition process, An alert process that issues an alert if the magnitude of the deviation obtained by the measurement deviation acquisition process exceeds a preset tolerance range, The user application program according to claim 3, further comprising:

7. The alert in the aforementioned alert processing includes a confirmation alert for myopia progression control treatment. The user application program according to claim 6.

8. A measurement deviation acquisition process that determines the difference between the predicted data acquired by the prediction data acquisition process and the measured value acquired by the measurement value acquisition process, An additional service process for providing an additional service when the magnitude of the deviation obtained by the measurement value deviation acquisition process falls within a preset deviation tolerance range, and The user application program according to claim 3, further comprising.

9. The refractive power value acquisition process for acquiring the refractive power value of the user, The user application program according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising.

10. Based on the prediction data of the future change pattern of the user's axial length obtained by the prediction data acquisition process, a future visual image acquisition process for acquiring a future visual image of how things will look in the future, and A future visual image display process for displaying the future visual image of how things will look in the future obtained by the future visual image acquisition process on the display unit, and The user application program according to claim 3, further comprising.

11. In the prediction data display process, the prediction data is displayed as a strip-shaped area extending on the time axis on the display unit The user application program according to claim 3.

12. While executing the measurement value acquisition process a plurality of times at time intervals, For the plurality of measurement values of the axial length obtained by the plurality of executions of the measurement value acquisition process, a change rate acquisition process for obtaining a change rate on the time axis, The user application program according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising.

13. An imaging data acquisition process for acquiring lens imaging data for a contact lens provided for the user for myopia progression suppression treatment, and A lens state determination process for determining the state of the contact lens from the lens imaging data obtained by the imaging data acquisition process, and A determination result output process for outputting the determination result of the lens state obtained by the lens state determination process, and The user application program according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising.

14. The user application program according to claim 13, further comprising a treatment instruction output process for instructing the user to take necessary measures when the determination result output in the determination result output process is defective.

15. A treatment information acquisition process for acquiring information on myopia progression suppression treatment prescribed for the user, and An ophthalmologist-oriented information transmission process for transmitting to an ophthalmologist terminal device used by an ophthalmologist, including the measurement value obtained by the measurement value acquisition process and the myopia progression suppression treatment information obtained by the treatment information acquisition process. A user application program according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

16. The aforementioned prediction data display process and the aforementioned measurement value display process include a display mode change process that expands and shrinks the display mode by changing the range of the time axis displayed on the display unit, The user application program according to claim 3 further includes the user application program described in claim 3.

17. A lifestyle information acquisition process that obtains the user's lifestyle data, A lifestyle information display process that displays the lifestyle data acquired in the lifestyle information acquisition process together with time axis information on the display unit, A user application program according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

18. The user application program according to claim 17, further comprising: an outdoor activity alert process that, when the user's lifestyle data acquired in the lifestyle information acquisition process includes outdoor activity time and the outdoor activity time falls below a predetermined value, issues an outdoor activity alert prompting the user to engage in outdoor activities for a certain period of time or longer.

19. A member information acquisition process that obtains the member registration information of the aforementioned user, A member information display process that displays the member registration information of the user obtained in the member information acquisition process on the display unit, A user application program according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

20. The multiple axial length measurements obtained through multiple executions of the measurement acquisition process include those taken during myopia progression suppression treatment and those taken after the myopia progression suppression treatment has been discontinued. The user application program according to claim 2, wherein the measured value of the axial length obtained during the myopia progression suppression treatment and the measured value of the axial length obtained when the myopia progression suppression treatment was discontinued are distinguishable on the graph display as a result of the measured value display processing.

21. A user application program according to claim 1 or 2, An information processing device that can communicate with the user terminal device used by the user and An information processing system equipped with, The aforementioned information processing device is an information processing system equipped with storage means for storing statistical data of axial length of the eye.

22. A calculation means that uses the statistical data of the axial length of the eye stored in the storage means to calculate the prediction data according to claim 3 based on the measured value of the user's axial length, A transmission means for transmitting the prediction data obtained by the calculation means to the user terminal device, The information processing system according to claim 21, further comprising:

23. A myopia management device used by users who are eligible for myopia management services, It has a display unit that displays the measured axial length of the eye, which is unique to the user, on a time axis. The measured value of the axial length of the eye is displayed on the display unit. Myopia management device for users.

24. Myopia management device for users according to claim 23, which displays, in conjunction with the measured value, predicted data of future changes in the axial length of the eye, obtained based on the measured value of the user's axial length, on the display unit.

25. The user terminal device used by users who are eligible for the myopia management service is The measured length of the user's eyeball is obtained and stored. The stored measurement values ​​of the axial length of the eye are displayed graphically on the time axis on the display unit. A method for processing eye information for the user.

26. Based on the measured axial length of the eye, predictive data of how the user's future axial length will change is acquired and stored. The stored measured values ​​of the axial length and the predicted data of the axial length are displayed together in a graph on the display unit. The user eye information processing method according to claim 25.

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