Diagnosis of floaters

Abstract

In a particular embodiment, a system for determining floating objects in a patient's eye includes a display device, an input device, and a computer. The display device displays a target and a background. The background has an alignment point and an alignment axis. The axial length of the eye is substantially aligned with the alignment axis when the eye is fixated on the alignment point. The input device receives patient input from the patient. The computer provides the display device with target display input to produce a target that moves according to a pattern that the eye follows. The axial length of the eye moves relative to the alignment axis as the eye follows the moving target. The computer records patient input indicating that the patient is seeing floating objects. The computer calculates a severity score indicating the severity of the floating objects according to the patient input and generates a report describing the severity score.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to ophthalmic systems, and more particularly to ophthalmic systems for determining floaters. [Background technology]

[0002] Floaters are tiny fibers from the vitreous humor or other tissues within the eye that stick together and cast shadows on the retina. These shadows appear as small, dark shapes floating across the entire field of vision. Reactions to floaters vary from person to person. Some people barely notice them, while others are bothered by them. These differences in reaction may be due to a combination of the floaters and the patient's psychophysical perception.

[0003] There are flaws in the known methods for diagnosing floaters. For example, ophthalmologists can check for the presence of floaters as part of an eye examination. However, simply identifying the presence of floaters does not take into account the patient's perception. As another example, patients may describe the floaters. However, such descriptions are usually inaccurate and may exaggerate the severity of the floaters, which could lead to the unnecessary removal of otherwise benign floaters. Moreover, insurance companies may consider these subjective descriptions unreliable and therefore not strong evidence of the severity of the floaters. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In a particular embodiment, a system for determining floating objects in a patient's eye includes a display device, an input device, and a computer. The display device displays a target and a background. The background has alignment points and alignment axes. The axial length of the eye is substantially aligned with the alignment axes when the eye is fixated on the alignment points. The input device receives patient input from the patient. The computer provides the display device with target display input to produce a target that moves relative to the background according to a pattern followed by the eye. The axial length of the eye moves relative to the alignment axes as the eye follows the moving target. The computer receives and records patient input indicating that the patient is seeing floating objects. The computer calculates a severity score indicating the severity of the floating objects according to the patient input and generates a report describing the severity score.

[0005] The embodiments may not include any of the following features, or may include one, some, or all of them.

[0006] * The computer provides display input to move the target to a first position, maintain the target in the first position for a dwell period of 1-2 seconds, and then move the target to a second position.

[0007] *The computer provides display input to move the target to a position where the fixation direction is relative to the alignment axis of the background, where the fixation angle between the fixation direction and the alignment axis is in the range of 10 to 30 degrees.

[0008] *The computer provides display input to perform the following for one or more iterations: move the target in a first direction, move the target to an alignment point, move the target in a second direction different from the first direction, and move the target to an alignment point.

[0009] *The computer provides display input and adjusts the visual contrast between the target and the background as needed.

[0010] *The computer calculates a severity score by identifying the location of the floating object according to the patient's input and by identifying a location score according to the location of the floating object. The computer then calculates a severity score according to the location score, where locations closer to the axial length of the eye correspond to higher severity, and locations further from the axial length of the eye correspond to lower severity.

[0011] *The computer calculates the severity score by identifying a density score that indicates the density of suspended matter and then calculating the severity score according to the density score.

[0012] * The computer provides display input to adjust the background intensity and records patient input according to the adjusted intensity. The computer then determines a density score according to the recorded patient input, which indicates the density of airborne particles.

[0013] * The computer provides display input to adjust the contrast between the target and the background, and records patient input according to the adjusted contrast. The computer then identifies a density score according to the recorded patient input, which indicates the density of airborne particles.

[0014] *The computer calculates a severity score by identifying an occurrence score based on the number of times the patient indicates that they have seen a floating object. The computer then calculates a severity score according to the occurrence score, where a higher number corresponds to a higher severity and a lower number corresponds to a lower severity.

[0015] The computer calculates a severity score by detecting the reaction time between moving the target and receiving patient input provided when an airborne object is detected. The computer identifies an occurrence score according to the reaction time, and then calculates a severity score according to the occurrence score, where shorter reaction times correspond to higher severity and longer reaction times correspond to lower severity.

[0016] *The computer calculates the severity score by identifying a situation score that indicates factors related to the patient's condition. The computer calculates the severity score according to the situation score.

[0017] *The computer calculates the severity score by receiving a patient's description of the floating object and calculating the severity score according to the patient's description.

[0018] * The computer provides the display device with the test instruction display input and produces test instructions that include instructions to provide the input device with patient input if airborne particles are detected.

[0019] * The computer provides calibration display input to the display device and produces calibration instructions that include instructions to provide patient input to the input device when simulated floating objects are detected.

[0020] * The computer provides a calibration display input to the display device to display a simulated floating object and receives patient input indicating that the patient is viewing the simulated floating object. The computer then determines the reaction time between displaying the simulated floating object and receiving the patient input and adjusts the pattern dwell period according to the reaction time.

[0021] *The computer provides calibration display input to the display device and produces a calibration instruction to display simulated floating objects having floating object characteristics. The computer receives patient input indicating that the patient is viewing one or more simulated floating objects and identifies the characteristics of the simulated floating objects indicated by the patient input.

[0022] *The computer provides trial display input to the display device and produces a trial instruction for performing a trial of the examination.

[0023] *The system includes an eye tracker that tracks eye movement and identifies the fixation position of the eye.

[0024] *The target or background is brighter than the other of the target or background.

[0025] *The target has a first color and the background has a second color that is the complementary color of the first color.

[0026] *The input device has an actuator that receives movement input from the patient.

[0027] *The input device has a microphone that detects voice input from the patient.

[0028] *The input device has a motion detector that detects gesture input from the patient.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an example of a floating object determination system according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an example of a fixation target and background that may be displayed to a patient by the system of FIG. 1 according to a particular embodiment, showing a target that moves relative to the background according to a target pattern of one embodiment. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows a side view of an eye looking at a fixation target and background that may be displayed to a patient by the system of Figure 1, according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 4A-4B] Figures 4A and 4B show an example of a fixation target and background that may be displayed to a patient by the system of Figure 1, according to a particular embodiment, and illustrate an example of a fixation target. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows one example of a determination application that may be used in the system of Figure 1, according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 6A-6C] Figures 6A to 6C show an example of a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays the system in Figure 1 to provide instructions to the patient, according to a specific embodiment. [Figures 7A-7B] Figures 7A and 7B show an example of packaging the system of Figure 1 according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows one embodiment of a method for determining intraocular floaters in a patient, which may be performed by the system of Figure 1, according to a particular embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Herein, illustrative embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods are described in detail with reference to the description and drawings. The description and drawings are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit the claims shown in the drawings to any particular embodiment disclosed in the specification. The drawings represent possible embodiments, but they are not necessarily to exact scale, and certain features may be simplified, exaggerated, omitted, or partially cut off to better illustrate the embodiments.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, the system determines the severity of floaters by having the patient fixate on a moving target and then providing input (e.g., clicking a button) when the patient is viewing a floater. For example, the target starts near the outside of the display and then moves toward the center of the display. The patient may look at the floater while looking straight ahead at the center and then click a button. The system determines the floater in response to the patient's input. For example, the system may determine the location of the floater inside the eye according to where the eye was fixed when the input was received. From the determination, the system calculates a severity score indicating the severity of the floater.

[0032] Certain embodiments of the system offer advantages. For example, the system calculates a severity score in a reproducible manner that takes into account the patient's perception. Because the calculation is reproducible, third parties such as insurance companies may consider this determination as strong evidence of airborne particles requiring treatment. In another embodiment, the system may provide instructions for undergoing an airborne particle determination test so that the patient does not need assistance to undergo the test. Thus, the determination does not require the ophthalmologist's time. In yet another embodiment, the system may be packaged in a convenient, compact housing such as a desktop device or wearable goggles.

[0033] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a floating object detection system 10 according to a particular embodiment. In summary, the system 10 includes a display device 20, a patient input device 22, a technician interface (IF) device 24, a computer 26 (including logic 30, an interface 32, and memory 34 that stores applications 40 such as the display 42 and the detection 44 application), a housing 50, a head support 52, and an eye tracker 54 (in a particular embodiment). The system 10 communicates with data storage 56 via a communication link 60.

[0034] In one example of operation, when the patient sees a floating object, system 10 instructs the patient to track a moving fixation target and provide input to the patient input device 22. Computer 26 instructs display device 20 to move the fixation target relative to the background so that the eye follows it (for example, moving the target from the outer part of the background towards the center). Computer 20 receives input from the patient indicating that the patient is seeing the floating object (for example, while looking straight ahead at the center). Computer 20 calculates a severity score indicating the severity of the floating object and generates a report including the severity score.

[0035] Turning to the components of the embodiment of System 10, the display device 20 displays an image generated from image data received from the computer 26 as a display input. The display device 20 is any suitable device capable of generating and displaying an image, such as a computer screen or monitor, e.g., an LCD, LED, or other video screen.

[0036] The patient input device 22 receives input from the patient and communicates the input to the computer 26. The patient input device 22 may be any suitable device capable of receiving any suitable human input, such as movement or sound. For example, the input device 22 may include an actuator (such as a button, lever, knob, key, or other physical component) that can be moved by a human to provide input (e.g., by pressing, turning, or switching). In another embodiment, the input device 22 may include a microphone capable of detecting sounds made by a human (e.g., speech). In yet another embodiment, the input device 22 may include a motion detector capable of detecting movements made by a human (e.g., gestures such as hand waving).

[0037] The technician interface (IF) device 24 receives input from the user performing the inspection (e.g., a medical technician) and provides output to the user. The input may be received, for example, via a keyboard, actuator, or touchscreen, and the output may be provided, for example, via a display device such as a computer screen or monitor. In a particular embodiment, the technician IF device 24 primarily includes starting and stopping controls to start and stop the airborne object detection procedure, respectively.

[0038] The housing 50 houses and / or supports one or more components of the system 10, such as a display device 20, a patient input device 22, a technician interface (IF) device 24, a computer 26, a head support 52, and / or an eye tracker 54. The housing 50 may have any suitable shape or size, such as a desktop device or wearable goggles. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 50 houses the display device 20, the computer 26, and the eye tracker 54 and provides support for the head support 52. In this embodiment, the patient rests their head in contact with the head support 52 and views the display device 20. In this position, the patient's eyes may be properly positioned and oriented relative to the display device 20, viewing a target and background. Other embodiments of the housing 50 are described in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the eye tracker 54 tracks eye movements to determine the fixation position of the eye. The eye position may be tracked by tracking eye features (e.g., pupil, iris, or limbus). The computer 26 can use the eye position to determine where the eye is fixated in order to verify that the eye is fixating on a target.

[0040] Computer 26 controls components of System 10, such as the display device 20, the patient input device 22a, the technician interface (IF) device 24, and / or the eye tracker 54. In the illustrated embodiment, Computer 26 uses a display application 42 to generate display inputs that instruct the display device 20 to display, for example, a target that moves against the background for the eye to follow, or instructions or other information. Computer 26 receives input from the patient that the patient is seeing a floating object and uses a determination application 44 to calculate a severity score indicating the severity of the floating object or the degree to which the floating object is confusing the patient's vision. Computer 26 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0041] The data storage 56 receives reports generated by the computer 26 and may have any suitable data storage memory. The communication link 60 communicates information between the computer 26 and the data storage 56. The communication link 60 may have any suitable wired and / or wireless link capable of communicating computer data. For example, the communication link 60 may be compatible with electronic medical record standards such as the Medical Digital Imaging and Communications (DICOM) standard.

[0042] Figures 2-4 show examples of fixation targets 70 and backgrounds 72 that may be displayed to the patient by the system 10 according to a particular embodiment. Figure 2 shows a target 70 moving against the background 72 with a target pattern according to one embodiment. Figure 3 shows a side view of the visual target 70 displayed by the display device 20. Figures 4A and 4B show examples of fixation targets 70.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a target 70 moving relative to a background 72 with a target pattern in one embodiment. For ease of explanation, Figure 2 refers to the up (U), down (D), left (L), and right (R) directions. In the embodiment, target 70 rises to the upper point, then moves to the center 74, descends to the lower point, returns to the center 74, moves to the left to the left point, returns to the center 74, moves to the right to the right point, and returns to the center 74. During the examination procedure, the patient's fixation repeatedly changes (using saccadic eye movements) from the front, to an angular position relative to the front, to an angular position returning to the front, to another angular position, etc. Since the floating object drifts slowly after the deviated fixation position, the procedure can identify how frequently the floating object interferes with central fixation.

[0044] The target pattern may include any appropriate variations. As an example of a variation, the path of target 70 may be continuous or discontinuous, or may include continuous and discontinuous portions. Target 70 may move along a continuous path connecting points A and B of the path (e.g., tracking motion), or target 70 may move along a discontinuous path in which it appears at point A, then point B, but not between points A and B. For example, target 70 may move discontinuously from the upper point to the center 74 by appearing at a point between the upper point and the center 74, or target 70 may move discontinuously from the upper point to the center 74 by appearing at the upper point, disappearing from the upper point, and appearing at the center 74.

[0045] As another example of modification, the pattern may move target 70 to more or fewer outer points. The pattern may move target 74 in any direction between the U, DL, or R directions, for example, in one or more directions that bisect or trisect the angle between the U, DL, and / or R directions.

[0046] The target 70 may have any appropriate size, shape, intensity, or color (e.g., represented as grayscale or spectral color). In Figures 4A and 4B, target 70a is a circle and target 70b is a cross. The background 72 may have any appropriate intensity or color. The contrast between the target 70 and the background 72 must be high enough to make the target 70 visible against the background 72. For example, the target 70 may be darker than the background 72 (e.g., a black target 70 and a white background 72), or the target 70 may be lighter than the background 72 (e.g., a white target 70 and a black background 72). In another embodiment, the target 70 may be a color that complements the color of the background 72.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the computer 26 may change the intensity and / or color of the target 70 and / or background 72 during the floating object detection procedure. For example, the contrast between the target 70 and the background 72 may be adjusted according to the patient's request to improve the visualization of the floating objects. In another embodiment, as will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 5, the intensity of the background 72 may be adjusted to estimate, for example, the density of the floating objects.

[0048] In embodiments, the background 72 has alignment points and alignment axes used to facilitate alignment between the eye and the system 10. The alignment points may be any suitable point on the background 72 (e.g., near or at the center of the background 72), and the alignment axes may be perpendicular to the plane of the display device 20 and pass through the alignment points. As shown in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, the center 74 of the background 72 is the alignment point, and the central axis 76 is the alignment axis. When the eye is looking straight at the alignment point of the background 72 (e.g., the center 74), the axis of the eye (e.g., the visual axis) may be substantially aligned with the alignment axis, e.g., the central axis 76.

[0049] The fixation direction 78 generally moves from the point where the alignment axis intersects the retina toward the target 70. As the eye tracks the moving target 70, the axis of the eye moves toward the fixation direction 78 relative to the central axis 76. The fixation angle 80 between the fixation direction 78 and the central axis 76 has any suitable value, for example, in the range of 5 to 45 degrees, or for example, 10 to 30 degrees, which may be optimized for a single saccade.

[0050] The computer 26 provides a target display input that instructs the display device 20 to display and move the target 70 according to a target pattern having any suitable characteristics. For example, the pattern may move the target to a first position, hold the target in the first position for a dwell period (or dwell time), and after the dwell period move the target to a second position. The dwell period is usually long enough for the floating object to settle into a stationary position, for example, 0.5 to 5 seconds, or for example, 1 to 2 seconds.

[0051] In another embodiment, the pattern may move target 70 outward to a point further from the center 74 (e.g., within 0.5 to 2 centimeters) closer to the edge of the background 72, and then move target 20 toward the center 74. Target 70 may be stopped one or more times between the outer point and the center 74 to sample at different fixation angles. Sampling may be performed in any suitable manner, for example, in steps of equal or varying distances where the distance is between 1 and 10 degrees, for example, every 5 degrees, i.e., 20, 15, 10, 5 degrees. In another embodiment, the target display input may move the target continuously through the pattern.

[0052] Figure 5 shows one embodiment of a judgment application 44 that may be used in system 10 according to a particular embodiment. In the embodiment, the judgment application 44 includes a score calculator 80 (80a to 80e), a severity score calculator 82, and a report generator 84. In the embodiment, the score calculator includes a location score calculator 80a, an occurrence score calculator 80b, a density score calculator 80c, a situation score calculator 80d, and a patient description score calculator 80e. In summary, the score calculator 80 calculates intermediate scores for factors that may contribute to the severity of airborne particles, and the severity score calculator 82 calculates a severity score according to one or more of the intermediate scores. The report generator 84 provides a report that includes the severity score and may also include one or more of the intermediate scores. The report may be in a format suitable for medical staff, patients, insurance companies, or other appropriate parties.

[0053] The score calculator 80 calculates an intermediate score for factors that may contribute to the severity of airborne particles. The score may be calculated by any appropriate method. For example, the score may be determined using patient input via the input device 22, patient descriptions, medical records, or any combination of the above.

[0054] The position score calculator 80a identifies a position score indicating the location of a floating object, for example, where the floating object is most noticeable to the patient. Generally, floating objects that obstruct the macula cause more visual impairment than floating objects in peripheral locations. Therefore, floating object locations closer to or within the axial line (i.e., within the central visual field) may result in a severity score indicating a higher severity, while floating object locations further from the axial line may result in a severity score indicating a lower severity. The location of the floating object may be identified in any appropriate way. For example, the patient may describe the location of floating objects within their visual field using the input device 22, for example, by indicating whether the floating object is within the central visual field or eccentric relative to foveal fixation, which can be used by the calculator 80a to identify a position score.

[0055] The occurrence score calculator 80b determines the occurrence score based on the number of times the patient indicates seeing airborne particles. The occurrence score may be calculated using any appropriate method. Generally, the more times the patient sees airborne particles, the more serious the airborne particles are. Therefore, a higher number of times the patient indicates seeing airborne particles corresponds to a higher severity, and a lower number of times corresponds to a lower severity.

[0056] The density score calculator 80c determines a density score indicating the density of airborne particles in any appropriate manner. In a particular embodiment, the computer 26 provides display input to adjust the intensity of the background 72 (e.g., increasing or decreasing it gradually or continuously), records patient input according to the adjusted intensity, and determines a density score according to the recorded patient input. For example, a static perimetry approach can be used in which the background intensity gradually increases until the patient sees airborne particles. If the patient sees airborne particles at a lower intensity, the particles may have a higher density. If the patient does not see airborne particles at a higher intensity, the particles may have a lower density. The relationship between intensity and density values ​​may be determined from previous examinations in which the patient detects airborne particles at a particular intensity value.

[0057] In a particular embodiment, the computer 26 provides a display input to adjust the contrast between the target 70 and the background 72 (e.g., increasing or decreasing it gradually or continuously), records patient input according to the adjusted contrast, and identifies a density score according to the recorded patient input. The contrast may be adjusted by changing the intensity, color, grayscale, and / or other visual features of the target 70 and / or background 72, for example, while the target 70 changes, the background 72 remains constant. In one embodiment, the contrast may be gradually increased until the patient sees a floating object. If the patient sees a floating object at a lower contrast, the floating object may have a higher density. If the patient does not see a floating object at a higher contrast, the floating object may have a lower density. The relationship between contrast and density values ​​may be determined from a previous examination in which the patient detects a floating object at a particular contrast value.

[0058] The situation score calculator 80d identifies a situation score that represents one or more factors related to the patient's situation, such as their living environment. For example, in a particular situation, the location of floating objects in one direction or in different directions (e.g., left versus right or higher versus lower) may be relevant to the patient's situation. For example, in a country where drivers drive on the right side of the road, floating objects on the left side of the field of vision may pose a greater risk to the driver's safety than floating objects on the right side. The patient description score calculator 80e may receive a description of the floating objects from the patient. The patient's description may include factors that influence the severity of the floating objects (e.g., occurrence, location, size, or other factors).

[0059] The severity score calculator 82 calculates the severity score using one or more intermediate scores in any appropriate way. For example, the severity score S is calculated using intermediate score p i A mathematical function f, for example S=f(p1,...,p i ,...,p n ), n=1, 2, 3,..., for example, S=w1p1+...+w i p i +...+w n p nmay also be, where w i represents any suitable weighting for the intermediate score p i . A higher weighting may be given to an intermediate score that has a greater impact on the severity of the floaters. For example, a higher weight may be given to the position score than to the situation score. The report generator 84 provides a report that includes the severity score and may also include one or more intermediate scores. The report may be an output in any suitable manner, for example, an electronic medical record (EMR), a printed report, an electronic display, or an output as another method of communicating the severity score.

[0060] Figures 6A - 6C show examples of a graphical user interface (GUI) 86 (86a - 86c) by which the system 10 can be shown to provide instructions to a patient according to a particular embodiment. In a particular example, the computer 26 provides display input to the display device 20 to produce the GUI 86. For example, the inspection instruction display input produces an inspection instruction GUI, the trial display input produces a trial instruction GUI, and the calibration display input produces a calibration instruction GUI. In other examples, the computer 26 provides digital audio input to a speaker device to produce voice instructions. In certain situations, standardization of patient instructions improves efficiency and safety.

[0061] Figure 6A shows an example of a GUI 86a that includes inspection instructions. The inspection instructions explain the floater determination step for the patient. The instructions may instruct the patient to provide an input to the input device 22 when detecting a floater, and may explain how the patient can provide an input to the input device 22, for example, by pressing a button. The instruction example may include the following: 1. Please look at the target. The target will move. 2. Please follow the target with your line of sight. 3. If you see a floater, please press the button.

[0062] Figure 6B shows GUI86b in one embodiment, including trial instructions. Trial instructions may explain that a trial should be performed to familiarize the patient with the steps of the airborne object detection test before the actual test is conducted. Example instructions may include: 1. Perform the trial. The results will not be included in the report. 2. Look at the target. The target will move. 3. Follow the target with your eyes. 4. When you see an airborne object, press the button.

[0063] Figure 6C shows a GUI86c of one embodiment, including calibration instructions. In a particular embodiment, the computer 26 performs a calibration procedure to collect information on how the patient reacts to simulated floaters displayed on the display device 20, and uses this information to calibrate the floater detection test. The simulated floaters may be computer graphics that mimic the appearance of actual floaters and may have any appropriate characteristics, such as size, shape, position, color, and / or intensity.

[0064] The computer 26 may calibrate the test in any appropriate manner. In a particular embodiment, the calibration procedure identifies the patient's reaction time between displaying simulated floating objects and receiving patient input indicating floating object detection, and uses that reaction time to determine the dwell period for a target. In a particular embodiment, the calibration procedure displays simulated floating objects having different characteristics, records patient input in response to the floating objects, and compares the patient's response to the simulated floating objects with that of actual floating objects. In an embodiment, the calibration procedure may identify floating object characteristics that the patient perceives (or detects more quickly) as having a more severe impact on the patient, and then give greater weight to these characteristics when calculating the severity score. For example, a density score may be given greater weight because the patient is more likely to detect darker floating objects more quickly.

[0065] Calibration instructions may include instructions to provide input to the input device when a simulated floating object is detected. Examples of instructions may include: 1. Perform the calibration procedure. 2. Look at the target. The target will move. 3. Follow the target with your eyes. 4. A simulated floating object will appear. 3. When you see the simulated floating object, press the button.

[0066] Figures 7A and 7B show examples of packaging for the airborne object detection system 10 according to a particular embodiment. Figure 7A shows the system 10 packaged as a desktop device. The desktop device may be designed to be placed on a table that allows a seated patient to properly align with the system 10. The device may be easily cleaned between uses. Figure 7B shows the system 10 packaged as a near-eye (NTE) display device such as goggles. NTE display devices are typically compact and occupy little space.

[0067] Figure 8 shows one embodiment of a method for determining intraocular floats in a patient, which may be performed by a system 10 according to a particular embodiment. A display device 20 displays instructions in step 110. In one embodiment, the instructions are examination instructions that instruct the patient to fixate on a target, track it as it moves, and provide input to an input device (e.g., click a button on the input device) when the patient detects a float. In step 112, the display device 20 displays a target 70 and a background 72. The target 70 may be any appropriate size or shape, such as a dot or a cross. In step 114, the computer 26 instructs the display device 20 to move the target 70 according to a pattern. As the patient tracks the target, the floats may become visible to the patient.

[0068] In step 116, the computer 26 may receive patient input indicating that the patient is viewing a floating object. If patient input is received, the method proceeds to step 120, where the computer 26 records the input, and the method proceeds to step 122. If patient input is not received, the method proceeds directly to step 122. In step 122, the pattern may be completed. If the pattern is not completed, the method returns to step 144, where the computer 26 instructs the display device 20 to move the target 70 according to the pattern. If the pattern is completed, the method proceeds to step 124.

[0069] In step 124, the computer 26 calculates a severity score indicating the severity of the airborne particles. In one embodiment, the computer 26 calculates the severity score from one or more intermediate scores, which may include a location score, an occurrence score, a density score, a patient description score, a situation score, and / or any other arbitrary scores indicating the influence of factors on the severity of the airborne particles. In step 126, the computer 26 generates a report containing the severity score. The report may also include intermediate scores and may be in a format for medical staff, patients, insurance companies, or other appropriate parties. In step 130, the computer 26 outputs the report.

[0070] The components of the systems and apparatus disclosed herein (such as a computer 26) may include interfaces, logic, and / or memory, each of which may include computer hardware and / or software. Interfaces can receive inputs to a component and / or transmit outputs from a component, and are typically used to exchange information between, for example, software, hardware, peripherals, users, and combinations thereof. A user interface is a type of interface that a user can use to communicate with a computer (for example, to send inputs to a computer and / or receive outputs from a computer). Examples of user interfaces include displays, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), touchscreens, keyboards, mice, gesture sensors, microphones, and speakers.

[0071] Logic may perform the operation of components. Logic may include one or more electronic devices that process data, for example, by executing instructions to produce an output from an input. Examples of such electronic devices include computers, processors, microprocessors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs)), and computer chips. Logic may also include computer software that encodes instructions that can be executed by the electronic devices to perform operations. Examples of computer software include computer programs, applications, and operating systems.

[0072] Memory may include tangible, computer-readable and / or computer-executable storage media capable of storing information. Examples of memory include computer memory (e.g., random-access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., hard disks), removable storage media (e.g., compact discs (CDs) or digital video or multi-purpose discs (DVDs)), databases, network storage (e.g., servers), and / or other computer-readable media. Certain embodiments may involve memory encoded using computer software.

[0073] While this disclosure has been described in terms of several embodiments, modifications (variations, substitutions, additions, omissions, and / or other modifications) of these embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, modifications to embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, modifications can be made to the systems and apparatus disclosed herein. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the components of the systems and apparatus may be integrated or separated, or the operation of the systems and apparatus may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. Another example is the modification of the methods disclosed herein. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the methods may include more, fewer, or other steps, and the steps may be performed in any suitable order.

[0074] To assist the interpretation of the patent claims by the Patent Office and readers, the applicants note that no claim or claim element is intended to be subject to Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless the terms “means to…” or “steps to…” are expressly used in a particular claim. The applicants understand that any other use of terms in the claims (e.g., “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “member,” “apparatus,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,” or “controller”) refers to a structure known to those skilled in the art, and therefore is not intended to be subject to Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act.

Claims

1. A system for determining floating objects in a patient's eye, A display device configured to display a target and a background, wherein the background has alignment points and alignment axes, and the axial length of the eye is substantially aligned with the alignment axes of the background when the eye is fixated on the alignment points of the background. An input device configured to receive patient input from the aforementioned patient, It is a computer, The display device is provided with the display input of the target to produce the target moving relative to the background according to a pattern that the eye follows, and the eye axis of the eye moves relative to the alignment axis of the background as the eye follows the moving target. Upon receiving patient input indicating that the patient is viewing the floating object, Record the aforementioned patient input, The severity score is calculated according to the patient input, and the severity score indicates the severity of the floating object. To generate a report explaining the aforementioned severity score, A computer configured in such a way, system.

2. The computer provides the display input, Move the target to the first position, During the dwell period, the target is maintained in the first position, and the dwell period is within the range of 1 to 2 seconds. After the dwell period, the target is moved to the second position. The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

3. The computer provides the display input, The target is moved to a position that brings the fixation direction to the alignment axis of the background, and the fixation angle between the fixation direction and the alignment axis is within the range of 10 to 30 degrees. The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

4. The computer provides the display input for one or more iterations, Move the target in the first direction, Move the target to the alignment point, Move the target in a second direction different from the first direction. Move the target to the alignment point. The system according to claim 1, configured to perform the following.

5. The computer provides the display input, Adjust the visual contrast between the target and the background as needed. The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

6. The aforementioned computer, Identifying the location of the floating object according to the patient input, To determine the position score according to the position of the floating object, The severity score is calculated according to the aforementioned position score, wherein positions closer to the axial length of the eye correspond to higher severity, and positions further from the axial length of the eye correspond to lower severity. The system according to claim 1, configured to calculate the severity score by the above.

7. The aforementioned computer, Identifying a density score that indicates the density of the aforementioned suspended matter, The severity score is calculated according to the density score, The system according to claim 1, configured to calculate the severity score by the above.

8. The aforementioned computer, Provide the aforementioned display input to adjust the intensity of the background, The patient input is recorded according to the adjusted intensity, Identifying a density score according to the recorded patient input, wherein the density score indicates the density of the suspended matter. The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

9. The aforementioned computer, The display input is provided to adjust the contrast between the target and the background. The patient input is recorded according to the adjusted contrast, Identifying a density score according to the recorded patient input, wherein the density score indicates the density of the suspended matter. The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

10. The aforementioned computer, The occurrence score is determined according to the number of times the patient indicates that they have seen the floating object, The severity score is calculated according to the occurrence score, where a higher number of occurrences corresponds to a higher severity, and a lower number of occurrences corresponds to a lower severity. The system according to claim 1, configured to calculate the severity score by the above.

11. The aforementioned computer, Detecting the reaction time between moving the target and receiving the patient input provided when the floating object is detected, To identify the occurrence score according to the aforementioned reaction time, The severity score is calculated according to the occurrence score, wherein a shorter reaction time corresponds to a higher severity, and a longer reaction time corresponds to a lower severity. The system according to claim 1, configured to calculate the severity score by the above.

12. The aforementioned computer, Identify a situation score that indicates one or more factors related to the patient's condition, The severity score is calculated according to the aforementioned situation score, The system according to claim 1, configured to calculate the severity score by the above.

13. The aforementioned computer, Receiving a patient explanation from the patient, the patient explanation including an explanation of the floating object, The severity score is calculated according to the patient's explanation, The system according to claim 1, configured to calculate the severity score by the above.

14. The aforementioned computer, Providing an inspection instruction display input to the display device to produce an inspection instruction, wherein the inspection instruction includes an instruction to provide the patient input to the input device when the airborne object is detected. The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

15. The aforementioned computer, Providing a calibration display input to the display device to produce a calibration instruction, wherein the calibration instruction includes an instruction to provide the patient input to the input device when a simulated floating object is detected. The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

16. The aforementioned computer, Calibration display input is provided to the display device to display simulated floating objects, Upon receiving patient input indicating that the patient is viewing the simulated floating object, The reaction time between displaying the simulated floating object and receiving the patient input is determined. The dwell period of the pattern is adjusted according to the reaction time. The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

17. The aforementioned computer, Calibration display input is provided to the display device to produce calibration instructions that display a plurality of simulated floating objects having floating object characteristics. Upon receiving patient input indicating that the patient is viewing one or more of the plurality of simulated floating objects, Identifying the characteristics of one or more simulated floating objects as indicated by the patient input, The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

18. The aforementioned computer, The system provides a trial display input to the display device and generates trial instructions for conducting a trial test. The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

19. Furthermore, An eye tracker configured to track the movement of the eye and determine the fixation position of the eye. The system according to claim 1, comprising:

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the target or the background is brighter than the other of the target or the background.

21. The target has a first color, The background has a second color which is the complementary color of the first color. The system according to claim 1.

22. The aforementioned input device is An actuator configured to receive motion input from the patient. The system according to claim 1, comprising:

23. The aforementioned input device is A microphone configured to detect voice input from the patient. The system according to claim 1, comprising:

24. The aforementioned input device is A motion detector configured to detect gesture input from the patient. The system according to claim 1, comprising:

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