Method for determining corrective lens prescriptions for individuals and computer-readable media

Abstract

To provide, generally, a system and method for determining the refractive error of a patient, and more specifically, determining the refractive error of the patient by using a computer-controlled screen, and providing the patient with a prescription for the patient's preferred type of corrective lenses.SOLUTION: The system and method do not require the trip or expense of a doctor visit, and are optimized for convenience and cost effectiveness. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for determining a corrective lens prescription for a patient. The method includes, separately, for each eye of the patient, determining the astigmatism prescription for the patient via a computer-controlled screen, and determining the refractive power of the corrective lens prescription for the patient via the computer-controlled screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Background 【0001】 【0001】This disclosure generally relates to determining a prescription for glasses and / or contacts for patients with refractive abnormalities that require correction. Many people have refractive abnormalities of the eye that result in either myopia (commonly known as nearsightedness) or hyperopia (commonly known as farsightedness). Those skilled in the art will understand that myopia refers to a refractive defect (i.e., refractive abnormality) of the optical properties of the eye such that an image focuses in front of the retina. The optical defect of myopia is generally caused by, inter alia, a defect in the cornea, an elongation of the eye structure, other conditions, or a combination of those conditions. On the other hand, hyperopia refers to a refractive abnormality of the optical properties of the eye such that an image focuses behind the retina. The optical defect of hyperopia is a result of the optical system of the eye not being strong enough for the anterior-posterior length of the eye. Myopia and hyperopia have one component, namely, the sphere measurement (SPH), which indicates the strength or refractive power necessary to correct the optical defect. 【0002】 【0002】Astigmatism refers to a refractive abnormality in which light entering the eye focuses at two points rather than one. Astigmatism is caused by a non-uniform refractive power of the cornea. Astigmatism has two components, namely, the axis measurement (AXIS), which indicates the angle at which all images seen by the patient are distorted, and the cylinder measurement (CYL), which indicates the strength or refractive power of the distortion. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are the principal refractive abnormalities that cause patients to seek treatment to correct their vision problems. 【0003】

[0003] Overt refractive analysis is a diagnostic tool used by ophthalmologists and optometrists to examine a patient's refractive errors and determine whether correction with eyeglasses or contact lenses would be beneficial for the patient. As part of the technique, the ophthalmologist or optometrist evaluates both of the patient's eyes while the patient looks through a phoropter. Retinal reflex diagnostic techniques are often used to assess the degree of refractive error present in the patient's eyes. Subjective feedback from the patient is used to refine the overt refractive error, which involves the patient making a choice between image quality as multiple different lenses with different refractive powers are slid into the phoropter. These refractive errors can be corrected using lenses, commonly known as spectacle lenses or eyeglasses, or contact lenses worn directly on the eye. Refractive errors can also be corrected using various types of surgery. At the end of the overt refractive analysis, the ophthalmologist or optometrist may prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and / or refractive surgery. 【0004】

[0004] Other methods for determining a patient's refractive error include known diagnostic devices such as wavefront sensors, refractometers, and other devices known in the art. Some of these diagnostic devices use computers to help determine a patient's refractive error. For example, one embodiment of a wavefront type refractor known in the art uses a Hartmann-Shack sensor to measure the wavefront of a light beam produced from an illumination spot that is projected onto the retina and passes through the optical system of the eye. In such a wavefront type refractor, a probe beam from a laser or superluminescent diode is projected onto the retina through the optical system of the eye. The light scattered by the retina passes through the optical system of the eye and exits through the pupil of the eye. The wavefront of the exiting beam holds refractive information related to the optical system of the eye. For example, if the eye is emmetropic (i.e., there is no refractive error in the optical system of the eye), the wavefront of the exiting beam should be flat. A relay optical device relays the wavefront exiting the pupil of the eye to a Hartmann-Shack sensor. The Hartmann-Shack sensor measures wavefront distortion and provides this distortion information to a computer to calculate refractive errors in the eye caused by abnormalities in the eye's optics. 【0005】

[0005] Each of the above-described techniques for determining a patient's refractive error requires the patient to travel to a location where such a machine or a doctor is present and available to perform the determination. Furthermore, once the patient travels to the doctor's office, they must then pay for the doctor's time and services, which may or may not be covered by the patient's health insurance. This process is costly and inconvenient for the patient. 【0006】

[0006] Patients seeking contact lenses are generally subject to a second fee for "fitting." This fee is not frequently necessary, as most contact lens manufacturers offer only one or a few combinations of base curves and diameters, meaning there are only one or a few possible "fits" for that contact lens. If a patient has worn contact lenses before and is satisfied with their previous brand, a "fitting" is not necessary. Despite not being necessary, "fittings" are generally performed by doctors' clinics, and an associated fee must be charged. Health insurance rarely covers this associated fee. In some cases, a doctor may require the patient to return to the clinic at another time for a "fitting." Thus, deciding on a contact lens prescription can be even more costly and inconvenient for the patient. 【0007】

[0007] In addition, the aforementioned machines (such as phoropters and wavefront refractometers) are prohibited from being owned by individuals who are not involved in medical practice, and therefore, patients have no option to decide on their own eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions outside of medical practice. 【0008】

[0008] Furthermore, subjective astigmatism tests within a clinic generally only allow for the determination of the patient's astigmatism axis with an accuracy of 10° or less. 【0009】

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a simpler, less expensive, and more accurate method for patients to determine the prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Overview 【0010】

[0010] This disclosure relates in general to a system and method for determining a patient's refractive error, and more particularly to determining a patient's refractive error by using a computer-controlled screen or other suitable visual tool, and to providing the patient with a prescription for a suitable type of corrective lens for the patient. The system and method does not require travel or expense for a physician and is optimized for convenience and cost-effectiveness. 【0011】

[0011] In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for determining a patient's corrective lens prescription. The method separately includes the step of determining the patient's astigmatism prescription for each of the patient's eyes via a computer-controlled screen. 【0012】

[0012] In one embodiment, the step of determining a patient's astigmatism prescription via a computer-controlled screen includes the steps of presenting a first figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen and allowing the patient to select at least one input, the input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle. The method further includes the steps of presenting a second figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen and allowing the patient to select at least one input, the input corresponding to the astigmatism power. 【0013】

[0013] In a further embodiment, the first figure and the second figure are the same figure. In an alternative further embodiment, the first figure and the second figure are different figures. 【0014】

[0014] In another further embodiment, the first figure is a rotatable line. In yet another embodiment, the rotatable line is composed of at least two alternating colors. In yet another embodiment, the at least two alternating colors are selected from the group consisting of red and green, respectively. 【0015】

[0015] In one embodiment, the method is provided via the Internet. 【0016】

[0016] In one embodiment, the method includes sending the determined astigmatism prescription to at least one physician for review and approval. 【0017】

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for determining a patient's corrective lens prescription. The method separately includes, for each of the patient's eyes, the steps of determining the patient's astigmatism prescription via a computer-controlled screen, and determining the refractive power of the patient's corrective lens prescription via a computer-controlled screen. 【0018】

[0018] In a further embodiment, the method also includes a step that separately allows the patient to input, for each of the patient's eyes, at least one piece of data selected from the group consisting of a base curve from a previous contact prescription, a diameter from a previous contact, the brand name of the previous contact, and the manufacturer of the previous contact. The base curve and diameter are determined from at least one piece of data. 【0019】

[0019] In a further embodiment, the method also separately includes the steps of determining whether a patient is nearsighted or farsighted by presenting a color-coded figure to the patient via a computer-controlled screen for each of the patient's uncorrected eyes, and enabling the patient to select an input corresponding to a portion of the color-coded figure. 【0020】

[0020] In another further embodiment, the method also includes the steps of separately determining whether a patient is overcorrected or undercorrected by presenting a color-coded figure to the patient via a computer-controlled screen for each corrected eye of the patient, and enabling the patient to select an input corresponding to a portion of the color-coded figure. 【0021】

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of determining the refractive power of a patient's corrective lens prescription via a computer-controlled screen includes the step of presenting a first figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen. The first figure is too small for the patient to see clearly. The method includes the step of allowing the patient to make at least one input to increase the size of the first figure until the patient can barely recognize it. The at least one input corresponds to a first spherical power. In a further embodiment, the method includes the step of presenting a second figure to the patient via a computer-controlled screen. The second figure is large enough for the patient to see clearly. The method allows the patient to make at least one input to reduce the size of the second figure until the patient can no longer recognize it. The at least one input corresponds to a second spherical power. In another further embodiment, the method includes the step of determining a final spherical power based at least in part on the first and second spherical powers. 【0022】

[0022] In a further embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 are different figures. In an alternative further embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 are the same figure. 【0023】

[0023] In another further embodiment, the first and second figures include at least one symbol selected from the group consisting of letters and numbers. 【0024】

[0024] In yet another further embodiment, at least one set of presenting the first and second figures, enabling the patient to make inputs, and receiving inputs from the patient is repeated at least once. 【0025】

[0025] In a further embodiment, the method includes sending the determined astigmatism prescription and refractive power prescription to at least one physician for review and approval. 【0026】

[0026] In another embodiment, the Disclosure provides a non-temporary computer-readable medium. The non-temporary computer-readable medium includes a plurality of instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least one processor to act in conjunction with at least one display device, at least one memory device, and at least one input device to determine a patient's corrective lens prescription. The corrective lens prescription includes an astigmatism prescription and a refractive power. For each of the patient's eyes, the non-temporary computer-readable medium determines the eyeglass prescription by determining the patient's astigmatism prescription. The non-temporary computer-readable medium determines the patient's astigmatism prescription by presenting a first figure to the patient via a computer-controlled screen and allowing the patient to select an input. The input selected by the patient corresponds to the astigmatism axis angle. The non-temporary computer-readable medium further determines the patient's astigmatism prescription by presenting a second figure to the patient via a computer-controlled screen and allowing the patient to select at least one input. The input selected by the patient corresponds to the astigmatism power. A non-temporary computer-readable medium further determines the patient's corrective lens prescription by determining the refractive power of the patient's corrective lens prescription for each of the patient's eyes. The non-temporary computer-readable medium determines the refractive power of the prescription by presenting a first figure to the patient via a computer-controlled screen. The first figure is too small for the patient to see clearly. The non-temporary computer-readable medium further determines the refractive power of the prescription by allowing the patient to make at least one input to increase the size of the first figure until it is barely recognizable to the patient. At least one input corresponds to the first spherical power. The non-temporary computer-readable medium further determines the refractive power of the prescription by presenting a second figure to the patient via a computer-controlled screen. The second figure is large enough for the patient to see clearly. The non-temporary computer-readable medium further determines the refractive power of the prescription by allowing the patient to make at least one input to reduce the size of the second figure until it is no longer recognizable to the patient.At least one input corresponds to a second spherical diopter. The non - transitory computer - readable medium determines a final spherical diopter based at least in part on the first spherical diopter and the second spherical diopter for determination. 【0027】 【0027】An advantage of the present disclosure is that it enables a patient to more easily determine and receive a prescription for glasses and / or contacts. 【0028】 【0028】An advantage of the present disclosure is that it reduces the cost and expense for a patient to determine a prescription for glasses and / or contacts. 【0029】 【0029】Another advantage of the present disclosure is that it determines a prescription for glasses and / or contacts without requiring expensive equipment that is only available in a doctor's clinic. 【0030】 【0030】Another advantage of the present disclosure is that it determines a prescription for glasses and / or contacts without placing a lens in front of the patient's eyes. 【0031】 【0031】Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that it determines a prescription for glasses and / or contacts more quickly. 【0032】 【0032】A further advantage of the present disclosure is that it more accurately determines a prescription for the patient's astigmatic axis angle and astigmatic diopter. 【0033】 【0033】Additional features and advantages are described herein and will become apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0034】 [Figure 1A] 【0034】FIG. 1A is a flowchart showing an exemplary method of operating an embodiment of the system of the present disclosure. 【0035】 [Figure 1B]

[0035] Figure 1B is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for operating one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure. 【0036】 [Figure 2A]

[0036] Figure 2A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing a request for information about a patient's previous prescriptions, a writable form for the patient to enter data about their previous prescriptions, and a request for information about the types of refractive errors the patient may have. [Figure 2B]

[0036] Figure 2B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing a request for information about a patient's previous prescriptions and a request for information about the types of refractive errors the patient may have. 【0037】 [Figure 3]

[0037] Figure 3 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a graphic and allows the patient to input, the input corresponding to the patient's astigmatism axis angle. 【0038】 [Figure 4A]

[0038] Figure 4A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the figures are shown as mimicking a corrected eye with astigmatism or an eye without astigmatism. 【0039】 [Figure 4B]

[0039] Figure 4B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the figure is shown as mimicking an uncorrected eye with astigmatism along a given axis. [Figure 4C]

[0039] Figure 4C is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the figure is shown as mimicking an uncorrected eye with astigmatism along a given axis. [Figure 4D]

[0039] Figure 4D is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the figure is shown as mimicking an uncorrected eye with astigmatism along a given axis. [Figure 4E]

[0039] Figure 4E is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the figure is shown as mimicking an uncorrected eye with astigmatism along a given axis. 【0040】 [Figure 5]

[0040] Figure 5 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the figure mimics a corrected eye with astigmatism after the patient has made at least one input, the input corresponding to the patient's degree of astigmatism. 【0041】 [Figure 6]

[0041] Figure 6 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing the system calibrating the distance between a camera mounted on a computer-controlled screen and a patient. 【0042】 [Figure 7A]

[0042] Figure 7A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a figure and allows the patient to make inputs to resize the figure, and at least one input corresponds to the patient's spherical degree. [Figure 7B]

[0042] Figure 7B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a figure and allows the patient to make inputs to resize the figure, and at least one input corresponds to the patient's spherical degree. 【0043】 [Figure 8A]

[0043] Figure 8A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a color-coded figure and allows the patient to make at least one input to select a part of the figure whose outline is more clearly visible, the input corresponding to a determination that the patient is nearsighted or farsighted (if not wearing corrective lenses), or is overcorrected or undercorrected (if wearing corrective lenses). [Figure 8B]

[0043] Figure 8B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a color-coded figure and allows the patient to make at least one input to select a part of the figure where the outline is more clearly visible, the input corresponding to a determination that the patient is nearsighted or farsighted (if not wearing corrective lenses), or is overcorrected or undercorrected (if wearing corrective lenses). [Figure 8C]

[0043] Figure 8C is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a color-coded figure and allows the patient to make at least one input to select a part of the figure where the outline is more clearly visible, the input corresponding to a determination that the patient is nearsighted or farsighted (if not wearing corrective lenses), or is overcorrected or undercorrected (if wearing corrective lenses). [Figure 8D]

[0043] Figure 8D is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a color-coded figure and allows the patient to make at least one input to select a part of the figure whose outline is more clearly visible, the input corresponding to a determination that the patient is nearsighted or farsighted (if not wearing corrective lenses), or is overcorrected or undercorrected (if wearing corrective lenses). 【0044】 [Figure 9A]

[0044] Figure 9A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a figure and allows the patient to make at least one input to affect the rotation of the figure, the at least one input corresponding to the patient's astigmatism axis angle. 【0045】 [Figure 9B]

[0045] Figure 9B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a figure and allows the patient to make at least one input to affect the spacing or size of various parts of the figure, the at least one input corresponding to the patient's degree of astigmatism. 【0046】 [Figure 10A]

[0046] Figure 10A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a line figure and allows the patient to make at least one input, the at least one input corresponding to the patient's astigmatism degree. 【0047】 [Figure 10B]

[0047] Figure 10B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the diagram of Figure 10A is rotatable to align with the patient's determined astigmatism axis. 【0048】 [Figure 11A]

[0048] Figure 11A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a minute spoke figure, which is a smaller angular portion of the spoke figure of Figure 12B, and allows the patient to make at least one input, the at least one input corresponding to a minute astigmatism axis angle. 【0049】 [Figure 11B]

[0049] Figure 11B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a concentric semicircular figure 1105, allowing the patient to make at least one input, the at least one input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle and / or astigmatism degree. 【0050】 [Figure 12A]

[0050] Figure 12A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a line figure and allows the patient to make at least two inputs, the at least two inputs corresponding to the degree of astigmatism. 【0051】 [Figure 12B]

[0051] Figure 12B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays spoke figures 1205, allowing the patient to make at least one input, the at least one input corresponding to the patient's overall astigmatism axis angle. 【0052】 [Figure 13]

[0052] Figure 13 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a line figure 1304 and allows the patient to make at least one input, the at least one input corresponding to the degree of astigmatism. 【0053】 [Figure 14A]

[0053] Figure 14A is a screenshot of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing that the alternating portions may be of different sizes or spacings, but may still be the same test for determining the severity of astigmatism. [Figure 14B]

[0053] Figure 14B is a screenshot of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing that the alternating portions may be of different sizes or spacings, but may still be the same test for determining the severity of astigmatism. [Figure 14C]

[0053] Figure 14C is a screenshot of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing that the alternating portions may be of different sizes or spacings, but may still be the same test for determining the severity of astigmatism. [Figure 14D]

[0053] Figure 14D is a screenshot of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing that the alternating portions may be of different sizes or spacings, but may still be the same test for determining the severity of astigmatism. 【0054】 [Figure 15]

[0054] Figure 15 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing that the alternating portions may be of different sizes or spacings, but may still be the same test for determining the astigmatism axis. 【0055】 [Figure 16]

[0055] Figure 16 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing that the overall astigmatism axis determination diagram may be modified in size and shape, and may be slightly elongated, but may still be usable by the system for determining the patient's astigmatism axis. 【0056】 [Figure 17]

[0056] Figure 17 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing a possible configuration for macular degeneration testing. Detailed explanation 【0057】

[0057] Figures 1A and 1B show a flowchart of an example of a process or method 100 according to one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, one or more processors execute an instruction set for carrying out process 100. Process 100 is described with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 1A and 1B, but the system may utilize many other processes that perform operations associated with this shown process. For example, the system may change the order of some of the illustrated blocks. The system may also make some of the illustrated blocks optional, the system may repeat some of the illustrated blocks, and / or the system may not utilize some of the illustrated blocks. 【0058】

[0058] As shown in block 102, the system displays a writable form on a computer control screen for the patient to enter at least one of the following: previous eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions, contact lens brand names, and / or contact lens manufacturers. 【0059】

[0059] A computer-controlled screen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a display based on multiple organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a surface conduction electron emission element (SED), or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In certain embodiments, as described above, the computer-controlled screen includes a touchscreen. It should be understood that the computer-controlled screen may be of any suitable size, shape, and configuration. 【0060】

[0060] The computer-controlled screen displays a writable format, writable fields, or previous eyeglass prescriptions, or other means of communication, for the patient to enter data, if the patient has data including previous contact lens prescriptions, previous contact lens brand names, and / or previous contact lens manufacturers. The data relating to previous contact lens prescriptions may be information from the patient's contact lens boxes, which the patient may still have on hand. In one embodiment, the computer-controlled screen is part of a patient terminal that the patient can use to access the system and processes. 【0061】

[0061] In another exemplary embodiment, a writable form may be used to ask the patient about their satisfaction with their current eyeglasses or contact lenses, and how often they wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. 【0062】

[0062] As shown in block 104, the system receives input of at least one of the following: a previous eyeglass prescription, a previous contact lens prescription, a previous contact lens brand name, and / or a previous contact lens manufacturer. It should be understood that the system may automatically populate or fill in formats, fields, or other means of communication based on other data entered by the patient. In a non-limiting example, the patient may enter a previous contact lens brand name. The system may then use a lookup table or other method to retrieve from memory the corresponding base curve and / or diameter profile of the previous prescription. This may be particularly relevant with respect to contact lens brand names or manufacturers that offer only one or a few possible base curve and / or diameter sizes. 【0063】

[0063] In one possible alternative to block 104, the system may receive input indicating that the patient either does not have or does not wish to enter information about a requested previous prescription, as indicated by block 106. In one possible embodiment, block 106 is not part of process 100, and the patient must enter information about the previous prescription before proceeding to the next block. In another possible embodiment, block 106 is part of process 100, and the patient is not required to enter any information about a previous prescription before proceeding to the next block. 【0064】

[0064] The system displays a query to the patient on a computer control screen, as shown in block 108, regarding whether the patient is nearsighted or farsighted, and receives at least one input from the patient in response to the query regarding whether the patient is nearsighted or farsighted, as shown in block 110. 【0065】

[0065] In block 112, the system displays to the patient on a computer-controlled screen a first figure intended for the patient's first eye (either right or left). It should be understood that the patient should view the first figure with their uncorrected first eye, that is, if the patient is wearing glasses or contact lenses, they should remove them and view the figure without the correction of glasses or contact lenses. 【0066】

[0066] The system receives input from the patient regarding how the first figure appears to the patient's first eye, as shown by block 114, and the input from the patient corresponds to the astigmatism axis angle. It should be understood that the astigmatism axis angle can be used as at least part of a skew function that the system can apply to other figures and figures displayed to the first eye. In one embodiment, the system receives input from the patient, as shown by block 120, which indicates that there is no astigmatism in the eye being examined. In this embodiment, the patient can either proceed to blocks 122-130 with the first eye or repeat block 112 with the second eye. 【0067】

[0067] When the patient provides input indicating the astigmatism axis angle according to block 114, the system displays a second figure on the computer control screen, as shown by block 116. In one embodiment, the first and second figures are the same figure. In another embodiment, the first and second figures are different figures. In one embodiment, the second figure is distorted based on a partial distortion from the astigmatism axis angle determined from the patient's input in block 114. For example, the second figure may be stretched or extended by some unit along the astigmatism axis identified by the patient. In another embodiment, the second figure is not distorted initially. 【0068】

[0068] The system receives at least one input from the patient, as shown by block 118, the at least one input corresponding to the astigmatism of the first eye. It should be understood that the astigmatism may be used as at least part of a skew function that the system can apply to other shapes and figures displayed to the first eye. The skew function is intended to correct any astigmatism that may be present in the eye of the patient being examined. Thus, the skew function causes any shape or figure to which the function is applied to appear distorted to the corrected eye, but to appear sharp to the corrected eye. 【0069】

[0069] It should be understood that blocks 112-120 should be repeated separately for the patient's second eye. After blocks 112-120 have been repeated for the second eye, the astigmatism axis angle and astigmatism degree of the second eye can be used as part of the skew function that the system can apply to other figures and diagrams displayed for the second eye, in the same manner as described for use for the first eye. In one embodiment, it should be understood that immediately after completing blocks 112-120 for the first eye, the patient may switch to the second eye and work through blocks 112-120 again. In an alternative embodiment, the patient may proceed to other blocks in the first eye, for example, blocks 122-130, before returning to blocks 112-120 in the second eye. 【0070】

[0070] In block 122, the system displays to the patient on a computer-controlled screen a first figure intended for the patient's first eye (either right or left). The first figure is displayed so as to be too small for the patient to see clearly. It should be understood that the patient should view the first figure with their uncorrected first eye; that is, if the patient wears glasses or contact lenses, they should remove them and view the figure without the correction of their glasses or contact lenses. In one exemplary embodiment, the first figure is distorted by a skew function determined using patient inputs in blocks 114 and 118 for the patient's first eye. In another exemplary embodiment, the first figure is not distorted by a skew function. 【0071】

[0071] The system receives input from the patient regarding how the first figure looks to the patient's first eye, as shown by block 124, and the input from the patient corresponds to the first spherical frequency. 【0072】

[0072] As shown by block 126, the system displays a second figure on a computer control screen, and the second figure is displayed to be large enough to be clearly visible to the patient. In one embodiment, the first and second figures are the same figure. In another embodiment, the first and second figures are different figures. In one embodiment, the second figure is distorted. It should be understood that the patient should view the second figure with their first uncorrected eye, i.e., if the patient is wearing glasses or contact lenses, the patient should remove them and view the figure without the correction of glasses or contact lenses. In one exemplary embodiment, the second figure is distorted by a skew function determined using the patient inputs in blocks 114 and 118 for the patient's first eye. In another exemplary embodiment, the second figure is not distorted by a skew function. 【0073】

[0073] The system receives input from the patient regarding how the second figure looks to the patient's first eye, as shown by block 126, and the input from the patient corresponds to the second spherical power. The system averages the first and second astigmatism powers to obtain the final spherical power, as shown by block 130. The system can obtain the final astigmatism power in any suitable manner, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the final astigmatism power does not have to be a product of simple averages. For example, the system may use some weighted average based on the statistical variance from the other inputs, using only the result of the last input, or only the result of the first input, or the system may completely ignore inputs that are considered to have such a large statistical variance from the other inputs that they are likely to be wrong. 【0074】

[0074] It should be understood that blocks 122-130 should be repeated separately for the patient's second eye. It should be further understood that in one embodiment, immediately after completing blocks 122-130 for the patient's first eye, the patient may switch to the second eye and work through blocks 112-130 again for the second eye. In an alternative embodiment, the patient may have already completed blocks 112-120 for the second eye. 【0075】

[0075] It should be further understood that the system may repeat the set of blocks 122 and 124 any number of times and in any order, and may perform the set of blocks 126 and 128 any number of times instead of the set of blocks 122 and 124. In one exemplary embodiment, the system works through blocks 122-128 for one eye of the patient, then repeats blocks 122 and 124 again for the same eye, and then proceeds to block 130. In this exemplary embodiment, in block 130, the three resulting spherical frequencies are averaged to obtain the final spherical frequency. In another exemplary embodiment, the system works through blocks 122 and 124, then repeats blocks 122 and 124, and then works through blocks 126 and 128 twice again. In this exemplary embodiment, in block 130, the four resulting spherical frequencies are averaged to obtain the final spherical frequency. 【0076】

[0076] As shown in block 132, the system displays a question to the patient on a computer-controlled screen regarding whether the patient wants an eyeglasses prescription, a contact lens prescription, or both. In block 134, the system receives input from the patient regarding one or more prescriptions the patient desires. 【0077】

[0077] The system displays price information to the patient, as shown by block 136, and conveniently allows the patient to select a payment method and provide settlement information. Enabling the patient to select a payment method and provide settlement information may be achieved by a writable format, a writable field, or any other method known in the art. The system receives at least one input from the patient regarding the payment method the patient desires, as shown by block 138, and provides the patient with one or more paid prescriptions as requested by the patient, as shown by block 140. 【0078】

[0078] In one embodiment, before a patient receives their prescription, the prescription is sent to one or more physicians for approval of various determined refractive error measurements. For example, the system may send the astigmatism axis angle to be approved by one physician, the astigmatism power to be approved by another physician, and the spherical power to be approved by a third physician. In an alternative example, the system may send all three measurements to the same physician for approval. It should be understood that any combination of physicians to whom any part of the prescription is to be approved may be used for any combination of cost and time efficiency considerations. 【0079】

[0079] It should be understood that the system may allow the patient to input how or where to send the prescription after receiving their selected prescription. In one embodiment, the system may send prescription data to an optometrist or ophthalmologist's office, a central eyeglasses and / or contact lens mail-order company, an eyeglasses and / or contact lens store (physical or virtual), etc. In a further embodiment, the patient may select a location to send the prescription by selecting from a list, a map, entering a name, or by some other means. 【0080】

[0080] In another embodiment, the system may allow the patient to browse eyeglass frames. In such an embodiment, the system may display an image of the patient with a replica eyeglass frame displayed on the patient's face, and may allow the patient to change the appearance of the frame by changing, for example, the size, shape, color, material, texture, etc. of the replica frame. In yet another embodiment, the system may determine the position of the replica lens on the patient's face in any suitable manner, such as via a known face or pupil recognition system, or via a system-recognizable physical frame provided to and worn by the user. In yet another embodiment, the system may display instructions for the patient to purchase the frame of their choice online, at a physical store location, or to have the frame shipped to a desired location. 【0081】

[0081] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the applicant has discovered and disclosed novel matters contrary to conventional methods for determining a patient's refractive error. In conventional techniques, the patient is positioned at a distance from the figure or diagram, and lenses of varying strengths and configurations are placed in front of the patient's eyes. The patient provides subjective feedback on which lens provides better visual quality. The physician or technician refines the prescription by changing the lenses placed in front of the patient's eyes until the subjective feedback from the patient indicates that the best visual quality is achieved with one of the given lenses. In contrast, embodiments of the present disclosure do not require any lenses. It should be understood that the figure or diagram itself is adjusted by the patient's input, and therefore the required prescription can be determined holistically or partially from factors such as the distance between the patient and the computer-controlled screen, the original size of the figure or diagram on the computer-controlled screen, the patient's adjusted size of the figure or diagram on the computer-controlled screen, the number of inputs received from the patient, the amount of incremental effect of each input, and other relevant factors. 【0082】

[0082] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be further understood that the patient may instruct a second person on what input should be made. In those embodiments, the second person will perform the input on a computer-controlled screen based on the patient's instructions. The second person may be any appropriate person, including a friend of the patient, a family member of the patient, a doctor, a clinic assistant, a clinic technician, or any other person. 【0083】

[0083] It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to a single computer control screen. In some embodiments, the patient may interact with the system using two or more computer control screens on one or more patient terminals. In another embodiment, the patient and a second person may interact with the system on the same patient terminal and / or computer control screen. In yet another embodiment, the patient and a second person may interact with the system on different patient terminals and / or computer control screens. 【0084】

[0084] In another embodiment, the system may allow a patient to initiate a process and method in one location, such as a real-world location, and continue or complete the process and method in at least one other location, such as the patient's home. In such an embodiment, some kind of unique patient identification information would be used to authenticate that the same patient is interacting with the system at the first location and the additional locations (which may be more). Such authentication systems are known in the art and are described below. 【0085】

[0085] In another embodiment, a patient may control another computer-controlled screen using one computer-controlled screen. For example, the system may enable a user having a smartphone to control another patient terminal having a computer-controlled screen, such as a kiosk, personal computer, or tablet computer, by using the smartphone as a remote device to interact with the system. In one example of such an embodiment, the system would send the patient a link to the patient's remote device, for example, via email or SMS text message. The patient is enabled to access the link, for example, via a browser, and then launch an interface that can be used to interact with the system in a handheld manner of their own. In another exemplary embodiment, the remote device interacts with the system through an application stored on the remote device, which is commonly known as an “app”. The remote device may be any suitable device, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, notebook, or other remote device, which can receive commands and interact with the system almost instantaneously to enable the patient to make at least one input via at least one communication interface such as the internet, text messaging, email, voice, or data, in order to control the computer-controlled screen from a distance. Those skilled in the art should understand that such a system is unique in that it enables patients to undergo medical examinations using their own smartphones or other remote devices and to have complete control over the examinations. 【0086】

[0086] In another embodiment, the system uses a speech recognition system to enable a patient to make at least one input. In a further embodiment, the system includes a speech recognition system for performing an eye examination or a preliminary examination of an eye exam. In such an embodiment, the system enables a user to make an input by speaking to a system equipped with a microphone and conventional speech recognition software. As is known in the art, the microphone and speech recognition software are readily available on the market and use standard speech recognition schemes that incorporate conventional automatic learning systems to enable the system to adapt to more difficult languages ​​over time. The system receives voice input from the patient and records and analyzes those voice inputs using conventional speech recognition software. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that several advantages are brought about by enabling the patient to provide input via their own voice. Firstly, a patient undergoing a constituent examination of an eye exam does not need to see the details on a screen clearly, but instead can utilize listening (communicated through spoken commands) and speaking (to provide input back to the system), which is more user-friendly as it provides an additional option for inputting responses that is easy to use. Speech is particularly relevant to parts of the system where the patient is using uncorrected eyes, is somewhat away from the computer-controlled screen, or both. Another advantage of such a system is that it allows the patient to use their hands for purposes other than providing input to the system. For example, the patient can then freely hold the object being examined or cover their eyes. Furthermore, the use of a system that allows the patient to speak to the patient and respond by speaking back can more generally simulate a physician's clinic-based subjective eye examination and help the patient accept the system of this disclosure. 【0087】

[0087] Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The exemplary system in Figure 2A includes a display 200 that the system shows on the computer control screen described above. The display 200 includes progress bars 202, 204, 206, and 208. It should be understood that the progress bars may be any suitable progress meter. In the embodiment of Figure 2A, progress bars 202, 204, 206, and 208 are segmented progress bars, and the segment currently being worked on, 202, is indicated by being a darker color than the other segments. For segmented type progress bars, or other types of progress meters, it should be understood that the indication of the segment being worked on may be any variation such as color, size, font, text, etc. In another embodiment, the segments of the progress bar are selectable by the patient so that the patient can advance through process 100 by selecting the segment of progress that the patient wishes to go. In different embodiments, the compartments are not selectable by the patient in order to move the patient through the various compartments. 【0088】

[0088] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the system provides instructions to the patient on how to work with section 202 and further provides voice instructions that the patient can control, turn off, turn on, and / or adjust by clearly speaking to the voice instruction control element 210. 【0089】

[0089] As shown in the embodiments in Figures 2A and 2B, the system asks the patient whether they have a previous prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses 212. The patient is allowed to respond to the inquiry by selecting one of the radio buttons 214 or 216. It should be understood that any other method of receiving a response from the patient to the inquiry, such as a drop-down list, a writable field, and / or a checkbox, may be utilized by the system. 【0090】

[0090] In the embodiment of Figure 2A, when the patient selects the radio button corresponding to "yes" 214, the system provides writable forms 218-264. The system allows the patient to upload photos of previous eyeglass prescriptions 218 and / or previous contact lens prescriptions 236. The system also allows the patient to enter their previous prescription data into the conventional writable fields 220-234 and 238-264. In particular, the writable form has fields 220, 222, 224, and 226 for the eyeglass prescription of the patient's right eye, i.e., "OD". "OD" is a common acronym for the Latin "oculus dextrus" meaning "right eye". The writable form also has fields 228, 230, 232, and 234 for the eyeglass prescription of the patient's left eye, i.e., "OS". "OS" is a common acronym for the Latin "oculus sinister" meaning "left eye". More specifically, writable fields 220 and 228 are for measuring the spherical power, or "SPH," or refractive power (PWR), of the patient's right and left eyes, respectively. Spherical power represents the degree of myopia or hyperopia in the patient. The unit of spherical power is diopters. A plus sign "+" before the spherical power indicates the amount of hyperopia in the patient, while a minus sign "-" indicates the amount of myopia in the patient. The larger the positive value (for hyperopic individuals) or negative value (for myopic individuals) of the spherical power, the more severe the refractive error, and therefore, the stronger the corrective lens must be to correct the error. 【0091】

[0091] The astigmatism power, i.e., "CYL" fields 222 and 230, for the right and left eyes respectively, and the astigmatism axis angle fields 224 and 232, for the right and left eyes respectively, indicate the presence of astigmatism in the corresponding eye of the patient. If astigmatism is not present, the astigmatism power and astigmatism axis angle fields remain blank as before. The astigmatism power indicates the severity of astigmatism in the patient's eye in diopters. The higher the astigmatism power, the more severe the patient's astigmatism. The astigmatism axis angle is a number from 0° to 180°. The unit of the astigmatism axis angle is degrees. The astigmatism axis angle indicates the axis on which the patient's vision is distorted due to incomplete curvature of the cornea. 【0092】

[0092] The combination of spherical power, astigmatism power, and astigmatism axis angle constitutes the distance vision portion of conventional eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions. The remaining portion of the eyeglasses prescription is for the near vision portion of the prescription, and is generally for reading glasses or the reading portion of bifocal corrective lenses. The ADD fields 226 and 234 for the patient's right and left eyes, respectively, represent in diopters the additional refractive power to be added to the spherical power to enable the patient to read at close range if the patient has presbyopia. If the patient does not require correction for distance vision, only the ADD refractive power will be the patient's prescription for conventional reading glasses available at most drugstores and / or convenience stores. 【0093】

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the system allows patients to determine the ADD refractive power they require. Patients who require only ADD refractive power are referred to as presbyopic emmetropia (those who do not require eyeglasses for hyperopia), and in such patients, presbyopia is generally a result of aging, typically occurring around the age of 40. The 40s are the age when patients generally begin to require reading glasses. However, in the past, in order to determine the exact reading glasses ADD number, or to create appropriate borderless progressive eyeglasses or contact lenses, patients had to go to an ophthalmologist's office to obtain the correct measurements. However, the present applicants have, remarkably, found a system for determining both the upper and lower refractive powers of bifocal lenses, avoiding the need to go to a doctor's office or endure all the lengthy examinations at the office. The system inquires of the patient (via any of the methods or processes disclosed herein) regarding their age, the size of figures they can see with their uncorrected eyes, and the distances they wish to be corrected for (i.e., the patient may wish to see both a book at a distance of 16 inches and other objects at a distance of 21 inches, with a single pair of glasses (or any other combination of upper and lower)). It should be understood that the desired distances can be determined by any suitable method, such as a computer-controlled screen disclosed herein (such as a smartphone), or a simple printable paper measuring aid, by estimating by the length of the paper. The system also allows the patient to estimate the distance ranges they wish to be most corrected for, such as the distance range the patient uses most frequently, in easily estimable terms such as arm length, further than arm length, or closer than arm length. Using such input from the patient, the system determines a special prescription for borderless bifocal glasses or single reading glasses, either by estimation or without requiring travel to a doctor's office and its associated expenses. 【0094】

[0094] As shown in Figure 2A, contact lens prescriptions include many of the same measurement fields as eyeglass prescriptions. In particular, spherical power fields 238 and 252, astigmatism power fields 240 and 254, astigmatism axis angle fields 242 and 256, and additional measurement fields 244 and 258 are also present in contact lens prescriptions, for the right and left eyes, respectively. Although these fields have the same names and abbreviations, contact lens prescriptions and eyeglass prescriptions may differ in part because eyeglass lenses are further from the surface of the eye than contact lenses. 【0095】

[0095] In addition, the system provides additional measurement fields 246 and 260 for base curve, or "BC", additional measurement fields 248 and 262 for diameter, or "DIAM", and additional measurement fields 250 and 264 for the name of the contact lens brand and / or manufacturer. In the past, when only gas-permeable hard contact lenses were available, base curve and diameter measurements were necessary to ensure the comfort of rigid lenses. With the advancement of flexible soft contact lenses, many contact lens manufacturers now offer only one, two, or a few different base curve or diameter options for their lenses. If base curve and diameter measurements are known from a previous prescription and the patient was satisfied with their lenses, then other lenses with those same measurements are likely to be satisfactory to the patient, even if they are from a different manufacturer. If the manufacturer is the same, the patient is even more likely to be satisfied with lenses that have the same measurements. Thus, it should be understood that for patients who have previously worn contact lenses, "fitting" of contact lenses is generally unnecessary as long as the patient was satisfied with their previous lenses. In one embodiment, for a previous contact lens manufacturer or brand name identified by the patient, base curve and diameter measurements can be retrieved by the system in a lookup table or other memory database. In another embodiment, the system can automatically populate or enter the retrieved base curve and diameter measurements into any possible fields 246, 248, 260, and / or 262. 【0096】

[0096] In one embodiment, the system can use previous prescription information as a check against the current prescription that has been determined. In a further embodiment, the system may require further testing from the patient to confirm the current prescription if there is a statistically significant difference between the value of the previous prescription and the corresponding value of the determined prescription. 【0097】

[0097] In one embodiment, the system can read uploaded photographs or scans of previous eyeglass prescriptions 218 and / or previous contact lens prescriptions 236. In a further embodiment, the system can automatically populate or data-input any possible writable fields with information read from the uploaded previous eyeglass prescriptions 218 and / or previous contact lens prescriptions 236. In another embodiment, the patient can upload photographs or scans of previous contact lens boxes or containers, and the system can populate or data-input any possible writable fields with information read from the uploaded photographs or scans of the previous contact lens boxes or containers. In another embodiment, the system can recognize conventional encoded information, such as barcodes, QR codes (registered trademarks), matrix codes, Aztec codes, or other known types of encoded information. In a further embodiment, the system can scan encoded information from previous eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions and / or eyeglass or contact lens boxes or containers. In yet another embodiment, the system can automatically populate or data-input any possible writable fields with information read from scanned previous eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions and / or previous eyeglass or contact lens boxes or containers. 【0098】

[0098] After the patient has filled in any available patient data from previous prescriptions, the system asks the patient which appears more blurry or out of focus when the patient is not wearing corrective lenses 268. Again, in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2A, the system gives the patient radio buttons 270, 272, and 274 for selecting an answer, but any suitable method for enabling input to the inquiry is acceptable. If the patient selects 270 as far away as more blurry, this selection may suggest that the patient is nearsighted and may have some astigmatism. If the patient selects 272 as near as more blurry, this selection may suggest that the patient is farsighted and may have some astigmatism. If the patient selects 274 as both are equally blurry, the patient may be nearsighted or farsighted and may have astigmatism. 【0099】

[0099] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 2B, when the patient responds "no" to the question of whether they have a previous prescription, the system does not display the writable format and fields 218-264 as shown in Figure 2A. Instead, in the embodiment of Figure 2B, the system proceeds directly to the presentation of question 268, allowing the patient to respond via radio buttons 270, 272 and 274, just as shown in Figure 2A. 【0100】

[0100] Now, referring to Figure 3, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this process stage, the system presents a display 200, and the progress bar indicates that the patient is currently in the astigmatic axis angle section 204. Eye trackers 302, 304 indicate which eye is being examined. It should be understood that the eye trackers may be any appropriate progress meters. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the eye trackers 302, 304 are partitioned eye trackers, and the section 302 corresponding to the eye currently being worked on is indicated by being a darker color than the other section corresponding to the other eye. For partitioned type eye trackers, or other types of progress meters, it should be understood that the indication of the eye being examined may be any variation such as color, size, font, text, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, the eye tracker sections 302, 304 are selectable by the patient so that the patient can change which eye is being examined by selecting the section corresponding to the other eye. In different embodiments, the compartment is not selectable by the patient to change the eye being examined. 【0101】

[0101] As can be seen with reference to Figure 3, the eye trackers 302 and 304 indicate that the eye being examined is the left eye, indicated by the darker shading in the left eye compartment 302. A written instruction 306 is given to the patient along with an audio instruction that the patient can control using the audio instruction control element 210. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the written instruction reads: "Cover your right eye. Select the darker, thicker, or more prominent line. If three lines are darker, thicker, or more prominent, select the middle line. If two lines are darker, thicker, or more prominent, select the middle button between those lines." Instruction 306 leads the patient to refer to a figure 310, which is a known figure relating to the diagnosis of astigmatism axis. To a patient with astigmatism, lines around their own astigmatism axis will appear thicker or better in focus than the other lines in the figure. The selected line corresponds to the astigmatism axis angle. In this exemplary embodiment, the lines are evenly spaced at 15° intervals. It should be understood that any appropriate angular spacing may be utilized by the figure 310. The system allows the patient to input the line that is more prominent when the patient views the figure, or the middle portion of a group of lines. It should be understood that the patient is viewing the figure with uncorrected eyes. 【0102】

[0102] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, buttons 308 with letters A through S and buttons 310 with smaller combined letters are selectable to indicate the patient's astigmatism axis angle. It should be understood that the axis selectable icons 308, 310 do not have to be letters and may be numbers, angle measurements, pictures, symbols, or any other appropriate icons. As shown in Figure 3, the letter "A" 308a corresponds to the 0° axis, the letter "G" 308b corresponds to the 75° axis, the letter "J" 308c corresponds to the 90° axis, the letter "O" 308d corresponds to the 165° axis, and the letter "S" 308e corresponds to the 180° axis. In another exemplary embodiment, the system provides the patient with buttons to indicate that none of the lines of the figures appear darker, thicker, or more prominent to indicate that the eye being examined does not have astigmatism. In a further exemplary embodiment, when the patient makes at least one input indicating that there is no astigmatism in the eye being examined, the system proceeds to examine the astigmatism of the other eye. In another embodiment, when the patient makes at least one input indicating that there is no astigmatism in the eye being examined, the system skips the section that examines the severity of astigmatism in that eye and proceeds to the visual acuity test for the same eye. In an alternative embodiment, when the patient makes at least one input indicating that there is no astigmatism in the eye being examined, the system still examines the severity of any astigmatism in that eye as a double check for the patient having astigmatism in that eye. 【0103】

[0103] As shown in Figure 3, after one or more lines of the patient's astigmatism axis angle are selected for the patient's left eye, the system can be understood to repeat the same test with the same figure 310 for the right eye by moving the eye trackers 302, 304 to indicate that the right eye 304 is being examined, and by adjusting the textual instruction 306 to reflect that the right eye is currently being examined. In another embodiment, the patient continues to work through the progress bar sections with the left eye, and after the astigmatism severity test 206 for the left eye is completed, the two astigmatism sections 204 and 206 for the right eye are repeated before proceeding to the visual acuity test 208 for either eye. In another embodiment, after working through all sections 204, 206, and 208 with one eye, for example, the left eye, the patient returns to working through each section 204, 206, and 208 with the other eye, in this example, the right eye. It should be understood that any order of examination, in any order of eyes, is appropriate. By providing patient-selectable progress bar sections 204, 206, and 208, as well as eye tracker sections 302 and 304, it should be further understood that patients may choose any order they prefer. 【0104】

[0104] Referring now to Figure 4A, another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this process stage, the system presents display 200, and the progress bar indicates that the patient is currently in astigmatism severity section 206. Eye trackers 302, 304 indicate that the left eye 302 is being examined. Textual instructions 406 read: "Cover your right eye. 1. Keep your right eye covered. 2. Click (+) until all the grids are complete squares." The textual instructions refer to figure 408a, which shows a large square divided into several smaller squares. The system provides patient-selectable icons 410 and 412 for adjusting the figure until all the grids of figure 408a appear to be complete squares to the patient. When all the grids of figure 408a appear to be complete squares to the patient, the patient selects patient-selectable icon 414. If the system is not functioning correctly in any manner, the system provides a button 418 for requesting assistance with the malfunction. Button 418 is optional, but it should be understood that it is useful when the animation of the shape change is not visible to the patient. It should also be understood that shape 408a in Figure 4A is shown as it would appear to a patient without astigmatism, or to a patient with astigmatism wearing a corrective lens in the eye being examined. In other words, the box of shape 408a is a square in Figure 4A, but it will appear distorted to an uncorrected eye with astigmatism. 【0105】

[0105] Surprisingly, the applicant has found that by using the grid shown in Figure 408a, it is possible to determine a patient's astigmatism prescription by measuring the amount that needs to be distorted along the patient's astigmatism axis in order for the patient to see the figure as a square with their uncorrected eye. 【0106】

[0106] Referring here to Figures 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E, other embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In embodiments of these figures, the patient selects icons 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d and 308e in Figure 3, respectively. Thus, the corresponding figures in these Figures 408b, 408c, 408d and 408e are shown as being stretched along the axis selected by the patient for that figure. In particular, Figure 4B shows figure 408b distorted along the 75° axis, Figure 4C shows figure 408c distorted along the 90° axis, Figure 4D shows figure 408d distorted along the 165° axis, and Figure 4E shows figure 408e distorted along the 180° axis. If the patient selects "+" 412, the figure is stretched along the axis. If the patient selects "-" 410, the figure is contracted along the axis. In this way, the patient can manipulate the shape until the box appears as a square to the patient's uncorrected eye. As the patient manipulates the shape, scale 416 provides the patient with a visual representation of how much the patient has changed shape 408b, 408c, 408d, or 408e. 【0107】

[0107] It should be understood that the system can distort the figure in any appropriate way, at any appropriate speed, and in any appropriate increment. In one embodiment, the system automatically distorts the figure before allowing the patient to make an input. In another embodiment, the system automatically starts distorting the figure and continues to distort the figure until the patient makes an input to stop the distortion. In a further embodiment, the patient can further adjust the distortion of the figure by making at least one input. In another further embodiment, the patient does not have to further adjust the distortion of the figure by making any input. In another embodiment, the system does not distort the figure before receiving at least one input from the patient. 【0108】

[0108] Referring now to Figure 5, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in Figure 5, the patient manipulates the figure 408f so that the box appears as a square to the patient's uncorrected eye. Scale 416 indicates that the figure 408f is being manipulated. At this point, the patient can press icon 414, which indicates that the box of figure 408f appears as a square to the patient. The system determines the degree of astigmatism of the patient's eye being examined from the amount the figure 408f has been manipulated. 【0109】

[0109] It should be understood that the system can use a given combination of astigmatism axis angle and astigmatism degree of a patient's eye to determine a skew function to be applied to further figures and shapes intended for that given eye. Thus, for example, the figures used in visual acuity tests are modified to neutralize the effects of astigmatism, so that astigmatism does not affect the results of the visual acuity test. 【0110】

[0110] Referring now to Figure 6, another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this process stage, the system presents a display 200 in which a progress bar indicates that the patient is currently in the visual acuity testing section 206. In particular, the display 200 in Figure 6 is concerned with calibrating a camera that may be mounted on the computer-controlled screen to determine the patient's distance from the computer-controlled screen. The system must know the patient's distance in order to accurately calculate the spherical power from the visual acuity test. If the patient's computer-controlled screen does not have a camera, the system gives the patient a specified distance to remain away from the screen. This specified distance may be the same or different for each case of “small-to-large” visual acuity testing (described in blocks 122 and 124 of Figure 1A) and / or each case of “large-to-small” visual acuity testing (blocks 126 and 128 of Figure 1A). 【0111】

[0111] The written instruction 606 in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6 reads: "1. Hold the credit card with the magnetic strip facing the camera. 2. Place the card 11 inches from the camera. 3. Measure 11 inches using a piece of paper. Roll the paper long. Touch one end to the screen near the camera and the other end to the credit card. Remove the paper and leave the card in that position. Press the Calibration button. 4. Click on the magnetic strip in the image. 5. Once the magnetic strip is highlighted, click the Complete button." The camera viewer shows the patient what the camera is seeing. The patient can follow the instructions and click the Calibration button 612 and the Complete button 614 as instructed in the text. It should be understood that any other suitable or conventional method for calibrating the distance between the patient and the computer control screen may be used. 【0112】

[0112] It should be understood that any appropriate distance between the patient and the computer-controlled screen may be used. In one embodiment, the distance between the patient and the screen is determined based on whether the patient is nearsighted or farsighted. In a further embodiment, the system determines that the distance between the patient and the screen is the same for nearsighted and farsighted patients. In another embodiment, the system determines that the distance between the patient and the screen is different for nearsighted and farsighted patients. In one embodiment, the system may determine the distance between the patient and the screen depending on the type, style, dimensions, or other characteristics of the screen. In another embodiment, the patient may be allowed to provide input regarding whether the determined input is difficult for the patient to use. In a further embodiment, the system may determine a new distance between the patient and the screen after the patient has provided input regarding whether the determined input is difficult for the patient to use. 【0113】

[0113] In another exemplary embodiment, the system or patient terminal may utilize projection technology or a mirror to simulate a larger or smaller distance between the patient and the computer-controlled screen, as is customary in, for example, an optometrist's office. In a further exemplary embodiment, the mirror is adjustable based on the patient's position so that the patient can move and the mirror can be adjusted to account for the patient's movement in order to maintain the same simulated distance. 【0114】

[0114] In an additional exemplary embodiment, the system may ask the patient for their shoe size and gender, and use that information to have the patient estimate their distance from the computer-controlled screen via a heel-to-toe measurement and input that distance into the system. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the system may instruct the patient to take a number of heel-to-toe widths determined from the computer-controlled screen and position the patient at a fairly accurate distance from the computer-controlled screen. 【0115】

[0115] Referring now to Figure 7A, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this process stage, the system presents a display 200, and a progress bar indicates that the patient is currently in the visual acuity testing section 206. Eye trackers 302, 304 indicate that the left eye 302 is being tested. For systems with a camera, the system provides a calibration box 708 having an estimate of the patient's distance from the camera / computer-controlled screen. In one embodiment, the system uses the patient's distance from the screen, measured by the camera, to determine the font size and icon size to be displayed to the patient as part of Figure 710. 【0116】

[0116] The written instruction 706 reads: “Cover your right eye. Move your face 28 inches away from the screen. Click ‘I can see’ when the letters are barely recognizable from that distance. Do not wait until you can see them clearly! Use + and - to ensure the letters are barely recognizable.” The written instruction refers to Figure 710, which is a string of characters in this embodiment. It should be understood that any appropriate type and number of visual stimuli, symbols, shapes, or icons, such as letters, numbers, pictures, etc., can constitute Figure 710. As shown in Figure 7A, the system provides patient-selectable icons 712 and 716 to adjust the figure until the patient can see the figure so that the letters in the figure are barely legible. When the patient can see the figure and barely recognizable the letters, the patient selects a patient-selectable icon 414. In one embodiment, Figure 710 starts at a size that is too small for the patient to see clearly, and the patient must make at least one input to increase the size of the image until it is barely legible. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 7B, the image starts at a size that is too large for the patient to see clearly, and the patient must make at least one input to reduce the size of the image until it is no longer legible. 【0117】

[0117] The system determines a spherical power from at least one input from the "small-to-large" visual acuity test. The system determines another spherical power from at least one input from the "large-to-small" visual acuity test. As previously stated, the "small-to-large" and "large-to-small" visual acuity tests may be performed for each eye any number of times and in any order, and the result of each visual acuity test yields a spherical power determined from at least one input from the patient. In one embodiment, the system may perform only the "small-to-large" visual acuity test and not the "large-to-small" visual acuity test. In another embodiment, the system may perform only the "large-to-small" visual acuity test and not the "small-to-large" visual acuity test. Either or both visual acuity tests may be performed once or more times per patient eye. Once the system has provided visual acuity tests for all cases for both eyes, the system averages the spherical powers from the visual acuity test cases to determine the final spherical power. It should be understood that the system may decide not to use a given spherical frequency as the final spherical frequency if that given spherical frequency is a measurement in statistically significant units that deviates from the mean of the remaining spherical frequencies. In one embodiment, the system takes the mean of the resulting spherical frequencies as the final spherical frequency. 【0118】

[0118] It should be understood that the system can adjust the size of the figure in any appropriate way, at any appropriate speed, and in any appropriate increment. In one embodiment, the system automatically enlarges (in the case of a "small-to-large" test) or reduces (in the case of a "large-to-small" test) the figure before allowing the patient to make an input. In another embodiment, the system automatically starts enlarging or reducing the figure and continues to enlarge or reduce the figure until the patient makes an input to stop enlarging or reducing. In a further embodiment, the patient can further adjust the size of the figure by making at least one input. In another further embodiment, the patient does not have to further adjust the size of the figure by making any input. In another embodiment, the system does not enlarge or reduce the figure before receiving at least one input from the patient. 【0119】

[0119] It should be understood that the embodiments described above in this disclosure may be implemented in accordance with or in conjunction with one or more different types of systems, such as those described below, but are not limited thereto. 【0120】

[0120] Referring here to Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in which the system displays a color-coded figure 800 and allows the patient to make at least one input to select a portion of the figure whose outline appears clearer, the input corresponding to a determination by the patient that they are nearsighted or farsighted (if not wearing corrective lenses), or that they are overcorrected or undercorrected (if wearing corrective lenses). The color-coded figure 800 may be presented once, twice, or more consecutively for each eye. The color-coded figure 800 may be the same each time it is presented to the patient, or it may be slightly different. In the example shown in Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D, the color-coded figure 800 is slightly different. 【0121】

[0121] The color-coded figure 800 has at least two parts, which are shown as part 802 and part 804. In the embodiments shown in Figures 8A to 8D, parts 802 and 804 are semicircles having background colors. In the examples shown in Figures 8A to 8D, part 802 has a brighter background color, and part 804 has a duller background color. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that any suitable brighter and duller colors may be used as the background colors for parts 802 and 804, respectively. In one embodiment, part 802 has a background from a green color family (including various shades of green, from dark to light, from bright to dark, and from mixtures with other colors, i.e., yellow-green or blue-green), while part 804 has a background from a red color family (including various shades of red, from dark to light, from bright to dark, and from mixtures with other colors, i.e., reddish-purple or reddish-orange). In another embodiment, portion 802 has a background from a yellow family, while portion 804 has a background from a purple family. 【0122】

[0122] Parts 802 and 804 are both placed close together and further include a plurality of lines 806 of various lengths that appear arrowhead-shaped when viewed from a close distance. In each of Figures 8A to 8D, the arrows are directed outward from each other and consist of horizontal or vertical lines 806. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that any appropriate number of lines (straight or curved lines of any appropriate density) placed in any appropriate direction may be used to form any appropriate collective shape. In another further embodiment, the lengths 806 may be replaced with monochromatic or semi-monochromatic shapes such as circles, squares, triangles, letters, numbers, etc. It should be further understood that parts 802 and 804 may be shapes other than semicircles, such as half-squares, half-triangles, etc. 【0123】

[0123] As described above, the color-coded figure 800 can be used in one or more configurations to determine whether a patient is nearsighted or farsighted when not wearing corrective lenses. The system can instruct the patient to remove any corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, before using the system. The system presents the color-coded figure to one of the patient's eyes and allows the patient to input which arrow portion is clearer to the patient's uncorrected eye. In one embodiment, the patient can choose that portion 802 with a brighter background is clearer (i.e., sharper or with a more defined outline), portion 804 with a duller background is clearer, or the arrows on portions 802 and 804 are of approximately equal clarity. Generally, choosing that portion 802 with a brighter background is clearer than portion 804 with a duller background suggests that the patient is farsighted. Generally, choosing that portion 804 with a duller background is clearer than portion 802 with a brighter background suggests that the patient is nearsighted. Those skilled in the art will understand that performing the examination two or more times per eye using color-coded figures with arrows pointing in different directions helps to reduce any subjective errors from the patient. In one embodiment, the patient is presented with Figures 8A to 8D to their first eye in any order other than in any order to the second eye. The system uses the results of one, two, three, four, or more color-coded figure examinations to determine whether the patient is nearsighted or farsighted. 【0124】

[0124] It should be understood that the examinations shown by the examples in Figures 8A to 8D may also be used to determine whether a patient is overcorrected or undercorrected, if performed while wearing corrective lenses. In one exemplary embodiment, the patient performs the same steps described above individually for each eye while wearing their corrective lenses. In this exemplary embodiment, the choice that portion 802 with a brighter background is clearer than portion 804 with a duller background suggests that the patient is overcorrected by their current corrective lenses, and the choice that portion 804 with a duller background is clearer than portion 802 with a brighter background suggests that the patient is undercorrected by their current corrective lenses. 【0125】

[0125] Referring now to Figure 9A, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 9A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a line figure 900, and allows the patient to make at least one input to affect the rotation of the line figure, the at least one input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 9A, the line figure 900 is a line or elongated rectangle on a solid color background. The rectangle / line consists of alternating portions 902 and 904, which are different colors. In the embodiment of Figure 9A, portion 902 has a brighter background color, and portion 904 has a duller color. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that any suitable brighter and duller colors may be used as the background colors for portions 902 and 904, respectively. In one embodiment, portion 902 has a background of green tones (including various shades of green, from dark to light, from vivid to dark, and mixtures with other colors, i.e., yellow-green or blue-green), while portion 904 has a background of red tones (including various shades of red, from dark to light, from vivid to dark, and mixtures with other colors, i.e., reddish-purple or reddish-orange). In another embodiment, portion 902 has a background of yellow tones, while portion 904 has a background of purple tones. 【0126】

[0126] The alternating portions 902 and 904 may be of any suitable shape or size. For example, in Figure 9A, the alternating portions 902 and 904 are rectangles / squares that make up the line figure 900, with no gaps between them. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that two or more alternating portions may be used. 【0127】

[0127] The system presents a line figure 900 to the patient. In one embodiment, the system begins to rotate the figure 900 around its center. In another embodiment, the patient provides input to begin rotating the figure 900 around its center. The rotation is slow enough for the patient to recognize the change. In one embodiment, the patient can provide input to accelerate or decelerate the rotation of the figure 900. In another embodiment, the figure 900 does not rotate automatically, and the patient must provide input corresponding to each rotation of the figure 900. 【0128】

[0128] Surprisingly, the applicant has found that a patient's astigmatism axis angle can be determined with an accuracy of less than 1° using a line figure such as line figure 900. Since the effect of astigmatism is that the patient's vision is distorted or stretched along the astigmatism axis, when line figure 900 is near or on the patient's astigmatism axis, the alternating portions 902 and 904 blur into one and appear as one different color rather than one of the individual portions. In one exemplary embodiment, where portion 902 is green and portion 904 is red, the line appears yellow on or near the patient's astigmatism axis. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that if the patient does not have astigmatism, the line will not appear to change color. 【0129】

[0129] The axis of rotation of the line figure 900 is composed of angles ranging from 0 to 360 degrees. However, in the optional formulation, the angles are described in degrees from 0 to 180 degrees. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that angles 0° and 180° are the same, 170° and 350° are the same, 100° and 280° are the same, and so on. The axis extends downwards from the 180° point, which is why angles above 180° also have corresponding equivalent values ​​to those below 180°. 【0130】

[0130] In one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, the system presents the patient with a line figure 900 that can be rotated by the system or by the patient's instruction as described above. The patient, viewing the figure with one uncorrected eye at a time, is enabled to make a corresponding input when the line appears to change color. In one embodiment, the patient is prevented from making an input indicating that the line has changed color until one or more complete rotations of the line are completed. In another embodiment, once the patient has made an input indicating that the line appeared to change color, the patient is enabled to make further fine-tuning inputs that cause the line to rotate smaller until the patient makes another input corresponding to the angle at which the color change appeared most clearly (i.e., most strongly, most darkly, or most clearly). In one embodiment, the fine-tuning input causes a rotation of 1°. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that other fine-tuning increments such as 2°, 5°, or 10° may be used. Because conventional subjective astigmatism axis determination techniques use 10° increments, and because astigmatism can lie along any axis (at any angle), any increment less than 10° should yield a more accurate determination than the phoropter system used by eye care professionals in clinics. The angle selected by the input corresponding to the angle at which colors appear most distinctly different is the patient's astigmatism axis prescription. The system then repeats the process for the patient's other uncorrected eye. 【0131】

[0131] In one embodiment, the system allows the patient to make an input that reflects that the line did not appear to change color. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that such input suggests that the patient does not have astigmatism in the eye being examined. In a further embodiment, the system gives the patient an additional astigmatism axis test for the eye being examined, as shown in Figure 3. In a different further embodiment, the system allows the patient to skip the astigmatism power test and proceed immediately to an astigmatism axis test for the other eye, or to another type of test, such as a refractive power test. 【0132】

[0132] Referring now to Figure 9B, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 9B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the present disclosure system, in which the system displays a line figure 906, and allows the patient to make at least one input to affect the spacing or size of various parts of the line figure 906, the at least one input corresponding to the patient's astigmatism. 【0133】

[0133] The applicant has found, surprisingly, that it is possible to accurately determine a patient's astigmatism prescription using a line figure such as line figure 906. Since the effect of astigmatism is to distort or stretch a patient's vision along the astigmatism axis, when the alternating parts are stretched to correspond to the severity of the patient's astigmatism, the patient's eye can again distinguish the alternating parts by their actual colors. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that if the patient does not have astigmatism, the line will only appear as alternating parts in their actual colors. 【0134】

[0134] The line figure 906 shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 9B differs from that in Figure 9A in that the line figure is used to determine the severity of a patient's astigmatism. If a patient has been previously determined to have an astigmatic axis, the test in Figure 9B is the next test to determine the degree of astigmatism in this individual. The line figure 906 is initially shown at the astigmatism angle determined in the astigmatism axis determination test described with reference to Figure 9A, and has alternating portions 902 and 904 similar to those described above with reference to the figure. As already confirmed in the test described with reference to Figure 9A, the line figure 906 should appear in different colors from the alternating portions 902 and 904. In the example where the alternating portions 902 and 904 are green and red, respectively, the line figure 906 on the astigmatism axis of the patient being tested should appear yellow to the patient. 【0135】

[0135] The system presents the line figure 906 to one of the patient's uncorrected eyes at a time. In one embodiment, the system automatically increases the size (i.e., length and / or width) of the alternating portions 902 and 904 until the patient gives an input indicating that they can see the alternating portion's color again. The patient is allowed to make fine adjustment inputs to change the size of the alternating portions to a size in which they can first see the alternating colors. In one embodiment, even if portions 902 and 904 are green and red, respectively, but the line figure 906 initially appears yellow to the patient, the patient would give an input when they begin to see the green portion 902 and the red portion 904 again. In another embodiment, the system does not automatically change the size of the alternating portions, and the patient is allowed to make inputs corresponding to all size changes. 【0136】

[0136] In another embodiment, the system starts by inserting a gap between alternating sections 902 and 904 until the patient gives input indicating that the patient can see the alternating sections again. The patient is allowed to make fine adjustment inputs to change the spacing between the alternating sections to a size in which they can first see the alternating colors. In another embodiment, the system does not automatically change the spacing between the alternating sections, and allows the patient to make inputs corresponding to all spacing changes. 【0137】

[0137] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the changes in size and spacing may be made simultaneously or sequentially in any order during the same examination. In one exemplary embodiment, the size of the alternating portions 902 and 904 changes until the patient makes an input, at which point the system allows the patient to make a fine adjustment input that affects the size, spacing, or both of the alternating portions. In another exemplary embodiment, the spacing of the alternating portions 902 and 904 changes until the patient makes an input, at which point the system allows the patient to make a fine adjustment input that affects the spacing, size, or both of the alternating portions. From the final size and / or spacing of the alternating portions, the system determines the severity of the patient's astigmatism, i.e., the prescription of the astigmatism power. The system then repeats the process for the patient's other uncorrected eye. 【0138】

[0138] Referring now to Figures 10A and 10B, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 10A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a line figure 1101, allowing the patient to make at least one input, the at least one input corresponding to the degree of astigmatism. Figure 10B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the figure of Figure 10A is rotatable to align with the patient's determined astigmatism axis. 【0139】

[0139] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 10A and 10B, line figures 1001 / 1004 are a series of lines or elongated rectangles on a solid-color background. The series of lines includes lines of different sizes. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 10A, the lines increase in size as viewed from above figure 1001 to below figure 1001. The rectangles / lines are composed of alternating sections 1002 and 1003. The alternating sections 1002 and 1003 are different in color, similar to the alternating sections 902 and 904 described above, with one being brighter and the other duller. In the embodiment of Figure 10A, section 1003 has a brighter background color, and section 1002 has a duller color. 【0140】

[0140] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the size of the lines or alternating portions, and the spacing between the lines or alternating portions, may be any appropriate amount. For example, Figures 10A and 10B show lines separated by gaps, but the alternating portions of each line may be directly adjacent. In another exemplary embodiment, the alternating portions may have gaps between them, and the lines may be directly adjacent. 【0141】

[0141] The system presents line figures 1001 or 1104 to one uncorrected eye of the patient at a time. The patient is enabled to make at least one input to select one or more lines that appear to be a different color from the rest of the lines. In one exemplary embodiment, where part 1003 is green and part 1002 is red, the alternating parts of the line appear yellow below the astigmatism power, i.e., the severity of the patient's astigmatism. The selection may be achieved in any suitable way, such as by selecting and clicking a line, or a button representing a line, such as button 1000. 【0142】

[0142] Surprisingly, the applicant has found that line figures such as line figures 1001 and 1004 can be used to accurately determine a patient's astigmatism prescription. Since the effect of astigmatism is to distort or stretch a patient's vision along the astigmatism axis, when the alternating parts are stretched to correspond to the severity of the patient's astigmatism, the patient's eye can again distinguish the alternating parts by their actual colors. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that if the patient does not have astigmatism, the lines will only appear as alternating parts in their actual colors. 【0143】

[0143] Referring now to Figure 11B, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 11B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the present disclosure system, in which the system displays a concentric semicircular figure 1105, allowing the patient to make at least one input, the at least one input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle and / or astigmatism degree. 【0144】

[0144] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11B, the semicircular figure 1105 is a semicircle on a solid-color background. The semicircle is composed of alternating portions 1107 and 1108 that are arranged to be concentric semicircles. The alternating portions 1107 and 1108 have different colors, similar to the alternating portions 902 and 904 described above, with one being brighter and the other being duller. In the embodiment of Figure 11B, portion 1108 has a brighter background color, and portion 1107 has a duller background color. 【0145】

[0145] The alternating portions 1107 and 1108 may be any suitable shape or size, with any suitable spacing between them. For example, in Figure 11B, the alternating portions 1107 and 1108 are concentric curved rectangular slices that constitute a semicircle of the figure 1105, with no gaps between them. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that two or more alternating portions may be used. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 11B, the semicircular figure 1105 is divided into several wedge-shaped portions by radius lines 1009. It should be understood that the radius lines may be placed at any suitable angular distance from each other, such as 1 degree, 2 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 30 degrees, or other angular increments. Preferably, the angular distances divide 180 degrees evenly. As shown in Figure 11B, the radius lines 1009 are placed at 20-degree intervals. 【0146】

[0146] The system presents a semicircular figure 1105 to one of the patient's uncorrected eyes at a time. The patient is allowed to make at least one input to select one or more wedge-shaped portions that appear to be a different color from the remaining wedge-shaped portions. The selection may be achieved in any suitable way, such as by selecting and clicking a wedge-shaped portion or a button representing a wedge-shaped portion, such as button 1106. 【0147】

[0147] Surprisingly, the applicant has found that a semicircular figure, such as semicircular figure 1105, can be used to determine a patient's astigmatism axis angle prescription. Because the effect of astigmatism is to distort or stretch a patient's vision along the astigmatism axis, in the portion of the semicircular figure near the patient's astigmatism axis, the alternating portions 1107 and 1108 blur into one and appear as one different color rather than one of the individual portions. In one exemplary embodiment, where portion 1108 is green and portion 1107 is red, a portion of the wedge-shaped portion appears yellow at or near the patient's astigmatism axis. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that greater blurring of color away from the center of the circle indicates a more severe degree of astigmatism. It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that if the patient has no astigmatism, none of the portions of the wedge-shaped portion will appear to change color. 【0148】

[0148] Referring now to Figure 12B, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12B is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the present disclosure system, in which the system displays spoke figures 1205, allowing the patient to make at least one input, the at least one input corresponding to the patient's overall astigmatism axis angle. 【0149】

[0149] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the spoke pattern 1205 is a series of lines or elongated rectangles on a solid-color background, arranged as radial lines on a semicircular dark background 1209. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the lines are approximately the same size. The rectangles / lines consist of alternating sections 1207 and 1208. The alternating sections 1207 and 1208 are different in color, similar to the alternating sections 902 and 904 described above, with one being brighter and the other duller. In the embodiment of Figure 12B, section 1207 has a brighter background color, and section 1208 has a duller background color. 【0150】

[0150] The system presents the spoke figure 1205 to one uncorrected eye of the patient at a time. The patient is allowed to make at least one input to select one or more lines that appear to be a different color from the rest of the lines. In one exemplary embodiment, where part 1207 is green and part 1208 is red, the alternating parts of the line appear yellow in or near the patient's astigmatism axis. The selection may be achieved in any suitable way, such as by selecting and clicking a line, or a button representing a line, such as button 1206. 【0151】

[0151] Referring now to Figure 11A, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 11A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a minute spoke figure 1002, which is a smaller angle portion of the spoke figure 1205 in Figure 12B, and allows the patient to make at least one input, the at least one input corresponding to a minute astigmatism axis angle. 【0152】

[0152] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11A, the spoke pattern 1102 is a series of lines or elongated rectangles on a solid-color background, arranged as radial lines on a semicircular dark background. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11A, the lines are approximately the same size. The rectangles / lines consist of alternating sections 1103 and 1104. The alternating sections 1103 and 1104 are different in color, similar to the alternating sections 902 and 904 described above, with one being brighter and the other duller. In the embodiment of Figure 11A, section 1104 has a brighter background color, and section 1103 has a duller background color. 【0153】

[0153] The system presents the spoke figure 1102 to one uncorrected eye of the patient at a time. The patient is allowed to make at least one input to select one or more lines that appear to be a different color from the rest of the lines. In one exemplary embodiment, where part 1104 is green and part 1103 is red, the alternating part lines appear yellow in or near the patient's astigmatism axis. The selection may be achieved in any suitable way, such as by selecting and clicking a line or a button representing a line, such as button 1101. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the minute spoke figure 1102 represents the portion of the overall spoke figure 1205 that the patient previously selected as appearing to be a different color from the other parts of the figure. It should be further understood that the minute spoke figure 1102 uses smaller angular increments between the radius lines to yield a more accurate astigmatism axis angle. In another exemplary embodiment, the patient can first select a wedge-shaped portion from the semicircular figure 1105 and then use the minute axis figure 1102 to fine-tune the astigmatism axis angle. In such an example, the angled portion used in figure 1102 corresponds to one or more wedge-shaped portions selected by the patient in 1105 that appear to be a different color from the remaining wedge-shaped portions. 【0154】

[0154] Surprisingly, the applicant has found that it is possible to accurately determine a patient's astigmatism axis angle prescription using spoke figures such as spoke figures 1102 and 1205. Since the effect of astigmatism is to distort or stretch a patient's vision along the astigmatism axis, in the portion of the spoke figure near the patient's astigmatism axis, the alternating portions 1103 and 1104 of figure 1102, and portions 1207 and 1208 of figure 1205, blur and merge into one, appearing as one different color rather than any of the individual portions. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that if the patient does not have astigmatism, neither line will appear to change color. It should be further understood that any appropriate sizing, spacing, or shape of the alternating portions may be used, as long as they are aligned with various axes. 【0155】

[0155] Referring now to Figure 12A, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12A is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a line figure 1201, which allows the patient to make at least two inputs, the at least two inputs corresponding to the degree of astigmatism. 【0156】

[0156] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12A, the line figure 1201 is a line or elongated rectangle on a single-color dark background. The rectangle / line is composed of alternating sections 1202 and 1203. The alternating sections 1202 and 1203 have different colors, similar to the alternating sections 902 and 904 described above, with one being brighter and the other duller. In the embodiment of Figure 12A, section 1202 has a brighter background color, and section 1203 has a duller background color. 【0157】

[0157] The applicant has surprisingly found that when a patient with astigmatism views a figure like 1201, the patient sees not a single line presented in the figure, but a double line, or two lines. The applicant has even more surprisingly found that the distance between the two apparent lines corresponds to the patient's degree of astigmatism. It should be understood that patients without astigmatism will only see a single line. 【0158】

[0158] The system displays the line figure 1201 to one of the patient's uncorrected eyes at a time. The patient is made able to make at least two inputs to select the end of an apparent first line and the end of an apparent second line, as indicated by arrows 1200 and 1204 in Figure 12A. In this way, the patient identifies the distance between the two apparent lines. The patient is also made able to select that only one line is visible, indicating that the patient has no astigmatism or that the size of the alternating portion exceeds their own astigmatism axis angle. In such an example, the system can re-present the figure 1201 with a smaller alternating portion. The selection of the start and end points of the two apparent lines may be achieved in any suitable way. 【0159】

[0159] Referring now to Figure 13, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 13 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the system displays a line figure 1304, which allows a patient to make at least one input, the at least one input corresponding to the degree of astigmatism. 【0160】

[0160] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 13, the line figure 1304 is a line or elongated rectangle on a single-color dark background, the width and height of the line increasing from left to right. The rectangle / line is composed of alternating sections 1301 and 1302. The alternating sections 1301 and 1302 are different in color, similar to the alternating sections 902 and 904 described above, one being brighter and the other duller. In the embodiment of Figure 13, section 1302 has a brighter background color, and section 1301 has a duller background color. It should be understood that any suitable arrangement of lines of different sizes is appropriate. For example, the width and height of the lines may decrease from left to right, or the lines may be oriented vertically (or at any angle to the horizontal) instead of horizontally. In another example, there may be gaps between line segments of different sizes. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 13, there are no gaps between line segments of different sizes. 【0161】

[0161] The system displays line figures 1304 to one of the patient's uncorrected eyes at a time. The patient is allowed to make at least one input to select one or more line segments that appear to be a different color from the rest of the line. In one exemplary embodiment, where part 1302 is green and part 1301 is red, the alternating parts of the line segments appear yellow below the astigmatism power, i.e., the severity of the patient's astigmatism. The selection may be achieved in any suitable way, such as by selecting and clicking a line segment or a button representing a line segment, such as button 1303. 【0162】

[0162] The applicant has found that, surprisingly, it is possible to accurately determine a patient's astigmatism prescription using a line figure such as line figure 1304. Since the effect of astigmatism is to distort or stretch a patient's vision along the astigmatism axis, when the alternating parts are stretched to correspond to the severity of the patient's astigmatism, the patient's eye can again distinguish the alternating parts by their actual colors. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that if the patient does not have astigmatism, the line will only appear as alternating parts in their actual colors. 【0163】

[0163] Referring here to Figures 14A to 14D, other embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figures 14A to 14D are screenshots of exemplary embodiments of the system of the present disclosure, showing that the alternating portions may be of different sizes or spacings, but may still be tests for the same determination in astigmatism severity determination. From Figure 14A to Figure 14D, the spacing of the alternating portions increases. However, each of Figures 14A to 14D is usable by the system as long as the sizing and spacing are known. 【0164】

[0164] Referring now to Figure 15, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 15 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing that the alternating portions may be of different sizes or spacings but may still be the same test for determining the astigmatism axis. For example, compare Figure 12B with Figure 15, which has larger alternating portions. However, each of Figures 12B and 15 is usable by the system as long as the sizing and spacing are known. 【0165】

[0165] Referring now to Figure 16, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 16 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, showing that the whole astigmatism axis determination diagram may be modified in size and shape and may be slightly elongated, but may still be usable by the system for determining a patient's astigmatism axis. For example, Figure 16 shows that it is slightly elongated horizontally compared to the perfectly semicircular diagram of Figure 11B. Figure 16 also shows that, in contrast to Figure 11B, the alternating wedge-shaped portions of the diagram that do not coincide with the center point of the semicircular diagram are smaller and more numerous. 【0166】

[0166] In another exemplary embodiment, the system may examine or confirm a patient's astigmatism axis by displaying only specific axes. For example, the system may display a set of shapes (such as circles) filled with alternating colored (bright and dull) lines. In this exemplary embodiment, all lines in a given circle may lie on the same axis, and the lines in the remaining circles may lie on other axes. The system allows the patient to make at least one input to select a circle that appears blurry to each of their uncorrected eyes being examined individually. For example, in a case where bright colors are selected from the green family and dull colors are selected from the red family, the patient may select a circle that appears yellow. Based on at least one input from the patient, the system can determine or confirm the patient's astigmatism axis prescription. For example, in a situation where the examination is given to confirm a prescription, the system determines whether the prescription is confirmed by comparing the axes of one or more circles selected by the patient with axes previously determined by the system. If the astigmatism axis angles match or are close, the prescription is confirmed. It should be understood that any appropriate number of shapes, any appropriate number of astigmatism axes, and any appropriate number of test repetitions may be used by the system to initially examine or confirm the patient's astigmatism axis angle prescription. 【0167】

[0167] In another exemplary embodiment, the system may examine or confirm the patient's astigmatism axis by displaying spaced-out shapes. Surprisingly, the applicant has found that spaced-out shapes, positioned along the patient's astigmatism axis and spaced in accordance with the patient's degree of astigmatism (or higher), appear to be touching the patient's uncorrected eyes (each eye individually). For example, the system may display two or more points in a grid or any other suitable pattern, at least two of which are spaced along the patient's astigmatism axis. The system allows the patient to make at least one input to select or otherwise identify a point that appears to be touching each of their uncorrected eyes being examined individually. Based on at least one input from the patient, the system may determine or confirm the patient's degree of astigmatism, where the actual distance between the points that appear to be touching the patient's uncorrected eyes corresponds to the degree of astigmatism. For example, in a situation where the examination is given to confirm a prescription, the system determines whether the prescription is confirmed by comparing the degree of astigmatism of the points selected by the patient with the degree of astigmatism previously determined by the system. If the astigmatism power matches or is close, the prescription is confirmed. It should be understood that any appropriate number of shapes, any appropriate number of astigmatism axes, any appropriate color, and any appropriate number of test repetitions may be used by the system to initially examine or confirm the patient's astigmatism power prescription. It should be further understood that the spaced shapes may be spaced at different intervals, or that two or more displays (with varying spacing between shapes) may be used to fine-tune the astigmatism power determination. 【0168】

[0168] All astigmatism determination tests described with reference to Figures 9A to 16 can consist of alternating parts in any suitable shape, including squares and rectangles as depicted in the figures, and in any suitable number or combination of alternating colors in any suitable color system. Whenever the patient cannot see the color change relative to other figures displayed, it should be further understood that this may be due to one of the following problems: (1) the patient does not have astigmatism, (2) the size of the alternating parts displayed corresponds to an abnormality greater than the astigmatism present in the patient, and / or (3) the figure is not on the patient's astigmatism axis. To address situation (1), the system may allow the patient to make an input indicating that the patient does not have astigmatism. To address situation (2), the system may reduce the size of the alternating parts, redisplay the figure, and again ask the patient whether any color change is perceived. To address situation (3), the system may re-determine the astigmatism axis by presenting the patient with the same or a different astigmatism axis test. 【0169】

[0169] Referring here to Figure 17, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 17 is a screenshot of an example of one embodiment of the system of the present disclosure showing a possible configuration for macular degeneration testing. By using such testing, the system allows a patient to perform testing for the location where partial or total vision has been lost. As is known in the art, it is a standard technique for an optometrist to test for this location using a simple grid on paper (left-right and up-down lines) with the center marked. The patient is asked to gaze at the center with one eye at a time and draw with a pencil any area that appears distorted, missing, or otherwise different from the rest of the retina. The optometrist notes in the patient's medical record which part of the patient's retina is damaged. Such testing is useful for macular degeneration, where a patient loses vision in the center, and for other retinal problems such as diabetic retinopathy, where specific parts of vision are missing or blurred. In contrast to this prior art system, the system of the present disclosure is more advanced. The system displays a diagram including a set of curves. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, Figure 1700 has a generally semicircular curved line 1702 that opens to the right and a central region 1704. The system allows the patient to select any line that appears blurred or missing, instructing the patient to focus on the central region with a single uncorrected eye at a time. Alternatively, the system allows the patient to select a portion of the line that appears blurred or missing. The system then displays a similar set of curves, but this time the opening is oriented in some other direction, such as the one on the left. In one embodiment, a second figure is displayed as opening on the opposite side from the first figure. It should be understood that the orientation of the curves may differ in shape or actual vertex angle, and may be any appropriate shape or vertex angle. The system increases the saturation of the line or portion of the line selected by the user, and based on the increase in saturation, allows the patient to make at least one input about whether the patient's vision has improved in the selected region.Those skilled in the art should understand that at least one input corresponds to the magnification of a selected area of ​​the patient's vision, and the selected area corresponds to a specific location on the patient's retina that has experienced at least some visual loss. The system can then use the determined magnification to create a specific customized lens with precise additional magnification at a specific location to assist the patient's overall ability to see through their entire field of vision. In one embodiment, the system can be used to track the course of macular degeneration (or other degenerative visual disease) in the home and monitor changes as visual changes progress. Those skilled in the art should understand that such routine checks are important for patients with visual problems or at risk thereof, as sudden changes or changes in threshold levels may be harmful and immediate evaluation by a physician may be necessary. 【0170】

[0170] In another exemplary embodiment of the visual loss test, the system uses straight lines instead of the curves described above with reference to Figure 17. In one such exemplary embodiment, the first figure shown includes a vertical line, and the system allows the patient to make at least one input to select one or more lines or portions of a line that appear to have a distorted or missing portion. The system then displays a horizontal line, and the system allows the patient to make at least one input to select one or more lines or portions of a line that appear to have a distorted or missing portion. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the lines may be of any angle or shape, any thickness or color, and may be used in combination with straight lines and curves, or in combination with half-lines and modified lines in any suitable combination, as long as the patient can identify and therefore the system can determine the coordinates of the patient's retinal parcel(s) corresponding to missing or abnormally functioning vision. If the lines identified by the patient are of the type of circular distortion or circular visual loss, it should be further understood that a system like the one described above can easily identify that type and thus isolate any future changes in visual loss that differ from the original area. One example of such visual loss occurs in patients with diabetic lesions or in patients with advanced macular degeneration. Conventional visual tests generally only monitor these lesions every 6 months to 1 year, which does not allow for steady progression analysis. In the system described herein, testing and analysis can be performed more frequently, easily, and simply so that any changes can be detected more accurately within a limited time. Furthermore, such test results can be stored and accumulated in a general-purpose database, thereby allowing the system to compare the visual loss data of a specific patient with the visual loss data of the general population by analyzing the visual loss between an individual's right-eye and left-eye data points against the visual loss between the right and left eyes of the entire population, or against a patient dataset stored in the system's database. 【0171】

[0171] In one embodiment, the system includes determining the skew, and therefore the quality, of the patient's progressive lenses. Progressive lenses, also called progressive add-on lenses (PALs), progressive refractive power lenses, progressive prescription lenses, and variable focus or multifocal lenses, are corrective lenses used in eyeglasses to correct presbyopia and other disorders. Progressive lenses include at least two different prescriptions in multiple different parts of the lens and a gradient between those prescriptions. Generally, it starts with the patient's distance prescription near the top of the lens and gradually changes to an add-on (or reading glasses) refractive power prescription near the bottom of the lens. The gradient can be smooth or long as needed for the patient's comfort. However, the progression of these progressive lens prescriptions generates a region of aberration off the optical axis and produces blur or skew, which varies with respect to the quality of the lens. The higher the quality of the lens, the less blur there is, while the lower the quality of the lens, the greater the blur. Therefore, it is beneficial to inform the patient about the blurring inherent in progressive lenses, its causes, and options for reducing the blurring and increasing clarity. In one exemplary embodiment, the system displays a figure. In a further exemplary embodiment, the displayed figure is a grid of lines, similar to that shown by reference numeral 408a in Figure 4A, or as described above with reference to optometrist-based prior art macular degeneration examinations. It should be understood that the system may fill the entire computer-controlled screen or a portion of the computer-controlled screen with such a grid. The system instructs the patient to view the displayed figure with one corrected eye (wearing the progressive lens) at a time. The system allows the patient to make at least one input to identify areas of distortion or blurring. It should be understood that any suitable user input method may be allowed, such as tracing or drawing with a cursor, simply point-and-clicking to select, via a touchscreen, via a remote controller, via voice control, or via other known input devices and methods.The system then describes the amount of distortion present in the lens as a simple percentage (i.e., if the patient selects 5 percent block as distortion or blur, the lens will have 5 percent distortion) and recommends to the patient how much the level of distortion can be reduced with a higher quality lens. 【0172】

[0172] It should be further understood that both the visual loss test and the progressive lens check test described in the above paragraph can be utilized by the system displaying a simple Amsler grid image having lines extending vertically and horizontally, and allowing the patient to select areas where blurring or loss is visible via any appropriate input selection means. It should be further understood that it may be used in any appropriate color combination, such as black lines on a white background (black on white), blue on yellow, blue on red, white on red, or any other appropriate color combination. 【0173】

[0173] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the system includes a visual field test. Typically, a patient visits a doctor and has their visual field tested using a specific machine located in the clinic. Conventional visual field testing machines operate as follows: The patient leans their head against or into the machine and looks through the viewfinder. The machine tests each eye individually (for example, by blocking the field of view of the eye not being tested) and instructs the patient to click a button (or other input device) with their hand to select when they can see the point projected onto their visual field through the viewfinder, focusing the patient's eye on a central point. The machine flashes the point relatively quickly, and if the patient does not input that they have seen the point, the machine marks the location associated with that point as having some visual loss. Often the machine will re-examine the marked area later, prolonging the process of testing the patient. When performed in a doctor's clinic, the test is often difficult and uncomfortable for the patient to perform. Many patients find it difficult to concentrate for such long periods, and elderly patients often end up falling asleep during the examination. Nevertheless, visual field testing is an important diagnostic tool used to determine and regularly monitor patients' glaucoma, brain tumors, diabetes, and many other conditions. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide visual field testing that can be performed in a location convenient for the patient, such as the patient's home, away from the doctor's office. In addition, in a remote location, the patient can take their time to be tested and take breaks if they become distracted or tired, thus leading to more accurate results. In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a system includes visual field testing that is enabled to be performed by a patient in a location away from the doctor's office. In such a system, the patient may be instructed to focus on a central point (or other shape) as in the conventional way, or to focus on a cursor present on a computer-controlled screen. As is generally the case, the system tests one of the patient's eyes at a time, focusing on one point.A faint dot (or other appropriate shape or figure) is displayed on the screen within an area corresponding to a portion of the patient's field of vision, and the patient is enabled to make at least one input to indicate that they saw the dot. Any appropriate input method may be utilized by the system, such as enabling the patient to move a mouse over the area where the dot was seen and click on that area, touching the area (if using a touchscreen device), selecting a button, voice control, or other appropriate method. If the patient is too slow to make at least one input, another dot flashes on the computer-controlled screen, flagging the area for re-examination or indicating some visual loss. The time interval at which the dots are displayed on the computer-controlled screen is generally fast and may be any appropriate amount of time, such as 0.2 seconds. The system enables the patient to make at least one input to adjust the display of the dots (for longer or shorter periods). Once the system has sufficiently examined at least that location in the patient's field of vision and received any relevant input from the patient, the system determines the patient's field of vision based on those recorded inputs and any absence of recorded inputs. The system can further adjust the light intensity of the displayed shape or figure, or display the shape or figure in any appropriate color or color combination. 【0174】

[0174] One possible problem with such a system is that a patient may move during the examination (even if instructed not to move), thereby causing the position of a dot on the screen to become associated with a new position on the patient's eye. The system can therefore include a method for determining if the patient has moved during the examination. One possible method is to determine the location of the patient's blind spot and check it periodically. As is known in the art, each person's eye has a physiological blind spot where the optic nerve passes through the optic disc because there are no photoreceptor cells in the optic disc of the retina that detect light. The location of the blind spot may be determined by methods known in the art, such as displaying two shapes or figures at a known distance apart and instructing the user to cover one eye, look at the shape or figure with the opposite eye, and move the eye closer to or further away from the screen until the shape or figure disappears. The other blind spot is determined by the opposite effect. The system can also periodically display a dot at the patient's blind spot. If the patient makes at least one input indicating that they can see a point that should have been in their blind spot, the system determines that the examination is inaccurate and re-examines based on the patient's new position. It should be understood that, in addition to or instead of the method described above, the system may use any appropriate method to determine whether the patient has moved. 【0175】

[0175] Another possible problem associated with such a system is that the patient needs to know how far away their eyes should be from the screen. The system may therefore include a method for determining how far away the patient needs to be. One possible method is, conventionally and as described above, to use the location of the patient's blind spot. Alternatively, the system may use any suitable distance calculation method, such as those known in the art or described herein. 【0176】

[0176] In contrast to dynamically changing image-based systems, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that static question-based systems may be utilized by the system. In an exemplary embodiment of a static question-based system, the system may display four figures, three identical and one different. The system allows the patient to make at least one input to identify the different figures. In such a system, the figures may start at a relatively large size, and as the patient correctly selects the different figures, the system gradually reduces the size of the displayed figures until the patient can no longer accurately select the different figures. Given the starting size, the percentage of size reduction, and the number of correct inputs, it should be understood that the system can calculate an appropriate spherical frequency for the patient's prescription. It should be further understood that any type of figure may be used, such as letters, numbers, or shapes; any appropriate number greater than one, such as two, three, four, or more, may be used; and any appropriate number of similar or different figures may be used. For example, the system may display five figures, three identical and two different. It should also be understood that any appropriate input device may be used, such as clicking via a cursor, mouse, or trackpad, via a touchscreen, via a remote controller, via voice control, or via other known input devices and methods. 【0177】

[0177] In another embodiment, the system includes measuring the surface of the patient's cornea. In such a system, the patient's eye is illuminated by any suitable number of concentric rings, such as two, three, four, five, six, or more, with a known distance between each ring. In one exemplary embodiment, each ring is spaced by the same known distance. In another exemplary embodiment, at least one ring is spaced by different known distances from its adjacent rings. Illumination of the patient's eye may be performed by any suitable method, such as by projection. After the patient's eye has been illuminated, the system takes a photograph of the patient's eye illuminated with the concentric rings. In an alternative embodiment, the system allows the patient (or the patient's assistant) to take a photograph using the system or using another mode of the patient terminal in which the system is being used. In another alternative embodiment, the system instructs the patient (or the patient's assistant) to take a photograph using a separate camera device, such as a digital camera, camera phone, camera-enabled computer or tablet, or any other suitable camera device. The applicant has surprisingly found that the distortion of the spacing between concentric rings as they appear to the patient's eye corresponds to the topology of the patient's cornea. In particular, the applicant has surprisingly found that the closer the illuminated concentric rings appear together, the steeper the corneal structure is, while the further apart the illuminated concentric rings appear, the flatter the corneal structure is. Therefore, the system can determine the precise steepness of the cornea based on the separation distance between the illuminated concentric rings compared to the original known separation between the concentric rings. The system can also detect whether the patient's cornea has a deformed surface, such as keratoconus or damage, based on how the illuminated concentric rings appear on the patient's eye. 【0178】

[0178] In another embodiment, the system includes an interpupillary distance measurement module. As long as an individual is of mature age (generally considered to be 18 years or older), it should be understood by those skilled in the art that, in all cultures, races, and sexes, the innermost interocular distance (intercanthal distance) and the outermost interocular distance (external intercanthal distance) are generally within a small range of about 3 cm. Surprisingly, the applicant has found that from this known range, the system can determine the scale of an image and thus calculate additional desired distances, such as the patient's interpupillary distance. Once the system has determined the patient's interpupillary distance from an image of the patient, based in part on the image scale and known intercanthal distances, the system can enable the patient to virtually view an image of their face and various eyeglass frames sized to fit their determined interpupillary distance. In such an embodiment, the system can display an image of the patient with imitation eyeglass frames displayed on the patient's face, and the patient can change the appearance of the frames by, for example, changing the size, shape, color, material, texture, etc. of the imitation frames. Those skilled in the art will understand that the system may determine other desired facial measurements based on known interocular distances, and that any other desired clothing or accessory may be virtually "fitted" via the methods disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will further understand that, outside the context of facial structures, the methods disclosed herein may be applied to any part of a human or animal known to have a standard or approximately standard size, and thus may be used to virtually browse and "fit" any suitable type of clothing or accessory that matches the size of the underlying image. 【0179】

[0179] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the interpupillary distance module described above can be used to calculate other facial features or biometric data that can be used to uniquely identify an individual. For example, the system can use known interpupillary distance to calculate the width and / or height of a patient's face positioned in any suitable way, such as frontal or whole or partial profile, to the camera. It should be understood that the biometric data calculated by the system (such as interpupillary distance or other facial dimensions) can be used by a camera-enabled device to lock or unlock access to various applications on the device (or the device itself) based on a comparison between known biometric data and biometric data of a person detected by the device's camera. If the known biometric data and the detected biometric data are similar to a sufficiently high degree (same, statistically insignificantly different, or reliably close to the same), the device identifies the detected person as a known person and grants access to the detected person. It should be understood that such biometric-based systems function because certain facial features and measurements are specific to an individual. A potential problem with such a system is that an unknown person might attempt to deceive the system into authenticating a photograph or video of a known person. In this case, the system might recognize the biometric data in the photograph or video and grant access to a known person who is not actually present. To avoid these deception problems, the system may instruct the person requesting access to blink (or blink with one or both eyes in a random or predetermined combination or pattern). It should be understood by those skilled in the art that any appropriate and system-recognizable facial expression or combination of facial expressions (e.g., smiling and winking, sticking out the tongue) may be used. If the camera-enabled device also allows the use of a flash, the system may activate the flash to determine whether an actual person (as opposed to a recording or photograph) is present.When the flash is activated, the person is still visible to the camera sensor, but the photo or video becomes blurred and difficult to detect. The system can also detect or identify the shadow (or a changing shadow) on the face to confirm the presence of a real person. 【0180】

[0180] In a further embodiment, the interpupillary distance measurement system / biometric access system may enable a known person to lock or unlock access to various applications on the device (or the device itself). In this further embodiment, multiple different applications (or the device itself) can be accessed or exited using multiple different appropriate and system-recognizable facial expressions or combinations of facial expressions. For example, a patient may access the device by sticking out their tongue, wink with their right eye, then their left eye to access one application such as a mailbox, and then wink with their left eye, then their right eye to access a second application. It should be understood that these combinations of appropriate and system-recognizable facial expressions can be used as shortcuts to perform actions within an application and to enable access to (or exit) the application or the device itself. 【0181】

[0181] In another embodiment, the system includes a barometer test. Such a barometer test may be implemented for a portable device, in an independent location, in a kiosk-type setting, or in any suitable location, for example, by utilizing a small, simple, attachable reflective device that ejects the force of air through a tiny aperture by a method known in the art. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that to measure the intraocular pressure of a human or non-human eye, a puff of air is blown onto the cornea of ​​the human or non-human eye. Such an attachable reflective device may include a high-magnification photographic lens system that allows a camera to determine how flattened the cornea has been in response to the puff of air. In an alternative embodiment, the system includes a sensor for measuring the air that is pushed back or returned to the sensor after the air has been blown onto the patient's cornea. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the sensor is capable of measuring the amount of air returning in terms of both intensity and delay. In such an embodiment, the system determines the patient's intraocular pressure based on the sensor readings. It should be further understood that the system may utilize methods beyond simple measurement and / or repetition of two or more measurements to ensure accuracy. When using such an attachable reflective device, the patient is allowed to measure their intraocular pressure in the most convenient and comfortable manner for them. 【0182】

[0182] In another embodiment, the system includes a function that allows the patient to query a database of eyeglass frames. In an exemplary embodiment of such a system, the system allows the patient to take photographs of eyeglass frames that they like or already own and input the images into the system. In a further embodiment, the system may instruct the patient to take photographs of the front of the frame and one or two side views of the frame while the patient is wearing the frame or not. The system uses one or more photographs to determine frame characteristics such as size, shape, color, texture, material, or any other suitable characteristics in order to query a database of frames known to the system for matching or similar frames that the patient may like. The system may determine the characteristics of the photographed frames in any suitable way, such as a quick wireframe analysis of the frame on the patient's face. As disclosed herein, the system is enabled to determine the necessary dimensions of the patient's face in order to accurately determine matching or similar frame selections for the patient to see. In one exemplary embodiment of such a system, a patient can browse frames at an optician in their local area, take pictures of frames they like, and then purchase a pair of frames that are similar in shape, size, color, or any other characteristic using a disclosed online mobile phone application or kiosk-based system. In another exemplary embodiment, the system may query a database based on a photograph of someone unknown to the system, provided by the patient, or a photograph of someone other than the patient, such as a photograph from a publication like a magazine. 【0183】

[0183] In another embodiment, the system includes an ultrasonic vibration intraocular pressure sensor for determining a patient's intraocular pressure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that such a system is based on the known fact that objects vibrate in response to sound waves. Surprisingly, the applicant has found that various types and frequencies of sound waves directly correlate to the associated vibrations that occur in the cornea based on intraocular pressure, and that these associated vibrations can be measured by a camera sensor that captures changes in light reflection from a camera, or by a microphone, or by other suitable sensor that captures the frequency of sound reflected back from the vibrated eye. The system vibrates sound waves at any suitable standard or variable frequency against the patient's corneal structure, and then measures the vibration of the cornea to determine the pressure inside the cornea. Surprisingly, the applicant has found that the measured frequency of light reflection from a camera, or the sound reflected back from the vibrated eye, correlates with the vibration of the cornea based on intraocular pressure. The applicant has further found, surprisingly, that such a system can function using ultrasound, infrasound waves, and / or acoustic waves. In one exemplary embodiment, a combination of low-frequency sound waves and acoustic waves is vibrated at various time intervals and intensities and acoustic / decibel levels, causing the patient's cornea to vibrate at various levels and according to the intracorneal pressure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that any suitable speaker or device, such as a standard speaker on a mobile phone, tablet, or personal computer, may generate sound waves. 【0184】

[0184] In another embodiment, the system includes a high-magnification positive lens for separating hyperopia and hyperopia prescriptions. This lens may be included in or simulated in any suitable application, such as a personal computer application, a mobile phone application, or a kiosk-based application. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the high-magnification positive lens allows the system to correct latent hyperopia and prevent the patient from focusing through a slightly incorrect prescription using the natural accommodation function of their own eye muscles, thus enabling the system to give a more accurate prescription. 【0185】

[0185] In another embodiment, the system includes an additional method for determining the distance between the patient and the computer control screen of the patient terminal, or other desired distances such as interpupillary distance. The system calculates the distance between the terminal or camera and the patient, relying on the known interpupillary distance of an adult patient and additional data points. The additional data points may be any appropriate data points, such as the patient's height (if the terminal or camera can see the patient's entire height), or known camera specifications of a particular device or patient terminal. The system uses this known information to determine the distance between the patient and the camera or terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may be known that the patient's interpupillary distance is approximately 3 cm, and it may be determined that the interpupillary distance is represented by a specific number of pixels on an image of the patient from a known camera device (such as a camera from a known manufacturer), in which case the system can identify the scale of the patient's image, and thus the distance between the terminal and the patient, from these known points. In an alternative embodiment, the system measures a desired distance (the distance between the patient and the camera devices, or any other desired distance) using two camera devices separated vertically or horizontally by a known distance (or by instructing the patient to use one or more of the two camera devices). It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the interpupillary distance can also be determined using such a system. 【0186】

[0186] Each of the above disclosures may be implemented in a kiosk-type system, either single, individually, or in combination with several kiosks, to enable a complete eye examination for evaluating various parts of the eye and refractive system. Examples of various types of known systems that can be incorporated into such a system include intraocular pressure measurement systems, photographic systems for photographing the front and / or back of the eye, refractive systems, and systems for measuring all auxiliary tests of the eye examination. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes a rangefinder for determining the distance the patient moves their eyes outward from a screen, allowing the patient to make inputs at the distance at which they first notice the image becoming sharp in each individual eye. In such an embodiment, it should be understood that the examination is performed independently in each eye for any appropriate number of times, such as once, twice, three times, or more. Based on these one or more examinations, and partly on the principle that the focus of the eye corresponds to the refractive error of the eye, with the initial near focus of the eye being 1 / distance, where distance is in meters, the system determines a portion of the prescription for the patient. It should be understood that such a system operates without requiring the patient to move their standing position away from their current location. 【0187】

[0187] In another further embodiment, the system is an all-in-one orthodontic lens manufacturing device that determines a patient prescription as described above and allows the patient to select the type, color and coating of eyeglass frames and lenses, as known in the art. The system then manufactures the lenses using a 3D printer or other known method, which manufactures the frames while the patient waits, and using a gel-type system which manufactures the lenses while the patient waits and hardens the lenses, or by any other method for manufacturing lenses known in the art. The overall system according to this embodiment, where the system is an all-in-one orthodontic lens manufacturing device, advantageously provides convenience to the patient because it includes only three components necessary to finish eyeglasses: namely, prescription, frame, and lens. 【0188】

[0188] For various modules or parts of this disclosure that do not require input from the patient or are not subjective in nature, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the patient may be any suitable patient. For example, the patient may not be human, such as a pet or a wild animal. In another example, the patient may be a child or a person with developmental delays, who is of an age or skill level that makes communication difficult. For such patients, it should be further understood that the system may instruct a patient assistant on appropriate positioning and any necessary input. 【0189】

[0189] In another embodiment, the system determines a patient's previous eyeglass prescription (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or any combination thereof) without requiring the prescription to be copied into a format that can be filled out by the patient. The system requires only a camera, a computer-controlled screen, and a pair of eyeglass lenses. The patient positions the camera lens at a known distance from the computer monitor. In one exemplary embodiment, a convenient way to set or determine the known distance is to use a standard piece of paper (8.5 inches x 11 inches) to select the placement of the camera device and / or the computer-controlled screen. In one embodiment, the system instructs the patient to position the camera 11 inches (or any other distance) from the computer-controlled screen. In another exemplary embodiment, the patient selects the distance between the camera device and the computer-controlled screen, and the system allows the patient to input the selected distance. Once the camera device is positioned at the known distance from the computer-controlled screen, the patient takes a comparison photograph of the computer-controlled screen, then positions one of the eyeglass lenses relative to the camera lens, and takes a second photograph of the computer-controlled screen. The patient then positions the other spectacle lens in front of the camera lens and takes a third photograph for the computer-controlled screen. The computer-controlled screen can display any suitable high-contrast image, such as a grid or spaced-out dots. The system receives the comparison photograph, the first lens photograph, and the second lens photograph from the camera device via a wired connection (such as USB, FireWire®, Thunderbolt), a wireless connection (such as Bluetooth®), or any other method of data transfer known in the art, such as via cellular data or the Internet. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that positioning the spectacle lens over the camera lens will distort or alter the visual appearance of the image displayed on the computer-controlled screen by the system.The applicant has found that, surprisingly, by measuring the amount and direction of distortion in the first and second photographs from a reference photograph beyond a known distance, the system can determine the prescriptions for the first and second spectacle lenses without a prescription. 【0190】

[0190] In another exemplary embodiment, the system utilizes a screen capable of focusing rays of light on various points in two or more directions and space, thereby enabling the screen to specifically focus rays of light into a designated small space to produce a more optimal viewpoint. The display can direct rays of light towards the patient and adjust the position of the rays and the user in real time, so the display unit thus enables the patient to see a focused image regardless of the patient's visual correction. 【0191】

[0191] In a further embodiment, the system determines both the astigmatism power and astigmatism axis angle of the patient's refractive error for each eye at a time by using a single figure on the screen. The patient is enabled to view the figure (using one uncorrected eye at a time) and to input into the system the extent and range of the doubling or overlapping effect that the patient perceives. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that any suitable method can be used to measure or input the doubling or overlapping effect, for example, by using an enlarged or concentric additional figure, or by enabling the patient to place a marker on the outer boundary of the perceived doubling or overlapping effect. It should be further understood that any suitable figure, such as a simple shape, symbol, or icon, may be used by the system. Surprisingly, the applicant has found that the perceived doubling or overlapping effect corresponds to the patient's astigmatism axis angle (by demonstrating the angle at which astigmatism causes distortion) and astigmatism power (by demonstrating the degree of astigmatism distortion). 【0192】

[0192] In another embodiment, the system can determine either the astigmatism power or the astigmatism axis angle by displaying a rotating symbol and allowing the patient to view the rotating figure with one uncorrected eye at a time and make an input when the figure appears as a single figure with no residual double or overlapping effect. It should be understood that any suitable figure, such as a simple shape, symbol, or icon, may be used by the system. Surprisingly, the applicant has found that the disappearance of the double or overlapping effect caused by astigmatism corresponds to the patient's astigmatism axis angle (by demonstrating the angle at which astigmatism causes distortion) and astigmatism power (by demonstrating the degree of astigmatism distortion). 【0193】

[0193] In another further embodiment, the system may allow the patient to undergo several additional tests after the patient's initial test. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the additional tests is performed by the patient using their corrected eye based on the prescription determined by the system in their initial test. The system can use several additional tests to refine the correction of the test performed by the system to the most accurate measure of the patient's prescription. 【0194】

[0194] In one embodiment, the system includes determining any specific area in which the patient's vision is lost or reduced throughout the patient's entire field of vision. In an exemplary embodiment, the system displays a figure. In a further exemplary embodiment, the displayed figure is a grid of lines, similar to that shown by reference numeral 408a in Figure 4A. The system instructs the patient to look at the displayed figure with one uncorrected eye at a time and to look toward or at the center point of the figure. The center point of the figure may be marked or otherwise identified. The system then allows the patient to make at least one input to select an area in the figure that appears distorted, missing, or otherwise different from the rest of the figure. Using this at least one input, the system further examines the area of ​​vision loss by either magnifying the specific spot of vision loss or changing the shape or saturation of the point in order to determine whether the patient can notice an improvement in vision. The patient continues to look toward or at the center of the figure while the system adjusts at least one of the shape, saturation, color, or other appropriate characteristics of each identified area of ​​vision loss. The system allows the patient to make at least one input for each already identified area of ​​visual loss to indicate one or more of the following (i) to (iv): (i) the adjustment helped to make the area clearer / less distorted, (ii) the adjustment did not help to make the area clearer / less distorted, (iii) the adjustment made the area clearer and less distorted, and (iv) despite the adjustment, the area is still missing, blurred, or distorted. The system can then iteratively adjust at least one of the shape, saturation, color, or other appropriate characteristics of each identified area of ​​visual loss, and again allow the patient to make one or more of the four inputs shown above. This iterative process can continue until each identified area is adjusted to appear clear and undistorted to the patient's uncorrected eye, and the adjustment to the size, saturation, or other characteristics of each area corresponds to the magnification of a particular part of the spectacle lens. In one exemplary embodiment, the adjustment correlates to the base curve of the lens at that particular part.For example, if a patient is found to have no distance prescription, but the system identifies two areas of visual loss where magnification needs to be increased by 2 levels (diopters), the exemplary base curve modification would be -4 diopters for the back curve of the lens, +4 diopters for the front, but +6 diopters for the areas requiring 2 levels of magnification. This is because the lens has two curved surfaces that affect the wearer's vision: the front and the back. The corrective power of the lens is determined by adding the front curve to the back curve, which is expressed by the formula F1 + F2 = FTotal. Surprisingly, the applicant has found that adjustments to the figure to correct visual loss in specific areas correlate with base curve measurements at the corresponding locations on the spectacle lens. Possible applications of the system described above include assisting patients with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or other retinal diseases that cause some or all vision loss in specific areas. 【0195】

[0195] In further embodiments, the system includes grinding or laser cutting custom lenses based on the results of examinations and prescriptions described herein. As is known in the art, spectacle lenses may be made from glass or plastic such as lightweight polycarbonate plastic, CR-39 plastic, or high refractive index plastic lenses. Lenses are generally started as “blanks” that have already been cut to the appropriate base curve / refractive power and only need to be fine-tuned to each patient’s prescription. These “blank” lenses are then conventionally processed by grinding and polishing, or by laser cutting, edge grinding, and coating. In one embodiment, the system grinds lenses for patients with particularly narrow or wide astigmatism axis angles. In another embodiment, the system grinds lenses with different base curve (diopter) values ​​in different places to correct vision loss in specific areas from conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or other retinal diseases. Such lenses adjust the vulnerability in certain parts of the patient’s field of vision by enlarging or reducing certain parts of the patient’s field of vision. In a further embodiment, the transition is smooth without a change in the base curve (in the case of a transition in a boundaryless progressive lens). 【0196】

[0196] The disclosure envisions various different systems, each having one or more of several different features, attributes, or characteristics. "System" as used herein means various configurations comprising (a) one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts, and / or (b) desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers or computing devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones such as smartphones, kiosk devices, and other portable or fixed computing devices. 【0197】

[0197] For the sake of brevity and clarity, unless otherwise specified, “patient terminal” as used herein refers to one or more patient terminals, and “central server, central controller, or remote host” as used herein refers to one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts. 【0198】

[0198] As described above, in various embodiments, the system includes a patient terminal combined with a central server, a central controller, or a remote host. In such embodiments, the patient terminal is configured to communicate with the central server, a central controller, or a remote host via a data network or a remote communication link. 【0199】

[0199] In a particular embodiment in which the system includes a patient terminal combined with a central server, central controller, or remote host, the central server, central controller, or remote host is any suitable computing device (such as a server) including at least one processor and at least one memory device or storage device. Furthermore, as described below, the patient terminal includes at least one processor configured to send and receive data or signals representing events, messages, commands, or any other suitable information between the patient terminal and the central server, central controller, or remote host. The at least one processor of the patient terminal is configured to execute events, messages, or commands represented by such data or signals in conjunction with the operation of the patient terminal. Moreover, the at least one processor of the central server, central controller, or remote host is configured to send and receive data or signals representing events, messages, commands, or any other suitable information between the central server, central controller, or remote host and the patient terminal. The at least one processor of the central server, central controller, or remote host is configured to execute events, messages, or commands represented by such data or signals in conjunction with the operation of the central server, central controller, or remote host. It should be understood that one, more, or each of the functions of the central server, central controller, or remote host may be performed by at least one processor of the patient terminal. It should be further understood that one, more, or each of the functions of at least one processor of the patient terminal may be performed by at least one processor of the central server, central controller, or remote host. 【0200】

[0200] In certain such embodiments, computer control instructions for controlling any screen, display, or interface displayed by the patient terminal are executed by a central server, central controller, or remote host. In such a “thin client” embodiment, the central server, central controller, or remote host remotely controls the screen, display, or interface displayed by the patient terminal, and the patient terminal is used to display such screen, display, or interface and to receive one or more inputs or commands. In other such embodiments, computer control instructions for controlling the screen, display, or interface displayed by the patient terminal are communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to the patient terminal and stored in at least one memory device of the patient terminal. In such a “thick client” embodiment, at least one processor of the patient terminal executes computer control instructions for controlling the screen, display, or interface displayed by the patient terminal. 【0201】

[0201] In certain embodiments of the system, the system includes patient terminals configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host via a data network, the data network is a local area network (LAN) in which the patient terminals are located substantially in close proximity to the central server, central controller, or remote host. In one example, the patient terminals and the central server, central controller, or remote host are located in an eyeglasses and / or contact lens store. In another example, the patient terminals and the central server, central controller, or remote host are located in an optometrist's or ophthalmologist's office. 【0202】

[0202] In other embodiments of the system, the system includes patient terminals configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host via a data network, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which the patient terminals are not substantially or necessarily located in close proximity to the central server, central controller, or remote host. For example, the customer terminal is located (a) in an area of ​​the same eyeglasses and / or contact lens store, but different from the area where the central server, central controller, or remote host is located, or (b) in an eyeglasses and / or contact lens store, but different from the eyeglasses and / or contact lens store where the central server, central controller, or remote host is located. In another example, the central server, central controller, or remote host is not located in the eyeglasses and / or contact lens store where the patient terminal is located. For example, a customer terminal is located in (a) an area of ​​the same optometrist or ophthalmologist's office, but different from the area where the central server, central controller, or remote host is located, or (b) an optometrist or ophthalmologist's office, but different from the optometrist or ophthalmologist's office where the central server, central controller, or remote host is located. In another example, the central server, central controller, or remote host is not located in the optometrist or ophthalmologist's office where the patient terminal is located. In certain embodiments where the data network is a WAN, it should be understood that the system includes customer terminals and a central server, central controller, or remote host, each located in different eyeglasses and / or contact lens sales offices in the same geographical area, such as the same city or state. A system where the data network is a WAN is substantially identical to a system where the data network is a LAN, but it should be understood that the quality of patient terminals in such systems may differ from one another. 【0203】

[0203] In a further embodiment of the system, the system includes patient terminals configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host via a data network, the data network being the Internet or an intranet. In certain such embodiments, an Internet browser on a computer terminal is available to access an Internet page from any location where an Internet connection is available. In one such embodiment, after the Internet page is accessed, the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies the patient before the player enters any data or participates in any examination. In one example, the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies the patient by requiring the patient's patient account to be logged in via the input of a unique username and password combination assigned to the patient. However, it should be understood that the central server, central controller, or remote host may identify the patient in any other appropriate way, such as by verifying a patient tracking identification number associated with the patient, by verifying a unique patient identification number associated with the patient by the central server, central controller, or remote host, or by identifying the patient terminal by identifying the MAC address or IP address of the Internet facilitator. In various embodiments, once a central server, central controller, or remote host identifies a patient, the central server, central controller, or remote host enables the input of any patient data and participation in any examinations, and displays those examinations, as well as screens, displays, and interfaces, via the patient terminal's internet browser. 【0204】

[0204] It should be understood that the system of the present invention may be implemented by any suitable method, such as any computer-readable medium. In one embodiment, the computer-readable medium is software embedded in a website. In another embodiment, the computer-readable medium is software on a non-temporary medium, such as a CD-ROM or storage in the local memory of a patient terminal. In another embodiment, the system is provided in an application programming interface ("API") which can be individually licensed to third parties for inclusion in third-party websites or other media. 【0205】

[0205] The central server, central controller, or remote host and patient terminal are configured to connect to a data network or remote communication link in any suitable manner. In various embodiments, such connections are achieved via conventional telephone lines or other data communication lines, digital subscriber lines (DSL), T1 lines, coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, wireless or wired wiring devices, mobile communication network connections (such as cellular networks or mobile internet networks), or any other suitable medium. It should be understood that with the increasing number of computing devices and the expansion of the number and speed of internet connections in recent years, there are increasing opportunities for patients to use various patient terminals to participate in eye examinations from increasingly numerous remote sites. It should also be understood that increasing the bandwidth of digital wireless communications can make such technologies suitable for some or all communications, especially when the communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful in facilitating more advanced and responsive interaction with displays and players. 【0206】

[0206] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the static (i.e., non-dynamic) diagrams and figures described above with reference to the drawings can also be used in the form of physical media such as paper, posters, plastic, or other printed forms. In such embodiments, the physical media may be shown to the patient in any suitable place such as the patient's home, clinic, or orthodontic lens retail store. The physical media may be seen by the patient alone, or with the help of one or more people such as an assistant or doctor. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the results may be entered into a terminal as described above in order to determine appropriate prescription measurements. 【0207】

[0207] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the invention and without diminishing the intended advantages of the subject matter of the invention. Therefore, such changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims. [Item of the invention] [Item 1] A method for determining a corrective lens prescription for a patient, wherein, separately, for each eye of the patient, A method comprising the step of determining the astigmatism prescription of the patient via a computer-controlled screen. [Item 2] The step of determining the patient’s astigmatism prescription via the computer-controlled screen is: (i) The step of presenting the first figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, (ii) A step that allows the patient to select at least one input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle, (iii) The step of presenting a second figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, (iv) A step that allows the patient to select at least one input corresponding to the degree of astigmatism, The method described in item 1, including the method described in item 1. [Item 3] The method described in item 1, wherein the method is provided via the Internet. [Item 4] The method according to item 2, wherein the first figure and the second figure are different figures. [Item 5] The method according to item 1, further comprising the step of determining the interpupillary distance measurement of the patient. [Item 6] The method according to item 1, further comprising the step of sending the determined astigmatism prescription to at least one physician for review and approval. [Item 7] A method for determining a corrective lens prescription for a patient, wherein, separately, for each eye of the patient, (a) A step of determining the patient's astigmatism prescription via a computer-controlled screen, (b) A step of determining the refractive power of the corrective lens prescription for the patient via the computer-controlled screen; Methods that include... [Item 8] The method of item 7, further comprising the step of determining the interpupillary distance measurement of the patient. [Item 9] The step of determining the patient’s astigmatism prescription via the computer-controlled screen is: (i) The step of presenting the first figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, (ii) A step that allows the patient to select an input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle, (iii) The step of presenting a second figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, (iv) A step that allows the patient to select at least one input corresponding to the degree of astigmatism The method described in item 7, including the method described in item 7. [Item 10] The method according to item 9, wherein the first figure and the second figure are different figures. [Item 11] The method of item 9, further comprising the step of sending the determined astigmatism prescription and refractive power prescription to at least one physician for review and approval. [Item 12] The step of determining the refractive power of the corrective lens prescription for the patient via the computer-controlled screen is: (i) A step of presenting a first figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, wherein the first figure is too small to be clearly seen by the patient; (ii) A step of enabling the patient to make at least one input so that the size of the first figure can be increased until the patient can barely recognize the first figure, wherein the at least one input corresponds to a first spherical degree, The method described in item 9, including the method described in item 9. [Item 13] The step of determining the refractive power of the corrective lens prescription for the patient via the computer-controlled screen is: (iii) A step of presenting a second figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, wherein the second figure is large enough to be clearly visible to the patient; (iv) A step of enabling the patient to make at least one input to reduce the size of the second figure until the second figure is no longer recognizable by the patient, wherein the at least one input corresponds to a second spherical degree, The method described in item 12, including the method described in item 12. [Item 14] The method according to item 13, wherein the final spherical frequency is at least partially based on the first spherical frequency and the second spherical frequency. [Item 15] The steps include determining whether the patient is nearsighted or farsighted by presenting color-coded figures to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, A step that allows the patient to select an input corresponding to the color-coded portion of the figure, The method described in item 9, further including the method described in item 9. [Item 16] The method of item 15, wherein the determination is based on the corrected eye, and the determination determines whether the patient is overcorrected or undercorrected. [Item 17] The method according to item 9, wherein the computer control screen includes two or more computer control screens. [Item 18] The method according to item 12, wherein steps (i) and (ii), or at least one of steps (iii) and (iv), is repeated at least once. [Item 19] The method according to item 9, wherein the determination of the corrective lens prescription for the patient is at least partially based on the patient's previous corrective lens prescription. [Item 20] A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing a plurality of instructions, wherein, when the plurality of instructions are executed by at least one processor, the at least one processor, together with at least one display device and at least one input device, causes the at least one processor to determine a corrective lens prescription for a patient, and the determination of the corrective lens prescription is for each eye of the patient. (a) The astigmatism prescription for the patient said to be (i) The step of presenting a first figure to the patient via a computer-controlled screen, (ii) A step that allows the patient to select an input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle, (iii) The step of presenting a second figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, (iv) A step that allows the patient to select at least one input corresponding to the degree of astigmatism, By performing this, the steps to be determined are: (b) The refractive power prescription for the patient is (i) A step of presenting a first figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, wherein the first figure is too small to be clearly seen by the patient; (ii) A step of enabling the patient to make at least one input so that the size of the first figure can be increased until the patient can barely recognize the first figure, wherein the at least one input corresponds to a first spherical degree, (iii) A step of presenting a second figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, wherein the second figure is large enough to be clearly visible to the patient; (iv) A step of enabling the patient to make at least one input to reduce the size of the second figure until the second figure is no longer recognizable by the patient, wherein the at least one input corresponds to a second spherical degree, By performing this, the steps to be determined are: Includes, A non-transient computer-readable medium in which the final spherical frequency is at least partially based on the first spherical frequency and the second spherical frequency. [Invention clauses] [Clause 1] A method for determining a corrective lens prescription for a patient individually for each of the patient's eyes, and providing the patient with a corrective lens prescription of a suitable type of corrective lens, comprising a patient terminal including a first computer-controlled screen and a remote device having a second computer-controlled screen, wherein the method is a method for operating the patient terminal, server and remote device, The receiving step includes the remote device receiving a link from the server that enables the patient to activate an interface for the remote device to interact with the patient terminal in a handheld manner, wherein the interacting includes receiving commands from the server and enabling the patient to make at least one input to the server via the remote device on a communication interface to control the first computer control screen from a distance, The steps include determining the distance of the patient from the first computer control screen by using a camera connected to the first computer control screen, or by giving the patient a specified distance to remain away from the first computer control screen, the remote device, the patient terminal, or the server; The patient terminal displays information on the first computer control screen in order to request the patient's spherical prescription, Includes, The step of displaying the information on the first computer control screen is: Presenting a figure to the patient via the first computer-controlled screen, wherein the figure is too small for the patient to see clearly, The invention enables the patient to make at least one input to increase the size of the figure until the figure is barely recognizable to the patient, wherein the input corresponds to a spherical frequency. Methods that include... [Clause 2] The method according to Clause 1, wherein the remote device is a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet computer. [Clause 3] The method according to Clause 1, wherein the aforementioned link is received via SMS text message. [Clause 4] The method according to Clause 1, wherein the interface can be launched via a browser. [Clause 5] The method according to Clause 1, wherein the communication interface is the Internet. [Clause 6] The step of the patient terminal presenting another figure to the patient via the first computer control screen, wherein the other figure is large enough to be clearly visible to the patient, The remote device enables the patient to make at least one input to reduce the size of the other figure until the patient can barely recognize the other figure, wherein the input corresponds to another spherical degree, The method described in Clause 1, further including the method described in Clause 1. [Clause 7] The step of the patient terminal determining the patient's astigmatism prescription via the first computer control screen, The first figure is presented to the patient via the first computer-controlled screen, and the patient is made to select at least one input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle. The system presents the patient with a second figure via the first computer-controlled screen, allowing the patient to select at least one input corresponding to the degree of astigmatism. The method described in Clause 1, further including the steps determined by... [Clause 8] The patient terminal determines whether the patient is nearsighted or farsighted by presenting color-coded figures to the patient via the first computer-controlled screen. The remote device enables the patient to select an input corresponding to the color-coded portion of the figure, The method described in Clause 1, further including the method described in Clause 1. [Clause 9] A method for determining a corrective lens prescription for a patient individually for each of the patient's eyes, and providing the patient with a corrective lens prescription of a suitable type of corrective lens, comprising a patient terminal including a first computer-controlled screen and a remote device having a second computer-controlled screen, wherein the method is a method for operating the patient terminal, server and remote device, The receiving step includes the remote device receiving a link from the server that enables the patient to activate an interface for the remote device to interact with the patient terminal in a handheld manner, wherein the interacting includes receiving commands from the server and enabling the patient to make at least one input to the server via the remote device on a communication interface to control the first computer control screen from a distance, The steps include: having the remote device, the patient terminal, or the server position the patient at the distance from the first computer control screen by using a camera connected to the first computer control screen, or by giving the patient a specified distance to remain away from the first computer control screen; The patient terminal displays information on the first computer control screen in order to request the patient's spherical prescription, The patient terminal uses the spherical prescription for the prescription of the corrective lens, Methods that include... [Clause 10] The step of displaying the information on the first computer control screen is: Presenting a figure to the patient via the first computer-controlled screen, wherein the figure is too small for the patient to see clearly, The invention enables the patient to make at least one input to increase the size of the figure until the figure is barely recognizable to the patient, wherein the input corresponds to a spherical frequency. The method described in Article 9, including the method described in Article 9. [Clause 11] The step of the patient terminal presenting another figure to the patient via the first computer control screen, wherein the other figure is large enough to be clearly visible to the patient, The remote device enables the patient to make at least one input to reduce the size of the other figure until the patient can barely recognize the other figure, wherein the input corresponds to another spherical degree, The method described in Clause 10, further including the method described in Clause 10. [Article 12] The method according to Clause 9, wherein the remote device is a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet computer. [Clause 13] The method described in Clause 9, wherein the aforementioned link is received via SMS text message. [Clause 14] The method according to Clause 9, wherein the interface can be launched via a browser. [Article 15] The step of the patient terminal determining the patient's astigmatism prescription via the first computer control screen, The first figure is presented to the patient via the first computer-controlled screen, and the patient is made to select at least one input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle. The system presents the patient with a second figure via the first computer-controlled screen, allowing the patient to select at least one input corresponding to the degree of astigmatism. The method described in Clause 9, further including the steps determined by... [Clause 16] The patient terminal determines whether the patient is nearsighted or farsighted by presenting color-coded figures to the patient via the first computer-controlled screen. The remote device enables the patient to select an input corresponding to the color-coded portion of the figure, The method described in Clause 9, further including the method described in Clause 9. [Article 17] A system for determining a corrective lens prescription for each eye of a patient and providing the patient with a corrective lens prescription of a suitable type for that patient, A patient terminal including a first computer control screen, A remote device having a second computer-controlled screen, wherein the remote device is configured to receive a link from a server that allows the patient to activate the remote device's interface for interacting with the patient terminal in a handheld manner, and the interaction includes receiving commands from the server and allowing the patient to make at least one input to the server via the remote device on the communication interface to control the first computer-controlled screen, It is equipped with, The patient terminal is configured to display information on the first computer control screen in order to request the patient's spherical prescription. Displaying the information on the first computer control screen includes presenting a figure to the patient via the first computer control screen, wherein the figure is too small for the patient to see clearly. The remote device allows the patient to make at least one input to increase the size of the figure until the figure is barely recognizable to the patient, wherein the input corresponds to a spherical degree. [Clause 18] The system according to Clause 17, wherein the remote device, the patient terminal, or the server is configured to keep the patient at the distance from the first computer control screen by using a camera connected to the first computer control screen, or by giving the patient a specified distance to remain away from the first computer control screen. [Article 19] The system described in Clause 17, wherein the remote device is a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet computer. [Clause 20] The aforementioned link is received via SMS text message on the system described in Clause 17. [Article 21] The system according to Clause 17, wherein the patient terminal is configured to launch the interface for interacting with the first computer control screen via a browser. [Article 22] The patient terminal is further configured to present another figure to the patient via the first computer-controlled screen, wherein the other figure is large enough to be clearly visible to the patient. The system according to Clause 17, wherein the remote device is configured to enable the patient to make at least one input to reduce the size of the other figure so that the other figure can be barely recognized by the patient, and the input corresponds to another spherical degree. [Article 23] The patient terminal is further configured to present a first figure to the patient via the first computer-controlled screen, The system according to Clause 17, wherein the remote device is configured to allow the patient to select at least one input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle for the corrective lens prescription. [Article 24] The patient terminal is further configured to present a second figure to the patient via the first computer-controlled screen, The system according to Clause 23, wherein the remote device is configured to allow the patient to select at least one input corresponding to the astigmatism power for the corrective lens prescription.

Claims

[Claim 1] A method for determining a patient's orthodontic lens prescription on a server, The method described above is performed via a computer-controlled screen and input device without placing a lens in front of the patient's eye, the computer-controlled screen and input device are communicated with a server, and the method is a method of operating the server. The method described above applies separately to each eye of the patient. (a) The server determines the distance between the computer control screen and the patient using a camera attached to the computer control screen, (b) The server determines the astigmatism prescription for the corrective lens prescription for the patient via the computer-controlled screen, (c) The server determines the refractive power of the corrective lens prescription for the patient via the computer-controlled screen, using the distance between the computer-controlled screen and the patient in part; Includes, The server determines the patient's astigmatism prescription via the computer-controlled screen, (i) The server presents a first figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, (ii) The server enables the patient to make an input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle using the input device, (iii) The server presents a second figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, (iv) The server enables the patient to make at least one input corresponding to the degree of astigmatism using the input device, Includes, The server determines the refractive power of the corrective lens prescription for the patient via the computer-controlled screen, (i) The server presents a first figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, wherein the first figure is too small to be clearly seen by the patient. (ii) The server enables the patient to make at least one input using the input device to increase the size of the first figure until the patient can barely recognize the first figure, wherein the at least one input corresponds to a first spherical degree, (iii) The step of the server presenting a second figure to the patient via the computer-controlled screen, wherein the second figure is large enough to be clearly visible to the patient, (iv) The server enables the patient to make at least one input using the input device to reduce the size of the second figure until the patient can no longer recognize the second figure, wherein the at least one input corresponds to a second spherical degree, Methods that include... [Claim 2] The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer control screen and input device are connected to a server so as to be able to communicate with the Internet. [Claim 3] The method according to claim 1, wherein the first figure and the second figure are different figures. [Claim 4] The method according to claim 1, wherein the first figure and the second figure are the same figure. [Claim 5] The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of the server transmitting the determined corrective lens prescription to at least one physician for review and approval. [Claim 6] The method according to claim 1, wherein the final spherical degree is at least partially based on the first spherical degree and the second spherical degree. [Claim 7] The method described above is The server determines whether the patient is nearsighted or farsighted by presenting the patient with color-coded figures via the computer-controlled screen and allowing the patient to select inputs corresponding to parts of the color-coded figures. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: [Claim 8] The method according to claim 7, wherein the determining step is based on a corrected eye, and the determining step includes determining whether the patient is overcorrected or undercorrected. [Claim 9] The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer control screen includes two or more computer control screens. [Claim 10] For determining the refractive power of the aforementioned corrective lens prescription Step (i) and (ii) or Steps (iii) and (iv) The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the steps is repeated at least once. [Claim 11] The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination of the corrective lens prescription for the patient is at least partially based on the patient's previous corrective lens prescription. [Claim 12] A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing multiple instructions, When the plurality of instructions are executed by at least one processor in the server, the at least one processor is caused to perform a method for determining the corrective lens prescription for a patient without placing a lens in front of the patient's eyes, in cooperation with at least one computer control screen and at least one input device. The method for determining the corrective lens prescription for the aforementioned patient is, for each eye of the aforementioned patient, (a) A step of determining the astigmatism prescription for the corrective lens prescription of the patient, (i) The step of presenting the first figure to the patient via at least one computer-controlled screen, (ii) The step of enabling the patient to make an input corresponding to the astigmatism axis angle using at least one input device, (iii) The step of presenting a second figure to the patient via at least one computer-controlled screen, (iv) The step of enabling the patient to make at least one input corresponding to the degree of astigmatism using the at least one input device, This involves the step of determining the astigmatism prescription, (b) A step of determining the distance between the computer control screen and the patient using a camera attached to the computer control screen, (c) A step of determining the refractive power prescription for the corrective lens prescription for the patient using in part the distance between the computer-controlled screen and the patient, (i) A step of presenting a first figure to the patient via at least one computer-controlled screen, wherein the first figure is too small to be clearly seen by the patient; (ii) A step of enabling the patient to make at least one input using the at least one input device to increase the size of the first figure until the first figure is barely recognizable to the patient, wherein the at least one input corresponds to a first spherical degree, (iii) A step of presenting a second figure to the patient via at least one computer-controlled screen, wherein the second figure is large enough to be clearly visible to the patient; (iv) A step of enabling the patient to make at least one input using the at least one input device to reduce the size of the second figure to the point where the second figure is no longer recognizable to the patient, wherein the at least one input corresponds to a second spherical degree, This involves the step of determining the refractive power prescription, Non-temporary computer-readable media, including [specific examples of such media]. [Claim 13] The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 12, wherein the first figure and the second figure are different figures. [Claim 14] The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 12, wherein the first figure and the second figure are the same figure. [Claim 15] The method described above is The step of sending the determined corrective lens prescription to at least one physician for review and approval. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 12, further comprising: [Claim 16] The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 12, wherein the final spherical degree is at least partially based on the first spherical degree and the second spherical degree. [Claim 17] The method described above is The step of determining whether the patient is nearsighted or farsighted involves presenting the patient with color-coded figures via the computer-controlled screen and allowing the patient to select inputs corresponding to parts of the color-coded figures. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 12, further comprising: [Claim 18] The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 17, wherein the determining step is based on a corrected eye, and the determining step includes determining whether the patient is overcorrected or undercorrected. [Claim 19] The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 12, wherein the computer control screen includes two or more computer control screens. [Claim 20] For determining the refractive power of the aforementioned corrective lens prescription Step (i) and (ii) or Steps (iii) and (iv) The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the elements is repeated at least once.

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