Apparatus, system and method for assessing eye conditions using a curved video screen

Abstract

An ophthalmological device for assessing eye conditions, comprising a body, one or more curved video screens disposed within the body and curved about a longitudinal axis, and a camera with lens within the body. When the device is in use and positioned in front of a patient's eye, the curved video screen is used to display an image, a pattern, or different types / colours / intensities of light, which is reflected by the patient's eye. The camera and lens captures the eye-reflected images, pattern, etc. in the form of images or a video file for further processing and analysis in accordance with conventional eye health assessment techniques.

Description

APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING EYE CONDITIONS USING A CURVED VIDEO SCREENFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ophthalmic instrumentation to evaluate eye conditions, including those relating to dry eye disease.BACKGROUND

[0002] There are a variety of assessments and diagnostic tests / tools that an eyecare practitioner (such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, for example) may consider when evaluating a patient’s eye health. These may be in the nature of relatively routine standard assessments, or specialized assessments to address specific issues.

[0003] A relatively common eye disease / condition is dry eye disease. Dry eye disease is often caused by issues that disrupt the precorneal tear film. The human precorneal tear film is comprised of three primary layers: an inner mucin layer, a middle aqueous layer, and an outermost thin lipid layer. Each of these layers serve a specific function. The innermost layer of the precorneal tear film provides a protective environment for the superficial epithelial cells of the cornea and helps protect against microbes and foreign bodies. The outer surface of the precorneal tear film is the primary refracting surface of the eye. Its surface tension helps to smooth this surface, thus improving the optical quality of the image ultimately impacting the retina. Additionally, the precorneal tear film provides a lubricating function during blinking. These structures are often disrupted in dry eye conditions, which are some of the most common ophthalmic disorders seen by eye-care practitioners. In addition, the ability of a patient to wear contact lenses is a direct function of the quality and quantity of the tear film, and dry eye disorders and / or disease therefore can have a significant impact on contact lens wear parameters.

[0004] When evaluating dry eye disease / conditions, for example, the available inclinic eye health assessment tools that an eyecare practitioner may consider for assisting with such evaluation may include one, some or all of the following: TearOsmolarity; Meibography; Non-lnvasive Tear Breakup Time; Invasive Tear Break-Up Time (Fluorescein); Corneal Staining; Conjunctival Hyperemia Assessment; Lipid Layer Assessment; Lid Margin Assessment; and Tear Meniscus Height. In order for a comprehensive evaluation to be done, in some cases it may be appropriate to conduct assessments using multiple or all of such eye health assessment tools. When multiple such assessments are to be conducted, it is typically necessary for a patient to switch over from one assessment tool to another, which can be quite timeconsuming.

[0005] Thus, it would be desirable, when performing a general evaluation involving several of such eye health assessment tools, to be able to reduce the inefficiencies associated with having to switch over from one assessment tool to another. Further, it would also be desirable to provide an integrated device capable of and configured to carry out each of the steps of displaying different images, patterns onto a patient’s eye, and capturing the resulting eye-reflected images / patterns that would be done with each of the different assessment tools, thereby effectively replacing each of such image / pattern display and capture steps associated with each of the assessment tools.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Fundamentally, in a modern eyecare clinic or facility, each of the above- mentioned eye health assessment tools (and indeed, many eye health assessment tools generally) require some form of image or video capture of a patient's eye(s). In many cases, these assessment tools may also involve projecting some form of image, pattern or type / colour / intensity of light onto a patient’s eye (such as onto the cornea or tear film, for example). Depending on the nature of the assessment being performed, these image or video files may then undergo, for example, further processing / measurement and / or analysis and diagnosis by a practitioner.

[0007] Many of the assessment tools mentioned above involve displaying a specific image, pattern or type / colour / intensity of light and subjecting a patient’s eye (e.g. more particularly the cornea or the tear film) to said image, pattern or type / colour / intensity of light, and then capturing the resulting image or pattern that is reflected from the eye, for further processing / analysis / diagnosis.

[0008] It is contemplated that the disclosed integrated device may be utilised to display any of a number of different images, patterns, videos and / or light types, and then capture the resulting image / video or effect that is reflected from the patient’s eye using a camera (typically this may be in the form of an image / video of the image, pattern, etc. that is reflected from the cornea or tear film). These image or video files may then undergo, for example, further processing / measurement and / or analysis and diagnosis by a eyecare practitioner. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the image / video files may undergo computer image analysis and / or other artificial intelligence-based processing in order to supplement / assist with the practitioner’s analysis / diagnosis.

[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, disclosed herein is a device for facilitating the assessment of eye conditions. Also disclosed herein is a system incorporating such device, and a method for carrying out assessments of eye conditions utilising such device and system.

[0010] The present device is designed particularly for use in the evaluation of dry eye disease, and is generally discussed and illustrated herein in such context. However, the device of the present invention is not limited to such use, and it should be understood that it may also be used, or adapted for use, in the evaluation of other eye conditions or diseases. It should be understood that the invention may be used to assess any eye disorder relating to the ocular surface and area around the eye. The invention may be used to carry out any of a number of conventional eye assessment tests, such as Meibography; Non-lnvasive Tear Breakup Time; Invasive Tear Break-Up Time (Fluorescein); Corneal Staining; Conjunctival Hyperemia Assessment; Lipid Layer Assessment; Lid Margin Assessment; and Tear Meniscus Height.

[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, disclosed herein is an ophthalmic device for assessing eye conditions in a patient or for conducting one or more eye assessment tests on the patient, the device comprising: (i) a body; (ii) a video display screen disposed within the body at a proximal end, wherein the video display screen is configured to display an image or series of images; and (iii) a camera disposed within the body at a distal end; wherein when the ophthalmic device is in use with the patient, the patient’s eye is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the camera, wherein a length of the video display screen is substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the camera, wherein the one or more video display screens is a curved video display screen curved substantially about the longitudinal axis of the camera, and wherein, when a displayed image or series of images is displayed on the one or more video screens, the camera is oriented to capture a reflected image or series of images, of the displayed image or series of images that is reflected from the patient’s eye.

[0012] In another aspect, the ophthalmic device additionally comprises a computer module coupled to the ophthalmic device, the computer module configured to control the displayed image or series of images displayed on the video display screen.

[0013] In another aspect, the ophthalmic device additionally comprises a computer device coupled to the camera, the computer device configured to: (i) process the reflected image or series of images; (ii) store the reflected image or series of images; and / or (iii) display the reflected image or series of images to a user.

[0014] In some aspect, the ophthalmic device is utilised for assessing eye conditions relating to dry eye conditions or dry eye disorders.

[0015] In some aspects, the ophthalmic device is utilised for carrying out eye assessment tests including any one or more selected from: meibography; non- invasive tear breakup time; invasive tear break-up time; corneal staining; conjunctival hyperemia assessment; lipid layer assessment; lid margin assessment; and tear meniscus height.

[0016] In some aspects, the displayed image or series of images displayed by the curved video screen may include a Placido disc pattern or a white “wedge” pattern.

[0017] In some aspects, the ophthalmic device is configured to be mounted on a slit lamp base.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, disclosed herein is a system incorporating the ophthalmic device, for assessing eye conditions in a patient or for conducting one or more eye assessment tests on a patient. Also disclosed herein is a method for carrying out assessments of eye conditions utilising such ophthalmic device and system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation showing the device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation illustrating an embodiment of the system incorporating the device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic representation showing an embodiment of the system including the device.

[0023] Fig. 4 illustrates some of the component parts of the system, and includes the labelling on such components.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring to Fig. 1 , this is a simplified diagrammatic representation illustrating a preferred embodiment of the device 10 of the present invention. The device is sometimes also referred to herein and in the accompanying figures as the “ophthalmic device”, “OSDx Device” or“AI4EEYES OSDx POC3 Device”.

[0025] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, disclosed herein is an ophthalmological device 10 comprising one or more curved video screens 20, within the body of the device (at a proximal end of the body) . When the device is in use and positioned in front of a patient’s eye, the curved video screen(s) may be used to display an image(s), a pattern(s), different types / colours / intensities of light, a video(s), or combinations thereof, such that the image(s), pattern(s), types / colours / intensities of light, video(s), or combinations thereof are reflected from the surface of a patient’s cornea or corneas. The device also comprises a camera 30 (or such other component capable of capturing images, patterns, different types of colours / intensities of light, video, or combinations thereof), or cameras, with a lens 40, or lenses, within the body of the device (generally at a distal end of the body). When the device is in use with a patient, the camera is generally trained on the patient’s eye (e.g. such as the cornea). As shown in Fig. 1 , when the ophthalmic device is in use with a patient, the camera and the patient’s eye are generallypositioned along a longitudinal axis between the camera and the patient’s eye. The camera(s) is used to capture the image, pattern, etc. (displayed by the curved video screen 20) that is reflected from the patient’s eye 50 or cornea. This eye-reflected image, pattern, etc. is collected and digitally stored in the form of an image or video file. As shown, the curved video screen 20 is disposed generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the device (i.e. between the lens / camera and the patient’s eye) of the device 10. The captured image / video may be optionally stored, and then further processed and / or analysed, in accordance with conventional techniques depending on the type of eye health assessment or assessments being conducted.

[0026] The video screen(s) may be in the form of any video display screen that is known in the art, including, for example: Light-emitting diode display (LED); Electroluminescent display (ELD); Plasma display panel (PDP); High-Performance Addressing display (HPA); Thin-film transistor display (TFT); DLP screens; and OLED screens. Such video display screens are generally known from and have been developed / used, for example, for curved / flexible displays for smartphones. Considerations for selecting a suitable video screen type may include, for example, cost, size, thickness, weight, resolution, brightness, durability, intensity, range of displayable wavelengths, degree of available curvature, power requirements, general availability, suitability for different eye assessment tests, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the video screen is in the form of a curved OLED video screen capable of displaying various colours of light, possibly including other wavelengths such as infra red.

[0027] The curved video screen is arranged (around the longitudinal axis of the device / camera, i.e., such that the curved video screen curves about longitudinal axis) to form a substantially cylindrical shaped drum within the body (or into the form of a partially or substantially complete cylinder, within a drum of the body).

[0028] The curved nature of the video screen better allows for the video screen to be oriented relative to the patient’s eye and the camera of the device, such that when a displayed image, pattern, type of light, or video, etc. is displayed on the video screen, such displayed image, pattern, type of light, or video is better reflected by the surface of the patient’s eye and the reflected image, pattern, type of light, or video is more easily captured by the camera (that is positioned generally on a longitudinal axis between the camera and the patient’s eye). In a preferred embodiment, thecurved video screen may be curved (about the longitudinal axis) such that it is substantially cylindrically shaped; however, it is contemplated that the curved video screen may also be curved to a lesser extent (as in practice it has been found that even a relatively modest degree of curvature of the curved video screen can be sufficient to allow for the displayed image to be suitably reflected by the cornea, in order for the reflected image to be captured by the camera). Further, in some embodiments (e.g. as shown in Fig. 1), the curved video screen may be in the form of a complete or substantially complete cylinder, however, it is contemplated that the curved video screen may also be in the form of a partial cylinder.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the curved video screen(s) and camera(s) are integrated together as a single device.

[0030] By providing for such a video screen(s) within the OSDx Device, it is contemplated that any of a number of different images, patterns, light types / colours / intensities, or videos may be displayed, and the resulting image / pattern, etc. reflected from the cornea of a patient’s eye captured for further analysis.

[0031] While the curved video screen is a light source itself, it is contemplated that other separate light sources 70 may also be used, if desired, to supplement the fidelity of eye-reflected patterns or video and / or to aid in various processes such as image or video capture, registration, calibration and analysis. Such other light sources may include peripheral LEDs, such as those commonly used in clinics to provide illumination for various assessments / tests such as lid margin assessment, tear meniscus height assessment, conjunctival hyperemia assessment, meibography, invasive tear break up time, and corneal staining.

[0032] Other physical structures used to mount and / or position the curved video screen(s) relative to the camera(s) and lens(es) may be visible in the eye- reflected patterns or video and can serve as visual fiducials to aid the above processes.

[0033] One significant advantage of the disclosed invention is that it enables rapid and seamless switching from one displayed image, pattern or video to another without moving either the device or the patient, and it enables eye-reflected images / patterns or video that would otherwise not be feasibly produced using otherconventional methods. This results in an infinite array of possible eye-reflected images, patterns or video that can be captured, and then subjected to computer analysis algorithms.

[0034] Furthermore, the proposed device's eye-reflected patterns or video can be implemented in a manner that leverages any wavelength of light that the video screen itself is capable of emitting and that the camera and lens are capable of capturing (e.g. including different light colours, infra red, etc.). Optical filters 60 may also be momentarily or permanently introduced between the curved video screen(s) 20 and the camera(s) 30 and lens(es) 40, in order to specifically tailor certain ranges of light wavelengths that are ultimately recorded into files during the image or video capture process.

[0035] Different images, patterns, types / colours / intensities of light that are applied to the patient’s eye and captured, may correspond to several different eye health assessment tools (as mentioned above). The ability of the curved video screen to easily display a myriad of different images, patterns, types / intensities of light onto the patient’s eye, means that steps corresponding to several eye health assessments may be conducted in quick succession. A number of commonly used images / patterns are known in the art for various kinds of eye assessments . For example, this could include a “Placido disc” pattern, a bullseye-like pattern, which may be used for a non-invasive tear breakup time test, or a white “wedge” pattern, which may be used for lipid layer assessment. Various other patterns / tests known in the art would be enabled by the curved video screen.

[0036] In addition, it is contemplated that the curved video screen may also be utilised to conveniently display on-screen messages or instructions to the patient during or in between eye assessments (i.e. when the patient’s eye is in position). These instructions may be in the form of text (e.g. “PLEASE LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD”, “PLEASE LOOK UP”, “PLEASE LOOK TO THE LEFT”, “PLEASE FOCUS ON THE RED DOT”, “PLEASE HOLD / WAIT FOR 3 SECONDS”, etc.), images / graphics (e.g. directional arrows) or combinations thereof.

[0037] It is also contemplated that any of the above implementations may also incorporate more than one curved video screen, camera, or lens to form an array, which can be used to cooperatively or mutually exclusively display patterns or videos and using any combination of wavelengths of light that the video screens are capableof emitting and that the cameras and lenses are capable of capturing. For example, two or more curved video screens may be arranged (around the longitudinal axis of the device / camera) to form a substantially cylindrical shaped drum within the body (or into the form of a partially or substantially complete cylinder, within a drum of the body).

[0038] In some embodiments, the device may be handheld or mounted on a structure with various degrees of freedom. It may also be mechanically coupled to the patient’s eye, or eyes, through use of a headset with adjustable straps. Any of these implementations could also result in fixed positioning of the device relative to the eye, or eyes, as well as provide for dynamically adjusted positioning in a controlled manner, if desired. In the case of the latter, the overall shape, size, and fidelity of the eye-reflected patterns or video will vary, but this effect may be used strategically to support processes such as image or video capture, registration, calibration and analysis. Direct contact between the proposed device and the orbital region, or orbital regions, is possible if desired, as is the use of an air gap between the proposed device and the orbital region, or orbital regions.

[0039] Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation illustrating one embodiment of a system incorporating the device 10. This shows an exemplary lamp and desk configuration, as may be set up within a clinic. For the sake of comparison, a typical slit lamp (which is a standard piece of equipment in an eyecare clinic) is also shown. The ophthalmic device 10 is shown mounted on a slit lamp base 80. The device is adapted to allow several degrees of freedom, in order to optimize the position of the device relative to a patient’s eye. The slit lamp base and mounted device may be positioned on a table or desk 90. Preferably, this can be an electric adjustable height desk or motorized standing desk. The system may also include a control module 100 for controlling peripheral LED devices. The system includes a computer device or docking station 120 which may be used to collect / store / download data (such as image and video files for patients). The system includes a computer device or laptop 110 (with a control module) for selecting and / or adjusting any of a number of preset displays on the curved video screen of the device 10. The laptop 110 or another computer terminal, which is in communication with the docking station, may be used to assist the practitioner with displaying, reviewing and analyzing the collected image / video files, as well as other information, such as patient information.

[0040] For ease of reference, Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the system, from an overhead view.

[0041] Fig. 4 illustrates some of the component parts of the system, specifically the control module 100 and the OSDx Device 10 (shown mounted, in this case). Fig. 4 also shows some of the exemplary labelling on such components. Referring to the control module 100, this shows for example some possible configured settings for the “additional light sources” 70 of Fig. 1 (generally in the form of LEDs), which are commonly used in an eye clinic setting. These are configured as rings of LEDs of various colours / wavelengths of LEDs as labelled. For example, these may include: Infra red LEDs, with an outer ring illuminated (of various intensities); White LEDs, with an outer ring illuminated (of various intensities); Infra red LEDs, with an inner ring illuminated (of various intensities); Blue LEDs, with an inner ring illuminated (of various intensities); Blue LEDs, with an outer ring illuminated (of various intensities). Various other images / patterns, types of light / intensities may be included depending on the nature of the assessments being conducted.

[0042] While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well- known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on April 24, 2025 (24.04.2025)CLAIMS

1. [Amended] An ophthalmic device for assessing eye conditions in a patient or for conducting one or more eye assessment tests on the patient, the ophthalmic device comprising: a body, having a proximal end and a distal end; one or more video display screens disposed within the body towards proximal end thereof, the one or more video display screens having a proximal side edge substantially aligned with the proximal end, the one or more video display screens configured to display an image or series of images; and a camera disposed within the body at the distal end; wherein when the ophthalmic device is in use with the patient, the patient’s eye is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the camera, wherein a length of the one or more video display screens is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the camera; wherein the one or more video display screens is a curved video display screen curved substantially about the longitudinal axis of the camera, and wherein, when a displayed image or series of images is displayed on the one or more video screens, the camera is oriented to capture a reflected image or series of images, of the displayed image or series of images that is reflected from the patient’s eye.

2. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , additionally comprising a computer module coupled to the ophthalmic device, the computer module configured to control the displayed image or series of images displayed on the video display screen.

3. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , additionally comprising a computer device coupled to the camera, the computer device configured to:(i) process the reflected image or series of images;(ii) store the reflected image or series of images; and / or(iii) display the reflected image or series of images to a user.

4. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the eye conditions includes dry eye conditions or dry eye disorders.

5. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the eye assessment tests is any one or more selected from: meibography; non-invasive tear breakup time; invasive tear break-up time; corneal staining; conjunctival hyperemia assessment; lipid layer assessment; lid margin assessment; and tear meniscus height.

6. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the displayed image or series of images includes one or more of a Placido disc pattern and white wedge pattern.

7. The ophthalmic device of claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to be mounted on a slit lamp base.

8. A system for assessing eye conditions in a patient or for conducting one or more eye assessment tests on the patient, comprising: the ophthalmic device of claim 2; and a computer device coupled to a camera of the ophthalmic device, the computer device configured to:(i) process the reflected image or series of images that is reflected from the patient’s eye;(ii) store the reflected image or series of images; and / or(iii) display the reflected image or series of images to a user.

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