Automated Subjective Refraction With Feedback-Guided Test Endpoints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refraction tests strain various muscles and components of the eye when aiming for vision beyond 20/20, causing distress to patients, and require skilled professionals for administration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated subjective refraction testing using a phoropter with adjustable lenses, a display device, and a computing device to administer multiple sub-tests, allowing non-medical personnel to guide patients through lens adjustments and visual references based on patient feedback, determining endpoints for each sub-test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If refraction tests aim for vision beyond 20/20, then visual acuity is improved, but muscle strain and patient distress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the computing device receives patient responses, determines endpoints for each sub-test, and automatically adjusts lens combinations and visual references. This closed-loop feedback system allows the test to stop at the optimal point (20/20 vision) without over-testing, thereby preventing muscle strain while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-administered or technician-administered refraction testing without requiring skilled medical professionals. The automated script and endpoint determination allow the test to self-regulate, reducing the need for continuous professional intervention and enabling the test to naturally terminate when optimal vision is achieved, preventing excessive strain.
2Measurement precision
If skilled professionals administer refraction tests, then test accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device acts as an intermediary between the test administrator and the refraction testing process. It generates scripts, controls the phoropter, displays visual references, and determines endpoints based on patient feedback. This intermediary automates the complex decision-making process, allowing non-experts to administer accurate tests without requiring extensive professional training.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical system of professional judgment and manual test administration with an automated computing system. The computing device executes predefined algorithms, processes patient responses, and determines test endpoints automatically, substituting human expertise with computational logic while maintaining test accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple sub-tests are administered, then comprehensive vision assessment is improved, but test duration and patient time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by determining endpoints for each sub-test individually. Instead of administering all possible sub-tests to every patient, the system stops each sub-test when sufficient data is obtained, then proceeds to the next sub-test or concludes the examination. This approach ensures comprehensive assessment where needed while minimizing unnecessary testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The refraction test is segmented into multiple sub-tests, each with its own endpoint determination criteria. The computing device manages each sub-test independently, allowing for flexible progression through the assessment. This segmentation enables the system to administer only the necessary portion of each sub-test, reducing overall test duration while maintaining comprehensive vision assessment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for administering a subjective refraction comprising a phoropter, a display, and a computing device configured to generate a first set of conditions for a first test; receive a first input indicative of the patient's vision under the first set of conditions; automatically display, based on the first input, an updated first visual reference; iteratively update, based on the first input, a second combination of the plurality of lenses and receive feedback from the patient until a predefined number of responses are received to determine an endpoint for the first test; automatically generate and display a second set of conditions for a second test and a second plurality of response fields; receive an updated input indicative of the patient's vision under the second set of conditions; and determine an endpoint for the second test based on a determined a visual acuity matching a predefined visual acuity value.