Automated Visual Field Testing for Early Retinal Risk Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting early stages of retinal conditions like wet AMD are inadequate, leading to delayed diagnosis and significant vision loss due to the poor sensitivity of self-assessment tools like the Amsler grid and low compliance with regular examinations, resulting in rapid disease progression.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing visual field tests to monitor patients for retinal conditions, with scores exceeding a threshold indicating increased risk, followed by targeted imaging examinations to detect early signs of retinal conditions such as wet AMD, retinal atrophy, or geographic atrophy, allowing for timely intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If self-assessment tools like the Amsler grid are used for early detection of retinal conditions, then patient compliance and accessibility are improved, but detection precision and reliability deteriorate due to poor sensitivity and the filling-in phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated visual field test system that bridges the gap between simple self-assessment tools and complex clinical examinations. This system uses computer-based standardized testing protocols to objectively measure visual function while maintaining patient accessibility and compliance at home or in outpatient settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the subjective mechanical self-assessment process with an automated computational system that objectively measures visual field parameters. This substitution eliminates the filling-in phenomenon and fixation issues inherent in manual self-testing by using standardized automated presentations and response recording.
2Measurement precision
If imaging examinations are performed frequently to detect early signs of retinal conditions, then detection precision and early identification are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring process into two distinct levels: a first level using simple, low-cost automated visual field tests for frequent monitoring, and a second level using complex imaging examinations only when triggered by abnormal results from the first level. This segmentation allows frequent monitoring without requiring complex imaging equipment to be used continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary screening using automated visual field tests before initiating more complex and expensive imaging examinations. This preliminary action filters out patients who do not require further imaging, reserving advanced imaging resources only for those with suspicious findings that warrant closer investigation.
3Productivity
If automated visual field tests are used for monitoring, then productivity and early detection capability are improved, but the system requires sophisticated algorithms and data processing infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the automated visual field test system to serve multiple functions: it performs baseline assessment, monitors disease progression, triggers alerts for abnormal changes, and provides data for research purposes. This multi-functionality justifies the investment in sophisticated algorithms by maximizing the utility and return on investment of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for identifying a patient at increased risk for development of a retinal condition employ visual field tests. A method of identifying a patient at increased risk for development of a retinal condition includes monitoring the patient via one or more visual field tests. Each of the visual field tests includes displaying stimuli for viewing by an eye of the patient and receiving indications of locations of the stimuli as perceived by the patient. A visual field test score for each of the visual field tests is determined based on the stimuli and the indications of locations of the stimuli as perceived by the patient. In response to at least one of the visual field test scores exceeding a screening threshold, the patient is identified as being at increased risk for development of the retinal condition.