Continuous-Wear Sensor for Visual Field Progression Prediction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring ocular biomechanical properties (OBP) and predicting visual field progression (VFP) in glaucoma are limited by their invasive nature, impracticality for frequent use, and reliance on sequential measurements over long periods, which can lead to delayed detection of irreversible visual impairment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a continuous-wear sensor, such as a wireless Contact Lens Sensor, to measure OBP parameters like intraocular pressure, volume, and other biomechanical properties over 24 hours, extracting and analyzing 55 parameters to determine the likelihood of VFP through logistic models, providing a single-session prediction of visual field progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential visual field testing is performed over months and years, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and irreversible visual damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring ocular biomechanical properties (OBP) before visual field progression occurs. The continuous-wear sensor detects OBP changes that predict future visual field loss, allowing intervention before irreversible damage happens. This shifts the detection timing from after progression occurs to before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through continuous monitoring of OBP over 24 hours using a wearable sensor. Instead of discrete sequential testing, the system continuously measures ocular parameters including intraocular pressure, corneal hysteresis, and eye movement, providing uninterrupted data that enables timely detection of progression patterns.
2Reliability
If IOP is measured continuously over 24 hours, then reliability of VFP prediction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional contact lens sensor that simultaneously measures multiple ocular parameters including intraocular pressure, corneal hysteresis, eye movement, and pupil response. This single device performs multiple measurement functions that would otherwise require separate instruments, improving reliability while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service through automated data processing and analysis. The continuous OBP data is automatically processed to identify patterns and predict visual field progression, eliminating the need for manual analysis of complex multi-parameter data and reducing the burden on clinicians while maintaining high prediction accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple discrete IOP measurements are taken over years, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the wearable sensor automatically perform continuous IOP measurement and data collection without requiring patient participation in discrete testing appointments. The sensor autonomously monitors ocular parameters throughout the day and night, eliminating the need for patients to repeatedly visit clinics for testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuity of useful action through uninterrupted 24-hour monitoring that captures circadian IOP variations. This continuous measurement approach improves precision by capturing more data points than discrete office measurements, while the wearable format maintains ease of operation by eliminating repeated clinic visits.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a method for determining the likelihood of being at or beyond a certain rate and/or risk of visual field progression (VFP) of a user, that may include measuring ocular biomechanical properties (OBP) through a continuous-wear sensor placed on or implanted in the eye; recording the user's ocular biomechanical properties in the form of at least one OBP time series plot in a recorder, a processing step wherein at least one of a plurality of OBP parameters are extracted from the recorded OBP time series plot; a calculation step wherein the at least one of a plurality of OBP parameters are associated to VFP, and a determining step wherein one determines whether the visual field progression is at or beyond a certain VFP threshold and/or the probability that the said visual field progression is comprised within a specific range.