Computerized Eye Floater Assessment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing eye floaters are inadequate as they do not account for patient perception, leading to subjective and unreliable assessments that may result in unnecessary interventions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a display device, input device, and computer that guides the patient to follow a moving target, allowing them to input when a floater is seen, and calculates a severity score based on location, density, occurrence, reaction time, and patient description to objectively assess the severity of floaters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an eye doctor checks for the presence of floaters during an eye exam, then the presence of floaters can be determined, but the assessment does not account for patient perception and remains subjective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computerized system with standardized displays and protocols as an intermediary between the patient's subjective perception and the doctor's objective assessment. The system presents controlled visual stimuli and records patient responses, translating subjective experiences into quantifiable data that bridges the gap between patient perception and medical evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/visual examination method with a computerized automated system. Instead of relying on the doctor's visual inspection and the patient's verbal descriptions, the system uses computer-controlled displays, standardized protocols, and automated scoring to objectively measure floater severity based on patient responses to specific visual stimuli
2Loss of information
If the patient describes the floater, then patient perception is captured, but the description is not precise and may exaggerate severity leading to unnecessary removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the patient's subjective description into objective parameters through standardized visual stimuli and quantifiable response metrics. Instead of relying on unstructured patient descriptions, the system measures specific parameters such as reaction time, detection accuracy, and severity ratings in response to controlled visual presentations, converting qualitative perceptions into quantitative data
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where patient responses to visual stimuli are immediately recorded and used to adjust subsequent presentations. The standardized protocols provide structured feedback loops that help patients accurately identify and describe floaters while the system objectively measures and validates their responses, reducing exaggeration and improving precision
3Loss of information
If subjective descriptions are used as evidence, then patient experience is recorded, but insurance companies consider these descriptions unreliable and not strong evidence of severity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable subjective descriptions with an automated computerized assessment system that produces objective, quantifiable results. The system uses standardized protocols, controlled visual stimuli, and automated scoring algorithms to generate reliable evidence that is not subject to patient exaggeration or interpretation, making it acceptable to third parties such as insurance companies
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms subjective patient experiences into objective measurable parameters including reaction time, detection accuracy, severity ratings, and response consistency. These quantifiable parameters provide reliable, standardized evidence that can be objectively evaluated by third parties, replacing unreliable subjective descriptions with scientifically measurable data
4Measurement precision
If a standardized pattern is used to move the target, then reproducible assessment is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal standardized pattern that serves multiple functions: it guides eye movement, presents visual stimuli, measures reaction time, and assesses floater detection. This single standardized protocol accomplishes multiple assessment objectives simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate tests and procedures, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high reproducibility
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a system for assessing a floater in the eye of a patient includes a display device, input device, and computer. The display device displays a target and background. The background has an alignment point and alignment axis. The eye axis of the eye is substantially aligned with the alignment axis when the eye is fixating on the alignment point. The input device receives patient input from the patient. The computer provides target display input to the display device to yield the target moving according to a pattern for the eye to follow. The eye axis moves relative to the alignment axis as the eye follows the moving target. The computer records patient input indicating that the patient sees the floater. The computer calculates a severity score, which indicates the severity of the floater, according to the patient input and generates a report that describes the severity score.