Four Ring Visual Stimulus for Retinal Toxicity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual electrophysiology stimuli, such as the 61-hexagon and 103-hexagon stimuli, are not optimal for detecting retinal toxicity as they do not directly stimulate the area of the retina where toxicity occurs and require longer testing times, making them inefficient for monitoring retinal function in patients taking medications like hydroxychloroquine that can cause retinal toxicity.
Innovation Solution
A four ring visual electrophysiology stimulus system that includes a monitor, active and reference electrodes, and a computer to process electrical signals, specifically designed to stimulate the fovea, parafovea, and perifovea regions of the retina, allowing for faster and more targeted detection of retinal toxicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard stimuli (61-hexagon or 103-hexagon) are used for visual electrophysiology testing, then general retinal function can be assessed, but the testing time is too long (4-8 minutes) and they do not directly stimulate the areas where toxicity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulus is divided into four distinct rings (first ring for fovea, second ring for parafovea, third ring for perifovea, and fourth ring for reference area), each independently stimulating specific retinal regions. This segmentation allows targeted assessment of toxicity-prone areas while reducing overall testing time by focusing on critical zones rather than comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ring is designed with specific properties tailored to its functional purpose: the first three rings have varying sizes and luminance characteristics optimized for stimulating foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal regions respectively, while the fourth reference ring provides a control measurement. This local optimization enables precise detection of regional retinal dysfunction caused by toxicity.
2Measurement precision
If standard stimuli are used, then comprehensive retinal coverage is achieved, but the stimulus does not directly target the parafovea and perifovea regions where drug-induced toxicity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulus pattern is segmented into four functional rings that selectively target different retinal zones. The first ring (smallest) stimulates the fovea, the second ring stimulates the parafovea, the third ring stimulates the perifovea, and the fourth ring provides reference measurements. This segmentation directly addresses the toxicity-prone parafoveal and perifoveal regions with dedicated stimulation, improving detection accuracy while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ring possesses locally optimized characteristics: the second and third rings are specifically designed with size and luminance parameters that maximize stimulation of the parafoveal and perifoveal regions respectively, which are the primary sites of drug-induced retinal toxicity. This localized optimization ensures high sensitivity for detecting regional dysfunction without requiring comprehensive full-field testing.
3Measurement precision
If longer testing protocols are used to improve detection sensitivity, then more accurate retinal function measurement is achieved, but clinical workflow efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The four-ring stimulus enables parallel assessment of multiple retinal regions (fovea, parafovea, perifovea, and reference area) within a single brief testing protocol. By segmenting the stimulus into functionally distinct rings that can be processed simultaneously or in rapid sequence, the system achieves comprehensive regional assessment in 30-60 seconds, maintaining high measurement precision while dramatically improving clinical throughput compared to traditional prolonged protocols.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The four ring stimulus system enables faster detection of retinal toxicity by directly stimulating the relevant regions, reducing testing time to 30-60 seconds compared to existing methods, and providing more sensitive and accurate measurements of retinal function, particularly in the parafovea and perifovea areas prone to drug-induced damage.
Implementation Method 1
a monitor configured to display a visual electrophysiology stimulus to the subject
Implementation Method 2
measuring the resulting electrical response to the stimulus of the eye using (i) electrodes applied onto the surface of the eye or on skin near the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing different regions of the retina of a subject for retinal function, said system comprising: a monitor configured to display a visual electrophysiology stimulus to the subject, wherein the visual electrophysiology stimulus comprises a four ring visual electrophysiology stimulus; at least one active electrode; at least one reference electrode; and a computer configured to receive electrical signals from said at least one active electrode and said at least one reference electrode, and process the electrical signals.