Fourier-Domain OCT Optoretinography for Retinal Function Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual field tests are limited in attributing visual pathway issues to specific retinal regions, lacking definitive functional information on photoreceptor cells, leading to inaccurate clinical diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
A Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) apparatus that acquires optoretinography (ORG) data, correlating retinal responses to optical stimuli with visual field positions, enabling precise mapping of retinal functionality and visual acuity distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual field tests are used to assess visual pathway function, then visual field mapping can be obtained, but definitive functional information on photoreceptor cells cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visual field testing with optoretinography (ORG) to create a unified diagnostic system. The ORG functionality is integrated into the visual field test apparatus, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both visual field data and photoreceptor functional data from the same retinal locations, thereby eliminating information loss while maintaining diagnostic precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optoretinography as an intermediary measurement technique that bridges the gap between visual field testing and direct photoreceptor assessment. ORG serves as a mediator that captures photoreceptor responses to optical stimuli, providing the missing functional information while being coordinated with visual field test positions
2Loss of information
If visual field tests are used, then visual field defects can be identified, but specific retinal region attribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the visual field test system multi-functional by adding ORG capability to the existing apparatus. The same optical system and retinal interface used for visual field testing are also used for ORG measurements, allowing the single device to perform both functions without requiring separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the diagnostic information into two complementary components: visual field defect locations and corresponding retinal region functional status. By dividing the assessment into these two measurable aspects and correlating them spatially, the system achieves precise retinal region attribution without overwhelming complexity
3Measurement precision
If clinical diagnosis relies on visual field tests alone, then visual field mapping is available, but accurate identification of photoreceptor cell impairments is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where ORG measurements provide real-time functional information about photoreceptor responses that feeds back into the diagnostic process. This additional functional data stream continuously informs and refines the identification of photoreceptor cell impairments, improving measurement precision through iterative assessment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A Fourier-domain OCT apparatus for acquiring optoretinography data, comprising: an optical system which applies an optical stimulus to a retina of an eye; an OCT imaging system which acquires OCT data from the retina; and a controller which: controls the OCT imaging system to acquire OCT data of a plurality of portions of the retina such that, for each portion, at least some of the OCT data from the portion is acquired after a respective optical stimulus has been applied to the portion; generates, based on the OCT data, respective ORG data for each portion which indicates the response of the portion to the optical stimulus; and stores respective ORG data generated for each portion in association with a respective position in a visual field of the eye that is optically conjugate with a position of the portion on the retina.