Home Subjective Optometer Resolving Retinal Reflection Contradictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optometry methods for assessing refractive errors, such as autorefractors, face limitations due to the retina's poor quality as a reflective projection screen, leading to inaccurate and unreliable objective measurements, which are then supplemented by time-consuming and subjective evaluations using phoropters, making it inaccessible and costly for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A subjective optometer for home use is developed, featuring a rotational test object with a point light source, orientation marker, and USAF-1951 Airforce Resolution Chart, allowing users to assess image quality objectively and accurately, with numerically controllable light intensity, color, and aperture, enabling precise refractive error measurement without the need for professional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If objective measurement using autorefractor is used, then measurement speed and automation are improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to poor retinal reflective screen quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beamsplitter as an intermediary optical element that redirects the reflected retinal image to an external display screen. This allows the poor-quality retinal reflection to be viewed on a high-quality external screen while maintaining the automated objective measurement process, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement speed and precision.
2Measurement precision
If subjective measurement using phoropter is used, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both objective and subjective methods by combining an automated autorefractor system with a subjective evaluation interface. The system automatically presents test patterns to the patient and captures their responses, integrating the precision of automated measurement with the accuracy of subjective judgment, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by displaying the reflected retinal image and test patterns to the patient during automated measurement. This allows the patient to provide immediate subjective feedback on image quality, enabling the system to adjust and refine measurements dynamically, thus reducing overall measurement time while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If traditional subjective examination with phoropter is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the retinal image and test patterns on an external display screen, allowing the patient to view and evaluate images without directly observing the complex optical path. This simplifies the user interface while maintaining measurement precision, as patients interact with simplified visual representations rather than complex optical components.
4Illumination intensity
If high illumination is used during measurement, then image quality for evaluation is improved, but operating aperture of the eye is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The beamsplitter acts as an intermediary that allows the use of higher illumination for the test pattern without directly affecting the patient's pupil size. The illumination is directed through the beamsplitter to the test pattern, and the reflected image is viewed through the same beamsplitter, decoupling the illumination intensity from the pupil aperture constraints.
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
This solution provides accurate and reliable refractive error assessments, achieving an accuracy of 0.12 diopters, making it possible for individuals to obtain precise prescriptions for corrective glasses, increasing accessibility and affordability, while allowing for tracking of vision changes and medical conditions without the need for expensive equipment or professional visits.
Implementation Method 1
a point light source, orientation marker and an USAF-1951 Airforce Resolution Chart type of target
Implementation Method 2
A subjective optometer for home use is developed, featuring a rotational test object with a point light source
Data Source
AI summary
The unsuitability of the retina of the eye as a reflective projection screen for image observation causes objective optometry to be expensive and of limited accuracy. The subjective assessment of image quality is the only way to make full use of the resolution capability of the eye. A subjective optometer for home use is disclosed with ample accuracy and confidence for mail order of prescription glasses. It overcomes the disadvantages of subjective optometry and is able to measure the refractive errors to the resolution limit of the eye, which is of great importance for the present state and relief of ametropia. Electronic recording and connectivity can be provided as an option.