Macular Function Tester With Gaze Alignment And Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are not sensitive enough for early detection and are cumbersome, often requiring significant visual deficits to be present before abnormalities can be detected, and lack efficient mechanisms for monitoring gaze direction during testing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a stimulus light source that emits controlled intensity and color light focused on the macula, including an adapting light for dark adaptation and an alignment detection system using near-infrared light and a camera to ensure proper gaze alignment, allowing for sensitive and efficient testing of the macula.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tests like Amsler Grid or visual fields are used to detect AMD, then the tests are simple to administer, but they are not sensitive enough for early detection and require significant visual deficits to be present
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the visual field testing into multiple discrete locations that can be independently tested and mapped. The visual field is divided into testable zones with specific coordinates, allowing systematic coverage and precise measurement of sensitivity at each location without requiring complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary dark adaptation of the subject's eye before conducting sensitivity measurements. By pre-adapting the eye to darkness and establishing baseline conditions, the system enables more sensitive detection of early AMD symptoms without requiring complex real-time adaptation mechanisms during testing
2Measurement precision
If multifocal electroretinogram is used to detect AMD, then detection sensitivity improves, but the test becomes cumbersome to administer
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an alignment detection system that automatically monitors and verifies subject gaze direction without requiring operator intervention. The system self-adjusts by detecting eye position and ensuring proper alignment with stimulus locations, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures and making the sensitive electroretinogram testing easier to administer
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses real-time feedback from alignment detection to ensure proper positioning of visual stimuli relative to the subject's eye. The system continuously monitors gaze direction and provides feedback to maintain accurate stimulus placement, enabling sensitive multifocal testing while simplifying administration through automated control
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing adaptometers like Goldman-Weekers or SST-1 are used, then dark adaptometry can be performed, but they lack electronic control of light color and intensity and have no gaze monitoring mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: dark adaptometry, multifocal visual field testing, and gaze alignment monitoring all occur within one apparatus. The light source system provides both adaptation illumination and test stimuli with electronic control of intensity and wavelength, eliminating the need for separate devices while maintaining structural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables dynamic electronic control of light parameters including intensity and wavelength during adaptometry and testing phases. By programmatically adjusting these parameters without mechanical filter changes, the system achieves versatile light control capability while reducing mechanical complexity through solid-state lighting control
4Measurement precision
If early detection methods are implemented, then treatment can begin sooner to slow disease progression, but the testing must be both sensitive and efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains continuous testing across multiple visual field locations without requiring repeated setup or repositioning. By systematically progressing through predefined test locations and maintaining continuous stimulus presentation, the system achieves both high detection sensitivity and efficient testing, enabling early AMD detection while minimizing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary mapping of the visual field to identify areas of reduced sensitivity before conducting detailed electroretinogram measurements. This preliminary assessment guides subsequent focused testing, enabling efficient early detection by concentrating detailed measurements on suspicious areas rather than uniformly testing the entire visual field
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
Enables early detection of AMD by adjusting light intensity and color to the subject's threshold, measuring electrical responses, and ensuring accurate gaze alignment, thereby facilitating timely intervention to slow disease progression.
Implementation Method 1
a stimulus light source that emits a light toward the subjects eye and is focused by the eye onto the macula
Implementation Method 2
an alignment detection system using near-infrared light and a camera to ensure proper gaze alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A device to carry out tests of the macula of a subject's eye to identify disease such as age related macular degeneration. The device includes a stimulus light source comprising a stimulus spheroidal chamber with a stimulus light located therein to emit light through an aperture in the stimulus spheroidal chamber into the eye of a subject. The stimulus light source may include a plurality of light emitting diodes of differing colors. A controller controls the intensity and the color of the light emitted through the aperture of the stimulus spheroidal chamber to the subject. There is also an adapting light source comprising a light contained within an adapting spheroidal chamber. The adapting light source provides a bright light that can be used to remove the subject's dark adaption. There is also an alignment detection system that verifies that the gaze of the subject is toward the stimulus light source.