Objective Refraction Device with Quality Metrics for Phoropter Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refraction processes for determining eyeglass prescriptions are time-consuming and skill-dependent, often failing to provide precise corrections for astigmatism, especially for cylinder powers less than 0.5 D, due to subjective optimization methods.
Innovation Solution
An improved method using an objective refraction device that provides an objective sphero-cylinder prescription, along with quality metrics to measure confidence levels and assess vision corrections, guiding a phoropter-based subjective refraction in multiple modes for precise determination of spherical and cylinder powers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional subjective refraction method is used, then refraction can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and skill-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary objective measurement of the eye's refractive errors using an autorefractor before the subjective refraction process. This preliminary action provides an objective prescription that serves as a starting point, reducing the time and skill required for subsequent subjective optimization steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely manual subjective refraction process with an automated objective measurement system. The autorefractor uses optical principles to automatically measure refractive errors, substituting the mechanical/manual process with an automated optical measurement system that provides objective data without requiring extensive professional skill.
2Device complexity
If conventional subjective refraction method is used, then equipment requirements are simple, but measurement precision is insufficient for cylinder powers less than 0.5 D
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual subjective measurement method with an automated objective measurement system (autorefractor). This substitution enables precise measurement of cylinder powers less than 0.5 D through optical principles, while keeping the overall system relatively simple by combining the autorefractor with a phoropter for final verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The objective prescription from the autorefractor serves as an intermediary that provides precise measurement data. This intermediary objective measurement guides the subsequent subjective refraction process, enabling accurate determination of cylinder powers that would be difficult to measure subjectively alone.
3Device complexity
If conventional subjective refraction method is used, then the process can be performed with basic tools, but refraction outcomes depend on individual professional skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the skill-dependent manual measurement process with an automated objective measurement system. The autorefractor provides consistent, objective measurements that are not influenced by individual professional skill or experience, thereby improving reliability and consistency of refraction outcomes while maintaining equipment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The objective measurement system performs self-service by automatically measuring refractive errors without requiring professional judgment or skill. The autorefractor independently provides objective prescriptions that serve as a reliable foundation, reducing dependence on individual professional expertise.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional subjective refraction method is used, then the process is flexible and adaptable, but it cannot provide objective data for quality metrics
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary objective measurement to obtain objective quality data before the subjective refraction process. This preliminary action provides quantitative metrics about eye health and refractive errors, enabling assessment of quality metrics such as corneal curvature, axial length, and refractive error magnitude without compromising the flexibility of the subsequent subjective process.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for optimizing refractive prescriptions of human eyes. First, objective refraction devices such as aberrometers and auto-refractors will not only provide an objective estimate of sphero-cylinder correction, but also a quality metrics for at least one of a) measuring the confidence level in the objectively determined cylinder power and cylinder axis in addition to the objective sphero-cylinder correction, b) assessing/displaying quality of vision corrections for a plurality of cylinder power. Second, the quality metrics will be used to elect one of a plurality of modes of subjective refraction with a phoropter: 1) one mode for the subjective determination of spherical power only, 2) another mode for subjective determination of both sphere power and cylinder power.