OCTA Deep Vessel Density Tracking for Early Glaucoma Progression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods lack objective diagnostic data for early glaucoma progression using optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, making it difficult to accurately predict and manage the disease.

Innovation Solution

A glaucoma progression prediction system utilizing optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to derive examination images, measure deep vessel density through image binarization, and determine glaucoma progression based on changes in deep vessel density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional OCT imaging methods are used to examine the retina, then structural information of the retinal nerve fiber layer can be obtained, but objective diagnostic data for early glaucoma progression cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveearly glaucoma detection accuracyVSAvoidobjective diagnostic data

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional 2D OCT structural imaging to 3D OCTA vascular imaging, adding a dimensional perspective that visualizes blood flow dynamics in the retinal vasculature. This dimensional change enables extraction of quantitative vascular parameters (vessel density, caliber, tortuosity) that provide objective diagnostic data for early glaucoma detection, overcoming the limitation of conventional structural-only imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms qualitative visual assessment of retinal images into quantitative vascular parameter measurements. By analyzing changes in vessel density, caliber, and tortuosity over time, the system generates objective numerical data that precisely track glaucoma progression, replacing subjective diagnostic interpretation with measurable parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If visual field testing is performed to measure functional changes, then nerve fiber damage can be detected, but changes must reach 30-50% damage before detection is possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional change detectionVSAvoidearly diagnosis timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of vascular changes in the retinal vasculature before significant nerve fiber damage occurs. By monitoring vascular parameters early in the disease process, the system identifies glaucoma progression at stages preceding 30-50% nerve fiber loss, enabling intervention before functional vision defects become apparent in traditional visual field testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If OCTA imaging is used to capture deep vessel information, then vascular structure data can be obtained, but quantitative measurement of vessel density requires complex image processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeep vessel informationVSAvoidimage processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual image processing methods with automated computer-based analysis algorithms. The system automatically segments vessels from background tissue, calculates vessel density metrics, and tracks changes over time without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining quantitative accuracy of deep vessel measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Accurately predicts glaucoma progression by quantifying changes in deep vessel density, enabling early and reliable diagnosis.

Implementation Method 1

optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to derive examination images

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical coherence tomography: Interference

Implementation Method 2

images of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (p-RNFL) around the optic nerve head can also be obtained

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12478251B2Glaucoma progression prediction system and method

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 THE CATHOLIC UNIV OF KOREA IND ACADEMIC COOP FOUND

AI summary

A glaucoma progression prediction system and method for predicting the progression of glaucoma are described. The glaucoma progression prediction system comprises: an examination module provided to derive examination images captured of deep vessels of the eye; a measurement module for measuring the deep vessel density in the examination images; an analysis module for deriving the amount of change in the deep vessel density measured in the plurality of the examination images derived at certain intervals of time; and a determination module for determining the progression of glaucoma according to the amount of change in the deep vessel density.