Glaucoma Diagnosis via Perimetric Morphological Correlation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing glaucoma are limited by the subjective nature of perimetric measurements and the high cost of imaging methods like OCT, which makes early detection of morphological defects in the retinal nerve fiber layer inaccurate and expensive.

Innovation Solution

An analysis method using a perimeter device that combines functional data from perimetric measurements with morphological data from a database to derive morphological information about the optic disc, allowing for early recognition of glaucoma without the need for direct imaging, by statistically correlating measuring results from the retina with morphological data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If imaging methods like OCT are used to measure retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurementVSAvoidimaging device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual model (copy) of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness based on perimetric measurement data. Instead of directly measuring the physical structure with complex imaging devices, the system generates a computational representation that mirrors the morphological characteristics, allowing accurate assessment through simpler functional measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system (OCT) with a computational modeling system. By substituting physical measurement mechanisms with mathematical models that correlate perimetric data to morphological parameters, the system achieves similar diagnostic accuracy without requiring complex imaging hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If perimetric measurements are used to assess visual field, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of morphological defects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual field examinationVSAvoidmorphological defect detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual model (copy) of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness based on perimetric measurement data. Instead of directly measuring the physical structure with complex imaging devices, the system generates a computational representation that mirrors the morphological characteristics, allowing accurate assessment through simpler functional measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary between perimetric measurements and morphological assessment. This model acts as a bridge, translating functional visual field data into estimates of structural parameters, thereby enabling morphological evaluation without direct structural imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If direct imaging methods are used for early glaucoma detection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveearly glaucoma detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary computational modeling using readily available perimetric data to estimate retinal nerve fiber layer thickness before committing to more time-consuming and expensive imaging procedures. This preliminary assessment allows for early detection and triage, identifying patients who need further imaging versus those who can be monitored with functional tests alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model (copy) of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness based on perimetric measurement data. Instead of directly measuring the physical structure with complex imaging devices, the system generates a computational representation that mirrors the morphological characteristics, allowing accurate assessment through simpler functional measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2818098B1Analysis method

Publication Date: 2022.11.30 OCULUS OPTIKGERAETE GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to an analysis method for determining a morphological property of an optic disc and/or a retinal nerve fiber layer of an eye, performed by means of an ophthalmological device, in particular a perimeter or the like, and also means for data processing using a database, the database comprising datasets with functional data of a field of vision and morphological data of an optic disc and/or a retinal nerve fiber layer, wherein, by means of the ophthalmological device, functional data of a field of vision of the eye are measured, a retina of the eye being divided into points (23), which represent the field of vision, optical stimuli of a defined intensity being provided to the points of the retina, a reaction to a stimulus being determined as a measuring result of a point, the measuring results of the points having a statistically significant relation to morphological data of an optic disc (10) and/or a retinal nerve fiber layer of the eye, the morphological data of the optic disc and/or the retinal nerve fiber layer of the eye being derived from the measuring results of the points (PI, P22, P26, P35, P44, P57) and from the datasets.