Retinal Vision Testing With Adaptive Optics And Fixation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual acuity tests, such as those using printed and electronic charts, are inaccurate for evaluating retinal health due to optical factors like stray light, pupil size variation, and lack of fixation control, which can lead to inconsistent and unreliable measurements of visual function.
Innovation Solution
A system combining near-infrared retinal imaging, adaptive optics, and wavefront measurements to pinpoint fixation location, correct optical errors, and project visual stimuli accurately onto the retina, while using a fixed pupil size to minimize variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printed and electronic charts are used for visual acuity testing, then the tests are standardized and easy to use, but the measurements are inaccurate due to optical factors like stray light, poor transmission, and lack of sharp focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical chart-based testing with an optical measurement system that uses controlled light sources, cameras, and computational algorithms to directly measure retinal function and optical quality, eliminating the optical degradation issues inherent in chart-based methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical measurement system between the visual stimulus and the retinal detector that includes components to control and compensate for optical factors such as stray light, focus quality, and transmission characteristics, thereby improving measurement accuracy without sacrificing ease of use
2Device complexity
If charts are used without controlling pupil size, then the test is simple, but light transmission varies greatly among individuals and with age, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls and standardizes the pupil size parameter during testing by using optical components to adjust the effective aperture, ensuring consistent light transmission across different individuals and age groups while maintaining test simplicity through automated parameter management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and adjust optical parameters including pupil size in real-time during testing, allowing the system to compensate for variations and maintain consistent measurement conditions without adding complexity to the user experience
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a pinhole is provided to minimize angle of light entry, then optical degradation is reduced, but light transmission variation increases and fixation position cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pinhole aperture with a controlled optical system that uses adjustable apertures, beam shaping elements, and computational control to minimize optical degradation while maintaining consistent light transmission and enabling precise fixation position control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of optical parameters including adjustable aperture size, focus position, and light path alignment that can be optimized in real-time during testing, allowing the system to adapt to individual variations while maintaining measurement precision
4Device complexity
If charts are used without specifying fixation position, then the test is simple, but information about the area of retina subserving visual function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple chart presentation with an optical measurement system that uses controlled light sources and detectors to directly measure retinal function at specific locations, thereby obtaining information about the retinal area subserving visual function without complicating the test procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical measurement system that bridges the visual stimulus and retinal detection, enabling precise control and measurement of fixation position and retinal area involvement while maintaining test simplicity through automated optical alignment and tracking
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
Provides precise and reliable measurements of visual function by accounting for optical and neural factors, improving accuracy and efficiency in assessing retinal health and predicting treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
A near-infrared imager directs light to an eye to illuminate the retina
Implementation Method 2
Light returning from the retina to the near-infrared imager is focused on the retina with sufficient accuracy to generate an image of the retina
Implementation Method 3
The output of an adaptive optics component is combined with the output of the near-infrared imager and the visible wavelength display
Implementation Method 4
Wavefront measurement of the output of the adaptive optics component is performed
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices to improve the assessment of visual function and overcoming limitations of current methods to identify the visual function that potentially could be reached by a given eye. Multiple eye tests including visual stimuli plus optical measurement components, and methods to combine the results, identify and quantify sources of decreased vision resulting from optical sources, such as a lens and cornea as distinguished from retinal sources. By identifying potentially correctable optical sources of decreased vision, and overcoming physiological limitations such as size of the eye's pupil, the visual benefits of treatment such as by cataract or corneal surgery are distinguished from retinal pathology that requires medical intervention. The devices and methods provide metrics that include an expected value of the visual function and sources of variability including both optical and neural components, to guide treatment and improve clinical trials.