Ring Halometer for Objective Dysphotopsia Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for quantifying dysphotopsias, such as glare, halos, and starbursts, in patients with intraocular lens implants are subjective, time-consuming, and not widely adopted due to patient discomfort and age-related limitations, making them impractical for clinical use.
Innovation Solution
A ring halometer system using a white screen with a first light source emitting a glare source and a second light source projecting a concentric light ring, controlled by an electronic device, allows patients to adjust the light ring diameter until it matches the veil of light, enabling objective quantification of dysphotopsias through a user input device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional perimetry techniques (Rostock-Glare perimeter test, Aston Glare perimeter test) are used to measure dysphotopsias, then quantitative measurement capability is improved, but test duration increases to approximately 10 minutes and patient comfort deteriorates due to strong light source requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the light ring size to match the patient's perceived veil diameter. The system continuously or incrementally adjusts the light ring diameter until the patient indicates match, replacing static perimetry testing with a dynamic matching process that reduces test time while maintaining quantitative measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of light ring size (diameter) to match the patient's subjective perception of veil size. By adjusting this geometric parameter dynamically and using patient feedback, the system achieves quick quantitative measurement without requiring prolonged exposure to strong light sources.
2Measurement precision
If conventional perimetry techniques with strong light sources are used, then measurement capability is improved, but patient comfort and adoption in clinical environment deteriorate due to age-related limitations and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a projected light ring as a copy or representation of the glare stimulus, allowing patients to match the size of this projected ring to their perceived veil. This copying approach provides a gentler alternative to direct strong light source exposure, maintaining measurement validity while improving patient comfort and clinical feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The projected light ring serves as an intermediary element between the measurement system and the patient's visual perception. Instead of directly presenting strong light sources that cause discomfort, the system uses this intermediate light ring that can be dynamically adjusted to match patient perception, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If clinical questionnaires are used to assess dysphotopsias, then subjectivity is reduced, but variability between studies and sites increases and large number of patients are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical questionnaire responses with an objective optical matching process. By using a projected light ring that patients physically match to their perceived veil size, the system substitutes subjective reporting with a more objective, reproducible measurement technique that reduces variability between studies and sites while requiring fewer patients.
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
The system provides a quick and objective assessment of dysphotopsias, correlating well with clinical questionnaires, offering a more practical and efficient method for quantifying bothersomeness of visual phenomena.
Implementation Method 1
The glare source is configured to form a veil of light visible to the patient due to the light scattered from an optical surface of the patient's eye
Implementation Method 2
a second light source (stimulus) configured to project a light ring concentric with the glare source emitted from the first light source on the white screen
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A ring halometer system configured to quantify dysphotopsias in a patient. The system includes a white screen and a first light source configured to emit a glare source from the white screen. The glare source is configured to form a veil of light visible to the patient when the glare source interacts with an optical surface of the eye of the patient. The system also includes a second light source configured to project a light ring with varying luminance concentric with the glare light source on the white screen, and a controller coupled to the second light source configured to adjust a size of the light ring. The system may also include an electronic device configured to determine a level of bothersomeness of the dysphotopsias experienced by the patient based on the size of the light ring.