RNFL Thickness Symmetry Correction for OCT Glaucoma Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness data using optical coherence tomography (OCT) face limitations due to large normal thickness distribution ranges and individual variability, leading to false positive or false negative results in diagnosing diseases like glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that corrects the optic disc macular inclination angle to divide the peripapillary RNFL into upper and lower halves, evaluates their thickness symmetry, and adjusts measurements using blood vessel thickness corrections to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the average RNFL thickness of the full-circumference is measured and compared with normal data, then the measurement process is simple, but the diagnostic accuracy is low due to large normal thickness distribution ranges and individual variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the peripapillary RNFL into multiple quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal, temporal) and further segments each quadrant into sectors. This segmentation allows for more precise localization of RNFL thinning patterns while maintaining a systematic measurement approach that is still relatively simple to implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the concept of evaluating RNFL thickness at specific local positions (quadrants and sectors) rather than relying solely on the global average. This local quality assessment enables detection of focal RNFL thinning that may be masked by the average thickness, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy while keeping the measurement process manageable.
2Ease of operation
If the RNFL thickness measurement is performed using current analysis methods, then the measurement process is straightforward, but false positive or false negative results occur due to individual factors such as age, gender, and eye axis length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple parameters beyond simple average thickness, including quadrant-specific thickness values, sectoral thickness measurements, and symmetry indices. These additional parameters provide a more comprehensive characterization of RNFL status, enabling better differentiation between normal variations and pathological changes while maintaining a straightforward measurement workflow.
3Device complexity
If the average RNFL thickness is used for diagnosis, then the analysis method is simple, but early stage disease detection is difficult due to the large normal thickness distribution range
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the RNFL into quadrants and sectors, the patent enables detection of localized thinning patterns that occur in early disease stages. This segmentation approach increases measurement precision for early detection while keeping the analysis method relatively simple through systematic regional evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces symmetry evaluation by comparing RNFL thickness between corresponding quadrants and sectors of the right and left eyes, or between different regions within the same eye. Asymmetry in RNFL thickness distribution serves as an early indicator of disease, improving detection accuracy without significantly increasing analytical complexity.
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
Enhances the accuracy of early disease diagnosis by reducing the influence of individual factors and improving the evaluation of abnormal RNFL thickness changes.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a peripapillary RNFL scanning image and a full-circumference RNFL thickness measurement data distribution image by using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) equipment
Implementation Method 2
obtaining a fundus scanning image through a fundus photography equipment, measuring an optic disc macular inclination angle based on the fundus scanning image
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a data analysis method and a data analysis system for retinal nerve fibrous layer. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining a peripapillary RNFL scanning image and a full-circumference RNFL thickness measurement data distribution image; obtaining a fundus scanning image, measuring a optic disc macular inclination angle; obtaining the upper and lower range of the RNFL scanning image, and measuring the upper and the lower RNFL thickness; obtaining an intersection position of an RNFL measuring ring and a blood vessel according to the canning image, and respectively correcting the upper and the lower RNFL thickness; performing a symmetry evaluation of the upper and the lower RNFL thickness according to the upper and the lower RNFL thickness correction value, and judging whether the RNFL data is abnormal. The system includes: image acquisition module, macular angle module, RNFL thickness module, RNFL thickness correction module and RNFL data evaluation module.