Vision Test for Retinal Disease Progression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vision tests for retinal and visual dysfunction lack reliable, sensitive, and reproducible measures of reading ability, particularly in conditions where visual acuity is irrelevant or impaired, and do not effectively assess peripheral vision, brightness, and contrast sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a subject reading passages of text on a screen at varying contrast and illumination levels, with scoring of results, and an optional 'bleach' test to measure photoreceptor recovery time, providing a more comprehensive assessment of vision function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual acuity tests (eye charts) are used to assess retinal function, then the test is simple to administer, but the test becomes irrelevant in conditions where visual acuity is preserved until late disease or is so poor that reading is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the reading test by controlling illumination levels and contrast ratios systematically. Instead of using standard eye chart conditions, the test presents text at multiple illumination levels (including low light conditions) and contrast ratios to assess how reading performance degrades under different visual conditions, making it relevant for retinal diseases affecting light perception and contrast sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by having subjects read passages under varying illumination conditions and contrast levels. The test adapts to different disease stages by adjusting the difficulty and lighting conditions, making it applicable across a broader range of retinal dysfunction severity rather than being static like traditional eye charts
2Measurement precision
If hand-held reading charts (Radner, MNREaAD) are used to measure reading ability, then the test can assess reading function, but the test becomes cumbersome to administer with multiple simultaneous activities and variability in card distance, angle, and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hand-held card system with an electronic display system. The passages are presented on a screen or digital device, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of cards. This substitution removes the variability introduced by hand movement, distance control, and angle positioning while maintaining the ability to assess reading function under controlled illumination and contrast conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copies of text passages displayed electronically rather than physical cards. The digital format allows for precise control of presentation parameters (illumination, contrast, font size) without the physical limitations of hand-held materials, enabling more reliable and easier administration
3Measurement precision
If reading tests use decreasing print size to identify visual acuity, then the test determines visual acuity, but the test does not reflect the ease of reading or the effects of peripheral visual field loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reading assessment into multiple components: reading speed, reading accuracy, illumination sensitivity, and contrast sensitivity. Instead of using a single decreasing print size metric, the test evaluates reading performance across different passage lengths, difficulty levels, and lighting conditions to provide a comprehensive profile of reading ability that captures multiple aspects of visual function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds new dimensions to the reading test by incorporating illumination level and contrast ratio as controlled variables. This transforms the test from a one-dimensional visual acuity measurement into a multi-dimensional assessment that includes lighting conditions, contrast sensitivity, reading speed, and accuracy, thereby capturing peripheral vision effects and overall reading skill
4Ease of operation
If non-invasive imaging is used to measure retinal thickness before and after treatment, then the measurement is non-invasive and easy to obtain, but the measure is not deemed clinically meaningful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reading performance as an intermediary measure that reflects underlying retinal function. Rather than directly measuring retinal thickness and assuming clinical meaning, the test uses reading speed and accuracy under controlled illumination and contrast conditions as a functional proxy that directly relates to the patient's visual experience and disease impact
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 method offers a quick, sensitive, and reproducible assessment of reading speed and accuracy, reflecting clinically meaningful aspects of vision such as contrast, light sensitivity, and visual fields, suitable for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the subject to a flash of light to 'bleach' the photoreceptors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a reading test to measure vision loss. In one embodiment, the vision loss is due to disease progression. The tests are useful in evaluating the effects of intervention in vision deterioration. The tests are non-invasive, simple, quick, sensitive, reproducible, and easy to administer. The tests measure the subject's reading speed and accuracy under defined conditions of illumination and contrast. The results of these tests may be used to determine if treatment of a disease should be initiated, terminated, altered, or remain unchanged.