Visual Field Rapid Assessment Device Using Pinpoint Lights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing visual field integrity, such as confrontational visual fields tests and perimetry machines, are inadequate for rapid, accurate, and remote evaluations, particularly in emergency medical situations like stroke diagnosis, due to their reliance on physical proximity, time-consuming processes, and incompatibility with patients with limited mobility or in remote telemedicine consultations.
Innovation Solution
The Visual Fields Rapid Assessment Device (VRAD) is a low-cost, portable tool with pinpoint lights or mechanical stimuli that communicate with a processor, allowing for remote and in-person assessments of visual field integrity, capable of accommodating various interpupillary distances and enabling direct observation of the patient's gaze and response to stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If perimetry machines are used for visual field assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential visual field assessment function from complex perimetry machines by using a simple frame with lights that can be positioned at specific locations corresponding to visual field quadrants. This extracted approach maintains assessment capability while eliminating the need for bulky, expensive equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the visual field assessment concept using a frame with lights that replicates the essential testing functionality without requiring the complex machinery of traditional perimetry devices. The frame with positionable lights serves as a functional copy that achieves the same diagnostic purpose.
2Ease of operation
If confrontational visual fields test is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates direct operator observation of patient response to light stimulation, creating a feedback mechanism that verifies test validity. The operator can directly see whether the patient detects the light at the correct location and time, ensuring accurate recording of visual field deficits while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires the operator to position the frame and lights before testing begins, establishing proper geometry and patient positioning in advance. This preliminary setup ensures that the subsequent simple light-stimulation process yields precise measurements without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional visual field assessment methods are used, then adaptability to remote settings is improved, but speed of assessment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the visual field into discrete quadrants represented by specific light positions on the frame. This segmentation allows rapid systematic testing of each quadrant independently, enabling quick comprehensive assessment that can be performed remotely without the time-consuming procedures of traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a frame with lights that can be dynamically positioned and activated in different sequences to test various visual field regions. This dynamic approach allows flexible adaptation to remote settings while maintaining rapid assessment capability through efficient light stimulation patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
System and associated methods of use for rapid assessment of visual field integrity. In one embodiment, the device comprises a frame that rests near a patient’s eyes with pinpoint lights or mechanical stimuli that act as visual stimuli mounted at locations within the frame and in the patient’s peripheral visual field. A vantage point in front of the frame allows an operator to view the patient’s eyes during assessment, enabling the operator to maximize the accuracy during both in person and telemedicine assessments. The lights or mechanical stimuli are positioned such that they are visible to patients with a wide range of interpupillary distances, enabling the use of a single-size device for all patients.