Method and system for assessing eye disease

Abstract

Methods and a device comprising a controller / processor unit (664), a visual test-pattern unit (660), a competing sensory stimuli generating unit (662), a user input device (666), an ouput device (668) and a storage unit (670) for detecting eye disease and for assessing the clinical stage of an eye disease in an individual is disclosed. The methods include projecting test patterns onto the retina of a tested eye and subjecting the individual to a competing sensory stimuli. The competing stimuli may be of various different sensory modalities including visual, auditory, or other sensory modalities. If the individual perceives a difference in at least one localized part of the perceived image of a test pattern as compared to a predefined reference pattern, the individual provides a response indicative of the difference or differences. The responses are processed to assess the severity of eye disease if a disease is detected, or to determine the clinical stage of a detected eye disease.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for administering eye tests and for detecting, assessing, and classifying eye disease in patients. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among people over the age of 50 in the western world. It is a bilateral, although asymmetric disease, and comes in two forms. Dry or non-neovascular AMD is the more common and milder form of AMD, accounting for 85-90% of all AMD. The key identifier for dry AMD is small, round, white-yellow lesions (also known as Drusen) in the macula. Vision loss associated with dry AMD is far less dramatic than in the case of wet AMD. Recent publications indicate that dietary supplements including antioxidants and minerals reduce the progression of advanced AMD by 25% in patients with intermediate (non-vascular) AMD. It is estimated that as many as 14 million people suffer from dry AMD in the United S...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] Furthermore, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the competing sensory stimulus is a sensory stimulus effective in modifying the ability of the individual to report a difference in at least one localized part of the perceived image as compared to a predefined reference pattern when the difference is perceived due to the eye disease.

[0046] Furthermore, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the competition grade represents the efficiency of a group of competing sensory stimuli having common stimulus parameters in preventing the tested individual from reporting the presence of the difference of the perceived image, when said difference is caused by the eye disease.

[0063] Furthermore, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the competing sensory stimulus is a sensory stimulus effective in modifying the ability of the individual to report a difference in at least one localized part of the perceived image as compared to a predefined reference pattern when the difference is perceived due to the eye disease.

[0094] Furthermore, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the wherein said competition grade represents the efficiency of a group of competing sensory stimuli having common stimulus parameters in preventing the tested individual from reporting the presence of said difference of said perceived image, when said difference is caused by said eye disease.

Problems solved by technology

All these proven or experimental therapies may halt or slow progression of the disease and will usually not improve visual function.

The Amsler grid and its modifications (such as the “threshold Amsler” or the “red Amsler”) have been shown to be poor detectors of early changes associated with wet AMD for several reasons.

Another problem with the Amsler grid is the inability of patients to adequately fixate their vision on a fixed point while taking the test.

The Amsler test also suffers from low compliance stemming from the non-interactive nature of the test.

As many as 50% of patients with wet AMD are already ineligible for treatment when they first consult their ophthalmologist because the disease has progressed considerably.

This is due to the poor validity of existing self-assessment methods for detecting an AMD-related lesion at an early stage, and the time lapsed between noticing the symptoms and seeing an ophthalmologist.

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