Abstract: An inflatable mask with two ocular cavities can seal against a user's face by forming an air-tight seal around the periphery of the user's eye socket. The sealed air-tight ocular cavity can be pressurized to take ocular measurements. The mask can conform to the contours of a user's face by inflating or deflating the mask. In addition, the distance between the user and a medical device (e.g. an optical coherence tomography instrument) can be adjusted by inflating or deflating the mask. Also disclosed herein is an electronic encounter portal and an automated eye examination. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Portable operatively simple touch screen apparatus uses testing methods and systems that are free of age and language constraints include special signal processing techniques that provide a temporal resolution highly sensitive for probing cognitive function. The embodiments include or make use of one or more modules implemented at least partially in a set of instructions in software and configured to measure user reaction times to visual stimulus on a touch screen device having a capacitive sensor touch-sensitive surface and a detector of audio waves resulting from touch on the touch-sensitive surface. The modules employ recordation of acoustic vibrations resulting from a user's touching a target location on the touch screen surface spaced from a touched starting location on that surface, in one embodiment, to measure temporal response to a visual stimulus placed at the target location.

Abstract: A wakefulness level estimation apparatus includes: an estimation portion that estimates a level of wakefulness of a subject person based on one of a wakefulness level estimation function, of which a variable is a wakefulness level correlation value of the subject person, and a difference between the wakefulness level correlation value of the subject person and a reference value of the wakefulness level correlation value; a stimulation detection portion that detects whether an awakening stimulation is externally applied to the subject person; and a correction portion that, when the stimulation detection portion detects that the awakening stimulation is applied to the subject person, performs a correction of one of the reference value of the wakefulness level correlation value and the wakefulness level estimation function, which is used for estimating the level of wakefulness of the subject person.

Abstract: Methods for determining the likelihood that a subject will be a placebo responder in a clinical study are provided. Also provided are methods for eliminating likely placebo responders from a clinical study a priori, thereby simplifying data analysis and minimizing or eliminating any confound that arises in the analysis as a result of placebo response. Databases and computer systems using the methods are also disclosed herein. Methods for assessing likelihood of a subject experiencing a response shift are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring ganglion cells may include: a light generation unit configured to irradiate a first light signal polarized in a first direction and a second light signal polarized in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to a subject; a reflected light processing unit configured to generate an amplification signal corresponding to an image of the subject using a first reflection signal, which is the first light signal reflected from the subject, and a second reflection signal, which is the second light signal reflected from the subject; and an image processing unit configured to measure ganglion cells in the subject using the amplification signal. The apparatus may be used to count the number of normal ganglion cells in the retina by measuring a phase difference of two lights polarized in different directions. The apparatus may also be used to monitor the progress of glaucoma.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computer system for detecting cheating in an assessment. Brainwaves of a user are identified. An attention level of the user is determined with the identified brainwaves. The attention level of the user is analyzed. An action of the user is classified as a cheating event using the analyzed attention level of the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the benefits of encoded signal transmission and reception to enhance the performance of medical testing devices (100) adapted to evoke and measure biological response signals such as auditory evoked potentials (AEP), and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) signals in particular. Auditory stimuli, such as clicks, are presented to the ear of a human patient, in a predetermined encoded sequence, resulting in the generation of auditory responses and bio-electric response signals in the human patient. These response signals from the patient are acquired and observed, and are processed according to the predetermined encoded sequence in which the auditory stimuli were presented to the patient's ear in order to extract the desired auditory evoked potential signals or ABR signals.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, system, and apparatus for assessing and/or diagnosing a neurobehavioural disorder in a subject. The methods, systems, and apparatus include the subject freely observing a visual scene, without having to carry out a task or follow specific instructions. In one embodiment, a computational model is used to select one or more feature in a visual scene and generate a spatial map having first map values that are predictive of eye movement end points of a hypothetical observer relative to the one or more feature. A subject's eye movements are recorded while the subject freely observes the visual scene, and a difference between second map values that correspond to the subject's eye movement endpoints and a set of map values selected randomly from the first map values is quantified, wherein the difference is indicative of a neurobehavioural disorder in the subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flicker threshold measurement device including: an arithmetic processing unit 1; a display unit 8 with a fixed refresh rate; and an operation unit 9, wherein: the arithmetic processing unit 1 displays an image on the display unit 8 in an ON/OFF manner; the arithmetic processing unit 1 changes the display timing by monotonously increasing or decreasing the number of OFF periods per second; the arithmetic processing unit 1 monotonously increases or decreases at least one of: the number of OFF pixels in the image, the size of the image, and the contrast of the OFF pixels, during a period in which the display timing is not changed; each of the OFF periods is a reciprocal of the refresh rate; and the arithmetic processing unit 1 determines the number of OFF periods when a test subject 10 operates the operation unit 9 as he/she starts or stops perceiving flicker, as information corresponding to a flicker threshold.

Abstract: The visual search test makes it possible to establish a parameter for binocular coordination that is useful for detecting an oculomotor abnormality, in particular in the context of detecting dyslexia. A system for assisting in the detection is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including identifying a plurality of at least partially repetitive eye movements of a person, the eye movements defined by a first predominantly horizontal saccadic movement that moves the eye away from a fixation target followed by a corrective saccadic movement towards the target shortly thereafter, measuring a vertical component associated with the plurality of eye movements and comparing the vertical component with a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A method of assessing the effect of viewing varying colours of light on a subject's perception of tinnitus, comprising the steps of: presenting a display in at least part of the subject's field of view; illuminating the display with coloured light in the visible spectrum using one or more variable sources; varying measurable values of the coloured light illuminating the display; and recording the measurable values of the coloured light illuminating the display at which the subject indicates a change in their perception of tinnitus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved method for photobleaching an eye of a subject. The disclosed method may be used in a number of psychophysical test methods, including, but not limited to, measurement of dark adaptation. The improved method for photobleaching involves at least one of the following improvements: (i) the use of a bleaching light emitting a particular wavelength of light or a tailored spectrum of wavelengths; (ii) restricting or otherwise spatially tailoring the region of the retina that is subject to photobleaching; and (iii) utilizing a bleaching light having an intensity that is at or below the intensity of ambient daylight. The present disclosure additionally provides a combination of a photobleaching light and an apparatus to administer a psychophysical test suitable for use in practicing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Method, system and device for assisting diagnosis of autism which enable assistance of early detection and early definite diagnosis of autism (especially in infants) based on objective evaluation, using a conventionally suggested “eye-gaze detection technique”. The method for assisting diagnosis of autism of a subject uses an eye-gaze detecting unit, the unit having at least an imaging camera portion. The method includes displaying, at the position in front of the subject along the direction of the eye gaze of the subject, an illusionary image contained in a plane of an illusion-causing image on a displaying device. The eye-gaze position information of the subject looking at the plane is detected, and the eye-gaze position information of the subject is input into an eye-gaze position information storage portion The eye-gaze positions of the subject can be evaluated using a algorithm for assisting diagnosis of autism.

Abstract: To provide a human state estimating device which accurately estimates a human state. The human state estimating device includes: a storage unit (16) which stores reference data (17) in which a human state and a reference profile including a horizontal component of a standard microsaccade in the human state are corresponded to each other, for each of plural personal attribute information; a video obtaining unit (11) which obtains video of a user's eyeball, with an eyeball rotation angle accuracy of 0.

Abstract: The mental state of an individual is obtained to determine their well-being status. The mental state is derived from an analysis of facial information and physiological information of an individual. The well-being status of other individuals is correlated to the well-being status of the first individual. The well-being status of the individual or group of individuals is rendered for display. The well-being status of an individual is used to provide feedback and to recommend activities for the individual.

Abstract: A device for the stimulation of the visual system includes a body having a pair of spaced lobes configured to conform to the periocular region. The body has a first side and an opposed second side. The body second side has an adhesive layer for securing the body to the periocular region. A light emitting source disposed within each of the pair of lobes to selectively illuminate the periocular region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the retinal auto-fluorescence of a subject retina includes an excitation light source for providing an excitation light at a wavelength of at least 450 nm and an image capture device for recording an ocular auto-fluorescence signal generated in response to the excitation light. The image capture device includes a filter for reducing background non-signal wavelengths from the ocular auto-fluorescence signal and an image intensifier for increasing the ocular auto-fluorescence signal strength. The method and apparatus may further include a processor that analyzes the ocular auto-fluorescence signal to determine a contrast change or pattern to thereby detect retinal disease or damage. The processor may compare the images with control images, past images of the same eye or other diagnostic modalities such as fundus photography, angiography, or visual field testing to detect the retinal disease or damage.

Abstract: A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of facial emotion sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of faces and a background on a display, the plurality of faces comprising a plurality of facial expressions; (2) adjusting at least one facial expression on the scene; (3) receiving feedback from said subject via at least one input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the adjusted facial expression relative to the accuracy of the received feedback; (6) (7) transforming the modulated facial expression; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of facial emotion sensitivity of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lens with capacitive sensors are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes: a substrate; a capacitive sensor, disposed on or within the substrate, that senses a capacitance on the contact lens; and a circuit disposed on or within the substrate. In some aspects, the circuit can include a capacitance analysis component that determines a condition of an eyelid associated with the eye over which the contact lens is disposed and/or a parameter associated with the eye over which the contact lens is disposed. In some aspects, the condition can be a blink of an eyelid. In some aspects, the parameter can be at least one of a pressure of an object in proximity to the contact lens, a thickness or type of a layer of material disposed on or within the contact lens or a composition of material on the contact lens.

Abstract: A method of treating ROP, the method comprising providing a light source emitting light with a wavelength of about 490 nra, exposing an infant's eye to the light, and monitoring the vascularization in the infant's eye.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for improving the visual performance of a human subject without the need to test the macular pigment concentration in the eye or eyes of the subject. The method may include identifying a subject likely to have an atypical ‘central dip’ macular pigment distribution; and administering an amount of a macular pigment-containing composition sufficient to improve the visual performance of the subject. Identifying a human subject, more likely than a subject selected at random from the general population, to have an atypical ‘central’ dip macular pigment distribution may include measuring at least one cognitive function of the subject; comparing the measured cognitive function with a pre-determined threshold; and, if the measured cognitive function is below the threshold, declaring the subject as being more likely to have an atypical ‘central dip’ macular pigment profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for estimating a response of at least a part of a physiological system to a first deterministic stimulus signal. The methods include separating a measured first signal into a plurality of segments, each segment representing a response of the physiological system to a corresponding portion of the first stimulus signal and generating a template signal representing the plurality of segments. The methods further include calculating a measure of similarity of each segment in the plurality of segments to the template signal to provide a set of scalar quantities, and determining a metric representing a characteristic of the response of at least a part of the physiological system to the first stimulus signal.

Abstract: An apparatus consistent with the present invention comprises a sensor for receiving a signal representing eye tremor and a processor for monitoring eye tremor while receiving the signal. A method consistent with the present invention includes receiving a signal representing eye tremor, comparing the received signal representing eye tremor to at least one reference value; and classifying a patient's brain stem function using the comparison of the received signal representing eye tremor to at least one reference value. An embodiment consistent with the present invention includes an ocular micro tremor (OMT) sensor and associated signal processing hardware and software for clinical analyses.

Abstract: An eye surgery apparatus has imaging optics for generating an observation image of a patient eye. A device determines the azimuthal orientation of the patient eye with respect to a reference which is fixed with respect to the patient eye. The device includes a display unit for simultaneously displaying a section of an observation image of the eye and a reference image thereof. An input interface permits an observer to move the displayed section of the observation image relative to the displayed section of the reference image. A measuring system determines the azimuthal orientation of the observation image and reference image. A computer program calculates the center of the limbus of the observation image and reference image. The display unit displays the pixels of the observation image of the patient eye with polar coordinates. The pixels of the reference image of the patient eye are displayed with polar coordinates.

Abstract: The OculoKinetic Device is used to test an individual to evaluate brain function including, but not limited to, identifying the presence of a traumatic brain injury or central nervous system disease which manifests itself through abnormal ocular responses to stimuli by using the high-speed tracking of an individual's eye movements (monocular or binocular, and either conjugate or disconjugate in horizontal, vertical, or torsional directions or combinations thereof), pupil size and reactivity, eyelid position, and blink parameters, and optionally along with other ocular elements, i.e., eyeball pressure, temperature, blood flow, etc. The eye movement stimulus protocol uses a target that moves in any direction of a two- or three-dimensional plane and may use a color display or geometric shapes. In addition, the stimuli can be used in conjunction with cognitive testing, balance assessment, and other non-eye tests.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of identifying individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders or to predict and determine the efficacy of treatment of the disorder by acquiring information about visual scanning behaviour and fluctuations of visual scanning behaviour of individuals comprising presenting to the individual a sequence of visual stimuli, wherein each visual stimulus is comprised of multiple images with specific characteristics, measuring the point-of-gaze of said subject on the visual stimuli and calculating a set of statistical measures that describes the visual scanning behaviour of the individual on images or portion of images with the same characteristics; and making a determination of biases in visual scanning behaviour of the individual, by comparing the statistical measures of the individual to the statistical measures of controls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the benefits of encoded signal transmission and reception to enhance the performance of medical testing devices (100) adapted to evoke and measure biological response signals such as auditory evoked potentials (AEP), and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) signals in particular. Auditory stimuli, such as clicks, are presented to the ear of a human patient, in a predetermined encoded sequence, resulting in the generation of auditory responses and bio-electric response signals in the human patient. These response signals from the patient are acquired and observed, and are processed according to the predetermined encoded sequence in which the auditory stimuli were presented to the patient's ear in order to extract the desired auditory evoked potential signals or ABR signals.

Abstract: A method is provided of systematically evaluating and treating dynamic autonomic dysregulation in a subject. The method includes having the subject sequentially assume a plurality of distinct postures that may include, for example, walking, standing, sitting or supine. In each posture of the subject, the subject is subjected to sensory stimulation while measuring at least one autonomic physiological response of the subject. The autonomic physiological response may include, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, pupillary response, blood pressure, sweat production, pseudomotor activity or respiration. The physiological responses in each of the distinct postures are evaluated to identify a posture wherein the subject exhibits a least amount of dysfunction.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided relating generally to physical activity and more specifically to tools for monitoring and assessing physical activity by capturing images of a subject's movement including range of motion, gait, balance and activities of daily living at different time periods and comparing those images to stored data.

Abstract: A method, system or computer usable program product for monitoring user interaction patterns to provide early warning of cognitive impairment including monitoring with an application running on a processor a first set of user interactions of a user with a data processing system to form a historical baseline for the user that is stored in memory, monitoring with the application running on the processor a second set of user interactions of the user with the data processing system to form a set of current results for the user, comparing with the processor the set of current results with the historical baseline, and responsive to identifying a change indicative of a cognitive degradation for the user, sending a notification indicating the change.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computer system for identifying at least one attribute of a user. An attention level of the user is determined with the identified at least one attribute. The attention level of the user is analyzed. An action of the user is classified as an attention deficiency event using the analyzed attention level of the user.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of the treatment of eye disorders. In particular, it relates to the use of a remote monitoring system for determining patient response to therapeutic treatment, in particular with VEGF antagonists.

Abstract: A vision exercising apparatus including a visual display device (1); a locating means (5) for locating the head of a user at a position to provide a substantially known relationship between the visual display device (1) and the field of view of the user; display position control means for actuating the visual display device (1) to display a predetermined pattern at a known display position which corresponds to a specific viewing area of the field of view of the user; user actuable response means (17) to enable a user response to be provided; further control means to control the display position control means to repeatedly display the predetermined pattern at the known display condition; and means to collate user response and to evaluate the statistical significance of the user response for that display position. A predetermined pattern can thus be displayed in the field of view of a user that requires exercising.

Abstract: To accurately represent a visual scene a visual prosthesis must convey luminance information across a range of brightness levels. To do this, the brightness of phosphenes produced by an individual electrode should scale appropriately with luminance, and the same luminance should produce equivalently bright phosphenes across the entire electrode array. Given that the function relating current to brightness varies across electrodes, it is necessary to develop a fitting procedure that will permit brightness to be equated across an entire array. The current invention describes a method of performing a brightness fitting that normalizes brightness across electrodes. The method determines a set of parameters that are stored in the subjects Video Configuration File—the look-up table that converts the video camera input to stimulation profiles for each electrode. One electrode would be specified as the standard.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device using a biological optical measurement technology to evaluate mood states in daily life of an examinee by presenting a first task once or a plurality of times and then presents a second task a plurality of times, calculating a hemoglobin signal of a predetermined measurement point for the first task and a hemoglobin signal of a predetermined measurement point for the second task, and calculating quantitative values using the obtained hemoglobin signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlled modulation of physiological and pathological neuronal rhythmic activity in the brain by means of sensory stimulation, which is capable of diagnostically ascertaining functional disorders in the brain and of alleviating or eliminating the symptoms of a functional disruption. According to the invention, the method comprises generating a plurality of pulses at a plurality of excitation frequencies, respectively, to stimulate neuronal rhythmic activity in a patient's brain; measuring the neuronal rhythmic activity in response to the pulses; determining an excitation frequency in which the measured neuronal rhythmic activity has a maximum amplitude of pathological rhythm; generating an entraining periodic pulse sequence operating at the excitation frequency; and generating a desynchronization pulse following the entraining periodic pulse sequence to desynchronize the neuronal rhythmic activity, where the pulse are either visual or acoustic or tactile.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument for the application of laser radiation in a patient's eye, particularly for the examination and/or surgical laser treatment of the cornea and the lens of the eye, includes a femtosecond laser, an objective and optical assemblies. The optical assemblies are arranged in front of the objective, and selectively vary the focus position in the coordinate direction X,Y and Z either within the region of the cornea or within the region of the lens of the eye. The objective or at least one lens group is movable relative to the eye. The variation of the position of the lens group or objective shifts the focus position from the cornea to the lens of the eye and vice versa.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a psychophysical test to assess the cone photoreceptor pathway by determining the sensitivity of the cone photoreceptors. The test may be used to determine of a subject is suffering from, or is likely to suffer from, a disease state involving the fovea, parafovea, macula, neurological pathways used by these area to communicate with the visual processing centers in the brain and cone photoreceptors and/or ganglion cells. The present disclosure also describes an apparatus for such testing purposes. Using the novel cone photoreceptor sensitivity test and apparatus, the present disclosure shows that cone photoreceptor sensitivity in subjects with primary open angle glaucoma was decreased as compared to a control group (p=0.04). This cone photoreceptor sensitivity test is shown to have excellent repeatability, can be administered in a short time, does not require extensive subject instruction and meets other limitations required for application in a clinical setting.

Abstract: A device and method for staining the eye of a patient in need of the same includes the introduction, onto the surface of the eye, of a dry powder form at a dye suitable for staining the eye. The dry powder form of the dye is introduced onto the surface of the eye without the use of a substrate at or near the eye's surface.

Abstract: Ophthalmological device including an applanation tonometer tip having a bi-curved cornea-contacting surface and method of using such device for measurement of intraocular pressure. The cornea-contacting surface includes a first rotationally symmetric portion a curvature of which is substantially adapted to that of a typical cornea and a second rotationally symmetric portion that is peripheral to and adjoining the first portion. In operation, the applanation of the cornea in an area corresponding to the first portion of the cornea-contacting surface is substantially negligible.

Abstract: A system and method for applying stimulation to a target stimulation site within a patient, while avoiding undesirable eye movement side effects of the stimulation, are provided. The method includes determining whether eye movement, sensed by internal or external electrodes, is a side effect of a conveyed electrical stimulus. If the eye movement is a side effect, the electrical current distribution of the stimulus is modified in order to steer a locus of the electrical stimulus from one tissue region of the patient to another different tissue region of the patient, thereby mitigating the eye movement side effects. For example, the locus of the electrical stimulus may be steered away from the oculomotor nerve. Eye movement side effects of DBS treatment may include apraxia of lid opening, downward movement and adduction of only one eyeball, and/or continuous deviation of both eyeballs.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves an electronic device. The electronic device is configured to perform evaluations on a patient user for medical purposes. The electronic device includes a touchscreen display configured to receive input from the user. The electronic device includes a memory storage component configured to store programming code. The electronic device includes a computer processor configured to execute the programming code to perform an evaluation of the user's mental and physical abilities. The evaluation includes prompting the user to perform a plurality of tasks. At least one of the tasks prompts the user to manipulate one or more graphical models shown on the touchscreen display according to predefined instructions. The evaluation includes detecting, via the touchscreen display, responses from the user for the tasks. The evaluation includes determining, based on the detected responses, whether the user is mentally and physically fit to provide reliable feedback to medical personnel.

Abstract: A highly portable desktop arrangement for cognitive testing which eliminates environmental effects is provided by a clam shell enclosure having a face mask on one face and housing a computer screen at an opposing wall, with accurate gaze direction measurement made by determining the position of the pupil if an individual whose face is pressed to the mask for eliminating head movement relative to the computer screen.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis apparatus including a video capture device for capturing a video image, a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, the video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns, and a stimulation system configured to stimulate subject's neural tissue based on the stimulation patterns, wherein the stimulation system provides a span of visual angle matched to the subject's neural tissue being stimulated.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, apparatus, methods, products, and other implementations, including a method that includes obtaining biometric data of a user, and generating instruction data, presentable on a user interface, based on data relating to one or more activities to be completed by the user and based on the biometric data of the user. In some embodiments, obtaining the biometric data may include measuring one or more of, for example, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen level, temperature, speech-related attributes, breath, and/or eye behavior.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for monitoring physiological status of an organ in a subject by monitoring morphological changes over time in transplanted tissue on an eye of the subject.

Abstract: A device for electrostimulation of the eye is provided with a spectacles-like supporting frame (11) which has a nose part (12) and an arrangement (17, 18), connected to the nose part (12), for holding the supporting frame (11) on the head of the patient, wherein at least one stimulation electrode (26, 27) is arranged on the nose part (12). Furthermore, provision is made for at least two electrode holders (22, 23, 24, 25) on the nose part (12), between which electrode holders an interchangeable, wire-shaped stimulation electrode (26, 27) is clamped (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method and system for extracting important signal information is disclosed. The method examines a group of signals obtained from testing of a patient's nervous system and finds a signal area of interest. Once a cluster of signals that all have the area of interest is found—the system concludes that the area of interest is located and validated. Signals that are not within the cluster are rejected and the signals within the cluster are signal-averaged to yield a signal-averaged waveform. The signal averaged waveform represents the results of the test.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: an input configured to receive information indicative of sensed light locations; memory coupled to the input and storing indicia of receptive fields forming a mosaic, each of the receptive fields corresponding to an electrode, the mosaic including first and receptive fields having first and second shapes that are different, the memory further storing instructions; a processor coupled to the input and the memory and configured to read and execute the instructions to: analyze the information indicative of sensed light locations; determine, for each of respective ones of the sensed light locations, one or more receptive fields that include the corresponding sensed light location; and produce excitation indicia; the apparatus further including an output coupled to the processor and configured to be coupled to a retinal implant and to convey the excitation indicia toward the retinal implant.