Using a mobile device to facilitate monitoring retinal diseases OCT methods and systems
Inventors
Sobol, Warren M. • Dogan, Alan • Saupe, Ellis
Assignees
Case Western Reserve University • US Department of Veterans Affairs • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Publication Number
US-12193741-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-14
Expiration Date
2041-06-03
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Abstract
An example method includes establishing a wireless link between a mobile device and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) test system, which includes a wireless interface. The method also includes executing an application on the mobile device to present a graphical user interface on a display of the mobile device. The method also includes sending instructions from the mobile device through the wireless link to activate the OCT test system to record OCT measurements for an OCT scan of at least one eye. The method also includes receiving OCT test data at the mobile device from the OCT test system through the wireless link. The OCT test data can represent the OCT measurements recorded by the OCT test system for the OCT scan of the at least one eye.
Core Innovation
This invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for monitoring retinal diseases using optical coherence tomography (OCT). It includes establishing a wireless link between a mobile device and an OCT test system, executing an application on the mobile device that presents a graphical user interface (GUI), and using the mobile device to send activation instructions to the OCT system to perform scans and record OCT measurements of the eye. The mobile device receives and stores the OCT test data transmitted wirelessly from the OCT system and then sends the data to a remote system for further analysis.
The problem solved by this invention is the limited accessibility of OCT systems for patients needing routine retinal disease monitoring. Existing OCT systems are confined to hospitals or eye care professional offices, making it inconvenient for patients to schedule appointments or travel to facilities for examinations. This results in undiagnosed retinal diseases or delayed diagnoses leading to irreversible vision loss. Moreover, frequent OCT scans required for monitoring diagnosed conditions impose significant burdens on patients and their families. The invention addresses these issues by enabling convenient access to OCT testing in more locations and utilizing a patient's mobile device to control the OCT device and manage test data remotely.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims covering a method, a system, and a mobile device for facilitating retinal disease monitoring using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The main inventive features involve wireless communication between a mobile device and an OCT test system, data handling, remote analysis, and providing user feedback.
Wireless control and communication between mobile device and OCT test system
Establishing a wireless link between a mobile device and an OCT test system with a wireless interface; sending activation instructions from a mobile application to the OCT system to perform OCT scans; and receiving OCT test data over the wireless link.
Mobile device management of OCT data and remote transmission
Storing received OCT test data in mobile device memory; terminating the wireless link after data transfer; controlling sending of OCT test data from the mobile device to a remote system; disabling data sending while the mobile device remains connected to the OCT system; and enabling sending upon disconnection or user input.
Remote system analysis using machine learning models
Receiving OCT test data at a remote system and classifying the condition of the eye based on comparison with training data using machine learning models; sending classification results and feedback to the mobile device for user presentation.
System architecture with control device and multiple wireless links
An OCT test system including an OCT device, a control device with a wireless interface configured to control both the OCT device and wireless communication; implementing multiple wireless links concurrently between the OCT device, control device, and mobile device; and deleting OCT data from local memory after transfer to the mobile device.
Graphical user interface for user interaction and feedback
Providing a graphical user interface on the mobile device display including graphical control elements to activate scans, receive feedback, and present scan results based on classification data from the remote system.
The independent claims cover a comprehensive system and method where a mobile device wirelessly controls an OCT test system to perform eye scans, manages transferring OCT data to remote systems for machine learning-enabled analysis, and provides feedback to the user via a graphical interface. The system architecture supports multiple wireless links and data management to enhance accessibility and monitoring of retinal diseases.
Stated Advantages
Enables patients to obtain OCT scans conveniently outside clinical settings, such as pharmacies, grocery stores, or at home, reducing the need to travel to hospitals or retinal clinics.
Reduces the burden on patients and healthcare providers by facilitating frequent, routine retinal monitoring without requiring trained technicians or ophthalmologists to be physically present.
Improves timely diagnosis and monitoring of retinal diseases by providing easier access to OCT scans and enabling remote interpretation of scan results.
Enhances data security and privacy by deleting OCT test data from local OCT device memory after successful transfer to the mobile device and from the mobile device after remote transmission.
Supports advanced analysis using machine learning models to classify eye conditions based on OCT data, enabling automated or assisted assessment of retinal health.
Provides user-friendly graphical user interfaces on mobile devices for scan control, status feedback, and notification of results, improving user experience and engagement.
Documented Applications
Monitoring retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other progressive retinal diseases.
Post-surgical retinal condition assessments such as epiretinal membrane treatment, retinal detachment, and macular hole grafts.
Providing retinal health assessments at non-traditional care locations like pharmacies, grocery stores, or patients' homes.
Remote analysis and diagnosis support through sending OCT testing data to healthcare providers or reading centers via a mobile device and remote system.
Facilitating patient notifications and reminders for subsequent OCT scans to promote routine monitoring and timely interventions.
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