Apparatus for diagnosis of optically identifiable ophthalmic conditions

Abstract

An apparatus that can measure images of at least a portion of an eye and record data sets indicative of a neurological condition. A method interrelates an image and a data set to provide an interpretive result. The apparatus and method thereby provide guidance as to the presence of a medical condition in a patient. The apparatus and method can be used in an iterative measurement process, in which the apparatus attempts to discern normal health from a state of health that is not normal health. If the interpretive result is consistent with normal health, the process terminates, information is recorded, and an optional report is given. If the interpretive result is not consistent with normal health, the apparatus and method attempts to distinguish which condition is consistent with the data and images used, and can iterate with additional measurements and information to attempt to provide a useful interpretive result.

1 . A method for performing multiple procedures involving the eye, the method comprising:
 imaging at least a portion of an eye of a patient and obtaining image data;   collecting a data set corresponding to at least a portion of an eye of a patient wherein the data set is indicative of a neurological disorder; and   using a data analysis module interrelating the image data and the data indicative of a neurological disorder to provide an interpretive result.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the image data comprises a data type selected from the group consisting of data from ophthalmic images using confocal microscopy data, retinal polarimetry data, optical coherence tomography data, thermal image data, spectroscopic image data, refractometry data, and visible image data. 
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the neurological disorder is selected from the group consisting of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, LDS, head trauma, diabetes, and inappropriate responses to contrast sensitivity patterns. 
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of displaying analyzed data to a user. 
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of reporting the interpretive result. 
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of reporting the interrelated data from the image data, the data indicative of a neurological disorder and the interpretive result. 
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising superimposing data obtained from an image and data indicative of a neurological disorder. 
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising displaying the superimposed data obtained from the image and the data indicative of a neurological disorder. 
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of storing data, the data comprising at least one of image data and data indicative of a neurological disorder. 
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising the step of selectively retrieving stored data for determining changes induced in response to an applied stress. 
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , where the applied stress is selected from the group consisting of intra ocular pressure variation, blood pressure variation, oxygen concentration variation, exercise, flashing light, drug administration, administration of insulin, and administration of glucose. 
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of aligning the image of the eye of a patient. 
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein step of aligning occurs automatically based on the movement of the eye of a patient relative to an imager. 
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising performing at least one objective eye-related interpretive procedure. 
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of displaying test pattern comprising a fixation signal and a moving pattern to an eye of a patient during an OKN procedure. 
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the data set is indicative of an abnormality appearing to involve a retinal portion of the eye. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said abnormality actually involves, at least in part, an abnormality of the brain. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the data set includes at least a first data type that is visible image data and a second data type that is data indicative of an inappropriate response to contrast sensitivity patterns. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , including the step of interrelating a combination of the first data type and the second data type to indicate a presence of glaucoma or Alzheimer's disease.