Invention Novelty: Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a pupil tracking technology that detects the variability of alignment of the two eyes with each other, thereby detecting the presence and magnitude of relative eye alignment. The technology is an improvement for early detection of strabismus in young children
Value Proposition: Unlike legacy tracking methods, the patient does not have to fixate on a target, and the technology improves test accuracy by eliminating artificial dampening and time intensive eye calibration procedures. As the technology does not require the patient to fixate or keep the head stationary, this strabismus tracking technology can assess the presence and magnitude of strabismus in patients that cannot follow directions, namely young children and infants. Advantages of the invention include:
- Fixation target free testing, which leads to improved accuracy and allows testing to be conducted outdoors
- The ability to test young children and infants who could otherwise not be screened due to their inability to follow directions from a clinician
- The detection of both the magnitude and presence of disconjugacy simultaneously
- Calibration free testing
Technical Details: The invention allows for a faster and more accurate assessment of amblyopia and allows amblyopia to be diagnosed in young children. The disclosed technology is a method by which the relative disconjugacy of patients’ eyes relative to one another can be assessed using XY sensors that track the position of each pupil. While existing eye tracking technology requires that a patient follow directions to fixate on a target and remain still, the disclosed technology would not require patient compliance and engenders a commercial strabismus screening test for infants and young children.
Looking for Partners: To develop and commercialize the technology as a strabismus diagnostic technology.
Stage of Development: Standardized procedure developed/identified to analyze samples.
Data Availability: Clinical Trials
Patent Status: Application Pending PCT/US2015/017920
Publication(s)/Associated Cases: C12286
