AdaptDx Pro Donkeradaptometer

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The AdaptDx Pro guided by Theia breaks through the ophthalmic medical device industry by offering a completely new experience for patients and eye care professionals in the fight against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The device provides a comfortable padded head strap that can be adjusted to each patient. An overhead strap provides added adjustability. Eye cups outfitted with one time use Comfort Guards ensure a light-tight seal with comfort and personal hygiene.

Dimensions & Packaging

The device is a wearable headset form factor designed to accommodate adult women and men with a single use adjustable head strap and eye cups to form a light tight seal.

Tags

Medical Device, Ophthalmic, Age Related Macular Degeneration, Diagnostic

Production Technology

Critical engineering activities included: (i) Industrial design of the eye cups for universal one-size-fits-all use and ergonomic design of the head strap, and handheld controller (ii) Optical design optimization with rapid prototyping of optical assemblies for light testing to characterize performance. (iii) Circuit board design for 20 PCB/Flex circuits. (iv) Mechanical design for approximately 30 injection molded parts.

Design Challenge

A bench top system was miniaturized it into a wearable headset design which eliminated the need for testing in a darkroom. Challenges overcome to achieve this was one size fits all eye cups for light seal, shortened optical light path which was optically equivalent to longer path in the bench top system, an on board automated technician (using AI) to self guide the test. IR Cameras used for pupil detection and two axis motor for alignment of optics directly in front of the patients eyes.

Research

The Diagnostic Sensitivity and Specificity of Dark Adaptation for Detection of Age Related Macular Degeneration was a pivotal study of dark adaptation (DA) for the detection of AMD, led by Gregory R. Jackson, PhD. The study investigated a more practical method of incorporating dark adaptation science into testing for detection of AMD. The study found the Rapid Test for dark adaptation is a highly accurate measure of DA impairment associated with AMD and is useful in the detection of the disease.

Inspiration

The original AdaptDx automated dark adaptometer is a traditional 45-pound tabletop device that requires a technician to administer a 5-20 minute test in a totally dark room, while coaching the patient and adjusting their head for proper alignment. The AdaptDx Pro completely reimagines this experience by shrinking the device into a self-contained, wearable headset that creates a comfortable personal dark room. An onboard technician (Theia) uses AI to provide self guided tests.

Project Duration

Development of the AdaptDx Pro required a significant effort by a team of engineers and designers. Over 20,000 hours of effort was packed into a tight 16 month schedule.

Operation Flow

Precision optics modules are aligned with the patient’s pupil using infrared camera technology to locate the pupil and direct miniature motors. Cameras continually detect pupil size and ensure patient’s alignment (gaze) is maintained. An on board technician, Theia which uses artificial intelligence to provide adaptive voice prompts to guide the patient during testing. Technicians can see test status at a glance from the built-in display positioned on the front of the headset.

Image Credits

Image #1: Designer Christopher Terella, Main Image, 2020.
Image #2: Designer Christopher Terella, Configuration, 2020.
Image #3: Designer Christopher Terella, Exploded View, 2020.
Image #4: Senior Producer Robert Wood, In Office, 2020.
Image #5: Senior Producer Robert Wood, Action Shot, 2020.