WO2015064545A1

WO2015064545A1 - Ophthalmologic observation device and ophthalmologic observation program

Info

Publication number: WO2015064545A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/078528
Authority: WO
Inventors: 愛山川; 倫全佐竹
Original assignee: 株式会社ニデック
Priority date: 2013-10-29
Filing date: 2014-10-27
Publication date: 2015-05-07
Also published as: CN105682538A; JP6424831B2; JPWO2015064545A1; CN105682538B

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ophthalmologic observation device and ophthalmologic observation program with which a user can favorably perform observations of a fundus over time. The ophthalmologic observation device (1) obtains analysis results by converting the imaging area related to OCT data acquired by an OCT unit (6) to actual distances using measurement data relating to optical characteristics of the eye being tested (S4). When doing so, the measurement data to be used for the conversion to actual distances is selected beforehand by the CPU (2) on the basis of the chronological relationship of the time that the OCT data was acquired and the measurement times for the measurement data previously stored in the measurement data storage unit (S3). As a result, in the processing of (S4), analysis results converted to actual distances using the measurement data selected by the processing in (S3) are obtained.

Description

Ophthalmic observation apparatus and ophthalmic observation program

The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic observation apparatus and an ophthalmic observation program for observing the state of the fundus.

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is widely used in the ophthalmic field as a device for taking images of the fundus.

OCT is fundus information acquired by scanning low-coherent light on the fundus, and constructs a cross-sectional image based on the fundus information in the cross-sectional direction at each scanning position. The size of the imaging range on the fundus of OCT can be determined by the scanning angle (scanning range) of measurement light scanned on the fundus and the axial length of the eye to be examined. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an apparatus that obtains an actual measurement value of the photographing range on the fundus using a scan angle of measurement light scanned on the fundus and a measurement value of the axial length of the eye to be examined. Has been.

JP 2011-11052 A

In clinical practice in the ophthalmic field, follow-up observation may be performed by acquiring images of the same part of the same eye at different times, and comparing the acquired images and the processing results for the images with images with different acquisition times. is there. By the way, the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined, exemplified by the axial length, may change with time between examinations. However, in the follow-up observation of the fundus, evaluation of the fundus is not performed by taking into account the temporal change in the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined, and no apparatus for that is proposed.

The present disclosure is intended to provide an ophthalmologic observation apparatus and an ophthalmologic observation program that allow a user to satisfactorily observe the progress of the fundus in view of the above circumstances.

The ophthalmic observation apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure converts an imaging range related to the OCT data of the fundus of the subject eye acquired by the optical coherent tomography device into an actual distance by using measurement data relating to optical characteristics of the subject eye and analyzes Analysis processing means for obtaining a result, selection processing of measurement data used for conversion of the actual distance based on the order of the acquisition timing of the OCT data and the measurement timing of the measurement data stored in advance in the measurement data storage unit Measurement data setting means, and the analysis processing means obtains an analysis result by converting the actual data using the measurement data selected by the measurement data setting means.

The ophthalmologic observation apparatus according to the second aspect of the present disclosure converts an imaging range related to imaging result data of the fundus of the subject eye acquired by the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus into an actual distance by using measurement data relating to optical characteristics of the eye to be inspected, and analyzes Select the measurement data to be used for the actual distance conversion based on the analysis processing means for obtaining a result, the acquisition timing of the imaging result data, and the measurement data stored in advance in the measurement data storage unit. Measurement data setting means for processing, and the analysis processing means converts the actual distance using the measurement data selected by the measurement data setting means to obtain an analysis result.

The ophthalmic observation program according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is executed by the processor of the ophthalmic observation apparatus, so that the imaging range regarding the OCT data of the fundus of the eye to be inspected acquired by the optical coherent tomography device is obtained. Based on an analysis processing step that obtains an analysis result by converting an actual distance using measurement data relating to characteristics, based on the context of the acquisition timing of the OCT data and the measurement timing of the measurement data stored in advance in the measurement data storage unit An ophthalmic observation program for causing an ophthalmic observation apparatus to perform a measurement data setting step for selecting and processing measurement data used for the actual distance conversion, wherein the measurement selected by the measurement data setting step in the analysis processing step Using the data, convert the actual distance to obtain the analysis result.

According to the present disclosure, the user can satisfactorily observe the fundus.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an ophthalmic observation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the observation display process performed by CPU. The map image produced | generated based on the tomographic image of the eye to be examined which has an axial length longer than a reference length is shown. The map image about the area | region of the reference | standard size in the fundus extracted from the map image of FIG. 3A is shown. It is a figure of the display screen which shows an example in the case of outputting the two-dimensional image regarding each inspection date in a specific period.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a schematic configuration of the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The ophthalmologic observation apparatus 1 mainly includes a CPU 2 and a storage unit 3. Moreover, in this embodiment, the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1 has the input part 4 and the monitor 5 (display part 5). Each unit is electrically connected to the CPU 2 via a bus or the like. In this embodiment, the ophthalmologic observation apparatus 1 receives at least one of the OCT data of the eye fundus to be examined obtained by the OCT apparatus 6 (Optical Coherence Tomography) and the result of the analysis process on the OCT data. Acquired via a network and an external memory (for example, a storage unit of the OCT apparatus 6), etc., and processes the acquired data. Examples of the OCT data include OCT data (tomographic image data), three-dimensional OCT data, blood flow measurement image, polarization characteristic image, and the like in a certain scanning line. The ophthalmic observation apparatus 1 may be a general-purpose computer, for example. As described above, in the present embodiment, the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1 and the OCT apparatus 6 are separate apparatuses, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the ophthalmologic observation apparatus 1 may be an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus including an OCT optical system. In this case, the CPU 2 mainly processes OCT data obtained using an optical system provided in the apparatus.

The CPU 2 is a processor that performs calculation and control of the entire ophthalmic observation apparatus 1.

The storage unit 3 stores various programs executed by the CPU 2. The storage unit 3 stores, for example, a program that causes the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1 to execute each step of the flowchart of FIG. The storage unit 3 includes, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an HDD, and a flash memory.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit 3 may store distribution information in advance. In the present embodiment, the distribution information is information generated by analysis processing on OCT data, and is information indicating a two-dimensional distribution related to internal information of the fundus. Examples of the distribution information include a layer thickness map, a blood flow map, a polarization characteristic map, and an analysis chart. In the present embodiment, as an example, a case where a layer thickness map is applied as distribution information will be described. This layer thickness map may be a map image (for example, a retina thickness map image) showing a two-dimensional thickness distribution of the fundus. The distribution information may be generated by analysis processing executed in the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1. Alternatively, it may be generated by an analysis process executed by a processing apparatus included in an external apparatus such as the OCT apparatus 6.

Further, the storage unit 3 may store in advance layer thickness maps at a plurality of inspection periods. In the present embodiment, the inspection time is associated with the layer thickness map. The inspection time here refers to the time (for example, year, month, day, time, etc.) when the tomographic image based on the layer thickness map was acquired by the OCT apparatus. For example, the data of the layer thickness map may have a data structure including a time stamp indicating the inspection time. In addition, the layer thickness map may be stored in association with the subject to be observed (and the eye to be examined).

In addition to the layer thickness map, the storage unit 3 stores, for example, imaging result information relating to the imaging result of the OCT apparatus 6 such as a tomographic image for obtaining a layer thickness map, a tomographic image, and an analysis result of the layer thickness map. May be. Further, the storage unit 3 may store a scanning pattern, a scanning position, and the like at the time of tomographic image acquisition. These data are appropriately converted into image data by the CPU 2 and presented to the user via the display unit 5. Note that the tomographic image or the like may be generated by either the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1 or the OCT apparatus 6.

The storage unit 3 may store measurement data related to the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined. For example, measurement data for each subject to be observed may be stored in the storage unit 3 at each measurement time. The measurement data includes, for example, measurement results for at least one of the axial length, refractive power, and corneal curvature of the eye to be examined. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the measurement data of the axial length is stored in the storage unit 3. In addition, the value measured by the OCT apparatus 6 or another test | inspection apparatus can be used for measurement data. The measurement data in the storage unit 3 may be a value input by the user (user) to the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1. The measurement data may be data transferred from an inspection device connected to the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1 via a network or the like.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the layer thickness map and the measurement data are stored in the storage unit 3 of the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1. That is, the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1 is provided with a map storage unit and a measurement data storage unit. However, the map storage unit and the measurement data storage unit are not necessarily included in the ophthalmologic observation apparatus 1. For example, at least one of a map storage unit and a measurement data storage unit may be prepared in a storage unit of the OCT apparatus, a storage unit provided in an external server, and the like.

The storage unit 3 may store a normal eye database, for example, as shown in the present embodiment. The normal eye database may be, for example, a database in which the layer thickness (for example, retinal thickness) of normal eyes related to retinal diseases is stored based on the examination results of a large number of patient eyes. For example, the layer thickness distribution of a large number of patient eyes in a fixed region of the fundus (for example, a region at a fixed position of the fundus and having a fixed size in terms of actual distance) may be stored. At this time, the normal eye database may store a layer thickness distribution for each position in a fixed region of the fundus. The normal eye database does not necessarily store layer thickness data for each patient eye. For example, instead of the layer thickness data for each patient eye, representative values for defining the layer thickness distribution based on the layer thickness data of a large number of patient eyes (for example, the median value of the distribution, the average value, and the number of populations) And a function or the like may be stored. The normal eye database may be formed without specifying a disease, and of course, may be formed for each specific disease. In addition, a database (for example, a long eye axis database) relating to an eye having an axial length longer than a reference axial length (for example, about 24 mm) may be constructed.

The input unit 4 is a configuration for the user (user) of the ophthalmologic observation apparatus 1 to input various information. The input unit 4 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

The display unit 5 is a display, and is an example of an output unit that outputs a tomographic image obtained by the OCT apparatus 6, a layer thickness map based on the tomographic image, and the like. The output unit may be a printer that prints a layer thickness map or the like.

The OCT apparatus 6 is an imaging apparatus that obtains a tomographic image of the fundus of the eye to be examined. Based on the tomographic image, the OCT apparatus 6 acquires a layer thickness map and various analysis results. In addition, about the function which acquires a layer thickness map, an analysis result, etc. based on a tomographic image, the structure which controls the OCT apparatus 6 may produce | generate a layer thickness map etc., and other apparatuses (for example, The controller (for example, CPU 2) of the ophthalmologic observation apparatus 1) may generate a layer thickness map or the like based on the tomographic image obtained by the OCT apparatus 6.

The OCT apparatus 6 divides the light emitted from the light source into measurement light and reference light. The OCT apparatus 6 guides the divided measurement light to the fundus of the eye to be examined and guides the divided reference light to the reference optical system. Thereafter, interference light obtained by combining the measurement light reflected by the fundus and the reference light is received by the detector (light receiving element). The detector detects an interference state between the measurement light and the reference light. In the case of Fourier domain OCT, the spectral intensity of the interference light is detected by a detector, and a depth profile in a predetermined range is obtained by Fourier transform on the spectral intensity data. Examples of the Fourier domain OCT include Spectral-DomainOCT (SD-OCT) and Swept-sourceOCT (SS-OCT). Further, the OCT apparatus 6 may be Time-DomainOCT (TD-OCT).

The OCT apparatus 6 may be provided with a front observation optical system for obtaining a front image of the fundus. As the front observation optical system, a scanning confocal optical system and a fundus camera optical system can be considered. Further, the OCT apparatus 6 may have a configuration in which a fundus front image is acquired based on an interference signal acquired by the OCT apparatus 6.

In the present embodiment, the OCT apparatus 6 obtains a tomographic image of the fundus based on the output signal from the detector. Then, for example, the acquired tomographic image is subjected to image processing, whereby the retinal thickness of the fundus is measured. As the retinal thickness, for example, the thickness of each layer of the retina (specifically, the thickness of the optic nerve fiber layer (NFL), the thickness from the inner boundary membrane (ILM) to the retinal pigment epithelium layer (RPE), etc.) is acquired. Two-dimensional retinal thickness information (for example, a layer thickness map) using the retinal thickness at each position on the fundus obtained from images with different scan positions on the fundus is obtained from the OCT apparatus 6 or the ophthalmologic observation apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as the ophthalmic observation apparatus 1). , Abbreviated as this device 1).

In this embodiment, two-dimensional network thickness information is followed up using a layer thickness map. The layer thickness map acquired (or generated) by the apparatus 1 is stored in the storage unit 3 by the CPU 2. In addition, the storage unit 3 stores image information (fundus tomographic image, front image, etc.) obtained by the OCT apparatus 6, analysis charts calculated based on thickness information, various parameters, and the like.

In addition, the thickness of the choroid may be measured by processing the acquired tomographic image. Of course, two-dimensional choroid thickness information (thickness map) may be observed.

When the inspection is periodically performed by the OCT apparatus 6, the retinal thickness information generated as a result of the inspection is sent to the CPU 2 and then stored in the storage unit 3. The retinal thickness information stored in the storage unit 3 is stored in association with the time axis for, for example, follow-up observation. The retinal thickness information as a function of time indicates a change in the retinal thickness over time.

Next, the operation of the apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The observation display process shown in FIG. 2 is an example of a process for generating and outputting layer thickness information at an actual distance as information on the state of the fundus in an area on the fundus at an actual distance. As a result of the observation display process, display based on the layer thickness information at the actual distance of the fundus of the eye to be examined is performed on the display unit 5. By confirming this display, the user observes the fundus, for example.

In the observation display process, first, the layer thickness map used for the follow-up observation is selected by the CPU 2 from the layer thickness maps stored in the storage unit 3 (S1). In the present embodiment, the CPU 2 selects one or a plurality of layer thickness maps designated in advance by the user via the input unit 4.

Next, the CPU 2 acquires one or a plurality of layer thickness maps selected by the process of S1 (S2). In the process of S2, for example, the selected layer thickness map is stored in the work area of the apparatus 1 (for example, the RAM of the storage unit 3), thereby acquiring the layer thickness map. In this embodiment, CPU2 acquires the information (inspection time information) which shows the inspection time concerning the acquired layer thickness map at this time with a layer thickness map. In the present embodiment, the layer thickness map acquired by the process of S2 is described as being stored in advance in the storage unit 3, but is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, when the apparatus 1 generates layer thickness information, a layer thickness map for each inspection time may be generated from a tomographic image for each inspection time stored in advance in the storage unit 3 or the like. In this case, the layer thickness map is acquired by storing the generated layer thickness map in the work area of the apparatus 1.

Next, the CPU 2 sets the measurement data of the axial length corresponding to each layer thickness map (for example, the axial length) for each layer thickness map acquired by the processing of S2 (S3). In the present embodiment, first, the CPU 2 acquires measurement time information indicating the measurement time of each measurement data from the measurement data storage unit (for example, the storage unit 3). CPU2 selects the measurement data matched with each layer thickness map based on the information acquired by the process of S2 and S3, and measurement time information. In the present embodiment, the measurement data associated with each layer thickness map is based on the longitudinal relationship between the acquisition time of the tomographic image (that is, the inspection time) related to the layer thickness map and the measurement time of each measurement data. Determined. That is, in the present embodiment, at least one of the measurement data measured at the same time as the inspection time for the layer thickness map and the measurement data for which the measurement time is around the inspection time for the layer thickness map is used. Measurement data corresponding to the thickness map is set by the CPU 2.

For example, if there is measurement data measured at the same time as the inspection time on the layer thickness map, the measurement data may be associated with the layer thickness map. At this time, when the year and month of the measurement time concerning the measurement data and the inspection time concerning the layer thickness map coincide with each other, both may be treated as being measured at the same time. In addition, if the year of the measurement time and the inspection time are the same, if both dates are the same, if part of the time is the same, both are treated as being measured at the same time. Also good. In addition, measurement data obtained in a predetermined period (for example, several hours, several days, several weeks, etc.) before and after the inspection time may be handled as measurement data at the same time as the inspection time.

Note that there may be two or more measurement data measured at the same time as the inspection period for the layer thickness map. In this case, for example, measurement data measured closer to the inspection time related to the layer thickness map, an average value of two or more measurement data, and the like may be associated with the layer thickness map by the CPU 2. Of course, the user may select which measurement data is associated with the layer thickness map.

In addition, if measurement data measured at the same time as the inspection time concerning the layer thickness map is not stored in the storage unit (measurement data storage unit) 3 in advance, an estimated value based on the measurement data measured before and after the inspection time May be set as measurement data corresponding to the layer thickness map.

For example, as the estimated value, measurement data at a measurement time closest to the inspection time related to the layer thickness map may be used among the measurement data stored in advance in the measurement data storage unit. In this case, as the estimated value, measurement data that would have been obtained in the actual measurement data if it was measured at the same time as the inspection time related to the layer thickness map can be calculated. The obtained estimated value is associated with the layer thickness map. At this time, the measurement data associated with the layer thickness map by the CPU 2 may be limited to the measurement data measured before the inspection time related to the layer thickness map.

For example, a value obtained using two or more measurement data stored in advance in the storage unit (measurement data storage unit) 3 may be used as the estimated value. For example, the estimated value of measurement data should be interpolated (for example, linear interpolation) using at least one measurement data that is earlier than the inspection time and one that is later than the inspection time. May be required. In addition, it is preferable that the interpolation process is performed so as to approximate the measurement data when measured at the same time as the inspection time. For example, an empirical formula or the like regarding the temporal change of the axial length may be used. Since this estimated value reflects a temporal change in the measurement data, a more appropriate measurement data value is associated with the layer thickness map. In addition, the estimated value of the measurement data may be obtained using two or more measurement data whose measurement time is before (or after) the inspection time.

Next, the CPU 2 performs an analysis process of the layer thickness map (an example of distribution information) using the measurement data selected by the process of S2 (S4). More specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 2 converts the layer thickness map into an actual distance using the measurement data, and obtains an analysis result regarding the layer thickness map. For example, as an analysis result, layer thickness information at the actual distance of the fundus is generated for each layer thickness map. The layer thickness information at the actual distance of the fundus may be, for example, an analysis map (for example, a map image) at the actual distance of the fundus, a two-dimensional analysis chart, or the like.

The analysis map may be, for example, a color map that two-dimensionally represents the distribution of analysis results on the fundus of the eye to be examined (see, for example, the layer thickness map 100a in FIG. 4). The map image 100a is a color map showing a two-dimensional distribution of the layer thickness on the fundus of the eye to be examined, and may be color-coded according to the layer thickness.

As the map image 100a, for example, at least one of a thickness map, a comparison map, a deviation map, and a difference map may be used. The thickness map may be a map indicating the thickness of the retinal layer. The comparison map may be a map showing a comparison result between the thickness of the retinal layer of the eye to be examined and the thickness of the retinal layer of the normal eye stored in the normal eye database. The deviation map may be a map showing, as a standard deviation, a deviation between the thickness of the retinal layer of the subject eye and the thickness of the retinal layer of the normal eye stored in the normal eye database. The difference map may be an inspection time comparison thickness map indicating a difference in thickness from each inspection time (for example, inspection date).

Analysis chart images

100b and 100c indicate layer thicknesses in sections (regions) obtained by dividing the fundus. The analysis chart is created, for example, by dividing a two-dimensional distribution of the layer thickness in the fundus into regions and obtaining analysis values for each region.

The analysis chart may be set in consideration of the imaging range on the fundus. For example, a plurality of sections may be set in an area corresponding to a reference distance (for example, 9 mm) from the imaging center in the imaging range on the fundus. For example, a section corresponding to a first distance from the center (for example, within a range of 1 mm from the center), a section corresponding to a second distance from the first distance (for example, an area of 1 mm to 4 mm with respect to the center), from a second distance The section is divided into sections corresponding to the third distance (for example, an area of 4 mm to 9 mm with respect to the center).

The analysis chart shows an analysis value for each preset section, for example. As an analysis value, for example, a basic statistic of an analysis result is obtained for each preset section. The basic statistic may be a representative value (average value, median value, mode value, maximum value, minimum value, etc.), spread degree (dispersion, standard deviation, variation coefficient, etc.), and the like. The analysis result at each position in the section is included in the analysis result for each section, so that a stable analysis value can be obtained.

More specifically, the analysis chart is displayed together with the layer thickness map. When the retinal thickness map 100a is a macular map, GCHART, S / I chart, ETDRS chart, etc. are selectively displayed. When the layer thickness is a nipple map, as an analysis chart, in addition to the GCHART, S / I chart, and ETDRS chart, an overall chart, an upper and lower chart (2 divisions), a TSNIT chart (4 divisions), a ClockHour chart (12 Etc.) are selectively displayed.

Further, the analysis chart may be provided with a numerical display area for displaying the layer thickness in the predetermined area with a numerical value. In the numerical display area, for example, the total average retinal thickness, the retinal thickness at the fovea, the average retinal thickness (for example, 1, 2, 3 mm) within a predetermined area centered on the fovea are displayed. Further, the analysis chart may show a comparison result at an actual distance between the layer thickness map and the normal eye database.

By the way, the imaging range of the OCT apparatus 6 by the actual distance on the fundus is a size according to the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined such as the axial length. For example, when an eye having an axial length that is a reference length (for example, about 24 mm) is imaged by the OCT apparatus 6 at a constant scanning angle of view, the imaging range on the fundus is the reference size on the fundus. (For example, 9 mm square). Since the photographing range on the fundus corresponds to the actual measurement range of the layer thickness map, the layer thickness map indicates a layer thickness distribution at a reference size (for example, 9 mm square).

On the other hand, when an eye having an axial length longer than the reference length (for example, about 26 mm) is photographed by the OCT apparatus 6 at the same scanning angle of view, the layer thickness map has a wider range than the reference size. The layer thickness distribution in (for example, 9.6 mm square) is shown.

When the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined change over time during the examination period, the range on the fundus where the distribution of the layer thickness is different between two or more layer thickness maps with different examination periods May end up. For this reason, for example, it is difficult to distinguish whether a difference between a plurality of layer thickness maps is due to a change in layer thickness or a change in imaging range.

On the other hand, the CPU 2 generates layer thickness information at the actual distance of the fundus using the layer thickness map and the axial length of the eye to be examined. As a specific example of generating the layer thickness map based on the actual distance, for example, the measurement data of the axial length associated with the layer thickness map in the process of S3 indicates the axial length longer than the reference length, thereby the layer thickness map Is considered to correspond to an area wider than the reference size (see FIG. 3A), the CPU 2 uses the data area indicating the reference size (for example, 9 mm square) on the layer thickness map as measurement data. It may be extracted according to the value of (see FIG. 3B).

The reference size range information extracted from the layer thickness map may be stored in advance in the storage unit 3 or the like in association with the measurement data. Of course, the CPU 2 may calculate the reference size range using the value of the measurement data. After extracting a partial region of the layer thickness map according to the measurement data, the CPU 2 may change the size of the partial region of the layer thickness map according to the reference size region. In this way, a layer thickness map based on the actual distance is generated.

Also, for example, in the case where it is considered that the measurement data of the axial length associated with the layer thickness map in the process of S3 is shorter than the reference length and the layer thickness map corresponds to an area narrower than the reference size, The layer thickness map may be treated as an area having a size corresponding to the value of the measurement data. At this time, for example, the CPU 2 may change the size of the layer thickness map according to the region of the reference size, assuming that the layer thickness map has information about a part of the region of the reference size. In this way, a layer thickness map based on the actual distance calculated using the measurement data is generated. After the layer thickness map based on the actual distance is obtained, the CPU 2 may generate a two-dimensional analysis chart, a comparison result with the normal eye database, and the like from the layer thickness map. As described above, as a result of the process of S4, layer thickness information in a certain range of the fundus based on the actual distance is obtained regardless of the imaging range at each examination time. As a result, it is possible to perform follow-up observation in which it is easy to grasp the change in the layer thickness at each inspection time.

Further, in the process of S4, the CPU 2 may acquire (or generate) the time-dependent change information regarding the time-dependent change of the analysis parameter based on two or more layer thickness maps having different inspection times. For example, temporal change information regarding the temporal change of the layer thickness (an example of an analysis parameter) may be acquired. The time change information may be, for example, data related to the time series graph 150 shown in FIG. For example, the CPU 2 may acquire a regression line by performing regression analysis on layer thickness information at an actual distance for each inspection time, and may generate a trend graph based on the regression line. The points plotted on the graph corresponding to each inspection time may be, for example, representative values (for example, median value, average value, maximum value, etc.) of the layer thickness distribution of the layer thickness map at the actual distance. Further, for example, it may be a value indicated by a specific section of each analysis chart.

Note that the time series graph 150 may be a plot of measurement data related to the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined (in this embodiment, measurement data of the axial length). In this case, by checking the time series graph 150 by the user, for example, it becomes easy for the user to examine the causal relationship between the change in the layer thickness and the elongation of the axial length. Note that the concept of time-dependent change information includes the above-described inspection time comparison thickness map.

Next, the CPU 2 outputs an analysis result by the process of S4 (S5). In the present embodiment, the CPU 2 performs display output on the display unit 5. As a result, for example, the display shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, an image 100 (for example, map image 100a,

analysis chart images

100b, 100c, etc.) relating to the layer thickness information generated for each layer thickness map by the process of S4 may be displayed on the display unit 5. . Moreover, when the image 100 regarding several layer thickness information is displayed, CPU2 may arrange and display each image 100 in order of a time series. Further, for example, information about the image 100 such as an inspection time, a measurement data acquisition time, and a value based on the measurement data may be displayed together. Further, the CPU 2 may display the time series graph 150 on the display unit 5.

As described above, in the present embodiment, for each layer thickness map (an example of distribution information), measurement data regarding the optical characteristics of the eye to be examined is measured by the measurement data setting means (measurement data setting unit). It is automatically set for each thickness map. As a result, the apparatus 1 can easily obtain the analysis result of the layer thickness map that can be easily compared in different inspection periods. Therefore, according to the present apparatus 1, it is easy for the user to observe the fundus.

Further, in the present embodiment, analysis processing is performed on each of two or more layer thickness maps having different inspection timings, and time-dependent change information regarding a time-dependent change in layer thickness (an example of an analysis parameter) is acquired (generated). The acquired temporal change information is displayed on the display unit 5. As a result, the user can perform follow-up observation satisfactorily by confirming the temporal change information.

In the present embodiment, as described above, if the inspection time for the layer thickness map acquired by the process of S2 and the measurement data measured at the same time are not stored in advance in the measurement data storage unit, An estimated value based on measurement data measured before and after the time can be set as measurement data corresponding to the layer thickness map. As a result, in the present apparatus 1, even if the measurement data measured at the same time as the examination time is not stored in the storage unit (measurement data storage unit) 3 in advance, a good analysis result is easily obtained.

As mentioned above, although it demonstrated based on embodiment, this indication is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which layer thickness information at an actual distance is generated from each layer thickness map each time display for observation is performed. However, it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the layer thickness information based on the actual distance once generated is stored in the storage unit 3 or the like by the CPU 2, and the next time the display for observation is performed, the CPU 2 stores the layer thickness stored in the storage unit 3. You may make it perform display control of an image map, an analysis chart, etc. using thickness information. In this case, in the observation display process, when a new layer thickness map based on the tomographic image obtained by the OCT apparatus 6 is acquired, the CPU 2 performs the process of S2 on the newly acquired layer thickness map. Similarly to the above, measurement data used for actual distance conversion is selected and layer thickness information is acquired.

In the above description, the layer thickness map is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. When generating the fundus analysis chart based on the actual distance using the measurement data, the CPU 2 uses the actual distance conversion based on the front-to-back relationship between the acquisition time of the tomographic image related to the analysis chart and the measurement time of the measurement data. Measurement data may be set. At this time, the measurement data may be set, for example, for the distribution information that is the source of the analysis chart.

Also, using the measurement data, a fundus layer thickness graph converted into an actual distance (for example, a graph in which the vertical axis indicates the layer thickness and the horizontal axis indicates the position on the scanning line according to the actual distance) is generated. In this case, the CPU 2 may set the measurement data used for the actual distance conversion for the tomographic image based on the order relationship between the acquisition time of the tomographic image according to the graph and the measurement time of the measurement data. Note that the layer thickness graph may indicate the layer thicknesses of a plurality of tomographic images having different acquisition times at the same time.

When the scale measurement is performed on the tomographic image by the actual distance conversion, the CPU 2 determines the measurement data used for the actual distance conversion on the basis of the relationship between the acquisition time of the tomographic image for the scale measurement and the measurement time of the measurement data. Alternatively, it may be set for a tomographic image. For a specific scale measurement method after the measurement data is set, refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-11052 by the present applicant.

Note that the actual distance conversion process can be applied when the imaging range related to the OCT data of the fundus of the eye to be examined is converted into the actual distance. For example, the OCT data may be blood flow measurement data and polarization characteristic data in addition to the tomographic image data on the scanning line. That is, this embodiment is applicable also to the data acquired by OCT, such as Doppler OCT and polarization-sensitive OCT.

The OCT data may be 3D OCT data. The three-dimensional OCT data is acquired by, for example, a raster scan. The raster scan is a pattern in which the measurement light scans on the fundus in a rectangular shape. In the raster scan, for example, the measurement light is rastered in a preset scanning area (for example, a rectangular area). As a result, OCT data for each scanning line in the scanning area (for example, a rectangular area) is acquired. The three-dimensional OCT data is formed based on the OCT data obtained at each scanning line. The OCT data in the three-dimensional OCT data may be at least one of tomographic image data, blood flow data, and polarization characteristic data. Further, the three-dimensional OCT data may be an OCT front image generated based on the three-dimensional OCT data.

The actual distance conversion process can also be applied to a case where an imaging range related to imaging result data acquired by an ophthalmologic imaging apparatus such as a fundus camera or a scanning laser opthalmoscope is converted into an actual distance. For example, the present invention can also be applied to obtaining an analysis result converted into an actual distance for a front image of a fundus obtained with a fundus camera or an SLO device. That is, the CPU of the ophthalmologic observation apparatus may set measurement data used for actual distance conversion based on the front-rear relationship between the acquisition timing of the front image and the measurement timing of the measurement data stored in the measurement storage unit.

1 Ophthalmic observation device 2 CPU
3 Storage unit 6 OCT device

Claims

Analysis processing means for obtaining an analysis result by converting an imaging range related to OCT data of the fundus of the eye to be examined acquired by the optical coherence tomography device using actual measurement data regarding optical characteristics of the eye to be examined;
Measurement data setting means for selecting and processing the measurement data used for the actual distance conversion based on the anteroposterior relationship between the acquisition timing of the OCT data and the measurement timing of the measurement data stored in advance in the measurement data storage unit; Prepared,
The ophthalmic observation apparatus characterized in that the analysis processing means obtains an analysis result by converting the actual data using the measurement data selected by the measurement data setting means.
Time of acquisition of the OCT data, which is generated by analysis processing on the OCT data of the fundus of the subject to be acquired acquired by the optical coherent tomography device, and shows the two-dimensional distribution regarding the internal information of the fundus Distribution information acquisition means to acquire with,
The measurement data setting means is configured to convert the actual distance based on a longitudinal relationship between the acquisition timing of the OCT data that is the source of the distribution information and the measurement timing of the measurement data stored in advance in a measurement data storage unit. Select the measurement data to be used
The ophthalmic observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analysis processing unit obtains the analysis result by converting the distribution information into an actual distance using the measurement data selected by the measurement data setting unit.
The measurement data setting means performs the selection process for each of two or more distribution information having different OCT data acquisition times,
The analysis processing means uses each measurement data set by the measurement data setting means to perform an analysis process by converting the distribution information into an actual distance, and further provides time-dependent change information regarding a change with time of the analysis parameter. The ophthalmic observation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ophthalmic observation apparatus is acquired.
The measurement data setting means, when new OCT data is acquired, based on the context between the acquisition timing of the OCT data and the measurement timing of the measurement data stored in advance in the measurement data storage unit, The ophthalmic observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein measurement data used for actual distance conversion is selected.
The ophthalmic observation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measurement data setting means selects and processes measurement data at a measurement time closest to the acquisition time of the OCT data.
The ophthalmic observation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the measurement data selected by the measurement data setting means is measurement data before the acquisition time of OCT data.
When the measurement data setting means has no measurement data at the same time as the OCT data acquisition time in the measurement data storage unit and two or more measurement data having different measurement times are stored in the measurement data storage unit The analysis result corresponding to the OCT data having no measurement data of the same period is obtained using an estimated value of the measurement data obtained from the two or more measurement data. The ophthalmologic observation apparatus described in 1.
The measurement data setting means interpolates the estimated value of the measurement data by using at least one of the measurement data whose measurement time is before the acquisition time of the OCT data and the measurement data after the acquisition time. The ophthalmologic observation apparatus according to claim 7.
An analysis processing means that obtains an analysis result by converting an imaging range related to imaging result data of the fundus of the subject acquired by the ophthalmologic imaging apparatus into an actual distance using measurement data related to optical characteristics of the eye to be examined;
Measurement data setting means for selecting and processing the measurement data used for the actual distance conversion based on the context of the acquisition timing of the imaging result data and the measurement timing of the measurement data stored in advance in the measurement data storage unit; With
The ophthalmic observation apparatus characterized in that the analysis processing means obtains an analysis result by converting the actual data using the measurement data selected by the measurement data setting means.
By being executed by the processor of the ophthalmic observation device,
An analysis processing step that obtains an analysis result by converting an imaging range related to OCT data of the fundus of the eye to be examined acquired by the optical coherent tomography device into an actual distance using measurement data related to optical characteristics of the eye to be examined;
A measurement data setting step for selecting and processing the measurement data used for the actual distance conversion based on the context of the acquisition timing of the OCT data and the measurement timing of the measurement data stored in advance in the measurement data storage unit; An ophthalmic observation program to be executed by an ophthalmic observation apparatus,
An ophthalmic observation program characterized in that in the analysis processing step, an analysis result is obtained by converting an actual distance using the measurement data selected in the measurement data setting step.