Optometry and Wearables Can Reduce Risk of Fall - From Detection to Prediction - A Novel Approach
Sensoria Health Inc.
Internet of Things for the Human Body. AI Software and Sensor Infused Footwear and Apparel.
Falls pose a significant health risk for older adults and can result in severe injuries if not promptly and effectively addressed.?Traditionally, falls have been viewed as accidents that are unpredictable and, therefore, unavoidable. However, optometrists can mitigate the risk of falls through targeted interventions. One effective method to reduce this risk is through the prescription of yoked prism lenses.
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Previous research has highlighted the significant role of the visual system in maintaining postural control as individuals age. Consequently, visually impaired older adults face a heightened risk of falls, nursing home admissions, and mortality. Moreover, a recent study demonstrated a correlation between poorer visual acuity or a history of cataracts and an increased likelihood of developing balance issues.
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Five types of factors were identified as potential causes of falls:
1.????health issues and changes in balance caused by ageing.
2.????cognitive and behavioral factors.
3.????the impact of sight impairment on getting around the home.
4.????the impact of sight impairment on negotiating the environment away from home.
5.????and unexplained falls.
The consequences of falls range from physical injury (e.g., fractures) to psychological distress in the form of depression, anxiety, fear of falling, and decline in overall balance confidence. These consequences not only lead to activity restriction and avoidance but contribute to a rise in health care costs.
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Here are some previous studies that you might find useful:
-???????Optometry guidelines to prevent falls in older patients.
-???????Worse Acuity and Cataracts Associated with Balance Problems
-???????The causes of falls: views of older people with visual impairment
-???????Fall Prevention: Patient-Centered Outcomes
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In addition to the factors previously mentioned, other aspects that can cause falls include:
1.????medication side effects.
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2.????environmental hazards.
3.????footwear.
4.????physical activity level.
5.????chronic conditions such as arthritis.
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Optometrists can also help preventing falls by:
-???????Encourage patients to have regular eye exams.
-???????Conduct a gait and balance assessment.
-???????Educate patients on the importance of proper footwear.
-???????Encourage patients to participate in physical activity programs.
-???????Educate patients on the importance of good lighting in the home.
-???????Encourage patients to have regular medication reviews with their primary care physician.
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PRT and Sensoria partnered to create an advanced system called NeurOpTrek? , which can evaluate neuro-visual processing dysfunction affecting balance and posture following a neurological event, sports related injury (such as concussion) or simple dysfunction occurring due to aging. NeurOpTrek? will also help clinicians to determine a starting prescription of yoked prisms for neurologically challenged individuals. NeurOpTrek contributes to provide the position (axis) and the amount of the yoked prism prescription for the clinician to prescribe. Follow-up testing will show the changes in gait from training and therapy and will offer new recommendations for prisms.
Neuroptrek and Sensoria offer wearable technology to help prevent falls. Neuroptrek offers a Sensoria designed and built wearable device that leverages a smart sock infused with both commercially available sensors and proprietary textile pressure sensors to detect changes in gait and balance and provide real-time feedback to the optometrist.
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Sensoria and PRT will offer a simple software solution running on a dedicated Android tablet and a pair of smart socks that leverage those sensors to detect changes in patient’s gait and balance and provides real-time feedback to the user.
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We are thrilled to collaborate with William Padula, OD and Padula Rehabiltation Technologies on this innovative and powerful solution to address risk of falls which improves outcomes and increases quality of life.