EYE-SYNC: Concussion Diagnosis with VR Technology
Medical & Pharma
Key takeaways
When a concussion occurs, it disrupts the connections between the brain and eyes, resulting in irregular visual performance and impaired eye movements. Traditionally, diagnosing these impairments involves subjective tests, where a medical professional asks the patient to follow a finger to detect minor eye movement errors. This method is imprecise and can lead to inconsistent decisions about an athlete’s readiness to return to play. To address these issues, SyncThink has developed EYE-SYNC, a cutting-edge VR-based solution designed to provide objective, reliable data for concussion diagnosis and management.
Cantina collaborated closely with SyncThink to understand their objectives and constraints, using an agile development approach to create a scalable, FDA-compliant Android application for the EYE-SYNC platform. The project was initiated with a tight deadline of five months to ensure the system was ready for the upcoming athletic season.
Concussions are a serious health concern, with nearly 50,000 deaths annually from traumatic brain injuries and over 2.5 million emergency room visits each year in the U.S., according to the CDC. Despite these statistics, there is still no universally accepted, evidence-based definition of a concussion. This lack of a standardized diagnostic method underscores the need for more reliable tools to assess brain injuries. SyncThink’s EYE-SYNC platform addresses this need by offering a sophisticated VR technology solution that can objectively measure visual performance and eye movement.
The EYE-SYNC system works by having a patient wear a VR headset and follow a moving red dot in a circular pattern. Within less than a minute, the system generates a detailed report that helps medical professionals determine whether the individual is fit to resume activities or requires further evaluation. This technology not only facilitates accurate concussion assessments but also supports athletes, military personnel, and civilians in managing their brain health effectively.
The collaboration between SyncThink and Cantina led to the creation of a market-ready, mobile VR application that is revolutionizing concussion management. By providing a precise, data-driven approach to concussion diagnosis, EYE-SYNC helps to ensure that athletes, soldiers, and the general public receive appropriate care and treatment, ultimately fostering better health outcomes and enhancing recovery prospects.
