Home vision monitoring in patients with maculopathy: Real-life study of the OdySight application.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of the present study was to analyze the implementation and clinical efficacy of OdySight, a mobile medical application for the remote monitoring of patients with maculopathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 60 patients with edematous maculopathies receiving traditional clinical treatment (PRN or Treat & Extend) were provided with OdySight to detect changes in visual acuity from home. To determine both the feasibility and reliability of the application, its use by patients (both testing and game play), as well as the processing of alerts by the clinical team, were analyzed during the first year.

RESULTS: The female-to-male ratio was 3:2, with a mean age of 64 years. 52% of patients presented with age-related macular degeneration, 31% with high myopia, 11% with retinal vein occlusion, and 6% with diabetic maculopathy. The conversion rate (defined as the percentage of patients completing at least one test following prescription) and the nine-month retention rate (percentage of active patients) were 61% and 24% respectively. Patients aged 50 to 70 years and those whose use of the app included game play represent 75% of active patients at 9 months. The 22 active patients performed 483 visual acuity tests, completed 1,667 game sessions, and underwent 77 in-person consultations. During the trial period, the clinical team processed 19 alerts, on average in fewer than 6 days. Decreases in visual acuity were detected with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 99%.

DISCUSSION: The use of connected and mobile devices today is widespread, as is interest in mobile medical applications. Long-term treatments for maculopathies can be a difficult burden to bear, both for patients and healthcare practitioners. Overcoming the challenges associated with the successful remote detection of recurrences thus represents a significant opportunity for improving patient care. The implementation of novel digital tools requires the cooperation of the clinical team as a whole, to both inform and motivate patients. OdySight demonstrates satisfactory detection rates, thanks to reliable and reproducible home testing, and can thus serve as a supplementary tool for patients whose consultations are often spaced several months apart. Implementation can be nonetheless improved by facilitating alert processing, a goal which necessitates active adaptation of clinical practices. In general, active patients were very satisfied with this personalized service.

CONCLUSION: Improved medical support, plus the amusing nature of the tests and games, both bolster long-term use of the OdySight app. The application allows for the remote monitoring of changes in visual acuity and affords patients and practitioners an added level of protection, particularly during long intervals between treatments and at the end of a treatment course. To ensure proper implementation, clinics should focus on reinforcing and modernizing the clinical pathway, from patient intake to the injection room.