RU237672U1 - A comb-trainer for conducting exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes and train eye muscles in various conditions - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to medicine, to the field of neurology, neuropsychology, and ophthalmology, and can be used in conducting classes to restore the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia, as well as for training the eye muscles in order to prevent visual impairment when working on a computer, and classes aimed at improving visual acuity in various diseases associated with impaired functioning of the eye muscles. The utility model is a device consisting of a base part (1) made in the form of a plate with a number of teeth designed for combing hair and massaging the head, and in the center of one of the end sides of the base part (1) there is a handle including a transition and end parts (2, 3); wherein on the front side of the end portion (3) there is a first control element (4) designed to fix the gaze and control the movement of the eyes of the person performing the exercises, and on the reverse side of the end portion (3) there is a second control element (5) designed to fix the gaze and control the movement of the eyes of the person performing the exercises, wherein the first control element (4) and the second control element (5) differ from each other. Thus, the comb-trainer is a simple-to-manufacture and easy-to-use universal device designed for training both the central and peripheral visual systems. Its effectiveness is ensured by the fact that, from the very first sessions, the process is carried out using an external device that facilitates eye movement control and eye muscle training. This allows for eye movement rehabilitation sessions for a wide range of neurological patients with visual agnosia, including those with impaired movement of one hand, as well as eye muscle training sessions to prevent visual impairment when working on a computer, and eye muscle training sessions to improve visual acuity in various diseases associated with eye muscle dysfunction. Moreover, the comb-trainer increases the effectiveness of eye movement rehabilitation and eye muscle training sessions by allowing participants to carry it with them at all times for rehabilitation and training sessions in a variety of settings.

Description

The utility model relates to medicine, to the field of neurology, neuropsychology, and ophthalmology, and can be used in conducting classes to restore the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia, as well as for training the eye muscles for the purpose of preventing visual impairment when working on a computer, and classes aimed at improving visual acuity in various diseases associated with impaired functioning of the eye muscles.

An important feature of the device is that users can carry it with them, making it possible to conduct eye movement rehabilitation and eye muscle training sessions in various conditions, such as while walking.

The process of eye movements is one of the necessary components that ensure the functioning of the human visual analyzer, in the functioning of which the normal functioning of the eye muscles plays an important role.

The visual analyzer is a complex neuroreceptor system that perceives and analyzes visual stimuli. It consists of three sections: peripheral (the eye), conductive (the optic nerve, optic and subcortical nerve structures), and central (the visual cortex) (Dictionary of Correctional Pedagogy and Special Psychology. Visual Analyzer, found online at https://correction_pedagogy.academic.ru/741/Зрительный_анализатор).

One of the disorders of the central part of the visual analyzer is visual agnosia, which occurs with damage to the occipital and frontal parts of the cerebral cortex, as a result of which patients have difficulty perceiving "noisy" images of objects and, with more severe damage to the occipital parts of the cerebral cortex, also real objects and objects.

The process of visual perception has a complex structure and can be disrupted due to damage to its various components.

One of the important components necessary for the normal functioning of visual perception is the process of eye movements that trace the contour of the perceived object or subject, and perform a number of other complex movements during the perception of various objects and subjects (Yarbus A.L. The role of eye movements in the process of image perception. Moscow: Nauka, 1965).

In the cerebral cortex there are two oculomotor "centers" that control gaze movements: the posterior "center" is located in the parietal-occipital regions of the cerebral cortex and serves for the reflex regulation of gaze movements, ensuring the act of fixation and tracking of a moving point, and the anterior "center" is located in the middle sections of the premotor zone (Brodmann's area 8) and is the apparatus that regulates voluntary translation of the eyes and active searching movements of the gaze (Luria A.R. Lectures on General Psychology, St. Petersburg: Piter, 2006).

Currently, various methods are used to restore the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia.

Thus, a well-known method of M.G. Khrakovskaya is designed to restore the process of eye movements, their optomotor activity in neurological patients with visual perception disorders. In the early stages of work according to this method, tasks are used aimed at restoring eye movements according to automated reading algorithms: from left to right and top to bottom, line by line. Gradually, during the course of lessons, the volume of visual information and the complexity of the tasks increase. This type of tasks allows for increasing readiness for perception due to the regulation of movement and gaze fixation. Further tasks are used aimed at identifying and classifying object parts according to given visual characteristics, etc. (Khrakovskaya M.G. Optimization of neuropsychological rehabilitation strategies using the example of visual gnosis restoration. // Neurorehabilitation-2009: Proceedings of the 1st International Congress. - M., 2009. - P. 48).

The disadvantages of this method when used for conducting exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes and train the eye muscles in various conditions are:

a) this technique is based on the use of automated eye movement algorithms, without the use of any additional external means that make it easier for the patient to control eye movement;

b) this technique provides the possibility of restoring eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

c) this technique helps train the eye muscles that ensure eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

d) This technique is intended for use during classes only at a desk.

L.S. Tsvetkova's method is also well-known, designed to restore reading skills in cases of eye movement disorders. This method is based on the use of an additional external aid that guides the patient's gaze and facilitates the impaired eye movement process. This external aid is a special cardboard frame placed over a word, leaving the entire word or a few of its letters visible for the patient to read. The frame then gradually moves along the line from word to word, guiding the patient's gaze and engaging their intact kinesthetic senses (L.S. Tsvetkova, "Restorative Training for Localized Brain Lesions." Moscow: Pedagogy, 1972).

The disadvantages of this method when used for conducting exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes and train the eye muscles in various conditions are:

a) this technique is intended only for the restoration of eye movements in case of reading process disorders;

b) this technique provides the possibility of restoring eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

c) this technique helps train the eye muscles that ensure eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

d) This technique is intended for use during classes only at a desk.

Also known is the method of L.E. Selyavko, designed to restore the impaired process of eye movements based on the "Methodological manual "Linear simulator for group classes to restore the impaired process of eye movements and voluntary attention in neurological patients"" (Patent RU 109874 S dated 07/24/2018).

This manual contains worksheets in the form of circles connected by lines. One patient writes the letters of a phrase into these circles, while the other patient reads them, moving their gaze along the lines connecting the circles with the letters inscribed within them, in different directions: horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. A pointer is used as an external aid to facilitate the patient's impaired eye movement (Selyavko, L.E., Neuropsychological Manual "Linear Trainer for Exercises to Restore Impaired Eye Movement and Voluntary Attention," Methodological Almanac "Neurorehabilitator" No. 1. Moscow: Sputnik+ Publishing House, 2020. - pp. 52-55).

The disadvantages of this method when used for conducting exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes and train the eye muscles in various conditions are:

a) this technique provides the possibility of restoring eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

b) this technique helps train the eye muscles that ensure eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

c) this technique is intended for use during classes only at a desk.

Thus, the methods discussed above promote training of the eye muscles that ensure eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material, and are not intended to train the eye muscle (ciliary muscle), which ensures clear perception of objects located in space at different distances from the patient.

The ciliary muscle (ciliary muscle) is an internal muscle of the eye that has a ring-shaped form and provides accommodation for viewing objects at different distances (Wikipedia. Ciliary muscle, found on the Internet at https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Цилиарная_мышца).

Accommodation is the eye's adaptation to clearly see objects at different distances by focusing the image on the retina. When viewing an object at close range, signals are sent to the brain due to its blurred image on the retina. Stimulation from the oculomotor nerve is transmitted to the ciliary muscle, which contracts. This causes the ciliary body ring to narrow, the tension of the zonule of Zinn to weaken, and the lens, particularly its anterior surface, to become more convex. The refractive power of the eye increases, and the image of a nearby object becomes clear. When the visual axis of the eye is shifted to a distant object, irritation of the oculomotor nerve ceases, the ciliary muscle relaxes, the ciliary body ring expands, the zonule of Zinn is stretched, and the lens takes on a flatter shape (Great Russian Encyclopedia. Accommodation, found on the Internet at https://bigenc.ru/c/akkomodatsiia-aba563?ysclid=m6tfpmbicu886157737).

Along with methods based on the use of printed materials, various devices and simulators are used to restore the impaired process of eye movements.

Thus, from the existing level of technology, a device is known called “A simulator for exercises to restore eye movements in patients in a neurological clinic with a disorder of the visual perception process” (Patent RU 153548 U1 dated 07/27/2015).

Structurally, this device is a plastic frame in which a sheet of working material in the form of various images (objects, labyrinths, etc.) is installed, and an eye movement control element (made of metal with magnetic properties) is installed on the surface of the sheet being used, under which a magnet is located.

When using this device, the patient moves the magnet so that the eye movement control element moves along the contours or other parts of the image being used, while tracking its movement with the gaze.

Thus, this device makes it possible to work on restoring eye movement within the plane of the worksheet. However, eye movement is a more complex process, enabling visual perception not only in a plane but also in real three-dimensional space.

The disadvantages of this device when used for conducting exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes and train eye muscles in various conditions are:

a) this device provides the ability to restore eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material;

b) this device helps train the eye muscles that ensure eye movements only in the plane of the sheet with the working material, but is not intended for training the ciliary muscle;

c) the need to use additional materials in the form of sheets with working materials;

d) This technique is intended for use during classes only at a desk.

To train the ciliary muscles of the eyes, various sets of exercises are used, one of which is, for example, the set of "Visual exercises for relaxation and training of the ciliary muscle", which includes the following exercises: a) a mark with a diameter of 1.5-2 cm is put on the window glass, and the practitioner, being at a distance of 30-35 cm from the window glass, should move his gaze from the mark to some object located outside the window at a distance of at least 5 m, and back; b) the practitioner should stretch his hand forward and look at the tip of the index finger, then slowly bring the finger to the nose, without taking his eyes off it, until the finger begins to double; c) the practitioner places the finger of his right hand at face level, at a distance of 25-30 cm from the eyes and looks with both eyes at the tip of the finger for 5 s, covering his left eye with his hand for 5 s, after which he removes his palm and again looks at the finger with both eyes for 5 s, then changes hands. (Ophthalmology Center. Eye exercises: ciliary muscle training, found online on July 15, 2025 at https://optika-r.ru/zdorove-glaz/uprazhneniya-dlya-glaz-trenirovka-ciliarnoy-myshtsy/).

The disadvantages of these exercises when used for conducting training sessions to restore impaired eye movement processes and train the eye muscles in various conditions are:

a) these exercises are not intended for training in restoring impaired eye movement processes;

b) these exercises provide training only for the ciliary muscles of the eyes;

c) in these exercises, the fingers of the hand are used as an element for fixing the gaze of the practitioner and controlling the process of eye movement.

The disadvantages of using the fingers as an external means of fixing the gaze and controlling eye movement during exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movement, as well as training the eye muscles, are:

a) the fingers have an elongated cylindrical shape, making it difficult to focus the gaze on them;

b) fixing the gaze on the fingers is also made difficult by the fact that the fingers, being part of the hand, are not separated from it by any clear boundary;

c) the means of fixing the gaze in various exercises is either the whole finger of the hand or its parts (fingertip, phalanx of the finger), which introduces uncertainty in the performance of these exercises.

Along with the exercises discussed above, various devices and exercise machines are also used to train the ciliary muscles of the eyes.

Thus, from the existing level of technology, a device “Trainer for the correction of presbyopia” is known (RU 138750 U1 from 03/20/2014).

Structurally, this device is a hollow tube with a diameter of 15 mm and a length of 240 mm with a longitudinal slot, while plugs are installed on both sides of the tube, and a ball with a diameter of 12 mm is placed inside it.

When using this device, the practitioner holds it perpendicularly at a distance of 15-30 cm from the eyes, so that the ball is visible through the tube's slit. By rocking the tube along its longitudinal axis, the patient sets the ball in motion. The ball moves away from the eyes and back, at a speed the practitioner adjusts to ensure convergence of the eye axes and bifixation of the ball as it approaches without causing discomfort. The closer the distance and the slower the speed of the ball, the more effective the effect on the ciliary muscles.

By continuously tracking the ball moving forward and backward perpendicular to the eyes for a short period of time and by using it daily and repeatedly, it has a direct effect on the ciliary muscles, restoring their tone and correcting vision in presbyopia.

Thus, this device provides the opportunity to train the ciliary muscles of the eyes due to the possibility of free movement of the ball in the cavity of the tube and tracking its movement through a longitudinal slot.

The disadvantages of this device when used for conducting exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes and train eye muscles in various conditions are:

a) this device is not intended for exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes;

b) this device is intended for training only the ciliary muscles of the eyes;

c) the need to hold the device with both hands, which complicates its use for neurological patients with impaired movement in one hand.

Also known from the existing level of technology is the device “Trainer for exercises to restore eye movements in patients with visual-object agnosia” (Patent RU 160587 U1 dated 03/27/2016).

This device is a handle movably mounted on a flat stand, in the upper and lower parts of which two groups of telescopically connected tubes are located, while the end of the central tube, located in the lower part of the handle, is connected to the stand, and at the end of the central tube, located in the upper part of the handle, a ball with a diameter of 10-20 mm is fixed, designed to fix the gaze and control the movement of the patient's eyes.

During the exercises, the device is placed on the surface of the table, and the ball is raised to a height corresponding to the eye level of the patient, who, holding the handle with one hand, begins to slowly move the ball, tracking its movement with his gaze.

This movement can be carried out in a plane either parallel or perpendicular to the patient’s face, or be of a more complex circular nature with periodic alternation of the direction of rotation.

At the same time, the patient, holding the stand of the device with one hand, smoothly lifts the ball by the handle with the other hand (pushing apart the lower tubes) above eye level, after which he also lowers it below eye level, as a result of which vertical movements are added to the trajectory of the movement of the control element.

Thus, this device provides the ability to continuously track a ball with the gaze, which moves in three spatial coordinates.

An important feature of this device is that it provides the ability to work aimed at both restoring the process of eye movements, carried out under the control of the oculomotor "centers" of the brain, which are part of the central section of the visual analyzer, and work aimed at training the eye muscles, which are part of the peripheral section of the visual analyzer.

The disadvantages of this device when used for conducting exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes and train eye muscles in various conditions are:

a) this device is stationary, therefore it can only be used if there is a desktop on which it is installed;

b) this device is not portable, as it contains a stand that does not allow you to carry it with you for training in various conditions;

c) the presence of a stand limits the ability to perform movements of the ball along complex trajectories, allowing only relatively simple movements: left-right, up-down, perpendicular to the eyes, in a circle;

d) the need to hold the handle with one hand and the stand of the device with the other, which complicates its use for neurological patients with impaired movement in one of the hands.

In order to overcome the shortcomings of the above-mentioned devices and training devices, a comb-trainer device has been developed for conducting exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements and to train the eye muscles in various conditions (hereinafter referred to as the comb-trainer, which is an easy-to-use multifunctional device that provides the ability to conduct exercises in various conditions aimed at both restoring the process of eye movements (implemented under the control of the oculomotor "centers" of the brain, included in the central section of the visual analyzer), and exercises aimed at training the eye muscles (included in the peripheral section of the visual analyzer).

The term "comb" refers to an individual household item used for combing hair and massaging the head (Wikipedia. Comb, found on the Internet at https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/rawiki/342114).

The traditional comb is an elongated (usually curved) plate with a row of teeth on one side (Explanatory Dictionary of Russian Nouns. Comb, found online at https://noun_ru.academic.ru/8509/расческа).

The main feature of the claimed comb-trainer is that its basis is a widely used personal household item in the form of a traditional comb, which is distinguished by the fact that it additionally contains a special control element designed to fix the gaze and control the eye movement of the exerciser (a patient with impaired eye movement or visual acuity, as well as a person training vision) during the exercise.

Using a traditional comb as the basis for the claimed comb-trainer increases the effectiveness of exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes, as well as training the eye muscles, due to the fact that, as an individual household item, the comb-trainer can:

a) be constantly with its owner (being located, for example, in a trouser pocket, jacket pocket or in a bag), and falling into his “field of attention - vision” when it is necessary to comb his hair;

b) constantly be located somewhere in the surrounding space of its owner (located, for example, on a dressing table or table surface) and periodically fall into his “field of attention - vision”.

The term "in the field of attention - vision" means "to be noticeable, visible to someone" (Website "Orfogrammka". In the field of attention - vision, found on the Internet at https://orfogrammka.ru/blog/interesting/v-pole-vnimaniya-zrenia/).

Thus, the comb trainer, in addition to its functions as a traditional comb and as a trainer for conducting exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements and train the eye muscles, also performs the additional function of a “reminder”, which consists in the fact that, being constantly with its owner or in the space surrounding him, the comb trainer periodically reminds him of the possibility of conducting restorative or training exercises with him and thereby encourages him to conduct these exercises.

The term "reminder" means "something that serves to remind one of something" (Wiktionary. Reminder, found on the Internet at https://ru.wiktionary.org/wiki/напонималка).

A reminder is a simple and wonderful external memory tool, used since time immemorial by humans to avoid forgetting something and to recall it in a timely manner. Our ancestors made knots for themselves as mementos. You tie a knot – you remember. You see a knot – you remember. The main rule for effective reminders is the same as for effective reminders – they must come to your attention at the right time (Psychologos website. Kozlov N.I. Reminders, found online at https://psychologos.ru/articles/view/napominalki).

There are various types of traditional combs designed for combing hair and massaging the head, for example, the "DEWAL BEAUTY Comb with Handle", which is a "classic comb for styling and combing all types of hair" (according to its description on the manufacturer's website), has a length of 220 mm and contains a handle located on the end (Dewal online store. DEWAL BEAUTY Comb with Handle, found on the Internet at https:// www.dewal.ru/beauty/tsvetnye/rascheska-s-ruchkoy-dewal-beauty-dbs6810/).

However, this comb is intended solely for "hair styling and combing" and is not intended for exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes or to train the eye muscles.

The tasks that the declared technical solution is aimed at solving are:

a) the multifunctionality of the comb trainer, which is both an individual household item for combing hair and a trainer for exercises to restore the process of eye movements and train the eye muscles;

b) the compactness of the comb trainer, which allows those who exercise to carry it with them at all times for training in various conditions, for example, on walks;

c) the possibility of conducting classes to restore the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia;

d) the ability to train the eye muscles to prevent vision impairment when working on a computer;

d) the possibility of training the eye muscles to improve visual acuity in various diseases associated with dysfunction of the eye muscles;

e) the ability of the control element of the comb trainer to perform various movements along trajectories of varying degrees of complexity in three spatial coordinates;

g) the ability to comfortably hold the comb trainer during exercise with one hand;

c) the simplicity of the design of the comb trainer, which facilitates its wide implementation in the practical sphere.

The technical result of the claimed utility model is an increase in the effectiveness of exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements and to train the eye muscles, achieved through the design elements of the claimed comb trainer, which provide the ability to constantly wear the device for conducting exercises in various conditions aimed at restoring the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia, as well as training the eye muscles to prevent visual impairment when working on a computer, and training the eye muscles to improve visual acuity in various diseases associated with disorders of the eye muscles.

This technical result is achieved due to the fact that the comb trainer is a device consisting of a base part, made in the form of a plate with a row of teeth intended for combing hair and massaging the head, and in the center of one of the end sides of the base part there is a handle, including a transition and an end part; wherein on the front side of the end part there is a first control element, intended for fixing the gaze and controlling the eye movement of the exerciser during the execution of exercises, and on the reverse side of the end part there is a second control element, intended for fixing the gaze and controlling the eye movement of the exerciser during the execution of exercises, wherein the first control element and the second control element are different from each other.

In a preferred embodiment of the comb trainer, the end portion has a circular shape.

In a preferred embodiment of the comb trainer, the end portion has a polygonal shape.

In the preferred embodiment of the comb trainer, the handle is located in the center of one of the short end sides of the base part.

In the preferred embodiment of the comb trainer, the handle is located in the center of the long end side of the base part.

In a preferred embodiment of the comb trainer, the first control element is made in the form of a flat image.

In a preferred embodiment of the comb trainer, the first control element is made in the form of a convex image.

In a preferred embodiment of the comb trainer, the second control element is made in the form of a flat image.

In a preferred embodiment of the comb trainer, the second control element is made in the form of a convex image.

The essence of the utility model of a comb trainer for conducting exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes and train the eye muscles under various conditions is explained by drawings depicting:

Fig. 1 shows the front side view of the comb trainer;

Fig. 2 shows the reverse side of the comb trainer.

The comb trainer (Fig. 1, 2) is a device consisting of a base part (1) made in the form of a plate with a row of teeth intended for combing hair and massaging the head, and in the center of one of the end sides of the base part (1) there is a handle including a transition part (2) and an end part (3); wherein on the front side of the end part (3) there is a first control element (4) intended for fixing the gaze and controlling the eye movement of the person practicing (a patient with an eye movement disorder or visual acuity disorder, as well as a person training vision) during the execution of exercises, and on the reverse side of the end part (3) there is a second control element (5) intended for fixing the gaze and controlling the eye movement of the person practicing during the execution of exercises.

The term "tooth" refers to "a projection, usually sharp, on a tool, instrument, or part of a machine" (Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary. Tooth, found on the Internet at https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/ogegova/69882).

The term “gaze” is understood as “direction, focusing of the eyes towards someone or something” (Efremova’s Modern Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language. Gaze, found on the Internet at https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/efremova/146522/Vzor).

The dimensions of this particular comb trainer indicated below do not constitute any limitation on the scope of legal protection, as they may change during the course of its development.

The base part (1), the transition part (2) and the end part (3) of the comb trainer represent a single integral structure, which can be made of plastic, metal, wood or other material.

The base part (1) of the comb trainer may have a rectangular shape, an arched shape, or any other shape corresponding to the shapes of existing combs designed for combing hair and massaging the head.

The length of the base part (1) can be from 80 mm to 150 mm or more, the width from 25 mm to 50 mm or more, and the thickness from 2 mm to 6 mm.

Thus, the base part (1) has two long and two short end sides, as well as a front and back side.

The teeth made on one of the long end sides of the base part (1) can have any shape corresponding to the shape of the teeth of existing combs intended for combing hair and massaging the head.

The number of teeth of the comb trainer depends on the length of the base part (1), the size of the teeth and the intervals between them.

Thus, the base part (1) of the comb trainer provides the following functions:

a) serves for combing hair and massaging the head when using the device as an individual household item;

b) is used to hold the device with the fingers of the hand when using it as a trainer for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements and train the eye muscles.

In the center of one of the end sides of the base part (1) there is a handle, which includes a transition (2) and end (3) parts, and is intended for holding the comb trainer when using it as an individual household item for combing hair and massaging the head.

In this case, the handle of the comb trainer can be made in the center of one of the short end sides of the base part (1) (Fig. 1, 2), or in the center of the long end side of the base part (1), opposite its long side with teeth.

The transition part (2) of the comb trainer may have a rectangular, trapezoidal or other shape, smoothly transitioning on one side into the base part (1), and on the other side into the end part (3) of the device.

The length of the transition part (2) can be from 20 to 50 millimeters or more, and the thickness from 2 to 6 millimeters.

If the transition part (2) has a rectangular shape, its width can be from 15-25 mm.

If the transition part (2) has a trapezoidal shape, then the width of its narrow side can be 15-20 mm, and the wide side - 20-25 mm.

The end part (3) of the comb trainer may have the shape of a circle or a polygon, and its thickness may range from 2 mm to 6 mm.

The term "polygon" refers to a geometric figure defined as a portion of a plane bounded by a closed polygonal line. A polygon with three vertices is called a triangle, with four a quadrilateral, with five a pentagon, and so on. A convex polygon is one that lies on one side of any line containing its side. A convex polygon is called regular if all its sides and all its angles are equal, for example, an equilateral triangle, a square, and a regular pentagon. A polygon with all its sides and all its angles equal but which intersects itself is called a regular star polygon, for example, a pentagram and an octagram (Wikipedia. Polygon, found online at https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Погогон).

Thus, the end part (3) of the comb trainer can have the shape of a circle or the shape of any type of polygon.

If the end part (3) has the shape of a circle, then its diameter can be from 20 mm to 35 mm or more.

If the end part (3) has the shape of a polygon, then the diameter of the circle described around it can be from 20 mm to 35 mm or more.

The first control element (4) of the comb trainer can be made in the form of:

a) a flat image (Fig. 1): an object (e.g., a household item, jewelry, sports equipment, vehicle, architectural structure, plant, animal, person, etc.); a geometric figure (e.g., a circle, regular polygon, etc.), a symbol (e.g., an emblem, logo, letter, number, hieroglyph, etc.), a pattern (e.g., geometric, floral, etc.) or any other object that allows the practitioner to focus their gaze and control their eye movements during the exercise;

b) a convex image: of an object (e.g., a household item, jewelry, sports equipment, vehicle, architectural structure, plant, animal, human, etc.), geometric figure (e.g., a hemisphere, truncated right cone, right cylinder, etc.), symbol (e.g., emblem, logo, letter, number, hieroglyph, etc.), pattern (e.g., geometric, floral, etc.) or any other object that allows the practitioner to focus their gaze and control their eye movements during the exercise.

Thus, the first control element (4) can be of any of the above types.

The term "image" is defined as "a visual representation of an object, which may be two-dimensional, such as a drawing, painting, or photograph, or three-dimensional, such as a bas-relief" (Wikipedia. Image, found on the Internet at https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Изобораж).

The term "convex" means having a rounded or arched surface facing outward; having parts or details protruding above the surface; embossed. (Efremova's Modern Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language. Convex, found online at https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/efremova/151845).

The term "object" refers to any specific material phenomenon perceived by the senses and thought as something distinctly existing. Seeing an object. Animate or inanimate object. Discovering an object, etc. (Website: Academician. Encyclopedic Dictionary. Object, found online at https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/es/45885/predmet).

The term "polygon" refers to a geometric figure defined as a portion of a plane bounded by a closed broken line. A polygon with three vertices is called a triangle, with four a quadrilateral, with five a pentagon, and so on (Wikipedia, "Polygon," found online at https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygon).

The term "symbol" refers to something that serves as a conventional sign for a concept, phenomenon, or idea, as well as a separate graphic sign in writing, such as a letter, number, etc. (Wiktionary. Symbol, found on the Internet at https://ru.wiktionary.org/wiki/символ).

The term “pattern” refers to a drawing that is a certain interweaving of lines, figures, a combination of colors, etc.” (Internet site “Kartaslov.ru”, the meaning of the word “pattern” was found on the Internet at https://kartaslov.ru/znachenie-slova/uzor).

The first control element (4) can be made in the form of a flat image (object, geometric figure, symbol, pattern, etc.) by: a) applying this image to the surface of the front side of the end part (3) with paints of one or several colors; b) forming indentations on the front side of the end part (3) (corresponding to the elements of this image), with subsequent filling them with paints or a thin layer of plastic of one or several colors; c) gluing this image to the surface of the front side of the end part (3) of the stacker; d) in any other way.

The term "sticker" refers to a label, decal, or small sheet of self-adhesive paper or film with a printed design. It is designed to be applied to various surfaces, including wood, metal, and glass (Wikipedia: Sticker, found online at https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sticker).

The first control element may be made in the form of a convex image (object, geometric figure, symbol, pattern, etc.) by: a) gluing a plastic or metal plate with a convex (relief) image, which may be of one or several colors, to the surface of the front side of the end part (3); b) forming on the front side of the end part (3) a convex (relief) image of one or several colors, which may be partially or completely located below the surface of the front side of the end part (3); c) in any other way.

The dimensions of the first control element (4) are determined based on the dimensions of the end portion (3) in such a way that the interval between the edge of the first control element (4) and the edge of the end portion (3) is at least 1-3 mm.

If the first control element (4) is made in the form of a convex image, then its maximum height can be up to 10-15 mm.

The second control element (5) of the comb trainer can be made in the form of:

a) a flat image (Fig. 2): an object (for example, a household item, jewelry, sports equipment, a vehicle, an architectural structure, a plant, an animal, a person, etc.), a geometric figure (for example, a circle, a regular polygon, etc.), a symbol (for example, an emblem, a logo, a letter, a number, a hieroglyph, etc.), a pattern (for example, geometric, floral, etc.) or any other object that provides the ability to fixate the gaze and control the eye movement of the person performing the exercises;

b) a convex image: of an object (e.g., a household item, jewelry, sports equipment, vehicle, architectural structure, plant, animal, human, etc.), geometric figure (e.g., a hemisphere, truncated right cone, right cylinder, etc.), symbol (e.g., emblem, logo, letter, number, hieroglyph, etc.), pattern (e.g., geometric, floral, etc.) or any other object that allows the practitioner to focus their gaze and control their eye movements during the exercise.

Thus, the second control element (5) can be of any of the above types.

The second control element (5) can be made in the form of a flat image (object, geometric figure, symbol, pattern, etc.) by: a) applying this image to the surface of the reverse side of the end part (3) with paints of one or several colors; b) forming indentations on the reverse side of the end part (3) (corresponding to the elements of this image), with subsequent filling them with paints or a thin layer of plastic of one or several colors; c) gluing a stacker with this image to the surface of the reverse side of the end part (3); d) in any other way.

The second control element may be made in the form of a convex image (object, geometric figure, symbol, pattern, etc.) by: a) gluing a plastic or metal plate with a convex (relief) image, which may be of one or several colors, to the surface of the reverse side of the end part (3); b) forming on the reverse side of the end part (3) a convex (relief) image of one or several colors, which may be partially or completely located below the surface of the reverse side of the end part (3); c) in any other way.

The dimensions of the second control element (5) are determined based on the dimensions of the end portion (3) in such a way that the interval between the edge of the second control element (5) and the edge of the end portion (3) is at least 1-3 mm.

If the second control element (5) is made in the form of a convex image, then its maximum height can be up to 10-15 mm.

The first control element (4) and the second control element (5), located on the front and back sides of the end part (3) of the comb trainer, differ from each other by one or more features:

a) the type of control elements (4, 5), when, for example, the first control element (4) is made in the form of a flat image, and the second control element (5) is made in the form of a convex image;

b) external appearance, when the control elements (4, 5) are of the same type, but the first control element (4) is made, for example, in the form of a flat image of an object, and the second control element (5) is made, for example, in the form of a flat image of a symbol;

c) color, when the control elements (4, 5) belong to the same type and are made, for example, in the form of some convex images of the same geometric figures of different colors;

d) any other features that determine the appearance of the first and second control elements (4, 5).

The term "feature" is understood as "a property of an object that determines its difference from or commonality with other objects" (Technical Translator's Handbook. Feature, found on the Internet at https://technical_translator_dictionary.academic.ru/188330/признак).

Thus, the design elements of the claimed comb-trainer provide:

a) the multifunctionality of the device, which is both an individual household item intended for combing hair and massaging the head, and a specialized training device intended for exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements and to train the eye muscles in various conditions;

b) increasing the effectiveness of exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements or to train the eye muscles by using the control elements (4, 5) located on the sides of the end part (3) as an external means for fixing the gaze and controlling eye movements;

c) increasing the effectiveness of recovery and training sessions due to the compactness of the device, which allows trainees to carry it with them for training in various conditions;

d) maintaining and increasing interest in activities to restore the impaired process of eye movements and training the eye muscles through the use of a new device;

d) the ability to use the device in various conditions, in the absence of a horizontal surface;

e) the possibility of implementing various movements of the end part (3) with control elements (4, 5) along various spatial trajectories of any degree of complexity;

g) the possibility of conducting classes with neurological patients who have impaired movement in one of their hands;

c) the possibility of conducting long-term courses of independent studies aimed at restoring the impaired process of eye movements or training the eye muscles.

Along with the above-mentioned functions, realized due to the design elements, the training comb also performs an additional function of a "reminder" (more details above), which consists in the fact that, being an individual household item intended for combing hair and massaging the head, the device can be constantly with its owner (in pockets of clothes, in a bag, etc.) or placed in a visible place (on a nightstand, table, etc.), as a result of which it periodically comes into the field of view - attention of its owner, reminding him of the need to carry out restorative or training exercises, and thereby encouraging him to carry out these exercises.

Moreover, to further "enhance" this function, an inscription (e.g., "TRAIN YOUR VISION!") can be applied to the front and back surfaces of the base part (1) of the comb trainer, reminding and encouraging the user to engage in restorative or training exercises. However, this inscription is not a mandatory element of the comb trainer.

Working with the comb-trainer device for conducting exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes and train the eye muscles in various conditions is carried out using methods determined by the objectives of the restorative or training exercises.

Restoration of the process of eye movements in patients with visual agnosia The relevance of using a comb trainer during classes on the restoration of the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia is due to the fact that most existing trainers and manuals provide the ability to restore eye movements only in the plane of a sheet of paper with working material when conducting classes at a desk, in contrast to which the comb trainer provides the ability to restore eye movements in real three-dimensional space when conducting classes in various conditions.

Classes to restore the impaired process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia are conducted under the guidance of a neuropsychologist or other specialist in this field.

During a course of exercises to restore impaired eye movement, the specialist demonstrates various types of exercises to the patient, teaching him how to independently use the comb trainer.

Each of the six types of exercises described below is based on the use of control elements (4, 5) located on the end part (3) of the comb trainer, held in a vertical position by the patient’s hand by the base part (1), for fixing the patient’s gaze and controlling the movement of the eyes, so that the end part (3) is on top.

The first type of exercise involves the simplest movements of the comb-like device in a plane positioned in front of the patient's face at arm's length. For example, movements left and right, up and down, diagonal movements of a rectangle, etc. During the first session, the first control element (4), located on the front side of the end portion (3) of the device, can be used.

After the specialist demonstrates the first type of exercise, the patient grasps the comb exerciser by the base (1) with the fingers of the hand (left or right) and performs slow, even movements with the device along the given trajectories, tracking the movement of the first control element (4) with their gaze, without straining their eyes or moving their head. The specialist monitors the patient's performance of these exercises to ensure smooth and calm movements, and that the maximum deflection of the end section (3) with the first control element (4) is comfortable for the patient (this also applies to other types of exercises).

The second type of exercise involves the patient holding the comb-like device by its base (1) so that the end (3) with the first control element (4) is positioned motionless in front of the patient's face at arm's length. The patient then, focusing their gaze on the first control element (4), performs smooth head movements left and right, up and down, and so on, under the specialist's supervision.

The third type of exercise is a more complex version of the first type and involves more complex movements of the end portion (3) of the comb trainer, performed in a fixed plane located approximately an arm's length in front of the patient's face. For example, circular movements (clockwise and counterclockwise), movements along a horizontal figure-eight contour (clockwise and counterclockwise), and other movements under the supervision of a specialist.

The fourth type of exercise is a more complex version of the second type. The patient holds the comb-like device so that the end (3) is stationary in front of their face at arm's length. The patient then, focusing on the first control element (4), performs more complex head movements, such as circular movements (clockwise and counterclockwise), horizontal figure-eight movements (clockwise and counterclockwise), and other movements under the supervision of a specialist.

The fifth type of exercise involves movements of the end portion (3) with the first control element (4), performed in a vertical plane perpendicular to the center of the patient's face. For example, linear movements from the patient's face and back, circular movements (clockwise and counterclockwise), etc., performed under the supervision of a specialist.

The sixth type of exercise involves more complex movement trajectories of the end portion (3) with the first control element (4), performed not in a single plane, as in the first, third, and fifth types of exercises, but in three-dimensional space. For example, movements along the contour of an imaginary ball or any other three-dimensional figure, etc., under the supervision of a specialist.

Depending on the patient's condition, each exercise is repeated two to five times, with short breaks, the duration of which is determined by the specialist. During the next session, the second control element (5), located on the reverse side of the end portion (3) of the device, can be used to fix the patient's gaze and control eye movement.

The above-described types of exercises using the comb trainer vary in their degree of difficulty and are gradually incorporated into the training process by the specialist, taking into account the degree of impairment of the patient's eye movement process and his ability to perform certain eye movements.

After mastering these exercises under the guidance of a specialist, the patient is given the opportunity to conduct independent exercises in various conditions using a training comb, which he can constantly carry with him, also using it as an individual household item designed for combing hair and massaging the head.

As the patient achieves positive results in restoring the process of eye movements, a gradual increase in the number of exercises of the sixth type is carried out, which are distinguished by a more complex trajectory of movements of the end part (3) with the control element used (4, 5).

Eye muscle training to prevent vision problems

The relevance of using a comb-trainer for training the eye muscles for the purpose of preventing visual impairment is due to the fact that currently, work, study, and other activities of most people are connected with a computer, the active use of which contributes to the development of computer vision syndrome.

A computer user's visual performance and visual fatigue are closely linked to their accommodation (the ability of the visual apparatus to focus on objects located at different distances) and convergence (the convergence of the visual axes of both eyes on a fixed object). The development of computer vision syndrome is based on the mechanism of overstrain of the accommodative apparatus of the eye. Because text on electronic media is not presented as continuous lines, but consists of scattered dots and pixels, images on electronic media and paper differ greatly, and the eyes are unable to maintain focus. This leads to disruption of the function and uneven contraction of the muscle that provides accommodation (ciliary muscle) and the development of accommodation spasm (A.I. Oleynik. Computer vision syndrome, found on 15.07.2025 on the Internet at https://gkb-23.ru/tag/elektrostimulyatsiya-tsiliarnoj-myshtsy/).

One of the ways to combat computer vision syndrome is visual gymnastics, based on regularly performing a set of exercises to relieve eye strain: a) look alternately to the right and left, focusing on each point for 1-2 seconds; b) look alternately up and down, focusing on each point for 1-2 seconds; c) perform circular movements with your eyes, first clockwise, then counterclockwise; d) open and close your eyes sufficiently intensively; e) look alternately diagonally up to the right and down to the left, up to the left and down to the right, focusing on each point for 1-2 seconds; e) bring the index finger of the hand closer to the nose, focusing the gaze on the tip of the finger, thus bringing the eyes to the nose and fixing the gaze for 1-2 seconds (Daria Lebedinets. How working at a computer affects vision, found on July 15, 2025 on the Internet at https://oft.nika-nn.ru/articles/kak-rabota-za-kompyuterom-vliyaet-na-zrenie/?ysclid=m6xq31ajuc266778241).

The developed comb-trainer facilitates the performance of this and similar sets of exercises based on eye movement, making their implementation more convenient and comfortable due to the presence of two control elements (4, 5), one of which the practitioner follows with his gaze during the performance of these exercises.

The importance of the comb trainer is that exercisers can carry it with them at all times and use it to conduct exercises in various conditions, for example, on walks.

Moreover, the comb-trainer is particularly relevant for conducting visual gymnastics for neurological patients during classes on the restoration of impaired mental functions using computer technologies, which are widely used in the practice of neuropsychological rehabilitation of patients with organic brain damage (Selyavko L.E., Tsvetkova L.S. Computer technologies in rehabilitation training. Bulletin of Moscow University. Series 14, Psychology. 2006. No. 2. Pp. 71-78).

This is due to the fact that the visual system of neurological patients is more susceptible to the effects of a computer monitor and therefore has a greater need for rest and preventative training.

The use of a comb trainer during exercises aimed at training the eye muscles for the prevention of visual impairments is carried out through visual gymnastics exercises to overcome computer vision syndrome and various exercises similar to the exercises described above aimed at restoring the process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia.

The main differences between training sessions aimed at training the eye muscles to prevent visual impairment in computer vision syndrome and sessions aimed at restoring the eye movement process in neurological patients with visual agnosia are:

a) shorter classes, if they are held more regularly;

b) the use of additional exercises that promote better eye function: blinking, eye massage, etc.;

c) some increase in the number of exercises of the fifth and sixth types aimed at training the ciliary muscle.

All exercises performed using the comb trainer should be performed slowly, calmly, smoothly, without straining the eye muscles.

Along with exercises aimed at training the eye muscles to prevent visual impairment when working on a computer, the comb trainer can be effectively used to prevent visual impairment during any other activity that involves prolonged fixation of the gaze on objects located close to the eyes, such as reading books, writing on a piece of paper, drawing, etc.

Thus, the comb trainer is a convenient multifunctional device for regular training of the eye muscles in order to prevent visual impairments due to the ability of the trainee to carry it with them and conduct training in various conditions.

Eye muscle training to improve visual acuity

The relevance of using a comb trainer for training the eye muscles in order to improve visual acuity is due to the fact that various diseases associated with impaired functioning of the eye muscles have become widespread at present, the most common of which include myopia and presbyopia.

Eye muscle training sessions to improve visual acuity are conducted under the guidance of an ophthalmologist or other specialist in this field.

Various exercise programs are currently available, such as the "Vision Restoration Exercises" program, which improve visual acuity through specific exercises aimed at restoring eye muscle tone and improving the condition of the visual apparatus. Regularly performing these exercises helps relieve tension and oxygenate the eye tissue, thereby improving visual acuity, relieving tension in the frontal lobe, and stimulating the tear ducts. This program includes a blinking exercise, which improves blood circulation, and an eye squeeze exercise, which helps relieve tension. eyelid massage, which improves the circulation of ocular fluid, etc. This complex also includes exercises that involve "drawing" images of a figure eight, arrows in different directions, the letter "S", etc. with the eyes. It is recommended to print these images on a sheet of paper and use them as eye movement trajectories during the exercises (Ophthalmological Clinic. V.A. Parshina. Exercises for vision restoration, found on July 15, 2025, on the Internet at https://www.sfe.ru/info/stati/uprazhneniya-dlya-vosstanovleniya-zreni/).

The developed comb-trainer facilitates the performance of this and similar sets of exercises based on eye movements, making their implementation more convenient and comfortable due to the presence of two control elements (4, 5), one of which the practitioner follows with his gaze during the performance of these exercises.

The particular relevance of the comb trainer for training the eye muscles to improve visual acuity is due to the fact that trainees can carry it with them at all times and use it for training in various conditions, for example, on walks.

The use of a comb trainer during exercises aimed at training the eye muscles to improve visual acuity is carried out through a set of special exercises to improve visual acuity, and various exercises similar to the exercises described above aimed at restoring the process of eye movements in neurological patients with visual agnosia and exercises to train the eye muscles to prevent visual impairment.

The main difference between training the eye muscles to improve visual acuity and training for the prevention of visual impairment is:

a) increasing the duration of classes;

b) increasing the number of additional exercises aimed at relieving tension, improving blood circulation in the eye, etc.;

c) increasing the number of exercises of the fifth and sixth types aimed at training the ciliary muscle.

Along with exercises aimed at restoring eye movement and training the eye muscles, the claimed comb trainer can be effectively used:

a) when conducting corrective and developmental classes with children who have disorders in the formation of the eye movement process;

b) when conducting classes with children to prevent visual impairments when working on a computer, as well as classes to improve visual acuity in cases of myopia;

c) when conducting classes with neurological patients with alexia, whose reading difficulties are caused by a disorder of the eye movement process, therefore, in working with these patients, the above-described set of exercises is used to restore impaired eye movements;

d) when conducting classes with neurological patients with unilateral visual-spatial agnosia, in which the perception of objects in the left visual field is impaired, therefore, in working with these patients, the above-described exercises are used to restore eye movements, based on tracking the movement of one of the control elements with the gaze, which periodically goes beyond the visual field perceived by the patient;

d) when conducting classes with neurological patients who have a disorder of voluntary attention, due to the fact that tracking the movement of one of the control elements with the gaze will help improve concentration.

Thus, the comb trainer is a simple-to-manufacture and easy-to-use universal device designed for work aimed at both the central and peripheral sections of the visual analyzer, the effectiveness of which is ensured by the fact that, starting from the first lessons, the work process is carried out using an external means that facilitates the control of eye movements and training of the eye muscles of the student, allowing for classes to be conducted to restore the impaired process of eye movements with a wide contingent of neurological patients with visual agnosia, including patients with impaired movement of one of the hands, as well as classes to train the eye muscles to prevent visual impairment when working on a computer, and classes to train the eye muscles to improve visual acuity in various diseases associated with disorders of the eye muscles.

At the same time, the comb trainer helps to further increase the effectiveness of exercises to restore the impaired process of eye movements and train the eye muscles due to the ability for trainees to constantly carry it with them for the purpose of conducting restorative and training exercises in various conditions.

Claims (9)

1. A comb trainer for conducting exercises to restore impaired eye movement processes and train the eye muscles under various conditions, characterized in that it is a device consisting of a base part made in the form of a plate with a row of teeth intended for combing hair and massaging the head, and in the center of one of the end sides of the base part there is a handle including a transition and an end part; wherein on the front side of the end part there is a first control element intended for fixing the gaze and controlling the eye movement of the person practicing the exercises, and on the reverse side of the end part there is a second control element intended for fixing the gaze and controlling the eye movement of the person practicing the exercises, wherein the first control element and the second control element differ from each other. 2. The comb trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the end part has the shape of a circle. 3. The comb trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the end part has the shape of a polygon. 4. The comb trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the handle is made in the center of one of the short end sides of the base part. 5. The comb trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the handle is made in the center of the long end side of the base part. 6. The comb trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the first control element is made in the form of a flat image. 7. The comb trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the first control element is made in the form of a convex image. 8. The comb trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the second control element is made in the form of a flat image. 9. The comb trainer according to item 1, characterized in that the second control element is made in the form of a convex image.