These AR Glasses Can Make the Visually Impaired See Again

To prove just how far technology has progressed, researchers have revealed that AR glasses are capable of improving eyesight for people with visual impairments. These devices improve function and mobility for those who have troubles with their peripheral vision, or those who can't see in low light.

The chief target of the project are patients who suffer from retinitis pigmentosa. It is a type of genetic disorder that causes gradual vision loss and can affect drastically the daily life of those who have it.

The AR glasses belongs to a project spearheaded by a team of researchers from the University of Southern California (USC). They found that by using a pair of AR glasses, they can greatly increase the mobility of a patient by up to 50%, and increase grasp efficiency by up to 70%.

Assistive Technology

Mark Humayun, a professor of Ophthalmology from Keck School realized that the usage of virtual reality (VR) for the treatment of eye problems is too limited to be a long-term solution. VR is often too difficult for the patient to use, or it requires too complicated and time-consuming training course for it to be effective.

His solution to this problem?

Assistive technology.

Instead of replacing the human senses, he wanted to enhance the natural senses so that it would be able to operate far more efficiently. The AR glasses’ operates by projecting bright colours directly onto the patient’s retina, corresponding to different objects in the surrounding environment.

To test the result, patients with retinitis pigmentosa were given a pair of adapted AR glasses and told to navigate their way through an obstacle course. The result was splendid, they found that with the aid of the AR glasses, the patients logged 50% fewer collisions than without.

Another test was introduced, this time, the patient was asked to grasp a wooden peg suspended on a dark background. At the front of the background were four other wooden pegs. The task was to grab onto the singular peg in the back without touching any of the pegs in front. Grasp performance was realized to be some 70% higher with the glasses - a drastic improvement.

The core symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa are lowered peripheral vision, as well as degraded night vision. Ultimately, all of the symptoms would make it difficult for people to identify and grasp objects, especially in low light conditions.

For a long time, patients have had to rely on aids to navigation, as reported by Anastasios N. Angelopoulos - the leading researcher of the project, when they have to navigate or work in dark environments.

Not anymore, apparently.

Mode of Operation

The AR glasses work by overlaying upon objects in the patient’s field of view within a six-foot wireframe with four vivids, and quite distinct colors. By following the visual cues of the overlays, the glasses managed to help patients interpret complex environments and allow them to navigate far better in the dark.

In order to accomplish this, the researchers use a process called simultaneous location and mapping. Technically, it allows the glasses to create a 3D render of the environment in real-time.

Of course, as with any sorts of exciting new tech, at the moment the glasses is still costly and technically difficult to build. But in the future, as said by the researchers, the glasses could extend a much-needed helping hands for patients who suffer from the disorder. These devices also allow them to feel far more confident in doing basic tasks and giving them a chance to lead an independent life.