Mobility improvement of patients with peripheral visual field losses using novel see-through digital spectacles.

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate see-through Augmented Reality Digital spectacles (AR DSpecs) for improving the mobility of patients with peripheral visual field (VF) losses when tested on a walking track.DesignProspective Case Series.Participants21 patients with peripheral VF defects in both eyes, with the physical ability to walk without assistance.MethodsWe developed the AR DSpecs as a wearable VF aid with an augmented reality platform. Image remapping algorithms produced personalized visual augmentation in real time based on the measured binocular VF with the AR DSpecs calibration mode. We tested the device on a walking track to determine if patients could more accurately identify peripheral objects.Main outcome measuresWe analyzed walking track scores (number of recognized/avoided objects) and eye tracking data (six gaze parameters) to measure changes in the kinematic and eye scanning behaviors while walking, and assessed a possible placebo effect by deactivating the AR DSpecs remapping algorithms in random trials.ResultsPerformance, judged by the object detection scores, improved with the AR DSpecs (PConclusionsAR DSpecs may improve walking maneuverability of patients with peripheral VF defects by enhancing detection of objects in a testing environment.