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Eyeglass-mounted camera aids people with low vision
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Patients with low vision who used a miniature camera with optical character-recognition technology mounted on their eyeglasses experienced dramatic improvement in their ability to perform activities of daily living, according to a study in JAMA Ophthalmology.
To establish baseline vision, patients completed a 10-item test simulating daily functions three separate times: without using any low-vision aids, using their own low-vision aids if they had any and using the OrCam. At time of enrollment, patients underwent an instructor-led training session on the use of the OrCam.
Next, the patients were given the portable artificial vision device to use in their regular settings for a week.
The mean test score without the use of any low vision aids was 2.5 (range, 0 to 5). None of the patients could perform five of the tasks: reading a message on an electronic device, reading a newspaper article, reading a menu, reading a letter and reading a page from a book, according to researchers.
After the initial OrCam instruction, the mean test score significantly improved to 9.5 (range, 9 to 10). After using the device for 1 week, the mean score on the 10-item test was 9.8.
OrCam participants found the device simple to understand, easy to use and a useful aid in daily life, according to researchers. Study subjects also reported they would use it in their daily lives and would recommend it to other patients with low vision.
The device may allow patients with low vision to enjoy more independence, the researchers concluded. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.
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