eQUEST: The eSight QUality of life and Efficacy STudy

Abstract

Purpose : eSight Eyewear is a head-mounted magnification device intended to facilitate activities of daily living and improve quality of life for individuals with low vision. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of training and experience in using eSight Eyewear on functional vision and vision-related quality of life.

Methods : In this prospective multicenter study, 60 participants (M/F = 36/24, age M = 47, range 13-75) with stable vision (acuity 20/60-20/400, visual field > 20°) were recruited across 6 sites (USA & Canada). Exclusion criteria were recent surgical/medical interventions or a score of < 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Data were collected at baseline (no device), at device fitting (with device), and after three months of training with and use of the device. Dependent variables were visual ability on the Veteran Affairs Low Vision Visual Function Questionnaire 48 (VA LV VFQ-48), letter acuity (ETDRS), critical reading print size (MNRead), contrast sensitivity (MARS), face recognition, and a modified version of the Melbourne Low Vision Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Index.

Results : To date, complete visual function data are available on 37 participants. Introduction of eSight Eyewear caused a significant improvement in acuity (0.73±0.24 logMAR), contrast sensitivity (0.60±0.25 log units), and critical print size (0.62±0.33 logMAR), p < .001. Practice and training did not result in further changes. A significant change in Melbourne ADL score (7.7±15.3) was observed immediately, p < .004, followed by a trend (p = 0.12) towards further improvement (4.1±15.5) at follow-up; a similar effect was observed for face recognition: immediate improvement (10.2±15.3; p < .001), followed by a further tendency (2.1±14.4; p = 0.38). Most VA LV VFQ-48 person measures improved: overall 1.04 logits, p < .001; reading: 2.95 logits, p < .001; mobility: 0.27 logits, p = .37; visual info: 1.34 logits, p < .001; visual motor: 0.67 logits, p < .01.

Conclusions : In our sample, the introduction of eSight Eyewear resulted in immediate improvements in all visual function measures, with face recognition and ADLs showing a benefit of further practice/training. Self-reported outcomes suggest that visual abilities, such as reading, are greatly improved when wearing the device. Further studies will examine benefits of practice and training and possible differential effects of underlying pathology or baseline vision.

This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.