Abstract
Purpose :
The iOptik®/eMacula® uses spectacle-mounted micro-displays and specialty contact lenses to provide magnification and image modification, and may be useful for a range of tasks including reading, smart phone use and distance vision enhancement for the visually impaired. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this system’s usefulness for near and distance visual tasks in people with low vision, as well as to assess users’ opinions of it.
Methods :
The system consists of a combination of two small micro-displays mounted for each eye in spectacle eyewear, a camera, and silicone elastomer contact lenses focused on a polarized display in the spectacle plane. The displays were connected to a computer which controlled the images on the screen. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and reading testing were completed with habitual correction and low vision devices as well as with the iOptik/eMacula system, and a structured interview on device characteristics was completed following testing. Paired t-tests were used to compare vision and reading measurements between habitual correction and the iOptik/eMacula system.
Results :
Nine participants with low vision were recruited from the low vision service at OSU. Mean±SD age was 53±17 and 77% were male. Mean better-eye baseline ETDRS VA with habitual correction was 50±7 (approximately 20/100), and mean contrast sensitivity was 1.56±0.20. Mean better-eye VA with the system was 86+5 (approximately 20/20), which was a significant improvement from habitual correction (p<0.001). Mean CS with the system was 1.60±.20, which was not significantly different from contrast sensitivity with habitual correction (1.56 ± 0.20, p=0.662). All subjects were able to read 1M print with the system, and reading speeds were not significantly reduced compared to their habitual magnifiers (p=0.436). Subjects rated the comfort of the lens on each eye on a scale 1= poor and 10= excellent. The mean comfort score was 7.1 + 1.6. Three quarters of subjects responding felt the device would likely improve performance on tasks of daily living and increase independence.
Conclusions :
An updated test version of the iOptik/eMacula system showed promise as an aid for distance and near tasks in people with low vision, and a majority of subjects thought the device would help with daily activities. Visual clarity and contrast sensitivity were improved from previous test versions.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.