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

PURPOSE: To 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. DESIGN: Prospective Case Series. PARTICIPANTS: 21 patients with peripheral VF defects in both eyes, with the physical ability to walk without assistance. METHODS: We 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 MEASURES: We 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. RESULTS: Performance, judged by the object detection scores, improved with the AR DSpecs (P<0.001, Wilcoxon rank sum test) with an average improvement rate of 18.81%. Two gaze parameters improved with the activated algorithm (P<0.01, paired t-test), indicating a more directed gaze on the central path with less eye scanning. Determination of the binocular integrated VF with the DSpecs correlated with the integrated standard automated perimetry (R = 0.86, P<0.001), mean sensitivity difference 0.8 ± 2.25 dB (Bland-Altman). CONCLUSIONS: AR DSpecs may improve walking maneuverability of patients with peripheral VF defects by enhancing detection of objects in a testing environment.