Electronic glasses compensate for visual field loss

Harald Reiso; Steinar Omnes; Anders Nikolai Berntsen; Bjørnar Paasche; Henrik Bjørkekjær Johannessen; Berglind Fjola Smaradottir

doi:10.4045/tidsskr.25.0030

Electronic glasses compensate for visual field loss

Norwegian

Harald Reiso, Steinar Omnes, Anders Nikolai Berntsen, Bjørnar Paasche, Henrik Bjørkekjær Johannessen, Berglind Fjola Smaradottir

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Harald Reiso

harald.reiso@sshf.no

Harald Reiso MD, specialist in general medicine and public health, and advisor at the National Advisory Unit for Tick-Borne Diseases, Sørlandet Hospital Trust

The author has completed the ICMJE form and declares the following conflict of interest: he has received innovation funding from South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.

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Steinar Omnes

Steinar Omnes MSc, special advisor at Clinical Innovation, Sørlandet Hospital Trust

The author has completed the ICMJE form and declares no conflicts of interest.

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Anders Nikolai Berntsen

Anders Nikolai Berntsen, BA in IT and information systems, consultant developer at Egde Consulting

The author has completed the ICMJE form and declares the following conflict of interest: Egde Consulting has received fees from South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority for consultancy work.

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Bjørnar Paasche

Bjørnar Paasche, MSc in optometry, teacher of the visually impaired at Vision Rehabilitation Agder

The author has completed the ICMJE form and declares no conflicts of interest.

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Henrik Bjørkekjær Johannessen

Henrik Bjørkekjær Johannessen, specialist in ophthalmology and senior consultant in the Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Arendal.

The author has completed the ICMJE form and declares the following conflict of interest: he has received fees from Roche (distributor of Vabysmo) for his work on the advisory board.

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Berglind Fjola Smaradottir

Berglind Fjola Smaradottir PhD, lecturer at the Vocational College of Agder

The author has completed the ICMJE form and declares no conflicts of interest.

Article

We have investigated whether electronic glasses can improve function for persons with tunnel vision due to retinitis pigmentosa and those with visual field loss after a stroke.

We have published the theoretical basis for the use of electronic glasses by persons with visual field loss (1). Some glasses improve function for persons with tunnel vision due to retinitis pigmentosa, as shown in videos 1 and 2 at tidsskriftet.no, and for those with hemianopia following a stroke – as shown in video 3 (2–4). The benefits for those with macular degeneration have not been demonstrated for the glasses we investigated.

Electronic glasses currently on the market are primarily developed for gaming or entertainment. They are equipped with substantial computing power, which makes them both expensive and energy-intensive. They are also difficult to operate for persons with visual impairments. The placement of the screen, the weight of the glasses, power consumption and heat buildup can all pose challenges, and some glasses cause headaches (5). The image can disappear in strong sunlight. Virtual reality (VR) glasses obstruct the user's functional visual field, can cause dermatological issues due to moisture in the VR headset, and lead to neck strain (6).

Improvements

There has been a desire to develop electronic glasses with a simple, user-friendly design, lightweight construction, moderate computing power, long battery life and reliable performance in sunlight. We have developed an app for the glasses shown in videos 2 and 3 that puts the glasses into retinitis pigmentosa/hemianopsia mode when switched on.

The benefits of using electronic glasses can be further enhanced by connecting an AI voice assistant. Mobile phone apps have been developed to support this.

Need for training

Persons with visual field loss require visual rehabilitation support and training in the use of electronic glasses. Adaptation training requires a comprehensive approach, where the glasses are combined with other assistive devices, such as mobility canes.

We are seeking collaborations with developers in the field of electronics and screen technology to develop these assistive devices.

References

1.
Smaradottir BF, Garmann-Johnsen NF, Omnes S et al. The SmartSight Project: Use of Electronic Glasses to Improve Impaired Fields of Vision. Stud Health Technol Inform 2020; 270: 453–7. [PubMed][CrossRef]
2.
Elektroniske briller kompenserer for tapt synsfelt – Video 1. https://vimeo.com/281287224/b8cb2eeef8 Accessed 10.2.2025.
3.
Elektroniske briller kompenserer for tapt synsfelt – Video 2. https://vimeo.com/1061285465 Accessed 13.2.2025.
4.
Elektroniske briller kompenserer for tapt synsfelt – Video 3. https://vimeo.com/1063175551 Accessed 13.2.2025.
5.
Richardson S, Abrams T. Assistive spectacles: A vision for the future. Soc Theory Health 2020; 20: 37–53.
6.
Tran TH. The Apple Vision Pro's Big Problem Isn't Price. It's Neck Pain. Dailybeast 24.1.2024. https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-apple-vision-pros-big-problem-isnt-price-its-neck-pain/ Accessed 3.2.2025.

Published: 26 March 2025

Tidsskr Nor Legeforen 26 March 2025 Vol. 145.

doi:

10.4045/tidsskr.25.0030

Received 15.1.2025, accepted 13.2.2025.

Published: 26 March 2025

Tidsskr Nor Legeforen 2025 Vol. 145.

doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.25.0030

Received 15.1.2025, accepted 13.2.2025.

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Electronic glasses compensate for visual field loss

Improvements

Need for training

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