As technology advances, so too do the types of devices available to low vision patients. Several companies in particular offer particularly advanced devices for use by low vision patients.
These days, though the number of people with low vision has increased, there is an increasing variety of helpful, high-tech devices for low vision patients.
Low vision devices provide patients with increased magification and aid by focusing the light entering the eyes to areas less affected by whatever condition has caused their low vision. These conditions include macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Traumatic brain injuries can also lead to significant visual field reductions that require extra assistance.
Types of devices that are used for low vision include telescopes (such as telescopic lenses that can be added to glasses), specialized glasses such as E-scoops, prismatic glasses for reading, and magnifiers (which can be both stationary and portable.)
There are several brands which make high quality low vision aids that can be a great help to patients.
OrCam produces cutting edge devices such as the MyEye, which is a wearable device that can help read text, recognize faces, and more, the OrCam Read, a handheld AI reader which can easily read lengthy text.
OrCam MyEye’s camera can be easily clipped onto your glasses, or, if you don’t wear glasses, you can get frames with your OrCam. Connected discretely to a power supply you can fit in your pocket, it has the aabiltiy to read words aloud to you through a small speaker next to your ear.
Its ability to read text in any setting, convey it to your ear, and its abiltiy to recognize faces, allows it to dramatically increase your quality of life despite low vision.
Both of these OrCam devices are now capable of being voice operated, for extra ease of use.
IRIS Vision makes use of the latest available technologies, from wearable mobile devices to augmented reality technology, to create devices, such as headsets, which provide low vision patients with increased vision assistance.
Utilizing a new, advanced, virtual reality headset, IRIS vision can, in effect, serve as your eyes. Featuring large screens, vivid color, a larger field of view than most other low vision aids, and auto-focusing capabiltiy to allow it to help you with tasks as all distances, IRIS Vision provides more versatile low vision assistance than anything else out there.
IRIS Vision’s software also allow for future upgrades as needed, meaning it will be able to serve you well for a long time and only get more effective.
eSight makes electronic eyewear for low vision patients which stimulate synaptic activity from the remaining photoreceptor function in the patient’s eyes utilizing smart algorithms, high resolution screens, and cutting edge cameras. It differs in this way from many other devices, as it is maximizing the use of your remaining vision as opposed to working around those limitations via cameras or other devices.
This combines to maximize the visual information that reaches the brain to compensate for gaps in the wearer’s field of view caused by low vision. With the assistance of eSight, many patients even manage to achieve 20/20 visual acuity.
eSight is also constantly developing upgrades and newer low vision devices to provide the maximum possible assistance for you
Everyone’s situation is unique, as are the solutions to the problem. For this reason, it’s vital to see a doctor for a comprehensive vision exam prior to purchasing any low vision aid. The exam will allow the doctor to determine the nature of your condition, and provide recommendations as to treatment options and low vision devices.
Today, there is no shortage of high quality, high-tech low vision aids that can tremendously help patients, from companies including OcCam, IRIS Vision, eSight, and more. If you are suffering from low vision and are interested in exploring a high tech solution, you can reach out to your nearest Amplify EyeCare practice either via a call or in-person visit to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Our team of eye care professionals is ready and equipped to provide you with the care you need.