Feasibility Study: iCplus - Vr based Reading Device for Maculadegeneration

In this project we explored a novel VR-based vision aid for patients suffering from Macular Degeneration and other visual impairments.

Also known as “age-related macular degeneration” (AMD), 6.2 million people globally are affected (2015) and it is the fourth most common cause of blindness (2013).

In close cooperation with the Medical University of Vienna, we conducted a feasibility study exploring the possibilities of real-time scene de-warping based on patient‘s medical data. Furthermore, different real-time image processing techniques were implemented for individual needs.

Hardware:

FOVE
2560×1440 px, 70 Hz
90° FOV
Eye-Tracker with 120 Hz,
1° accuracy

Cam & lense
3088×2076 px, 58 Hz
91° FOV

Compensation of Metamorphopsia:

Calculation of “optimal“ dewarping profile for patient based on individual OCT data, employed for real-time de-warping of live view.

Scotoma Marking:

Patients are usually unaware of existing Scotoma, so we explored real-time marking of patient‘s Scotoma

Visual Enhancements:

As well as compensation of Nystagmus, Strabismus and Tremor

Feasibility Study Results:

18 patients with various symptoms were tested. For 5 of 6 symptoms, some patients showed clear improvements of reading speed.