Evaluation of an Augmented Reality-Based Visual Aid for People with Peripheral Visual Field Loss

Augmented reality (AR) technologies can improve the quality of life of individuals with visual impairments. The current study evaluated the efficacy of Retiplus, a new AR-based low-vision device, which was designed to enhance spatial awareness and visual function in patients with peripheral visual f...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Ortiz Herrera, Carolina|||0000-0003-0248-1699, Bernardez-Vilaboa, Ricardo, Povedano-Montero, F. Javier, Álvaro-Rubio, María Paz, Cedrún-Sánchez, Juan E.
Format: article
Publication Date:2025
Country:España
Institution:Universidad de Granada (UGR)
Repository:Digibug. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Granada
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:digibug_____::82aad66ddcefb54ef6990541423661fa
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10481/103297
https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/photonics12030262
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Augmented reality
Head-mounted display
Visual impairment
Low vision aids
Retinitis pigmentosa
Description
Summary:Augmented reality (AR) technologies can improve the quality of life of individuals with visual impairments. The current study evaluated the efficacy of Retiplus, a new AR-based low-vision device, which was designed to enhance spatial awareness and visual function in patients with peripheral visual field loss. Thirteen patients diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) participated in this study. The patients’ visual acuity, visual field, and subjective perception of peripheral vision and mobility were assessed both without and with the AR aid, following a training period consisting of five 1 h sessions. The results showed a significant expansion of the visual field (VF) in all four quadrants (right, left, upper, and lower) with a greater horizontal diameter enlargement (21.38° ± 12.94°) than vertical (15° ± 10.08°), with a statistically significant difference. However, the increase in VF was accompanied by a modest reduction in visual acuity due to the minification of the image on the display. Patient feedback also highlighted significant benefits on the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) in low-light environments and improved spatial orientation, suggesting that the AR system is helpful for some limitations imposed by patients’ conditions. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing AR technology to support visually impaired populations.