Application of electronic head-mounted display aids in low vision rehabilitation

As society ages and the number of people with low vision grows, the need for low vision rehabilitation for patients is increasing.The electronic head-mounted display (HMD) aids is a new type of low vision aids, which can be divided into different types such as monocular, binocular, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The performance of electronic HMD visual aids is important in their development and evaluation, including improved illumination, contrast ratio, resolution, and expanded vision field.VR devices have higher resolution and richer image modes, which can effectively improve central vision acuity and contrast sensitivity, and are more suitable for static applications.AR devices do not block the patients’ habitual field of vision and do not destroy stereoscopic vision, which are more suitable for dynamic applications.With the development of VR and AR display technology in recent years, electronic HMD aids have made great progress in functionality, portability and aesthetics.In most of the research, the application population of electronic HMD aids are patients with low central vision.Electronic HMD aids can improve their visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and reading ability by enlarging pictures, improving illumination and contrast ratio and enhancing contour.For patients with peripheral visual field defects, electronic HMD aids, especially AR devices, can significantly expand their peripheral visual field without blocking original visual field.However, the improvement of electronic HMD aids on daily activities, especially athletic ability, needs further research.This article summarized the types, performance and application progress of electronic HMD aids in patients with low vision.

Low vision; Rehabilitation; Smart glasses; Head-mounted display; Electronic aids