The programmable remapper: clinical applications for patients with field defects

Area of Science:

• Biomedical engineering
• Computer vision
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Age-related maculopathy (ARM) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) cause vision loss due to retinal field defects.
• Current low-vision aids like eccentric viewing have limitations.
• Electronic image remapping technology offers a novel approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of NASA's Programmable Remapper as a low-vision aid.
• To explore image redistribution for patients with retinal field defects.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using remapping for vision restoration.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an electronic image remapper to transform image coordinate systems.
• Investigated radial-only remapping for static image demonstration.
• Conceptualized a spectacle-mounted display integrating camera input and the remapper.

Main Results:

• The Programmable Remapper can redistribute lost image information onto functioning retinal areas.
• Remapping utilizes a larger retinal area, potentially improving acuity compared to eccentric viewing.
• Static images demonstrated the radial-only remapping process.

Conclusions:

• The Programmable Remapper shows promise as a low-vision aid for conditions like ARM and RP.
• Further development could lead to a cost-effective, portable low-vision prosthesis.
• Training and feedback may optimize patient use of the remapping aid.