Low-Intensity Laser Light Projection for Improved Reading Abilities in Low-Vision Patients

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Devices
• Vision Science

Background:

• Macular diseases cause low vision, significantly impacting patients' quality of life.
• Current low-vision aids offer limited improvement for individuals with central vision loss.
• Developing novel assistive technologies is crucial for restoring visual function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the I.C.INSIDE laser imaging device.
• To assess the device's ability to project images onto functioning macular areas.
• To determine if the device improves visual acuity (VA) in low-vision patients with macular diseases.

Main Methods:

• An interventional case series involving patients with low vision in their right eyes (RE).
• Best-corrected VA (BCVA) was measured before and after using the I.C.INSIDE device.
• The device projects standard digits onto functioning macular areas for recognition.
• Patient performance with the device was correlated with telescopic low-vision aids.

Main Results:

• Eleven patients (average age 75 years) with macular disease-related low vision were included.
• Standard low-vision aids improved mean VA from 1.554 to 0.64 logMAR (p < .0001).
• The I.C.INSIDE device further improved VA in 8 patients to 0.35 logMAR (p < .0001).
• Three patients did not achieve any digit recognition with the laser device.

Conclusions:

• The I.C.INSIDE laser imaging device demonstrated significant improvement in baseline VA.
• The device facilitates vision enhancement through extra-foveal fixation in macular disease patients.
• This technology offers a promising new approach for managing low vision caused by macular diseases.