Head-mounted Devices for Low Vision: A Review

Head-mounted devices (HMDs) are wearable electronic tools designed to augment the visual experience of low-vision patients who have a decrease in vision not improved by refractive correction. They do so by addressing various principles of visual enhancement, including magnification, illumination, increased field of view, and contrast sensitivity enhancement, among others. Since the introduction of the first HMD 3 decades ago, advancements in technology have made these devices more lightweight and practical for everyday use. More sophisticated features have been developed, including augmented reality, virtual reality, text-to-speech, and blind spot remapping. However, despite these advancements, HMDs still face a host of challenges, including cost, customizability to specific patient factors, and social stigma. In this paper, we present a broad overview of HMDs, review major products available commercially, and discuss the challenges and future directions for this rapidly growing field.