Will smart glass help those with poor vision?

Google glass may allow you to click pictures and do video recording on the go, but Oxford University researchers are now developing a 'smart' glass that enables people with poor vision to spot obstacles and 'see' movement and facial expressions. Using computer vision and electronic components usually found in mobile phones, the researchers have developed a prototype that can prevent people with severe sight loss from walking into obstacles.

'The idea is to give people with poor vision greater independence and confidence and an improved quality of life,' Stephen Hicks from Oxford University was quoted as saying. The prototype glass tested at Oxford allowed one participant to see her guide dog for the first time. This is how it works. The 'smart' glasses work by combining information relayed by an infra-red beam and normal video camera. (Read: 5 reasons why vitamin A is really good for you!)

A small computer then processes the data before it is projected onto the lenses in the form of line drawings, with closer objects appearing brighter. Despite the bulky prototype, the technology is advancing so rapidly that researchers hope the final product will be no bigger than chunky sunglasses. They also want to add an earpiece which will scan the image and pass on detail such as bus numbers by reading out loud, Daily Mail reported. (Read: What causes dry eyes and how you can prevent it)

What are causes of blurred vision?

Depending on the cause, blurry vision can begin suddenly and disappear as quickly or you may have severe episodes within a certain period of time. Digital eye strain is one cause of blurry vision that can be easily remedied by changing viewing habits, but for the other causes you will need to see your doctor. Here are some causes of blurry vision that would need medical intervention:

Eye Conditions causing Blurry Vision

1. Myopia: Myopia, or better known as nearsightedness, is an eye condition where you can see objects near you very clearly, but far away objects seem hazy or blurry. This condition is usually diagnosed at the age of 8 to 12 years of age. Eyestrain from long hours on the computer or too much reading are also risk factors for myopia, even in adults. Nearsightedness can be corrected using contact lenses or glasses and refractive surgery.

2. Cataract: Clouding of the lens of the eye is called cataract. Normally cataracts develop slowly, so there usually are no problems with your vision in the early stages. With time they may cause blurred vision. You may also experience sensitivity to light and see halo around lights; you many also have double vision. Surgery is the safest and best way of dealing with cataracts. Read more about cataract.

3. Glaucoma: Is an eye condition that is the result of optic nerve damage, which leads to eventual loss of vision. The most common type of glaucoma that causes blurry vision is acute angle-closure glaucoma (where a person loses vision from the corners of the eyes first and then completely looses the ability to see). The other symptoms of this eye condition are reddening of eye, eye pain, nausea and vomiting and formation of a halo around light. Read more about 14 causes of blurred vision you might not know .

With inputs from IANS

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