People who are almost completely blind can see again with the help of special VR glasses. This is being researched in a study at Essen University Hospital.
Since August, Essen University Hospital has been conducting studies with a special VR glasses. It can enable patients with a tiny amount of residual vision to see almost normally again.
25-year-old can see again after accident
Erste Erfolge feiert die Uni-Klinik im Fall von Dominic H. Als Jugendlicher ist er durch die Verätzung seiner Augen erblindet. Mit Hilfe der Projektionsbrille kann der 25-Jährige aus Brilon jetzt wieder sehen. Eine seiner ersten Bemerkungen: „Papa, du bist aber alt geworden, ich kann die Falten auf deiner Stirn sehen.“
Glasses are like a Projector for the eye
The glasses work like a Projector for the eye. It contains a small projector that uses a laser beam to project a digital image directly onto the retina behind the eyeball. The beams penetrate the damaged cornea and transmit the images directly to the optic nerve.
However, the prerequisite for successful use of the glasses is that the optic nerve and the retina must still be functional. As part of the study, 21 visually impaired patients were allowed to test the glasses at home for three weeks. Now the use and conditions for this are to be researched with further patients.
In the short video documentary on WDRyou can find out more about the project.
Not the only project
Back in 2017, Samsung was already developing an app for Gear VR that helps people with visual impairments. This involves "Relúmĭno"You can find out how it works in our Report experience.
Another exciting research project focussed on blind people and VR. Around two years ago, researchers at Microsoft developed a digital cane called the "Canetroller", which enables visually impaired and blind people to explore virtual reality, as you can see in our video at the time. Report can read about it.
Source: wdr
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