At the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) annual meeting this week, eSight debuted the latest addition to its line of mobile electronic eyewear for the visually-impaired: the eSight Go.
First, let’s start with this company.
The Toronto, Canada-based eSight makes low-vision assistive technology devices designed to support vision enhancement for individuals with vision loss.
The company’s namesake eSight eyewear targets 20 eye diseases ranging from the anterior to posterior segment, including:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR)
- Cone rod dystrophy
- Macular dystrophy
- Keratoconus
- Ocular albinism
- Optic neuropathy
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
Wasn’t eSight recently acquired?
Good memory! Yup, it was — by custom electro-optical product manufacturer Gentex Corporation at the beginning of this year.
The reason: For Gentex, this purchase was a strategic move to support its shift into the healthcare industry—with a major focus on addressing the challenges associated with vision impairment.
- See our coverage for the full rundown.
Now get into the basics of an eSight device.
eSight is a wearable assistive technology registered with the FDA that enables visually-impaired individuals to see with enhanced clarity while performing everyday activities.
To note: The first eSight Eyewear prototype released in 2013, and the latest iteration (eSight 4) was released a few years back.
And its design?
eSight features a high-speed, high-definition camera that captures a wearer’s line of vision via advanced and clinically-validated algorithms designed to optimize and enhance the footage.
From there: This footage is then presented on two high-resolution screens positioned before each eye—with the intent to potentially improve the wearer's binocular vision.
- As a bonus: A built-in trackpad also enables the user to refine the image further via a complete suite of controls (zoom, contrast, and focus).
How mobile is this?
Completely! In fact, the lightweight device’s wireless and hands-free operation is specifically designed for on-the-go use.
As for charging capabilities: Rechargeable batteries (with an ergonomic battery pack) provide up to 3 hours of continuous power use.
- And for user-friendliness: Wearers can adjust the device via a wireless remote controller or downloadable app on their phone.
Any clinical data to support its efficacy?
You bet there is.
eSight referenced a peer-reviewed multisite (with six recruitment centers), prospective, single-arm study involving 51 individuals (aged 13 to 75) who wore the eSight device.
- Participant details:
- Stable vision (distance acuity: 20/60 to 20/400)
- Visual field diameter( >20)
- Outcome measures included:
- Visual viability
- Distance acuity
- Contrast sensitivity
- Face recognition
And the findings?
The introduction of eSight resulted in immediate improvement for:
- Distance acuity (0.74 ± 0.28 logMAR)*
- Contrast sensitivity (0.57 ± 0.53 log units)*
- Critical print size (0.57 ± 0.53 log units)*
*P > .001, without any further changes after 3 months.
See here for more data, including how reading acuity improved at fitting as well as the increase in reading speed after 3 months.
And the takeaway from this?
The study authors concluded that introduction of the eSight device to patients with visual impairments resulted in “immediate improvements in visual ability, with face recognition.”
Other findings involved:
- A 7-line gain in distance acuity
- 100% mobility retention
- 12-letter contrast improvement
And overall: “Visual ability, reading, and visual information showed the greatest benefit with device use.”
Nice! Next: Talk about this eSightGo.
The company’s latest wearable assistive device is designed to be both lightweight, sleek, and comfortable for wearers when moving “from indoor, routine activities to outdoor physical environments.”
- Specifically: The device “incorporates natural peripheral vision for 100% mobility retention.”
Go on …
As with previous eSight devices, it’s equipped with the same capabilities and technological features—including that small, high-speed, high-definition camera for capturing enhanced footage of a wearer’s full vision.
- This footage is then presented on two organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) monitors (one positioned in front of each eye) in real time for complete binocular vision.
The result: A wearer’s “brain synthesizes the images, and (they) can see with clarity what is in front of (them),” according to the company.
Get into its features.
Among its numerous features are:
- A “sunglasses” design
- Optional prescription lenses
- Advanced sensors and proprietary algorithms
To note: Technical and display specifications as well as connectivity and controls have not yet been finalized, per the company.
So … is this available to us yet?
Not quite! However, interested wearers can join eSight’s waitlist to keep updated on launch plans and other exclusive product features.
And for other eSight devices, schedule a free consultation.