A Parametric Perceptual Deficit Modeling and Diagnostics Framework for Retina Damage using Mixed Reality

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel parametric model and mixed-reality system to simulate and diagnose perceptual deficits caused by AMD, aiding in assessment and potential vision recovery.

Contribution

It presents a new methodology for modeling AMD-related perceptual deficits and a mixed-reality interface for diagnosis and vision compensation.

Findings

The framework accurately models AMD perceptual deficits.

The mixed-reality system outperforms existing low-vision aids.

Effective simulation of disease progression for clinical use.

Abstract

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive visual impairment affecting millions of individuals. Since there is no current treatment for the disease, the only means of improving the lives of individuals suffering from the disease is via assistive technologies. In this paper we propose a novel and effective methodology to accurately generate a parametric model for the perceptual deficit caused by the physiological deterioration of a patient's retina due to AMD. Based on the parameters of the model, a mechanism is developed to simulate the patient's perception as a result of the disease. This simulation can effectively deliver the perceptual impact and its progression to the patient's eye doctor. In addition, we propose a mixed-reality apparatus and interface to allow the patient recover functional vision and to compensate for the perceptual loss caused by the physiological damage. The results obtained by the proposed approach show the superiority of our framework over the state-of-the-art low-vision systems.