The MeyeSight Project

Abstract:

Vision testing is often limited to letter chart acuity, which measures only foveal function.  Even for a 20/200 letter, the area assessed is less than 1 degree.

For proper performance of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), contrast vision and visual field are at least important.  Yet, these parameters are assessed far less frequently.

For example, DMV requirements always list visual acuity, but never contrast and rarely the peripheral visual field.  Driving in familiar environments (orientation by landmarks, rather than street signs) does not require fine visual acuity, but contrast losses (night driving) and paracentral scotomata (missing a traffic light) are significant hazards for many older drivers.  Staying in one's lane requires peripheral awareness of lane markers, not sharp central vision.

The recently completed MeyeSight smartphone app is designed for home testing.  It tests acuity, contrast, and field.  It is estimated that half of all people with field restrictions are not aware of them.  The visual search test is the only quick and simple test for the detection of problems in the central visual field.

The MeyeSight tablet is being developed for portable professional use.  It will offer the same tests with added flexibility in test parameters.  It will also offer reading speed tests in 11 languages with graphical display of the results for easy interpretation.