SightMate Visually Impared helps see better with technology

SiteMate: first generation Geordi LaForge visor

For people with visual impairments, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, the loss of vision is a fact of life they have to live. Eyetonomy think you have the answer to help the visually impaired to see better and called SightMate.

At first glance the SightMate seems very similar to the video glasses that are common to the players and to see movies on a big screen simulated. However, the SightMate LV920 as cyclops has a camera in the center of the glasses.

This camera has a 2-megapixel sensor along with a 3x optical zoom. Among the spectacles that the carrier looks twin high-resolution 640 x 480 pixel displays that can tilt up to 15 degrees of comfort. The device also can compensate colorblindness.

The entire system weighs eight ounces and has a controller that weighs less than one pounds with batteries installed. The controller allows the wearer to zoom in and out of the objects and control other functions of the system. According SightMate clinical trials have shown that people with between 20/70 and 20/200 acuity in his better eye have been able to increase their reading and distance acuity with a series of 20/20 to 20/40.

The device also uses edge detection and correction of color in concert with the optical zoom to assist users who suffer from the progressive visual loss on the entire field of vision. SightMate warns that the device is designed to be used while sitting and not designed for use with anything that requires movement such as walking or driving.

Eyetonomy the SightMate LV920 sells for $ 3499, which seems expensive given that the video glasses similar to go well below $ 1000. The other problem is that with SightMate device looks quite strange.

It will be difficult to obtain conscientious about their appearance to use this device. However, for use at home, this may be a good stop for people with vision deficit until the absence of anything else, like contact lenses with embedded electronics available.