Improved Mobility and Independence of Night-Blind People Using Night-Vision Goggles

Abstract

Using NVGs seems to improve nighttime mobility in dark outdoor conditions by decreasing unintended contacts with obstacles and increasing walking speed. Use of NVGs increased independent activities in these subjects and was generally positively evaluated for everyday outdoor use.

Development and evaluation of a visual aid using see-through display for patients with retinitis pigmentosa

“…Our results were thus similar to those in previous studies using binocular night vision goggles that block natural vision [10,11,13,14]. The greatest advantage of our device is that it enables subjects to use their own eyes to recognize objects that they can see, and use the display as a supplement to see the objects they cannot see.…”

“…Since the 1970s, several types of devices have been evaluated to address mobility problems due to night blindness [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Berson et al [7] first reported the helpfulness of a night vision enhancement device based on a military light-intensifier.…”

“…Although improved versions were developed, these devices proved unacceptable [8,9]. Binocular night vision goggles have the potential to improve mobility problems associated with night blindness [10,11,13,14]. However, the opaque display around the Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10384-014-0354-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.…”

Retinitis pigmentosa: visual function and multidisciplinary management

“…138 Other studies have reported on the encouraging development of smaller and easier to use night vision goggles, 165 with some reporting an improvement in walking speeds in real-world night environments. 166,167 Currently, night vision goggles are still an interesting experimental option and should be backed up with a long cane. 109 A recent paper has suggested that nightblindness in RP might be reduced by the use of cannabis.…”

Impact of night vision aid on orientation and mobility and daily activities

“…More recently, Spandau et al [6] and Hartong [7] investigated the potential benefits of night vision goggles on mobility at night in realistic environments. Compared to previous studies [8], the night vision goggles had positive impacts on orientation and mobility.…”