Control of disability glare by means of electrochromic filtering glasses: A pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the potential clinical usability of a new prototype of ophthalmic blue light filters developed by using electrochromic technology in pseudophakic patients complaining of glare. Methods: A prototype of electrochromic device was developed, with a specific frame that enclosed an electronic driver that allowed personalizing its function for each patient. A prospective, observational case series study was performed to test it. Five patients who had undergone cataract surgery with clear intraocular lenses and complaining of glare were included in the study. Main outcome measures were the results obtained in the satisfaction questionnaire that was delivered to patients. Then, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and reading ability data were evaluated with and without the prototype under different lighting conditions and different modes of the prototype after a complete month of use. Lens transmittance was also measured. Results: Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and reading function did not change significantly with prototype use. The main activity for which the prototype was used was walking. Only one patient found that the dimming level was insufficient. No patients reported variable discomfort when passing tunnels, not sufficiently clear indoors, or put on and remove discomfort. The lenses slightly decreased their transmittance at the end of the study. Conclusion: Glasses based on electrochromic technology may be acceptable for outdoor/indoor use and for distance–near vision. Future studies with larger samples must be conducted to confirm the clinical usability of these glasses.

Study on the Glare Phenomenon and Time-Varying Characteristics of Luminance in the Access Zone of the East–West Oriented Tunnel

“…The phenomenon of glare in the access zone will increase the driver's visual burden and prolong the driver's identification and judgment time of tunnel road conditions, which will readily cause the driver to be unable to accurately judge the road conditions ahead and thus generate safety risks [2]. Disability glare is a physiological term that is caused by distracting light from a glare source scattering onto the surface of the retina, like a large screen on the retina, reducing the contrast of images on the retina, resulting in reduced visibility [3]. During the driving process, poor luminance distribution in the driver's field of vision causes glare problems, thus negatively affecting visual perception [4].…”