MetAmorphopSia Correction via Augmented ReAlity (MASCARA) Version: 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
MetAmorphopSia Correction via Augmented ReAlity (MASCARA)
IRAS ID
314997
Contact name
William Innes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Metamorphopsia (MM) is a visual symptom in which the shape of objects viewed directly appears distorted. It can range from mild to severe warping, be permanent or variable and may affect a small or more extensive part of the visual field. Elements of the perceived image may be seen as being larger (macropsia) or smaller (micropsia) than the actual object, and the perceived image may be warped or twisted. MM impacts the everyday life of patients, resulting in difficulties reading, cooking and watching television which can prevent patients from enjoying activities of daily living. MM is associated with significantly lower Quality of Life (QoL) after adjusting for underlying visual acuity.
Retinal conditions leading to MM are common, including epiretinal membranes (ERM), macular holes (MH), diabetic maculopathy (DRM) and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). As the population ages, these age-associated conditions will increase the population burden of this debilitating symptom further. The symptom often persists despite the optimal treatment of the underlying condition. Presently, there is no symptomatic treatment option for these patients short of occlusion of the affected eye.
This project aims to leverage the ability of augmented reality and eye-tracking technology to capture the visual scene and "unwarp" the warped image in real-time. We will develop an input system whereby the user defines their individual "warping vector", the inverse of which is applied visual scene ahead and presented to the affected eye within a commercially available virtual reality headset. We hope that neutralising MM in this way will lead to the development of technologies that provide a non-surgical solution easily customised to the individual to ease the burden of MM on patients and improve their quality of life.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EE/0106
Date of REC Opinion
8 Aug 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion