Cataract is the most prevalent visual disorder and blinding disease in the world. Cataracts cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Surgery is the only option for improved vision, however, vision simulators for different types of cataracts are limited and vision simulator for different types of intra-ocular lens options do not exist. During the EYECAS project, computational holographic display technology was explored for use as a diagnostic device for cataracts. A vision simulator instrument based on head-worn computational holographic display and software modules for vision simulation was developed. Pilot studies with cataract patients were performed in the ophthalmology clinic with 13 patients. The results showed that post-surgery visual acuity of patients can be accurately predicted using our bench-top device. Eyecas vision simulator device was proven to be effective for all the patients tested. Of particular importance are the 3 patients with highly dense cataracts and 1 patient with a neurological disorder (AMD), where other simulators failed. The validation tests were limited to visual acuity prediction. More research is needed to further develop the system to include premium IOLs such as multifocal and EDOF IOLs. Socio-economic benefits of our simulator device is expected to be high as it will help with matching the right patient with the right lens, increase the confidence of patients as well as doctors, and lead to higher surgery rates as well as higher satisfaction rates.
