Study finds Google Glass may could get vision blind spots

People wearing Google Glass might develop significant blind spots on their right side, where Glass is located, which could interfere with tasks like driving, crossing streets and playing sports, according to US researchers, Tech Times reported.

Only three people were included in the analysis of the technology. which provides online access via a tiny screen attached to a spectacle frame.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study found that peripheral vision on the right side where the device is mounted showed ''significant'' obstruction.

According to researchers, further study in a larger pool of wearers was needed.

The researchers from the University of California, San Francisco said, to their knowledge, this was the first evaluation of the effect of wearable electronics with head-mounted display on vision.

They added the device created a clinically meaningful visual field obstruction in the upper right quadrant.

The scientists said the blockage was due to the thick strip of material along the right side of the wearable device, not due to any distraction by the software.

Visual tests, as also an analysis of 132 images on the internet of Google Glass being worn, showed that the gear lined up with people's eyes in such a way that there was an obstruction in their visual field.

According to AFP if this was the case, the wearer might experience difficulty in performing activities such as driving, running and cycling.

The obstruction of the peripheral view created a far larger blind spot which was worse than those that are caused by wearing normal glasses. The most affected area where one's vision is obscured was the upper right hand side, the side which supports the Glass' digital display and camera.

The three people who participated in the study wore Google Glass for 60 minutes to get used to the spectacles, after which the device was turned off and the participants were asked to do a vision test known as the perimetric visual field test.

This was done to check if they had any 'blind spots' on that part of their vision which was obstructed and included checking their peripheral vision which was what could be seen outside the centre of one's sight.

The participants conducted the same vision test wearing ordinary glasses having similar shape and colour. The results were then compared by the researchers.