MIT develops at-home eye exam software for smartphones

September 9, 2010

According to Public Radio International, researchers at MIT are developing a program that may help people without access to an eye doctor perform an eye exam using a smart phone.

Eye doctors typically use charts or laser technology to assess their patients' vision. However, some people may not be able to afford this treatment, or may live in a community that does not have an eye doctor.

In order to operate the program, users will need to purchase a plastic lens that attaches to the phone. Fortunately this lens, known as a Near-Eye Tool for Refractive Assessment, is affordable, priced at a mere $2.

Once attached, patients load up the application and look into the lens. They will see parallel red and green lines, and using their phone's keypad, will attempt to line them up. Based on this test, the app gives the user a suggested prescription, if necessary.

According to AllAboutVision.com, routine eye exams can help prevent eye disease and other general health problems, even if a patient exhibits no visible signs of illness.