Improving Nighttime Mobility in Persons with Night Blindness Caused by Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Comparison of Two Low-Vision Mobility Devices

This study compared the effectiveness of the ITT Night Vision Viewer with the Wide Angle Mobility Lamp (WAML) as low-vision mobility devices for people experienc- ing night blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Both engi- neering bench testing and functional evaluations were used in the assessments. Engineering evaluations were conducted for (1) consistency of the manufacturer's specifications, (2) ergonomic characteristics, (3) modifications of devices, and (4) pedestrian safety issues. Twenty-seven patients with RP conducted rehabilitation evaluations with each device that included both clinical and functional tests. Both devices improved nighttime travel for people with night blindness as compared with nighttime travel with no device. Overall, the WAML provided better travel efficiency—equivalent to that measured in daytime. Recommendations have been developed on ergonomic factors for both devices. Although some partici- pants preferred the ITT Night Vision Viewer, overall most par- ticipants performed better with the WAML.