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Ever since the first Google Glass concept video (above) was posted in in early 2012, I have been excited about the technology and it potential uses. The idea of hands-free video recording and real-time, hyper-local, cloud-based (and other fancy hyphenated terms) interaction is extremely appealing.
But although Glass may be extremely cool, there are concerns about privacy which are now being addressed. Although it isn't much different from a cellphone camera, something about a person wearing them as glasses is creepier. Some businesses have already banned Glass, but that may be more for the attention than anything else.
Additionally, possible visual issues may arise from Glass use. There doesn't appear to be issues with eye damage from wearing Glass. There may be minor eyestrain for some people from looking above the horizon. The biggest the splitting of visual attention. After all, it is only possible to pay attention to one image at time. It is this attention splitting concern that is responsible for warning against wearing Glass while driving and other potentially dangerous activities.
There have been a few recent videos out that addressed Glass and vision. The first was taken by Trey Ratcliff of his Optometrists, Dr. Danielle Pretty. She describes Glass and her impressions of the location and effect of Google Glass display.
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The second video comes from Dr. Isaac Porter, of Lowry Porter Ophthalmology who interviews a Glass Explorer and talks about the visual adjustment to Glass and shows the first formal visual field assessment with Glass on.
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Are you a Glass Explorer? I'd love to check it out and talk with you about the visual implications of Glass - connect on GPlus, or email me at Doc@BrightEyesTampa.com!
All the best!
By Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
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The privacy concern is that people wearing Glass look creepy? I don’t thnk the word “privacy” means what you think it means.
Thanks for the comment. Indeed, Michael, in my attempt to be light-hearted, that was not clear.
First, let me say that I do not personally think there is is anything “creepy”about Glass at all. I am excited about the possibilities. And I was not trying to relate the privacy to the “creepiness” that some people feel.
I will say that there are real concerns about Glass and privacy, for example: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/492726/20130720/google-glass-face-recognition-privacy.htm.
People will need to decide for themselves as AR technology evolves how they feel about privacy. Is simply being outside essentially opting in?
-Dr. Nate