APH has received feedback from the field that there is interest in a device that can help detect if someone is eye pressing. Health effects of eye pressing can range from eye infections, retinal detachment, further impairment to a person’s vision, and ultimately could lead to an individual needing prosthetics. We received feedback from individuals who were blind or low vision that mentioned once they started eye pressing it distracted them from orientation and mobility lessons and reading, noting that they were not aware they were eye pressing until being alerted by a spouse, teacher, or parent.
Along with HabitAware, we are looking into designing a bracelet that can detect if the wearer is eye pressing. HabitAware has already created a bracelet for other repetitive body behaviors which includes hair-pulling, nail biting, and skin picking. It works by notifying a user with a vibration that they are doing the repetitive body behavior and allows for the user to make the choice if they want to continue doing the behavior or not.
APH and HabitAware are looking to study individuals that eye press to ensure the accuracy of the device. Multiple ways of eye pressing could be occurring, and may be different from kids to adults, so participants are needed to assist with fine tuning the algorithm. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at jhodge@aph.org.