Arthritis – Using an Eye Tracker as computer input

Arthritis can make it painful to control a computer with a mouse, due to the repetitive nature of the hand movements. In this case using an eye tracker as an input device can make your life more comfortable. There are several forms of arthritis that have an impact on the pain levels associated with controlling a computer with a mouse.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

People affected: 0.5 to 1.0% of the adult population.

This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. It typically results in painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The inflammation associated with RA can severely limit hand and finger mobility.

Osteoarthritis

People affected: 13% of the adult population

This is the most common form of arthritis. It’s a wear-and-tear condition that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. If it affects the hands, it can make fine movements, like using a mouse, difficult and painful.

Psoriatic Arthritis

People affected: 0.6 to 0.9% of the adult population

This form of arthritis affects some people who have psoriasis. It can cause joints to become swollen, stiff and painful. When it affects the hands, it can interfere with fine motor skills.

Gout

People affected: 1 to 4% of the adult population

Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis that is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid can form needle-like crystals in a joint and cause sudden, severe episodes of pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling. An acute gout attack in the hand can make using a mouse very painful.

Help with development

At Kexxu we are developing eye tracking glasses to help people with pain in their hands, wrists or arms control a computer comfortably. We are currently looking for people who want to help us develop the most user friendly eye tracking experience and the most comfort while wearing the eye tracking glasses. If you are interested in helping us develop this product by providing user feedback, and are living in Europe, please contact us using the form or using the chat window on the bottom right corner. Only in collaboration with the real users can we make the perfect mouse replacement.