The use of smart glasses in health care

Background: The popularity of wearable health technologies is increasing day by day. Predicted demand for smart glasses to be in the area of tens of millions in 2016 and hundreds of millions by 2020. Innovations in wearable technologies can enhance efficiency of health care. One of these technologies, are smart glasses that share many features with the smart phones. They can also provide real-time and instant access to information and real-time communications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of smart glasses in improving health and care processes. Materials/Patients and Methods: In this review, we briefly discussed the role of smart glasses in improving care processes, by searching related keywords in databases such as, Google Scholar, PubMed, IEEE, Springer and Science Direct from January 2016 to April 2016. Results: According to results, health care, such as telemedicine, free access to patient information, Updates the patient health record, teleconsultation and education, is the largest markets for use of smart glasses. Also in treatment section, control and monitoring of diabetes and improving the lives of individuals with Parkinson s disease, are the new applications of smart glasses and those are under investigation. Results of several studies have shown that the use of smart glasses could lead to improvements in walking and keeping the balance of patients with Parkinson s. Conclusion: However, smart glasses, are emerging mobile technologies, but are rapidly progressing. This technology can change mobile health industry and provide a new generation of wearable technology for patients and health care staff. Despite all these advantages potential of these devices must first be assessed in controlled experiments.