The age of age-related vision loss, like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is decidedly shifting thanks to a cadre of trailblazing technologies and applications taking center stage. The goal? A brighter, more enriching future for those with vision restrictions. In the words of Calvin Roberts, MD, president, and CEO of Lighthouse Guild, modern advancements, be it facial recognition or artificial intelligence, are instrumental in reshaping the lives of the visually impaired.

Where tech's role truly shines is the range of helpful aids it provides that span well beyond the online resources of tech giants Apple and Microsoft. We're talking glasses that simulate a full visual view, virtual reality devices that aid navigation, or apps that narrate the user's surroundings and read aloud words captured by a smartphone camera.

Take the eSight glasses for instance. These deploy images onto high-resolution screens as a workaround to provide complete binocular vision. Then there are Eyedaptic glasses designed to cater to central vision loss; they use special lenses to project the full visual field onto an untouched portion of the retina, emulating full-field vision.

Moving on to more wearable technology, we have the WeWalk smart cane. A revolutionary handle that fastens onto a standard cane, it pairs with a smartphone and through vibrations, warns of potential hazards. It also offers spoken navigational cues and information about public transportation schedules, close-by stores or landmarks.

There's rescuing tech for everyday challenges as well - from talking navigation aids to a multitude of devices and apps that read aloud what visually impaired individuals aren't able to see on the printed page. And let's not forget the magnifiers! These advanced versions of the centuries-old tool are now equipped with hi-def cameras that magnify texts or words from afar.

The skyrocketing developments don't stop at our gadgets. Cellphone service providers have now begun to offer specific products and price cuts for consumers with low vision. And fresh on the scene are accessible cellphones that are increasingly tailored to the needs of those with low vision.

From GPS apps and apps that name items in pictures or videos to screen readers that provide descriptions of on-screen happenings, the range of smartphone apps by operating systems is a sight for sore eyes.

In summary, the rise of tech has not only ensured that fewer people are left entirely without sight but also presented a spectrum of options for those with visual limitations to pick and choose from. After all, it just goes to show - there's genuinely an app, if not numerous ones, for that - and then some!