Key takeaways:
- Despite recent advances, VR adoption has been relatively slow in ophthalmology compared to other specialties.
- Applications for the technology in in eye care include screening and surgical training.
In the last 2 years, virtual reality and augmented reality have taken a step toward more practical applications in eye care.
In 2024, Healio | OSN looked at this digital technology as it was making its way into physicians’ and patients’ hands. Since then, companies have introduced devices and programs aimed at improving educational and medical experiences for surgeons and patients alike.
IOL simulators such as Immersive IOL Simulator (VirtuaLens) and InSightVR (Greenman) are designed to give patients a preview of their vision after IOL implantation to help them make a more informed choice about what kind of lens they may want. In addition, screening applications are available for relative afferent pupillary defects and visual field testing.
Last year, the FDA cleared Luminopia, a VR-based therapeutic for children with amblyopia. The device works by having patients watch TV shows through a VR headset that encourages them to use their weaker eye. Instead of a traditional eye patch treatment, patients can watch VR videos for 1 hour a day for 6 days a week.
Despite these advances, ophthalmology still lags behind in the virtual and augmented reality space compared with other medical and surgical specialties, according to Sharon Fekrat, MD, FACS, FASRS.
Read More: Virtual reality takes next step in eye care
Source: Healio