Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Ophthalmology: A Contemporary Prospective

Abstract

Purpose: Most published systematic reviews have focused on the use of virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) technology in ophthalmology as it relates to surgical training. To date, this is the first review that investigates the current state of VR/AR technology applied more broadly to the entire field of ophthalmology. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched systematically from January 2014 through December 1, 2020. Studies that discussed VR and/or AR as it relates to the field of ophthalmology and provided information on the technology used were considered. Abstracts, non–peer-reviewed literature, review articles, studies that reported only qualitative data, and studies without English translations were excluded. Results: A total of 77 studies were included in this review. Of these, 28 evaluated the use of VR/AR in ophthalmic surgical training/assessment and guidance, 7 in clinical training, 23 in diagnosis/screening, and 19 in treatment/therapy. 15 studies used AR, 61 used VR, and 1 used both. Most studies focused on the validity and usability of novel technologies. Conclusions: Ophthalmology is a field of medicine that is well suited for the use of VR/AR. However, further longitudinal studies examining the practical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of such novel technologies, the cost-effectiveness, and medical/legal considerations are still needed. We believe that time will indeed foster further technological advances and lead to widespread use of VR/AR in routine ophthalmic practice.

Going Green in Ophthalmic Practice

“…AR has progressed from a science-fiction concept to a science-based reality [29][30][31]. It has slowly but surely become a significant aspect of modern life over the last decade with increasing applications in the field of medicine, especially in ophthalmology [32][33][34].…”

“…Extended reality (XR) is one of the leading futuristic concepts, which is still slowly evolving to set foot into the field of ophthalmology [37,38]. What makes this device cutting-edge is the spatial recognition, eye-tracking, and hand-tracking concepts.…”

Metaverse and Virtual Health Care in Ophthalmology: Opportunities and Challenges

“…Ongoing innovations in this field, such as the hand and finger dexterity tracking and haptic feedback while interacting in the virtual space, shows potential in further elevating the immersive experience and enhancing the doctor-patient interaction. In addition, virtual diagnostic methods with VR and AR are becoming more tangible through avatars, 56 improving the realism and “personal-touch” of remote consultations.…”

Immersive photoreal new-age innovative gameful pedagogy for e-ophthalmology with 3D augmented reality

“…As we adapt to what is the new “norm” surrounding social distancing and interpersonal contact, innovative ways to teach and learn e-ophthalmology are in high demand. [ 2 ] Hence, we have innovated an AR program named “Eye MG AR” to simplify ophthalmic concept learning and to serve as a new-age immersive 3D pedagogical tool for gameful learning.…”