Virtual reality has turned what used to be science fiction into reality. Visual field tests and other vision tests can be done with head-mounted VR perimeters. All of these are done with little to no human supervision and with hopeful results.
Experts say that VR visual fields will be beneficial in screening, as an extra tool in the clinic. Its usage might even expand into the world of remote care. Still, the VR Visual Field Test technology has a long way to go. This article discusses what you need before it can be used instead of regular automatic perimetry. Therefore, this article reveals what you need to know about this technology.
Highlights of Virtual Reality
In this new world of computer-generated care, there is much to look forward to. This includes faster thresholding less bulk and more ease of use. Glaucoma experts say the following about it:
Eye-tracking Technology
One important part of many VR visual field devices is a technology that precisely tracks the eyes’ movements. This technology also alters the test to fit the users. When you ask the patient to look at a central target, the device moves the whole visual field. This exposes the specific part of the retina that’s supposed to receive the light.
The VF2000 from Micro Medical Devices is an example of a VR device with this feature. If the patient’s eyes move from the center, the machine informs the patient. They can then refocus on the central mark. This is not something that can be done with the normal machine.
The standard perimeter requires that there must be at least one technician in the room. This individual keeps an eye out for fixation losses and lets the patient know about them. This leads to all-round efficiency.
Reflex Friendly Foveal
In the same way, some VR perimeters don’t need you to focus on a central point at all. For example, the Vivid Vision Perimeter (Vivid Vision) uses a testing method whereby patients are asked to move their heads. Sometimes, they are asked to move the pointer toward the fixation, stimulus, or fixation task. After this, they are asked to do the stimulus task.
Every time the stimulus is shown, the patient is looking at the stimulus instead of fixating on a central target. This makes the test easier for patients to understand and do. This is because they don’t have to fight the urge to look at the stimulus.
Patient comfort
VR perimeters provide more comfort for patients compared to a standard automated perimeter. For instance, the VisuALL (Olleyes) allows patients to sit in any position. They can even take the test in a wheelchair, exam chair, or waiting room chair with these headsets.
It is common for glaucoma patients to also have other health problems such as back or neck pain. You can read this article to learn how to live better with glaucoma. Therefore, it might be hard for them to sit at the standard machine. Furthermore, it can be hard to get the patient in the right position.
This is because their face has to touch the bar, and their chin has to be in the chin cup. So, the results might be different if the head is tilted compared to when it is in a normal position. Virtual perimetry helps a lot with such patients. These devices have been used for people who can’t get a good result from the regular machine.
These gadgets are also great for testing kids. It’s hard to patch kids, but these devices don’t need to be patched. They don’t know which eye they’re looking out of. In that way, it’s pretty simple.
Testing Advanced Glaucoma
VR testing is also helpful for people with advanced glaucoma who have small central islands of vision. With the standard machine, it can be hard to find the eyeline and the right position. With these devices, it’s easier to find the central fixation because they’re closer to the eye and position isn’t as important.
User-Friendly
Many VR perimeters have built-in audio and video features that teach patients how to take the test. They even tell the patients how well they are performing the test. These features make the testing setting comfortable.
The test and directions are easy to understand. Patients like it better than the Humphrey visual field because it’s more comfortable and makes them less tired. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require any training or sort.
Saves Time
It saves time because doctors don’t have to move the patient around the clinic when they check visual field virtually. You can visit https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ to learn more about how to prepare for a visual field test. The in-headset training also cuts down on the need for a professional to give the test. This, in turn, saves that time.
Affordable
VR perimeters aren’t too expensive, but they do vary in price. So that patients can have these in their own homes, something must be done. Experts suggest that a software rather than the device itself should be designed.
Home Testing
In the same way, experts say that home testing could be a future use for VR perimetry. It will be fun for patients to be able to test themselves. Then, the doctor will be able to see the results from anywhere.
Remote Area Screening
Because these devices are portable, they can be used in places where normal visual field testing isn’t available. These headsets will be even more useful for screening when they get new features. A lot of them can also check you’re seeing clearly.
They can tell the difference between colors and can see how your pupils are reacting. Some are working to check eye motility. Adding fundus images will also be a great addition.
Conclusion
VR visual field testing has many benefits such as making patients more comfortable, being easy to use, and remote testing. Even though the technology has some benefits, it is still being developed. There are still some issues that need to be addressed before it can fully replace traditional perimetry. However, its improvements point to a bright future in both hospitals and people’s own homes.
