[Application of the Virtual Reality-Pattern Visual Evoked Potential in Forensic Visual Acuity Evaluation].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Visual acuity evaluation is crucial in forensic clinical settings.
• Traditional methods may be limited by factors like poor fixation.
• Pattern Visual Evoked Potential (PVEP) offers an objective measure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a virtual reality-based PVEP (VR-PVEP) method for forensic visual acuity assessment.
• To compare the efficacy of monocular versus binocular stimulation modes in VR-PVEP.
• To determine the suitability of VR-PVEP for reliable and efficient clinical application.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-four volunteers underwent induced refractive myopia.
• Visual acuity was set to normal in one eye and moderately impaired in the other.
• VR-PVEP tests were conducted in both monocular and binocular modes across four spatial frequencies (8x8, 16x16, 24x24, 32x32).

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences in P100 wave amplitude between monocular and binocular modes were observed at spatial frequencies of 16x16, 24x24, and 32x32 (P<0.05).
• The amplitude of the P100 wave was consistently higher in monocular mode compared to binocular mode for the same eye.
• A moderate correlation was found between P100 wave amplitudes in monocular and binocular modes.

Conclusions:

• VR-PVEP testing, particularly in monocular mode, enhances the reliability of visual acuity evaluations in forensic contexts.
• This method effectively addresses challenges associated with poor fixation.
• VR-PVEP significantly reduces testing time and boosts overall work efficiency in forensic identification practices.