Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Ophthalmology: A Contemporary Prospective.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Technology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Existing systematic reviews predominantly focus on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in ophthalmic surgical training.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview of VR/AR applications across the entire field of ophthalmology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the current applications of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the broad field of ophthalmology.
• To identify the scope and nature of VR/AR technology adoption in ophthalmic practice and research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL from January 2014 to December 2020.
• Studies focusing on VR/AR in ophthalmology, detailing the technology used, were included. Excluded were abstracts, non-peer-reviewed articles, reviews, qualitative-only studies, and non-English articles.

Main Results:

• The review included 77 studies, with applications spanning surgical training (28), clinical training (7), diagnosis/screening (23), and treatment/therapy (19).
• VR was the predominant technology (61 studies), followed by AR (15 studies) and combined VR/AR (1 study).
• The majority of studies assessed the validity and usability of these emerging technologies.

Conclusions:

• Ophthalmology is a suitable field for VR/AR integration.
• Further longitudinal research is essential to evaluate the practical feasibility, efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness, and medical-legal aspects of VR/AR.
• Advancements in technology are anticipated to drive the widespread adoption of VR/AR in routine ophthalmic practice.