Virtual reality headsets for perimetry testing: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Vision Science
• Medical Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Standard automated perimetry, the established method for visual field assessment, is limited by cost and environmental constraints.
• Virtual reality (VR) headset perimetry presents an emerging, accessible alternative for visual field testing.
• The clinical utility and performance of VR perimetry devices require systematic evaluation.

Approach:

• A comprehensive systematic review was conducted using major scientific databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science) up to January 2023.
• Studies were identified using keywords related to virtual reality and visual field testing, followed by rigorous title/abstract and full-text screening.
• Data extraction focused on characterizing VR headset perimetry devices and their applications in visual field assessment.

Key Points:

• The review identified 36 distinct VR headset perimetry devices from 64 selected studies.
• These devices employ various perimetric techniques, including static and kinetic perimetry, and some offer vision rehabilitation features.
• VR perimetry demonstrates comparable or superior performance to standard automated perimetry regarding accuracy and patient fixation.

Conclusions:

• VR headset perimetry is a viable, cost-effective, and patient-preferred alternative to traditional visual field testing methods.
• These devices enhance accessibility for patients with limited mobility and improve patient tolerance during testing.
• The findings support the growing adoption of VR technology in ophthalmology for comprehensive visual field evaluation.