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Virtual reality head-mounted display game for intermittent exotropia in a randomized controlled trial
Hee Kyung Yang1, Dong Hyun Kim1, Je Hyun Kim2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumiro 173Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Republic of Korea.
Scientific Reports
|February 5, 2025
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) orthoptic training significantly improved intermittent exotropia (IXT) by reducing exodeviation angles and enhancing fusional control. These positive effects persisted even after discontinuing the VR intervention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vision Science
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Intermittent exotropia (IXT) is a common binocular vision disorder characterized by outward deviation of the eyes.
- Traditional orthoptic training methods for IXT have varying degrees of efficacy.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers a novel, immersive platform for therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based orthoptic training in patients with intermittent exotropia (IXT).
- To assess the impact of a VR game designed to induce convergence on exodeviation angles and fusional control.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, double-blind study involving 62 patients (≥13 years) with IXT (≥8 prism diopters).
- Patients were assigned to either a VR game inducing convergence (exercise group) or a placebo VR game (control group).
- Intervention involved 15 minutes daily for 4 weeks, with assessments at 4 and 8 weeks (including a 4-week washout).
Main Results:
- The VR exercise group showed a significant decrease in the near angle of exodeviation (29.6∆ to 25.3∆, p<0.001), maintained after 4 weeks.
- Significant improvements in fusional control scores (NCS and OCS) were observed in the exercise group at 4 and 8 weeks.
- No significant changes in exodeviation were noted in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Orthoptic training utilizing a VR game is effective in improving the near angle of exodeviation in IXT patients.
- VR-based training enhances fusional control, offering a promising therapeutic approach for intermittent exotropia.
- The benefits of VR orthoptic training on exodeviation and fusional control are sustained post-intervention.
