Somayeh Heidarzadeh, M. Optom
Senior Training Manager, Vision Science Academy
Vision Science Academy Exclusive
Augmented reality (AR) is revolutionising healthcare, particularly ophthalmology, by enhancing our understanding of the physical world. Unlike virtual reality, which immerses users in a fully digital space, AR overlays computer-generated information onto real-world environments, making it especially valuable in medical settings.
The AR Impact in Ophthalmology
Pioneers like Google and Microsoft have driven AR innovations, with devices such as Google Glass and HoloLens paving the way. In ophthalmology, AR offers groundbreaking non-invasive treatment options and improves medical education, surgical navigation, and clinical support. While there are still hardware limitations, the potential for AR to enhance diagnosis and patient safety is immense, with ongoing research promising exciting advancements (National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2021).
Addressing Visual Field Defects
Visual field defects (VFD) result from conditions like glaucoma, stroke, and retinitis pigmentosa, severely limiting activities such as driving and reading. For many, particularly those with brain injuries, these defects can be irreversible (NIH, 2021).
AR technology presents promising solutions for individuals with VFD. Techniques such as image remapping and visual multiplexing enhance navigation. Customised digital spectacles can realign images captured by a camera to match a user’s visual field, improving awareness. Spatial multiplexing enables users with tunnel vision to receive crucial edge information without obstructing their overall view. Additionally, AR systems can track moving objects, alerting users to potential dangers with colour-coded indicators (Optical Society of America, 2022).
AR Solutions for Blindness
Blindness, often caused by age-related diseases, presents significant mobility challenges. With traditional treatments unable to reverse blindness, AR technology becomes essential for safe navigation.
Distance-based AR systems use colour, light, and sound to convey spatial information. For patients who perceive colours, colour coding indicates distances. Those with light perception receive proximity signals through light-emitting diodes. For completely blind individuals, spatialized sound provides critical environmental cues, significantly enhancing mobility and safety (NIH, 2021).
Enhancing Low Vision
Low vision—defined as best-corrected visual acuity between 20/400 and 20/60—affects daily tasks like reading. AR offers various strategies to improve recognition and functioning, including magnification and edge enhancement.
While magnification tools enhance visibility, they may limit the field of view. Some AR systems allow users to see both their real environment and enhanced visuals by adjusting transparency. Advances in artificial intelligence have improved object and facial recognition, providing valuable audio feedback and textual information for users with low vision (Optical Society of America, 2022).
Spotlight on Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of peripheral vision loss, resulting in a “tunnel vision” effect that complicates mobility and social interactions. This condition not only increases the risk of falls but can also lead to anxiety and depression. Despite being a primary cause of blindness, glaucoma symptoms are often misunderstood, highlighting the need for education and awareness.
AR has been utilised for nearly two decades to assist glaucoma patients. For instance, Vargas-Martin et al. (2017) developed devices that display miniaturised images of peripheral regions, enhancing users’ navigation abilities. Additionally, systems that detect moving objects and alert users through central vision show promise, with research indicating a 93% success rate in detecting movement using devices like the Epson Moverio BT-200 (Vargas-Martin et al., 2017).
Conclusion
Augmented reality is poised to transform ophthalmology, offering innovative solutions for glaucoma, visual field defects, and low vision. As technology advances, AR holds the potential to significantly improve diagnosis, treatment, and the overall quality of life for patients, making the future of eye care increasingly bright.
References:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2021). Augmented reality in ophthalmology: New frontiers. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8703032/
- Optical Society of America. (2022). Advances in AR technology for vision correction. Optical Society of America – Biomedical Optics Express. https://opg.optica.org/boe/fulltext.cfm?uri=boe-12-1-511&id=445003
- Vargas-Martin, F., Garcia, J., & Peralta, M. (2017). Peripheral vision enhancement using augmented reality devices for glaucoma patients. Journal of Ophthalmology, 24(2), 112-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.08.036
- Cover image courtesy of Optical Society of America, Biomedical Optics Express (BOE)
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