Mayuri Deka, B.Optom., M.Optom.
Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences, Kaziranga University, Jorhat, Assam
The fields of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are rapidly advancing, offering revolutionary tools for vision training and rehabilitation in optometry. These immersive technologies provide engaging, personalised, and effective solutions for treating various visual conditions, making vision care more innovative and accessible than ever before.
What Are VR and AR in Vision Training?
Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users in a fully digital environment, isolating them from the real world. In vision training, this technology creates controlled environments for exercises that improve visual skills and treat eye disorders.(1) Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital elements onto the real world, allowing users to interact with their surroundings while enhancing their visual experience. Both technologies have unique applications in improving eye health and addressing visual impairments.(2)
Applications in Vision Training(3)
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Treatment Amblyopia, often treated with traditional methods like patching, is being reimagined through VR-based therapies. Programs such as Vivid Vision use interactive VR games to promote binocular vision by encouraging both eyes to work together. These games are designed to stimulate the weaker eye while maintaining patient engagement, particularly in children.
Strabismus Management AR technologies provide real-time visual feedback to patients with strabismus (misaligned eyes). By presenting targets in augmented environments, AR can train the eyes to work in harmony, improving alignment and depth perception over time.
Post-Injury Rehabilitation Patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries or strokes often experience visual challenges, such as hemianopia (partial visual field loss). VR platforms simulate real-world scenarios, helping these patients regain visual-motor coordination and confidence in everyday activities.
Low Vision Aids AR devices such as OrCam MyEye and eSight Glasses enhance vision for individuals with conditions like macular degeneration or glaucoma. These tools magnify objects, adjust contrast, and even provide text-to-speech capabilities, enabling users to navigate their environments more independently.
Sports Vision Training For athletes, VR offers a competitive edge by improving dynamic vision, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination. Simulations replicate game scenarios, allowing athletes to refine their visual tracking and decision-making under pressure.
Examples of VR/AR Solutions in Vision Training
Vivid Vision:
- A VR platform for binocular vision disorders like amblyopia and strabismus.
- Offers gamified tasks to improve eye coordination and depth perception.
Eye-Sync:
- A VR system used for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients with neurological issues affecting eye movements.
- Popular in concussion management.
OrCam MyEye:
- AR-based wearable device for low vision and blind users.
- Provides real-time assistance by reading text, recognizing faces, and identifying objects.
eSight Glasses:
- AR-enabled glasses that enhance residual vision for patients with low vision.
Figure 1: Eye-Sync in concussion management
Advantages of VR/AR in Vision Training
- Personalized Care: Exercises can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient, ensuring optimal results.
- Enhanced Engagement: Gamified elements make vision training enjoyable, encouraging patients to adhere to therapy plans.
- Controlled Environments: Simulated scenarios allow for safe and precise training without real-world risks.
- Objective Progress Tracking: Advanced analytics embedded in VR/AR systems provide measurable outcomes, helping practitioners monitor improvements.
Challenges and Limitations
While VR and AR technologies offer immense potential, they also face certain challenges:
- High Costs: The expense of VR/AR devices and software may limit access, particularly in low-income regions.
- User Discomfort: Some users may experience motion sickness or fatigue during prolonged use.
- Training Requirements: Eye care professionals need to be trained in using these advanced tools effectively in clinical practice.
Future Directions
The future of VR and AR in vision training looks promising. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with these technologies could enable real-time adaptation of exercises based on patient performance. Portable AR devices are becoming more lightweight and affordable, paving the way for widespread use in everyday life. Furthermore, combining VR/AR tools with tele-optometry could extend vision therapy to remote and underserved areas.
Conclusion
Virtual and Augmented Reality are transforming the landscape of vision training and rehabilitation. By offering immersive and innovative solutions, these technologies are not only improving treatment outcomes but also enhancing the overall patient experience. As VR and AR continue to evolve, their integration into optometry holds the potential to revolutionize eye care and redefine the future of vision health.
Embracing the potential of VR and AR in vision training could be the key to unlocking a new era of personalized and effective eye care solutions.
References:
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- Regrebsubla N. Determinants of diffusion of virtual reality. GRIN Verlag; 2016 May 30.
- The Impact of Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR) on Industries, URL: https://blog.emb.global/impact-of-virtual-and-augmented-reality/ [Last accessed: 11 Feb 2025; 17:00AEST]
- Iskander M, Ogunsola T, Ramachandran R, McGowan R, Al-Aswad LA. Virtual reality and augmented reality in ophthalmology: A contemporary prospective. Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology. 2021 May 1;10(3):244-52.
Author:-
Mrs. Mayuri Deka, has completed M. Optom. and has an extensive experience in the field of Optometry education and works relentless towards the growth of Optometry in the Northeast of India. She also organizes multiple free screening camps and awareness camps for blinding diseases in the remote locations of Assam and surrounding. She worked as an Assistant professor, and Academic In charge in Ridley College of Optometry for almost more than a decade in Jorhat district, Assam, India. Currently she is associated with the School of Health Sciences, Kaziranga, University, Jorhat, Assam in the role of an Assistant Professor.