The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of virtual reality (VR) in the broader field of paediatric ophthalmology with review of examination, screening, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. This review also explores the potential of eye tracking used in VR in paediatric ophthalmology. Twenty articles were included. For amblyopia, the main focus of articles was for use of VR technology as a treatment option. Only one article looked at ophthalmic examination. For strabismus, seven articles focussed on applied VR and eye tracking to evaluate or treat strabismus – five studied eye tracking assessment and two studied rehabilitation and therapy. Further articles for a variety of conditions explored visual field examination, hemianopia rehabilitation, cerebral visual impairment assessment of visual search performance, measurement of visually guided navigation in inherited retinal degeneration, detection of relative afferent pupillary defect in optic neuropathies, and examination of binocular imbalance and refraction in myopia. This review indicates potential for use of VR and eye tracking within standard paediatric ophthalmology practice. Typically, there is good compliance with use of VR. Further research is required to test feasibility, efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness and legal considerations.
The use of virtual reality in paediatric ophthalmology
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Virtual reality with eye tracking for paediatric ophthalmology: a systematic review.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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