Our Summary

This paper reviews the use of extended reality (which includes virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality) in the field of ophthalmology, which is the study of eyes. These technologies can create environments that are not possible in the real world, which could be useful in teaching eye doctors, diagnosing eye diseases, and treating eye problems.

The researchers looked at studies from 1956 to 2020 that used extended reality in these ways. They found 87 relevant studies, most of which focused on using this technology for education. They found that using virtual reality for training surgeons and teaching them to use an ophthalmoscope (a tool used to look into the eye) can help improve skills and reduce the rate of complications during surgery.

The studies also showed that extended reality can be used to present images of the eye and assess the function of patients with eye diseases. They also found that using this technology in surgery had similar success and complication rates as traditional surgery. However, the researchers note that more high-quality studies are needed to truly evaluate how effective these technologies are in comparison to current methods.

FAQs

  1. How can extended reality technologies be beneficial in the field of ophthalmology?
  2. What were the main findings from the studies that utilized extended reality in ophthalmology from 1956 to 2020?
  3. Are the success and complication rates similar when using extended reality technology in ocular surgery compared to traditional surgery methods?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ocular surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully. This may include avoiding certain medications, fasting before surgery, and stopping the use of contact lenses prior to the procedure. Following these instructions can help ensure the surgery goes smoothly and reduces the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for ocular surgery include those with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and other vision problems that cannot be effectively treated with medications or other non-invasive methods. Ocular surgery may also be recommended for patients who have experienced eye trauma or injury. Additionally, patients with refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia may be candidates for procedures such as LASIK or PRK to correct their vision. Ultimately, the decision to undergo ocular surgery should be made in consultation with an ophthalmologist who can assess the individual’s specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery, a patient typically goes through a series of consultations with their ophthalmologist to discuss their condition, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits of surgery. They may also undergo a pre-operative evaluation to assess their eye health and determine the best surgical approach.

During ocular surgery, the patient is usually under local or general anesthesia, depending on the type of procedure. The surgery itself can range from a quick and minimally invasive procedure, such as cataract surgery, to a more complex surgery, such as corneal transplant or retinal detachment repair. The patient is closely monitored by the surgical team throughout the procedure to ensure their safety and comfort.

After ocular surgery, the patient is typically monitored for a period of time in the recovery room to ensure there are no immediate complications. They may experience some discomfort, redness, and blurry vision in the days following surgery, but these symptoms usually improve as the eye heals. The patient will have follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor their progress and ensure the surgery was successful in improving their vision or treating their eye condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about ocular surgery using extended reality technology include:

  1. How will extended reality technology be used during my surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using extended reality in my specific case?
  3. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with using extended reality technology during surgery?
  4. How does the use of extended reality technology compare to traditional methods of ocular surgery?
  5. Are there any additional costs associated with using extended reality technology during my surgery?
  6. What is the success rate of surgeries performed using extended reality technology?
  7. How will extended reality technology be used in my post-operative care and follow-up appointments?
  8. Are there any specific precautions I should take if I undergo ocular surgery using extended reality technology?
  9. Can you provide me with more information or resources to learn about extended reality technology in ophthalmology?
  10. What experience do you have with using extended reality technology in ocular surgery, and how confident are you in its effectiveness for my specific case?

Reference

Authors: Ong CW, Tan MCJ, Lam M, Koh VTC. Journal: J Med Internet Res. 2021 Aug 19;23(8):e24152. doi: 10.2196/24152. PMID: 34420929