Abstract:
To design interactive stereographic (SG) 3D computer animation software that demonstrates ophthalmic surgery techniques as well as complex topics in ophthalmology in a way that helps physicians visualize and understand these difficult subjects better.
Using Cinema 4d XL 8.2, a Fujitsu Siemens Celsius Mobile H, ED–Liquid Crystal 3D Shutter Glasses, a 19 Inch Monitor, as well as SG combination software we created SG animations that demonstrate general ophthalmic surgery techniques, specialized retinal surgery procedures as well as various aspects of the oculomotor system. In order to create a true stereographic effect, each frame of each animation was rendered from two different angles with two separate virtual cameras that were set up in a "tow in" configuration. Structures that were placed behind the point of intersection of the two lines of sight of the two cameras were perceived behind the monitor screen (negative parallax). All structures that were placed in front of the of this point of intersection were perceived to float in front of the monitor screen (positive parallax).
We were able to create high quality 3D animations that created a very good perception of SG depth. The physicians that these animations were shown to reported perceiving a positive and negative parallax of up to 20 cm, resulting in a perceived SG depth of up to 40 cm. Almost no "ghosting" and very little "VR sickness" was reported by the viewers. They also expressed the opinion that the stereographic depth improved the demonstration effectiveness of the animations considerably.
SG 3D computer animation demonstration technology can increase the understanding of complex topics in ophthalmology and should be developed further.
Keywords: computational modeling • retina • anatomy