Abstract
Purpose :
In this study, we aimed to show that it is possible to use perimeter data and Virtual Reality (VR) for the realistic simulation of individual glaucomatous visual field loss.
Methods :
We have recently introduced a VR simulation platform to visualize perimeter data (Stock et al. ACM VRST 2018). For the verification of the claim of realism, we conducted a clinical study on glaucomatous patients, healthy individuals and healthcare professionals at Heidelberg University Eye Clinic. Patients with severe field loss in only one eye were included. The visual field test was performed using an Octopus 900 device and a standard glaucoma (G) pattern. Measured sensitivity thresholds were converted and extrapolated to match the Oculus Rift VR field of view, and presented to the patient (Figure 1). The system supports two modes. One mapping the visual field of one eye (monocular mode) to both viewports in VR and the other mapping corresponding visual fields to the respective viewports (binocular mode). Usually, visual field loss is not perceived as black spots by the patients, therefore static representations, like pictures, are not suited for perceptual realism. Our approach is to use consistent positions in the visual field for improved realism. This was achieved by using a fixation target (compare Figure 1) and only allowing head movements. A questionnaire was proposed to assess realism and comprehension of this new data representation.
Results :
Participants agreed that this novel VR technique is better understandable for a layperson than grayscale data representation created by a perimeter. Binocular mode was helping to understand the effects of field loss in stereoscopy, especially for healthy individuals. The glaucoma group agreed that such data representation was helping them to evaluate their individual vision progression. Furthermore, they reported that the simulation can be considered realistic; however not necessarily fit their everyday perception, while being able to scan their visual field in VR.
Conclusions :
VR is suited for understandable visualization of individual glaucoma progression, especially when patients were able to scan the visual field. This study on vision simulation shows, that it is possible to display reduced visual field performance and progression due to glaucoma in a realistic manner in VR.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.