Seeing other perspectives: evaluating the use of virtual and augmented reality to simulate visual impairments (OpenVisSim) | JoVE Visualize

Seeing other perspectives: evaluating the use of virtual and augmented reality to simulate visual impairments (OpenVisSim)

Pete R Jones^1,2,3, Tamás Somoskeöy¹, Hugo Chow-Wing-Bom^2,3

¹1Division of Optometry and Visual Science, School of Health Science, Northampton Square, City, University of London, London, EC1V 0HB UK.

NPJ Digital Medicine|March 21, 2020

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Modern digital simulations accurately replicate vision loss from glaucoma. These tools effectively demonstrate everyday difficulties, showing inferior visual field loss is more impactful than superior, aiding public understanding.

Area of Science:

Ophthalmology and Vision Science
Human-Computer Interaction
Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

Simulations of visual impairment are used for public education, but their accuracy is often unverified.
Glaucoma patients frequently report difficulties with daily tasks due to their specific visual field loss patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the effectiveness of modern digital technologies in simulating the everyday challenges faced by individuals with glaucoma.
To assess the accuracy of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in replicating visual field loss (VFL).

Main Methods:

23 normally sighted adults performed visual search (VR) and mobility (AR) tasks.
Gaze-contingent simulated scotoma, based on real glaucoma patient data, was applied to superior or inferior visual fields.
Task completion time, eye movements, and head movements were recorded.

Main Results:

Simulated glaucoma impairments significantly hindered performance in both VR and AR tasks (P < 0.001).
Inferior visual field loss caused greater impairment than superior VFL, mirroring patient experiences (P < 0.001).
Performance differences between inferior and superior VFL conditions were substantial, approaching the impact of complete superior VFL.

Conclusions:

Modern digital simulators, utilizing VR and AR, can effectively replicate and quantify key difficulties associated with glaucoma-induced visual impairment.
The study validates the use of these technologies for understanding and potentially mitigating the impact of visual field loss.
The OpenVisSim software is available for researchers and educators to explore these simulation capabilities.