Assessing visual function in Glaucoma using a Virtual Reality Headset.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Determining the Clinical Utility of using Virtual Reality Headsets to assess visual function in those with Glaucoma.
IRAS ID
210304
Contact name
Ruth Hogg
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Perimetry is used to measure how well a patient sees in the periphery of their vision and is very important for deciding if glaucoma is progressing or not. Currently this has to be done using specialist equipment that is expensive and can be uncomfortable or difficult to access for some patients. Affordable next generation virtual reality (VR) technology has the potential to improve the cost, comfort and frequency of visual field monitoring for glaucoma patients.
Over one year we propose to develop a perimetry test that patients will use with commercially available head-mounted display developed for virtual reality. We will design the test to closely match the current gold-standard test. During the test we will present small spots of light (visual stimuli) at 52 positions via a VR head-mounted display. Patients will have to respond to the presence of the small visual stimuli by pressing a button. We will pilot our new test in visually normal participants and then in glaucoma patients by comparing it with the current gold standard.
Long term, we anticipate that the test could have significant clinical impact by reducing costs and enabling more comfortable and more frequent monitoring of glaucoma patients, potentially at non-specialist clinics or even at home.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
16/NI/0251
Date of REC Opinion
29 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion