Virtual Frontier: A New Reality

Abstract

A software generated three dimensional simulated image or an environment which apparently allows for physical interaction is virtual reality. In virtual reality environment, an individual interacts with the help of specialized input and output devices. Use of virtual reality in healthcare settings is widespread. It includes facilitation in medical education i.e. surgical training, therapeutic effects i.e. pain management and rehabilitation, and lastly patient engagement with regards to planning personalized medical and surgical treatment in addition to remote access for patients.
Likewise in ophthalmology, virtual reality has an enormous impact in facilitation and speeding up surgical training of residents in addition to screening and diagnosis of some macular disorders. A three dimensional monitor (LG CINEMA 3D monitor, 23MD53D, Seoul, South Korea) is being used for diagnosis and assessment of metamorphopsia. Polarizing glasses are used to create a stereoscopic effect to each eye followed by six picture test which included three pictures each for vertical and horizontal metamorphopsia.