This usability study compared patient experiences with a portable virtual reality (VR) visual field testing device to the conventional Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA). Conducted in glaucoma-specialized clinics, the study involved 15 glaucoma-suspect participants who performed a 30-2 visual field exam using both devices. Participants were surveyed afterward to assess comfort, confidence, and overall preference.
Key findings include:
- 86.6% of participants found the VR headset more comfortable than the HFA.
- 93.3% reported feeling more confident using the VR device.
- Participants appreciated the portability and ease of use of the VR headset, especially given that 80% had no prior VR experience.
Survey results indicated a better overall patient experience, which may contribute to more reliable exam performance.
The study concludes that VR-based visual field testing is highly acceptable to patients, with potential benefits for comfort, performance, and accessibility. Further research is recommended to explore adoption in more diverse populations.
Link: https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2791125
