Modified virtual reality technology for treatment of amblyopia.
OBJECTIVE
The conventional patching/occlusion treatment for amblyopia sometimes gives disappointing results for a number of reasons: it is unpopular, prolonged, frequently resulting in poor or noncompliance, and also disrupts fusion. The aim of this research was to develop a novel virtual-reality (VR)-based display system that facilitates the treatment of amblyopia with both eyes stimulated simultaneously.


METHODS
We have adopted a multidisciplinary approach, combining VR expertise with a team of ophthalmologists and orthoptists to develop the Interactive Binocular Treatment (I-BiT) system. This system incorporates adapted VR technology and specially written software providing interactive 2D and 3D games and videos to the patient via a stereo (binocular) display, and a control screen for the clinician.


RESULTS
We developed a prototype research system designed for treatment of amblyopia in children.


CONCLUSIONS
The result is a novel way to treat amblyopia, which allows binocular treatment. It is interactive, and as it is partially software based, can be adapted to suit the age/ability, and needs of the patient. This means that the treatment can be made captivating and enjoyable. Further research is on-going to determine the efficacy of this new modality in the treatment of amblyopia.
Eastgate
R M
RM
Virtual Reality Applications Research Team (VIRART), University of Nottingham, UK. richard.eastgate@nottingham.ac.uk
Griffiths
G D
GD
Waddingham
P E
PE
Moody
A D
AD
Butler
T K H
TK
Cobb
S V
SV
Comaish
I F
IF
Haworth
S M
SM
Gregson
R M
RM
Ash
I M
IM
Brown
S M
SM
D000550:Amblyopia / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003199:Computer Systems; D006801:Humans; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015348:Vision, Binocular