Vision training; Comparing a novel virtual reality game of snakes with a conventional clinical therapy

Mei Ying Boon, Lisa Asper, Na Jiao, Malcolm Ryan

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Vergence eye movements are the disconjugate movements of the two eyes, needed to accurately 'point' the eyes at an object of interest. Convergence insufficiency is the reduced ability to elicit and maintain the eyes in the accurate convergence position, and it affects about 5% of the population, often leading to visual symptoms such as diplopia (double vision), eye strain and headaches, especially during near tasks. The ability to converge and diverge accurately can be trained with vision training, but vision training activities are not standardized and they are often not complied with. Methods: We developed a novel virtual reality (VR) snake game and compared it with conventional anaglyph treatments in a randomized controlled trial on typical adults. Compliance was assessed by the time spent doing the prescribed vision training over a period of three weeks. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement of convergence ability in both the VR snake and anaglyph treatment groups, and no difference in compliance between the two groups. Conclusion: Virtual reality headsets may be used to train vergences in adults. Further work is required to determine its utility in people with convergence insufficiency who require training for longer than 3 weeks.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2017 IEEE Life Sciences Conference, LSC 2017
EditorsSameer Antani, Mohamad Sawan
Place of PublicationUnited States
PublisherIEEE, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages43-46
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781538610305
ISBN (Print)9781538610312
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event1st International IEEE Life-Science Conference, LSC 2017 - Sydney, Australia
Duration: 13 Dec 201715 Dec 2017

Publication series

Name2017 IEEE Life Sciences Conference, LSC 2017
Volume2018-January

Conference

Conference1st International IEEE Life-Science Conference, LSC 2017
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period13/12/1715/12/17

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