
Virtual Reality Eye-Tracking Technologies for Assessing Myopia: Evaluating the Optokinetic Reflex (OKN)
This study aims to provide a more precise and unbiased measurement of visual acuity
Overview
This pilot study evaluates the agreement between traditional clinical visual acuity (VA) measurements and a new objective VA test that employs eye-tracking technology via Virtual Reality (VR). Visual acuity is a crucial measure in diagnosing and managing myopia (nearsightedness), but current methods like standardized eye charts can be subjective.
By using eye-tracking technology, this study aims to provide a more precise and unbiased measurement of visual acuity. The primary objective is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of this innovative test compared to traditional clinical methods, with the potential to significantly improve VA assessments and patient care in both optometric and general healthcare settings.
Methods
This pilot study compares subjective visual acuity (VA), measured using the ETDRS chart at 4 meters without correction, to objective VA measurements obtained through a VR headset equipped with eye-tracking technology.
The objective method involves dynamic stimuli and follows the Method of Limit, which takes approximately 60 seconds per eye and condition. The test employs optokinetic nystagmus (OKN), an involuntary eye movement in response to a moving visual pattern, to stabilize vision by inducing smooth pursuit and quick reset movements. During the test, when a central target is visible, eye movement is suppressed, ensuring clear and stable vision for the user, whether experiencing moving or stationary stimuli via VR.
Technology
The VR system uses eye-tracking technology to detect and measure the Optokinetic Reflex (OKN), which is critical for understanding how the eyes respond to visual stimuli. This technology presents dynamic visual stimuli, such as moving gratings, to assess the user’s visual responses. The eye movements are recorded and analyzed to provide an objective measurement of visual acuity, offering a more reliable alternative to traditional subjective methods, like reading letters from an eye chart.
This system provides a precise, efficient, and non-invasive method for tracking eye movements and assessing visual capabilities, offering potential improvements in myopia diagnosis and treatment.
Key Benefits
- Precision: Provides more accurate and unbiased measurements of visual acuity compared to traditional methods.
- Efficiency: The test duration is short, taking only around 60 seconds per eye, offering a quick and effective evaluation process.
- Unbiased Results: Eye-tracking technology removes the subjectivity involved in reading eye charts, ensuring more consistent results.
- Improved Patient Care: This technology could significantly enhance visual assessments in clinical settings, leading to better management of myopia and other vision-related conditions.
Research Impact
This pilot study has the potential to modernize visual acuity assessments by integrating VR and eye-tracking technologies into clinical practice. The results could provide optometrists and ophthalmologists with a more reliable tool for diagnosing and managing myopia, especially in young patients who may struggle with traditional visual tests.
Demo
Contact Information
For more details on this project, please contact the RIVRT team at Contact Us.
Collaborating with





