Testing of visual field with virtual reality goggles in manual and visual grasp modes.

This study introduces and evaluates a new head-mounted perimeter called VirtualEye, which uses virtual reality goggles and eye-tracking technology to assess visual fields. The device aims to offer a more comfortable testing experience compared to traditional perimeters. The VirtualEye was tested on 59 patients in manual mode (using mouse clicks to respond) and 40 in visual grasp mode (using eye movements to indicate target detection), with 59 also undergoing standard Humphrey field analyzer (HFA) testing. The methodology involved comparing the results from VirtualEye with those from the HFA, analyzing point-by-point sensitivity measurements, and conducting usability surveys. The results showed that VirtualEye could reliably detect large visual field defects. The point-by-point comparison revealed minimal systematic differences between visual grasp and manual modes, an average standard deviation of about 5 dB in difference distributions, and a 4-6 dB systematic shift to lower sensitivities for the VirtualEye, primarily in the high dB range. Usability surveys indicated good patient acceptance of the head-mounted device. The study validates the use of head-mounted perimeters and the visual grasp mode for visual field testing, suggesting it could be a useful tool, especially for patients who cannot use standard perimetry methods.