Pilot study assesses feasibility of at-home glaucoma testing using VR and handheld devices
The main takeaway from the article is that unsupervised, at-home, multi-day glaucoma testing using the Olleyes VisuALL Virtual Reality Platform (VRP) and the iCare HOME handheld self-tonometer is feasible and can provide accurate and repeatable results, according to a study.
In this pilot study, 15 participants received training on 2 FDA-registered or approved devices before performing self-tests at home for 3 consecutive days. They measured their intraocular pressure (IOP) with the iCare HOME device 4 times daily for each eye and conducted VRP visual field tests once daily. The outcomes were compared with one in-clinic Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) visual field test from the training day, iCare HOME measurements taken by the trainer, and the last 5 results from the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT).
Out of the 15 participants, 9 (60%) successfully completed the study, while 6 were unable to use the iCare HOME device for self-measurement. The study found a strong correlation between the average mean deviation (MD) from the at-home VRP tests and the in-clinic HFA test, indicating consistency in results. In addition, 5 of the 6 Garway-Heath sectors had significant correlations in sensitivity. The VRP tests took less time compared to the HFA tests. While the average at-home tonometry readings were similar to those obtained by trainers and in-clinic GAT measurements, the at-home tests recorded higher maximum IOP values.
The study found that unsupervised, at-home glaucoma testing with these devices recorded higher maximum IOPs compared to in-clinic measurements and showed a strong correlation in MD between the VRP and HFA tests. However, 40% of participants had difficulty using the iCare HOME device, suggesting a need for better training or improvements in device design.
Reference
Berneshawi AR, Shue A, Chang RT. Glaucoma Home Self-Testing Using VR Visual Fields and Rebound Tonometry Versus In-Clinic Perimetry and Goldmann Applanation Tonometry: A Pilot Study. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2024;13(8):7. doi: 10.1167/tvst.13.8.7. PMID: 39102241.
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