Assessment of the Validity of Virtual Reality-Based Binocular and Visual Tests in a Strabismus Clinic

Abstract

Many tests of visual function were created decades ago and remain unchanged to this day. Tests may be improved by using virtual reality (VR), because binocularity and digital customization intersect. However, its representation of vision remains to be validated. Four binocular and one visual tests (Worth Four Dot, Bagolini Striated Lenses, Frisby Stereotest, Double Maddox Rod, and Pelli-Robson Contrast Sensitivity) were replicated in VR and compared to the current method. Normal and pathological participants aged 5-61 completed each method and were analyzed pairwise. The VR method of Frisby Stereotest was significantly correlated to its clinical method (0.623, p<0.001). Six-meter results of Worth Four Dot (0.370, p=0.001) and Bagolini Striated Lenses (0.272, p=0.021) were also significant. The 1/3m results were not significant. Requirements of accurate visual function are emphasized in this study. VR’s hardware and software need continued development to provide a more realistic viewing environment for these tests.