Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have long
been in the technology spotlight, and they're still advancing. Companies such
as Apple and Microsoft and tech like cloud technology are leveraging their
power, expanding their uses, and enhancing their features to make them more
reliable and accessible.
These developments have proven helpful in the world of
eyewear and eye care, transforming consumer, patient, and practitioner
experiences. By harnessing AR
and VR, people can enjoy accessible and comprehensive tech that can make
caring for their eyes and going through daily life more convenient. Here's how
AR and VR tech are reshaping eye care and eyewear.
Eyewear e-commerce
Online shopping has opened up another avenue for buying
eyewear, increasing accessibility for consumers and expanding the reach of
brands and retailers. However, the e-commerce space poses a challenge for
eyewear, as consumers can't try on the products before purchasing. AR
technology has helped address this dilemma, simulating the experience of
looking for and trying different styles. AR can also be used for eyewear
shopping in other ways. Customers can use LensCrafters' frame advisor tool when
trying out glasses
online. This feature takes a 3D scan of the person's face using their
device's camera. Once measurements are taken, it will recommend face-flattering
frame options from top designer brands like Ray-Ban, Burberry, and more. They
can then "try on" the frames with the virtual try-on tool, which uses AR to
overlay the virtual image of the glasses onto the person's face. They can move
their head around and view it from various angles for a better look. This
technology helps consumers make more informed choices and boosts purchase
confidence, leading to a more satisfactory experience.

AR smart glasses
Smart glasses have become the next frontier in wearable
tech, allowing for greater immersion and integration of AR and VR in daily
life. AR, in particular, has become a major technology featured in many smart
glasses models. Digital displays and overlays of virtual images blend in with
reality, making them practical tools that can be more accessible and practical
than VR headsets since they don't create a full virtual environment. AR
smart glasses like the XREAL One Pro glasses are only becoming more
advanced and are fine-tuning AR capabilities to suit consumer needs. With AR
glasses, wearers can access desktop-like displays anywhere and anytime,
enhancing work efficiency and productivity. They can also hold video
conferences without staying connected to a computer. Gamers can also enjoy
immersive gaming sessions with the glasses. AR smart glasses have a variety of
uses and will continue to advance as the tech improves.
Surgery recovery
VR technology creates an immersive digital environment with
virtual scenes and objects, and these elements can play an important role in
surgery recovery. The technology was used to evaluate its value in strabismus
(eye misalignment) surgery
recovery in children, with results published in the Indian Journal of
Ophthalmology. The experiment revealed that those who underwent VR
interventions experienced lower rates of eye position reversion, keeping the
eyes positioned correctly post-surgery. Binocular vision also significantly
improved in the training group that consistently used VR smart glasses or
head-mount display equipment. This is likely due to the virtual environment,
which stimulates the senses under immersive conditions and aids in recovery. VR
may be instrumental in recovery interventions for other optical surgical
procedures, improving cure rates.
Training programs
Technology has revolutionized training for ophthalmologists,
offering new opportunities in diagnosing patients, treating eye conditions, and
performing surgeries. VR is taking it a step further by allowing doctors to use
virtual simulations to hone their skills and practice procedures, which they
may not have had the opportunity to do so previously. One such case is the
American Academy of Ophthalmology's partnership with FundamentalVR, a global
leader in immersive
surgical training. The VR program can aid in ophthalmic training,
especially when dealing with limitations. VR can help diagnose and treat
retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of preventable blindness in
children. Training opportunities are often limited, so VR can expand the scope
and offer safe and comprehensive education. This development is promising for
enhancing eye care globally, creating more well-trained doctors equipped to
diagnose and treat eye conditions.
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