Simulation of eye diseases in a virtual environment

Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly being used in medical training and education. In most of these applications, VR is used to improve the visual fidelity of the simulated objects. In this paper we investigate the potential of using VR to simulate visual deterioration caused by disease processes. The first person interactive nature of VR provides mechanisms for these visualizations which are not present in other media such as video, film or print. A virtual apartment has been created so that these visual problems can be simulated in a familiar context. Computer-generated image masks are used to model visual field loss caused by glaucoma. Diplopia is created by supplying incorrect viewing directions in the virtual environment. Macular degeneration is simulated by warping the central area of the simulated environment. This first person experience of the visual impairments can be used to teach medical professionals to recognize the kinds of problems which their patients may be experiencing and to increase the sensitivity of friends and family to the patients' difficulties. It may even help to convince noncompliant patients of the serious nature of their disease and increase their adherence with medical protocols.