Virtual Reality Visual Field Testing for Glaucoma

Overseen By Reann Post, BSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Nova Scotia Health Authority

Disqualifiers: Secondary glaucoma, Optic neuropathy, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method for testing vision in people with glaucoma using virtual reality (VR). It will compare results from a VR device, known as Virtual Reality Visual Field (VR-VF), with the usual testing method to determine their alignment, particularly for different stages of glaucoma. Individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma, who can perform vision tests and have not undergone major eye surgeries (except cataract or minor glaucoma surgeries), may qualify for this study. Participants will complete both standard and VR vision tests over five visits. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance future glaucoma testing methods.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this virtual reality device is safe for visual field testing?

Research has shown that using virtual reality (VR) for testing vision in glaucoma patients is generally easy and comfortable. In studies, patients used VR devices independently, without assistance from caregivers or staff, suggesting the technology is safe and user-friendly.

One study examined 19 different VR headsets for vision testing and found them effective and safe. Although specific side effects were not mentioned, the emphasis on effectiveness suggests safety.

Overall, current research indicates that VR for glaucoma testing is a safe choice for patients, with no major side effects reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Virtual Reality Visual Field (VR-VF) testing for glaucoma because it offers a new, immersive way to assess vision loss. Unlike the standard Humphrey visual field test, which uses a static setup, VR-VF testing uses virtual reality to potentially provide a more engaging and comfortable experience for patients. This technology could lead to more accurate and consistent results by reducing patient fatigue and improving test reliability. Plus, the portability of VR systems might make it easier to conduct these tests in more diverse settings, broadening access to essential diagnostics.

What evidence suggests that this virtual reality device is effective for monitoring glaucoma?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) tests for vision are as reliable and effective as traditional methods for detecting vision problems in people with glaucoma. In this trial, participants will perform both a virtual reality-based visual field test and a standard Humphrey visual field test for both eyes. Studies have found that VR tests can detect visual field issues just as effectively. These tests are also more comfortable and potentially more cost-effective. Patients using VR tests have demonstrated the ability to adhere to them and perform well over time. Although the technology is still developing, it already proves to be a promising tool for monitoring glaucoma. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Brennan Eadie, MD, PhD, FRCSC

Principal Investigator

Nova Scotia Health

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients with open-angle glaucoma. Participants will need to perform both standard and VR-based visual field tests over five visits. There are no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria provided, but typically participants should not have conditions that interfere with test accuracy.

Inclusion Criteria

I understand and can agree to the study's requirements.

I am older than 18 years.

I have been diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with secondary glaucoma or a similar eye condition.

I have a severe balance disorder or often feel very dizzy.

Presence of significant media opacity

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Testing

Participants perform both a virtual reality-based visual field test and a standard Humphrey visual field test for both eyes across five separate sessions.

8 weeks

5 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after testing

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Reality Visual Field (VR-VF)

Trial Overview The study is testing the feasibility of a Virtual Reality Visual Field (VR-VF) device compared to the traditional Ziess Humphrey Field Analyzer for monitoring glaucoma. It aims to see if they produce similar results in detecting visual defects at different stages of glaucoma.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Visual Field Testing Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will perform both a virtual reality-based visual field test and a standard Humphrey visual field test for both eyes.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Lead Sponsor

Trials

302

Recruited

95,300+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11926061/

Virtual Reality Visual Field Testing in Glaucoma: Benefits ... VRVFT showed comparable reliability and efficacy to SAP in detecting glaucomatous visual field defects. Benefits of VRVFT included improved ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666914524000708

Esterman Visual Field Testing Using a Virtual Reality ... This pilot study aims to assess the use of a virtual reality visual fields (VRVF) headset for implementation of the EVF test to obtain results comparable to ...

3. ophthalmologyscience.org ophthalmologyscience.org/article/S2666-9145(24)00175-1/fulltext

Retention and Compliance over a 2-year Period To evaluate long-term retention, compliance, and performance of glaucoma patients using a virtual reality portable perimeter to monitor visual ...

4. reviewofophthalmology.com reviewofophthalmology.com/article/vr-visual-fields-a-gamechanger

VR Visual Fields: A Game-Changer? From comfort and efficiency to cost savings, VR-based perimetry is transforming glaucoma care—but challenges remain as the technology evolves ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04010383

Non-inferiority Study for Visual Field Measurements Using ... It is hypothesized that performing VF measurements with a Virtual Reality headset using similar testing strategies as implemented in conventional perimeters, ...

6. aao.org aao.org/eyenet/article/virtual-reality-perimetry-and-glaucoma

The State of Virtual Reality for Glaucoma Care Results showed that patients successfully trained remotely without interactions with caregivers or study staff and their VR test results showed ...

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04994457

Patient Performance on Virtual Reality Visual Field Devices ... It identifies the role of the intervention that participants receive. Types of arms include experimental arm, active comparator arm, placebo comparator arm, ...

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2411-5150/9/4/80

Evaluating the Clinical Validity of Commercially Available ... This systematic review synthesized data from 19 studies evaluating the clinical validity of commercially available VR headsets for visual field testing [12,17, ...