Abstract
Clinical science and medical imaging technology are traditionally displayed in two dimensions (2D) on a computer monitor. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) expands the realm of 2D image visualization, enabling an immersive VR experience with unhindered spatial interaction by the user. Thus far, analysis of data extracted from VR applications was mainly qualitative. In this study, we enhance VR and provide evidence for quantitative VR research by validating digital VR display of computed tomography (CT) data of the orbit. Volumetric CT data were transferred and rendered into a VR environment. Subsequently, seven graders performed repeated and blinded diameter measurements. The intergrader variability of the measurements in VR was much lower compared to measurements in the physical world and measurements were reasonably consistent with their corresponding elements in the real context. The overall VR measurements were 5.49% higher. As such, this study attests the ability of VR to provide similar quantitative data alongside the added benefit of VR interfaces. VR entails a lot of potential for the future research in ophthalmology and beyond in any scientific field that uses three-dimensional data.
Highlights
Clinical science and medical imaging technology are traditionally displayed in two dimensions (2D) on a computer monitor
Nine different diameters were measured repeatedly, three times each (Fig. 1). This resulted in a total of 189 diameter measurements (81 in the physical world and 108 in the virtual reality)
While all virtual reality (VR) measurements were reliable, a significant location-dependent inter-reader variability of measurements was found in the physical world (Figs. 2, 3)
Summary
Clinical science and medical imaging technology are traditionally displayed in two dimensions (2D) on a computer monitor. There are increasing possibilities for presentation and interaction with virtual r eality[14] In this context, virtual reality (VR) has recently been optimized as an enhanced medical image display method and showed to safeguard visual c omfort[15,16]. The main objective of this study was to extend current medical image display and validate the level of spatial precision in orbitometry of CT data, representing the physical world, compared to precision in three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality for the first time. This is especially important when new ways are explored to use emerging and transforming digital media to virtually guide a surgeon for saving and improving lives
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