Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42404269›Full record

ReviewJournal of current ophthalmology

The Metaverse in Ophthalmology: Application and Perceived Benefits, Challenges, Realistic Expectations, and Future Outlook.

Yazan Abubaker, Dana Mahameed, Abhimanyu S Ahuja, Yara Abukhaled, Aya Shokair, Nithya Boopathiraj, Ibrahim Qozat, Isabella V Wagner, P Connor Lentz, Pranav Vasu and 2 more

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Journal of current ophthalmology. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Yazan AbubakerDepartment of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Dana MahameedPrimary Care Department, Meuhedet Health Services, Haifa, Israel.
Abhimanyu S AhujaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Yara AbukhaledDepartment of Medicine, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Aya ShokairDepartment of Medicine, Riverside School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
Nithya BoopathirajDepartment of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Ibrahim QozatDepartment of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Isabella V WagnerDepartment of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
P Connor LentzDepartment of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Pranav VasuDepartment of Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Darby D MillerDepartment of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Syril DorairajDepartment of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the potential of the metaverse, a three-dimensional platform merging physical and virtual realities (VRs), in advancing the field of ophthalmology. This study examines its applications in areas such as VR-based surgical training, augmented reality (AR)-assisted surgeries, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, and teleophthalmology. This review builds upon previous literature by integrating recent evidence and technological advancements, offering a more comprehensive analysis of particular applications and barriers in ophthalmology. Methods: Academic literature published between 2019 and 2024 was identified through searches in the PubMed database and Google Scholar search engine using relevant keywords. This review focused on studies discussing the application of the metaverse in health care and ophthalmology, with particular attention to key trends, emerging uses, technological features, and associated challenges. Results: A total of 60 studies were deemed relevant for inclusion in this review. The infrastructure supporting the Metaverse comprises technologies such as the Internet of Things, digital twins, mirror worlds, nonfungible tokens, blockchain technology, and lifelogging. Together, these technologies create immersive environments that users can access through VR headsets, AR glasses, and handheld controllers. The metaverse presents promising opportunities in ophthalmology, particularly in enhancing clinical training through simulators such as the EyeSi™ surgical simulator, VRmagic EyeSi Slit Lamp, and the HelpMeSee™ VR simulator. In addition, it facilitates remote consultations and improves diagnostic and treatment options, exemplified by tools such as the Vivid Vision™ system for amblyopia, the Microsoft HoloLens™ for navigating complex anatomical structures, and AI-based platforms for the early detection of diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, the metaverse may enhance patient education by simulating the visual effects of ophthalmic conditions and visualizing postoperative outcomes. However, challenges, including financial limitations, data security concerns, and cultural acceptance, must be addressed. Conclusions: A gradual and context-specific integration of the metaverse is essential, particularly in underdeveloped regions. As the metaverse evolves, it holds significant potential to transform the field of ophthalmology by promoting global collaboration and innovation, complementing traditional practices, and ensuring equitable access to advanced healthcare solutions.

Indexed as

Artificial intelligence diagnosticsAugmented reality-assisted surgeriesEducationHealthcareMetaverseOphthalmologyTeleophthalmologyVirtual reality training

Identifiers

PMID42404269
PMCPMC13331318

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.