OCULUS, Inc. is introducing a new dual testing functionality to its recently-launched OCULUS Easyfield Virtual Reality (VR) headset.
First, a refresh on this device.
Originally debuting in the U.S. in January 2024, the Easyfield VR performs the following screenings and testing:
- VF screenings (< 1 minute)
- Vision screenings
- Medical testing
- Threshold Visual fields (VFs)
See specifics on each of these.
How is it designed?
With a lightweight design, two hand controllers, and a foam-padded headset that fits around a patient’s head, the device is intended to minimize the risk of potential patient fatigue/errors—and enable faster testing times.
- Plus: The company’s proprietary SMARTracker 2 Fixation Tracking technology monitors patient fixation and continuous eye tracking for reproducible testing results
See all of its features—including audio-guided capabilities, remote examination monitoring, and no need for an internet connection to operate—as well as the benefits for clinical practices and patients.
Now a rundown on this dual testing.
The dual testing functionality enables two different versions:
- Frequency Double Perimetry (FDP)
- Standard Automated Perimetry (SAP)
Dive into each.
Starting with FDP, this enables the Easyfield VR to detect any potential VF defects with both sensitivity and precision, according to the company.
How this helps eye care providers (ECPs): By more accurately identifying and assessing VF loss, ECps can—ideally—provide earlier diagnoses and more effective treatment interventions.
And SAP?
OCULUS refers to this form of perimetry as “the gold standard in comprehensive VF assessment.”
How it works: The SAP quantifies the extent and pattern of VF loss to provide more data for monitoring disease progression.
So how do they work during testing?
Ideally, the device is intended to be configured to start with one form of testing (either FDP or SAP) followed by a relatively easy upgrade to its dual configuration, depending on their needs.
And with other devices?
The company noted that ECPs already using its Pentacam and Keratograph can integrate the Easyfield VR exam results into OCULUS’s patient database.
The intended result: a more centralized patient management workflow
This sounds promising … what kind of clinical data is available for this?
Research published in 2017 in PLOS ONE evaluated the use of SAP and Matrix frequency-doubling technology (FDT; similar to FDP) perimetry in monitoring VF defects in patients with glaucoma suspect eyes.
Those findings: FDT was found to detect more eyes that developed VF defects than SAP (when using a less conservative criterion), though no significant differences were noted when using a more conservative criterion.
And together?
Among eyes detected using both SAP and FDT, “FDT detected the development of VF defects either earlier than SAP or simultaneously in most cases,” the study authors reported.
- Further: Both tests detected “a progressing worsening trend of pattern standard deviations over time with a similar rate of change between these test types,” they stated.
So the conclusion?
While both Matrix FDT and SAP were effective in detecting glaucoma suspects, Matrix FTX was suggested to be capable of outperforming SAP in the early stage of glaucomatous VF damage.
This sounds promising … so how can I get this dual testing addition?
As the Easyfield VR is only available within the U.S. ophthalmic market, OCULUS stated that interested ECPs can demo it at upcoming trade shows this fall.
Case in point: Vision Expo West later this month (Sept. 19-21 in Last Vegas, Nevada), booth #F13053.
And for general questions regarding the perimetry device, click here.