VirtuaLens announced the launch of the Immersive IOL Simulator, described as a virtual reality (VR) platform to help cataract patients explore and compare intraocular lens (IOL) options before surgery. 

The simulator places patients into lifestyle-based scenarios – including night driving, playing golf, reading, working at a computer, or navigating home kitchens – to illustrate the real-world effects of monofocal, multifocal and premium IOLs. It also provides side-by-side comparisons and enables family members to view the simulations. 

Commenting in Healio, Dr Jay Pepose, professor of clinical ophthalmology at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, said the Immersive IOL Simulator helps patients appreciate their desired range of focus, especially intermediate vision, which is often underestimated when focusing predominantly on near and far tasks. “However, it does not incorporate the patient’s optical system or the specific design of individual IOLs. While it may simulate glare and halos, it does not allow patients to truly experience their brightness, size or photic phenomena,” he said.  

Further validation studies are needed to determine simulation fidelity, patient satisfaction and any effect on IOL exchange rates, said Dr Pepose.