Virtual Reality: Advantages And Limitations

Introduction

“Virtual reality (VR) technology evolved through investments by the federal government, Air Force, NASA and more recently by the entertainment industry” (Wiederhold and Wiederhold, 2005). The first versions of simulations in the 1900’s were for groups of people to feel a sense of motion with stereo sound, vibrations, and smells. Some years later, the first head mounted virtual display was developed in 1968 that used two cathode ray tubes mounted to a headband. In the 1990’s virtual reality applications in psychotherapy was introduced and received positive results (Wiederhold and Wiederhold, 2005). This virtual reality technology has bloomed since then to provide assistance and training in many medical fields. Even though virtual

All normal senses and bodily movements are disconnected or not used in the virtual world (Wiederhold & Wiederhold, 2005).

Virtual Reality – is an electronic system with computer generated a three-dimensional imaginary environment that allows the user to interact and immerse them in a virtual world (Wiederhold & Wiederhold, 2005).

Limitations

The limitations of this study are not many scientific studies have been conducted on the side effects of virtual reality on the human brain or bodily functions. Virtual reality in the medical field has expanded in the past decade and no real long term side effects data have been documented in any patients. The delimitations of this study are the number of areas virtual reality has been expanded to in the medical field. Since virtual reality is computer based, there is no limit to what can be created for the patients needs.

A VR system consists of human-interfaces, graphics, sensor technology, high-end computing work together to enable a user interact with an artificial computer-generated environment. The traditional medical training methods depend on available cases and patients with health related issues. Although with a VR system many more cases and scenarios are possible that can be repeated without the possibility of hurting live patients. One of the tools is a fluid flow simulation that is generated from CT scans to show motion through an artery (Djukic, Mandic, Filipovic, 2013). VR systems are also used for education and training for difficult surgical procedures such as bone and dental surgery, intubation and oral cavity procedures, eye surgery, and endoscopic surgeries. Each of these simulators provides education for the doctors as well as a way to practice before a difficult surgery (Ruthenbeck, & Reynolds,