Key Takeaways

• Research found virtual reality (VR) to be a promising tool for educating patients and improving their level of satisfaction during IOL selection for cataract surgery
• More patients in the VR versus control group selected an advanced technology IOL in this retrospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study
• Most of the patients in the VR group said they would recommend the educational tool to others

In a retrospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study, virtual reality (VR) showed promise as a tool for educating patients and improving their level of satisfaction during IOL selection for cataract surgery.¹

The study included a total of 609 patients from five surgical centers who were divided into two groups according to the educational modality used during their cataract evaluation; the VR group had 289 patients, and the control group, which received standard verbal education from providers, had 320 patients. The primary outcome measured was the rate of advanced technology IOL selection at the initial appointment. Feedback was solicited from patients via surveys administered 1 week after the evaluation and 3 months after surgery.

More patients in the VR group chose an advanced technology IOL (57.1% vs 28.4%). Three months after surgery, 90% of survey respondents said their vision closely resembled what they had seen in the VR simulation, and 90% said they would recommend VR education to others.

The study authors noted that additional prospective research is required to confirm the advantages of integrating VR into the cataract surgery consultation and to evaluate the long-term effect on patient outcomes.

1. Poolman K, Tschetter J, Khan A, et al. Patient satisfaction with a virtual reality education tool for advanced technology intraocular lenses: a retrospective multi-center analysis. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2026;20:602152. doi:10.2147/PPA.S602152