Abstract:

Objective: Virtual reality (VR) glasses are tools that provide a more realistic perception of the image viewed from mobile phones. The aim of this study was to assess nystagmus with Cardboard VR, the most widely used and simplest form of VR glasses, and to compare the findings with those obtained via conventional Frenzel goggles. Materials and Methods: A total of 97 patients were included in the study. Balance tests were performed at one-hour intervals using Cardboard VR and Frenzel goggles. Direction, frequency, and duration of nystagmus were recorded during the examinations. Following the examinations, patients using both glasses were asked to rate the general comfort and holding quality of the glasses on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: No significant difference was found between the two glasses in terms of the direction of nystagmus (p>.05). There was no significant difference between the two glasses (Cardboard VR vs Frenzel goggles) in terms of frequency (0.73±0.29 beats/sec and 0.86±0.39 beats/sec, respectively) (p>.05). There was no significant difference between the two glasses in terms of the duration of observation (18.58±5.54 sec and 20.54±6.40 sec, respectively)(p>.05). The VAS score of the Carton VR was found to be significantly higher than that of the Frenzel goggles (8.69±1.02 and 5.24±1.31, respectively) (p=0.001). Conclusion: Cardboard VR is an easy-to-use, easily accessible, inexpensive, and effective tool that can be used to assess nystagmus under polyclinic and emergency conditions.

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