By Ari Grobman

In recent years, the healthcare industry has seen a remarkable transformation thanks to the emergence of augmented reality (AR). The technology has revolutionized medical practices, empowering healthcare professionals to deliver superior care while providing patients with a deeper understanding of their conditions and personalized treatments. Particularly when coupled with artificial intelligence (AI), AR has the potential to reshape the entire healthcare landscape as we know it.

In 2020, neurosurgeons performed a milestone spine surgery using an FDA-approved AR headset. The x-Vision AR headset featured a super bright AR display that could compete with the highly lit operating room. With unparalleled precision and accuracy, surgeons were able to see the patient's CT scan in real-time during the procedure to ensure a flawless placement of implants. This achievement opened the doors for AR adoption among surgeons worldwide, even igniting discussions about the possibility of AR becoming the standard for all surgical interventions. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which immerses users in a fully computer-generated environment, AR merges computer-generated imagery with the real world, allowing for surgical efficiency, personalization, and patient well-being.
The impact of AR on healthcare extends far beyond the operating room, ushering in transformative changes in healthcare delivery across various fields.

Medical visualization and education
Healthcare providers in nearly every medical setting, from small offices to the OR, can benefit from the implementation of AR. From identifying veins for medication administration to delivering personalized patient education, AR helps enhance the patient experience and foster better communication between doctors and their patients. Through this technology, medical professionals can present complex information in an accessible and visually compelling manner that not only educates patients but provides them with a safer, more comfortable experience.

Better patient diagnosis and pain management
Patients often struggle to clearly and accurately articulate their symptoms, which can create a delay in diagnosis and treatment. To bridge this gap, many patients can now utilize AR glasses which provide visual aids that help them better describe their symptoms to healthcare providers, and in turn, allow providers to deliver quicker, more informed diagnoses and treatment plans. Additionally, new avenues for comfort and rehabilitation using AR glasses are becoming increasingly popular – through AR patients can be immersed in doctor-regulated therapeutic environments, thereby improving overall pain management.

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