AR and VR in healthcare: a medical revolution

Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the physical world, enhancing the user’s perception of their environment. AR can include graphics, effects, sounds and text. For example, with a head-mounted device, a surgeon can review a patient’s vitals during a medical procedure without the need for multiple displays. Unlike with VR, users do not lose touch with reality. This distinctive feature has enabled AR to become a driving force in the future of medicine.

AR applications in healthcare include:

AR provides real-time data such as imaging overlays during surgeries.

AR enhances the visualisation of complex anatomy, aiding in diagnostic and treatment planning.

AR tools provide interactive explanations of diagnoses and procedures.

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated immersive environment that can be seen using special goggles. VR in healthcare simulates real-world scenarios so that medical professionals can practice complex procedures, and patients can better understand medical conditions.

Virtual reality medical simulation can be used in various areas of healthcare, including:

VR allows students to explore human anatomy and practice surgeries in a controlled environment.

Patients recovering from injuries or surgeries can use VR for physical therapy and pain management.

VR is used for exposure therapy to treat phobias, PTSD and anxiety disorders.

VR interventions help patients to cope with pain and improve their quality of life.

Clinical studies have shown that VR can significantly reduce pain intensity and has the potential to reduce the need for pain medications. Here are some key ways VR is used to manage pain:

VR creates immersive environments that divert a patient’s focus away from their discomfort. For example, patients can explore serene landscapes, play engaging games or experience meditative visuals, which reduces the perception of pain.

VR integrates the principles of CBT by exposing patients to environments where they can address the psychological triggers that exacerbate pain.

For chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or lower back pain, VR can guide patients through virtual physiotherapy exercises that are both interactive and motivating, encouraging movement and flexibility in a controlled way.

VR is increasingly used to manage acute pain during medical procedures, such as wound care for burn victims or during labour, reducing reliance on pharmaceutical interventions.

Virtual experiences can stimulate the brain’s plasticity, helping to "retrain" the way the brain processes pain signals, particularly for phantom limb pain in amputees.

The future of AR and VR in healthcare is promising, with advancements enabling more efficient and accurate care. As these technologies evolve, they will further enhance diagnostic precision, patient education and therapeutic options, solidifying their role as transformative tools in modern medicine.