The VirtuaLens virtual reality IOL Simulator is an innovative tool that enables patients to visualize and directly compare potential postoperative outcomes with various premium IOLs, enhancing education and empowering informed decision-making far beyond what static 2D images can offer.
By presenting prerendered immersive scenes — such as a golf course, kitchen, Lake Como or nighttime driving — it helps patients appreciate their desired range of focus, especially intermediate vision, which is often underestimated when focusing predominantly on near and far tasks. The device simulates scenes assuming perfect distance vision (emmetropia) and can also mimic cataracts and various refractive errors. However, it does not incorporate the patient’s optical system or the specific design of individual IOLs. While it may simulate glare and halos, it does not allow patients to truly experience their brightness, size or photic phenomena.
See-through simulators like SimVis Gekko provide a more personalized experience by coupling the patient’s optics with the precise optics of each lens, delivering binocular, widefield, real-world vision — critical for informed decision-making. Because SimVis allows patients to see the real world, they can experience, among other things, the effect of halos from glare sources and other photic phenomena, as well as monovision and reverse monovision.
While VR simulators raise awareness and offer immersive interaction, prospective validation studies are needed to assess simulation fidelity and patient satisfaction. They should also evaluate whether these tools reduce dissatisfaction and the need for IOL exchanges.
Reference:
Pepose JS, et al. https://presbyopiaphysician.com/issues/2024/december/visual-simulator-to-facilitate-presbyopia-correcting-iol-selection/. Published Dec. 1, 2024. Accessed Sept. 4, 2025.
Jay S. Pepose, MD, PhD
Pepose Vision Institute, St. Louis
Disclosures: Pepose reports being an equity owner in 2EyesVision.
