Immediate impact of augmented reality visual training on choroidal thickness and accommodative function: A small sample study

BACKGROUND: The immediate effects of augmented reality (AR) visual training on choroidal thickness (ChT) and accommodative facility (AF) remain unclear. The potential of AR technology, when combined with vision function restoration models for myopia prevention and control requires further empirical validation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the immediate effects of a single AR visual training session, integrated with a vision function restoration model, on ChT and AF. The findings may provide evidence to support the optimization of this interdisciplinary digital therapeutic (DTx) approach and assess its potential in myopia intervention. METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers aged 6 to 13 years participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to an AR group (n = 11) or a blank control group (n = 9). A prospective self-controlled design was employed to assess changes in ChT before and after training using optical coherence tomography angiography. At the same time, AF was measured both before and after the training session. The AR group underwent a single session of visual training, with post-training metrics recorded within five minutes. The blank control group rested for 30 min before remeasuring the same metrics. RESULTS: Following a single AR visual training session, the AR group demonstrated a significant reduction in average ChT within the 0-1 mm zone, from 332.85 ± 79.00 µm to 324.11 ± 73.52 µm (p = 0.007). Additionally, AF significantly increased from 5.05±1.38 cpm to 8.05 ± 1.81 cpm (p = 0.004). A positive correlation was observed between spherical equivalent and the change in ChT within the 0-1 mm zone (r = 0.962, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: A single AR visual training session combined with a vision function restoration model was associated with a short-term decrease in ChT and a significant improvement in AF. These findings indicate that the integration of AR technology with DTx holds potential as a myopia intervention strategy and highlights a novel direction for further optimization of digital therapeutics.