Review Article

Navigation technology/eye-tracking in ophthalmology: principles, applications and benefits—a narrative review

2021,6(1):-
Igor Kozak,Ulrike Rahn

Abstract: Navigation technology in ophthalmology, colloquially called “eye-tracking”, has been applied to various areas of eye care. This approach encompasses motion-based navigation technology in both ophthalmic imaging and treatment. For instance, modern imaging instruments use a real-time eye-tracking system, which helps to reduce motion artefacts and increase signal-to-noise ratio in imaging acquisition such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), microperimetry, and fluorescence and color imaging. Navigation in ophthalmic surgery has been firstly applied in laser vision corrective surgery and spread to involve navigated retinal photocoagulation, and positioning guidance of intraocular lenses (IOL) during cataract surgery. It has emerged as one of the most reliable representatives of technology as it continues to transform surgical interventions into safer, more standardized, and more predictable procedures with better outcomes. Eye-tracking is essential in refractive surgery with excimer laser ablation. Using this technology for cataract surgery in patients with high preoperative astigmatism has produced better therapeutic outcomes. Navigated retinal laser has proven to be safer and more accurate compared to the use of conventional slit lamp lasers. Eye-tracking has also been used in imaging diagnostics, where it is essential for proper alignment of captured zones of interest and accurate follow-up imaging. This technology is not routinely discussed in the ophthalmic literature even though it has been truly impactful in our clinical practice and represents a small revolution in ophthalmology.

Current Issue
  • 眼科学报

    Executive director:Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China
    Host: Sun Yat-sen University
    Undertake: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University
    Editors-in-Chief: 林浩添
    Executive director:Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China
    Host: Sun Yat-sen University
    Browse
  • Eye Science

    Executive director:Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China
    Host: Sun Yat-sen University
    Undertake: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University
    Editors-in-Chief: 林浩添
    Executive director:Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China
    Host: Sun Yat-sen University
    Browse
Publishing Information
Copyright of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University粤ICP备:11021180