How Augmented reality (AR) might transform our health

Augmented Reality (AR) adds a digital information overlay to the real world around us. Think of Apple's new Apple Vision Pro but embedded in your everyday eyewear or contact lenses !

One of the most obvious ways that Augmented Reality (AR) will change our lives is by enhancing the way we communicate.

We already use video calls and other forms of digital communication. In the future, AR will take this to the next level by allowing us to see and interact with virtual representations of people in real time within our own environment. This will make it feel like we're actually in the same room together, even if we're on opposite sides of the world.

Could this present therapeutic benefits over present day video conferencing sessions in healthcare settings? The answer remains unclear.

Another way that AR will change our lives is by providing us with instant access to information in relation to the world around us. Imagine your doctor being able to look at a medical image and immediately see information that highlights and interprets significant concerns. Or being able to scan medication and have up-to-date information about its side-effects and interactions.

With AR, all of this will be possible, giving us access to a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips.

Finally, AR has the potential to revolutionise the way we learn and gain knowledge in real time. Today, we often rely on books, lectures, and other static forms of education or online material. In the future, AR will make learning more interactive and engaging.

For example, medical students could use AR to explore virtual environments and learn about different subjects in a hands-on way. This could make learning more fun and effective, and could even help to break down barriers to education for people who face challenges in a traditional learning environment.

As much as it seems, AR is likely to become a pervasive part of our daily lives, enhancing the way we communicate, access information, and learn. It will certainly play a role in fast-paced healthcare settings where communication, information access and exchange as well as up-to-date learning are essential for the patient experience and outcomes.