Virtual Reality May Help Cure Health Care
VR technology is already being used in doctors’ offices and hospitals across the US. Sensible rules can ensure it spreads widely — and safely.
The robot will see you now.
Photographer: Mark Rightmire/MediaNews Group
To the uninitiated, “virtual reality” may summon visions of dystopian digital galaxies or zombie-slaying epics. Increasingly, though, VR is showing promise in real-world industries. In particular: It may soon revolutionize the health-care business.
Although still a small market, health-focused VR has shown potential in treating a range of conditions, from phobias to chronic pain. It may some day transform medical education. By one estimate, the market will reach $9.5 billion by 2028, up from $1.8 billion in 2021. But like all such technology, virtual reality will require some sensible rules and guardrails to flourish.