A new study conducted by the Shiley Eye Institute at the University of California, San Diego, has found that using the Apple Vision Pro headset can speed up certain surgical procedures. The research analyzed 32 endoscopic surgeries on tear ducts: 16 were performed with the Vision Pro, while the other 16 used a standard display.

The average time to complete a surgery with Vision Pro was 34.4 minutes, compared to 42.7 minutes with the traditional approach. This means the procedure time was reduced by approximately 19%.

The five surgeons who participated in the study reported less physical and mental strain when using the headset, thanks to the ability to keep their heads in a straight position without constantly turning toward a wall-mounted screen. All surgeries in both groups were successful and free of complications; the only differences observed were in speed and comfort, not in surgical outcomes.

According to the researchers, reducing operating room time could save up to $420 per procedure. Additionally, the headset takes up significantly less space compared to a regular display.

Although the device remains an expensive consumer product (with prices starting at $3,499), the study highlights its potential benefits for medicine. However, the results are still preliminary: the study was small, conducted at a single academic center, focused on only one type of surgery, and was not randomized, so factors like surgeon experience could have influenced the outcomes. Larger, controlled studies are needed to draw more definitive conclusions about the potential of Vision Pro in surgery.