Eye tracking technology in endoscopy: Looking to the future

Abstract

The visual patterns of an endoscopist, that is, what the endoscopist is looking at during luminal endoscopy, is an interesting area with an evolving evidence base. The tools required for gaze analysis have become cheaper and more easily accessible. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken identifying 19 relevant papers. Gaze analysis has been used to identify certain visual patterns associated with higher polyp detection rates. There have also been increasing applications of gaze analysis as an objective study tool to compare the effectiveness of endoscopic imaging technologies. Gaze analysis also has the potential to be incorporated into endoscopic training. Eye movements have been used to control and steer a robotic endoscope. This review presents the current evidence available in this novel and evolving field of endoscopic research.