A new study from the UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute has found the Apple Vision Pro to be superior to traditional monitor-based surgery for procedures like endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. The research, published in a paper titled "Apple Vision Pro as a Wearable Display for Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: Surgical Experience, Efficiency, and Cost," evaluated the device based on efficiency, reliability, weight, and cost.

Results indicated that using the Apple Vision Pro led to 19% shorter operating times, a 100% functional success rate with no complications, reduced surgeon workload, and improved ergonomics. Notably, all participating surgeons preferred the Apple Vision Pro experience over traditional monitors, which require significant body rotation. The study performed 32 consecutive procedures, with half using the headset.

Researchers highlighted the device's cost-effectiveness, describing it as "very small and very cheap" relative to other surgical equipment, costing less than 1% of some alternatives. Despite the $3,699 starting price, the study concluded that for its capabilities, the Apple Vision Pro is a bargain for surgical applications.