A virtual retinal display, also known as a retinal projection display or a retinal laser display, is a type of display technology that projects images directly onto the retina of the eye, creating a virtual screen that appears to be floating in front of the viewer. Other synonyms for this display technology include a retinal imaging display, a direct retinal display, and a laser retinal projection system. These displays are commonly used in virtual and augmented reality applications, as well as in medical and military training simulations. Despite their unique technology and applications, these displays are often lumped in with other types of virtual and augmented reality displays, such as head-mounted displays and projected displays.