Biofeedback for Hemianopia Vision Rehabilitation

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Biofeedback training: The training of oculomotor functions is done on the biofeedback module of a microperimeter MAIA.

Study summary

Patients with brain injury secondary to stroke, surgery, or trauma frequently suffer from homonymous hemianopia, defined as vision loss in one hemifield secondary to retro- chiasmal lesion. Classic and effective saccadic compensatory training therapies are current aim to reorganize the control of visual information processing and eye movements or, in other words, to induce or improve oculomotor adaptation to visual field loss. Patients learn to intentionally shift their eyes and, thus, their visual field border, into the area corresponding to their blind visual field. This shift brings the visual information from the blind hemifield into the seeing hemifield for further processing. Patients learn, therefore, to efficiently use their eyes "to keep the 'blind side' in sight". Biofeedback training (BT) is the latest and newest technique for oculomotor control training in cases with low vision when using available modules in the new microperimetry instruments. Studies in the literature highlighted positive benefits from using BT in a variety of central vision loss, nystagmus cases, and others.The purpose of this study is to assess systematically the impact of BT in a series of cases with hemianopia and formulate guidelines for further use of this intervention in vision rehabilitation of hemianopia cases in general.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Visual Acuity — 1 week post biofeedback
  ETDRS best corrected visual acuity
• Fixation stability — 1 week post biofeedback
  As measure by the MAIA microperimeter at the BCEA 63% ellipse area.
• Retinal sensitivity — 1 week post biofeedback
  Paracentral (2 central vertical columns) and total average in dB as measured by the MAIA microperimeter.
• Reading speed — 1 week post biofeedback
  As measured with the MNRead charts
• Near vision — 1 week post biofeedback
  Measured with the Colenbrander 100% charts
• Quality of Life Questionnaire scores — 1 week post biofeedback
  As measured with the Massof - 48 questionnaire

Trial sites (1)

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