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International Ophthalmology

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Open Access 01-02-2020 | Original Paper

Biofeedback fixation training method for improving eccentric vision in patients with loss of foveal function secondary to different maculopathies

Authors: Marco U. Morales, Saker Saker, Craig Wilde, Martin Rubinstein, Paolo Limoli, Winfried M. Amoaku

Published in: International Ophthalmology | Issue 2/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Fixation stability (FS) of the preferred retinal locus (PRL) may be improved by biofeedback fixation training (BFT) with microperimetry. Such training can be done on the patient’s PRL or in different retinal loci with better functional characteristics. We studied both options and compared the outcomes.

Methods

Sixty-seven consecutive patients with bilateral central vision loss, poor FS and visual acuity (VA) lower than 0.3 LogMAR were recruited for BFT with microperimeter. Patients were assigned into 2 groups. In group A, BFT was performed on the patient’s spontaneous PRL. In group B, PRL was located between 2 adjacent loci with the highest light sensitivity and the lowest distance from the fovea. Two sets of 12 weekly BFT sessions were performed. Primary outcomes were: FS, VA and reading speed.

Results

Outcomes were statistically significantly better in group B. Mean percentage of FS at therapy end improved from 32 to 35% for group A and from 40 to 55% in group B. Mean VA improved from 1 to 0.86 in group A and from 1 to 0.84 in group B. Reading speed (wpm) improved from 56 to 58 in group A and from 63 to 89 in group B.

Conclusions

This study describes a reliable methodology of improving eccentric fixation stability using BFT in microperimetry, when the fixation training locus is individualized as the retinal area with best functional characteristics. Further studies are needed to validate its value in a larger scale of patients, at different stages of the disease, and its persistence over time.

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Title: Biofeedback fixation training method for improving eccentric vision in patients with loss of foveal function secondary to different maculopathies
Authors: Marco U. Morales
Saker Saker
Craig Wilde
Martin Rubinstein
Paolo Limoli
Winfried M. Amoaku
Publication date: 01-02-2020
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: International Ophthalmology / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 0165-5701
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2630
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-019-01180-y

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Biofeedback fixation training method for improving eccentric vision in patients with loss of foveal function secondary to different maculopathies

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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