Vision Therapy Research
Vision Therapy Research Pt2
Vision Therapy Research Pt3
Vision Therapy Research Pt4
Vision Therapy Research Pt5
Vision Therapy Research Pt6
Multisensory Integration Research
Multisensory Integration Research Pt2
Learning Related Vision Problems & Dyslexia Research
Learning Related Vision Problems & Dyslexia Research Pt2
Learning Related Vision Problems & Dyslexia Research Pt3
Learning Related Vision Problems & Dyslexia Research Pt4
Behavior, Vision, & ADHD Research
Age Related, Low Vision, Perceptual Training Research
Age Related, Low Vision, Perceptual Training Research Pt2
Age Related, Low Vision, Perceptual Training Research Pt3
Age Related, Low Vision, Perceptual Training Research Pt4
OMST Research
Amblyopia Research
Amblyopia Research Pt2
Convergence Insufficiency Research
Convergence Insufficiency Research Pt2
Light Therapy Research
Special Needs Research
Sports Vision Research
Sports Vision Research Pt2
Sports Vision Research Pt3
TBI/Concussion Research
TBI/Concussion Pt2
Vision Therapy Research Pt1
Vergence Control of Central and Peripheral Disparities
The results of previous studies using either small or large target configurations suggest that open-loop (OL) vergence response dynamics may depend on the peripheral extent of the target. To investigate systemically the effect of peripheral target extent on dynamic vergence control, OL vergence responses to central, peripheral, and central-plus-peripheral targets were recorded. Open-loop disparity stimuli included steps, ramps, and sinusoids. It was found that the OL step and ramp responses to the central target were more rapid and exhibited significantly more step and multiple-step movements than those for either the peripheral or the central-plus-peripheral targets. During OL ramp stimulation, the maximum disparity for which tracking could be maintained was largest for the peripheral target. Sinusoidal responses showed the greatest gain for the central target. For all three types of stimuli, responses to the central-plus-peripheral target showed characteristics that were somewhat between those for the central and the peripheral targets.
Hung GK, Summon JL, Sun L, Ciuffreda KJ. Vergence control of central and peripheral disparities. Exp Neurol. 1991;113(2):202-211.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1868903/
Quantitative Assessment of Disparity Vergence Components
Earlier evidence suggests qualitatively that at least two control modes may mediate a single vergence response. Thus, in a vergence response to step disparity, the transient component drives the initial fast dynamic portion of the response, while the sustained component maintains the latter slower portion of the response. The authors extended this hypothesis by quantitatively defining the stimulus pattern and dynamics that elicit this dichotomous behavior. The disparity target consisted of vertical lines 2 deg in height presented to each eye. Ramp disparity velocities ranged from 0.7 deg/sec to 36 deg/sec with amplitude of up to 4 deg. Photoelectric recordings of eye movements from both eyes were subtracted to give the vergence response. Fast and slow ramp stimulus velocities were found to elicit transient and sustained component responses respectively. In addition, the finding of staircase-like responses to fast ramp stimuli has strong implications on control mechanisms, indicating a sampling process in the transient component of the disparity vergence system.
Semmlow JL, Hung GK, Ciuffreda KJ. Quantitative assessment of disparity vergence components. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1986;27(4):558-564.
Models of Mutual Interactions Between Accommodation and Convergence
Several possible models of interactions between accommodation and convergence are compared. Accommodative and fusional vergence effort are predicted for each model using the same set of clinical data. Only one model makes predictions that are consistent with clinical and laboratory observations of fixation disparity. The results support the clinical use of graphical analysis of mutual interactions between accommodation and convergence in the diagnosis of accommodative vergence disorders.
Schor CM. Models of mutual interactions between accommodation and convergence. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1985;62(6):369-374.
Influence of Accommodative and Vergence Adaptation on Binocular Motor Disorders
Tait described four categories of binocular disorders including convergence excess, convergence insufficiency, divergence excess, and divergence insufficiency. These disorders are defined by the distance where the largest heterophoria occurs (distance or near), and the amplitude of the accommodative vergence ratio (AC/A). Insufficiency corresponds to a low AC/A ratio, whereas excess corresponds to a high AC/A. The magnitude of the AC/A ratio, which may be influenced by the adaptability of the accommodation and vergence systems, has been shown to be reciprocally related to adaptability of accommodation. Likewise, the degree of vergence accommodation has been shown to be related reciprocally to adaptability of vergence to prism. An imbalance of adaptability of accommodation and vergence systems produces abnormal cross-coupling between the two motor systems. When accommodation is more adaptable than vergence, the AC/A ratio is low and the CA/C ratio is high. Conversely, when vergence is more adaptable than accommodation, the AC/A ratio is high and the CA/C ratio is low. A method is reported for temporarily restoring moderate amplitudes of abnormal AC/A and CA/C ratios by reducing excessive adaptation with fatigue.
Schor CM. Influence of accommodative and vergence adaptation on binocular motor disorders. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1988;65(6):464-475.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3046365/
Observations on Vertical Divergences and Hyperphorias
This classic research article studied how well people’s eyes can handle being forced to work against gravity by using special lenses called prisms. The researchers found that most people’s eyes can actually adapt to much larger amounts of vertical misalignment (vertical prism loads) than standard eye tests suggest. Because of this, small vertical misalignments (hyperphorias) are often not as serious as once thought, since the eyes can usually adjust and keep vision clear and single
Ogle KN, Prangen A. Observations on vertical divergences and hyperphorias. Arch Ophthalmol. 1953;49(3):313-334.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/623105
Operant Conditioning of Fusional Convergence Ranges Using Random Dot Stereograms
Studied whether special training using random dot stereograms (pictures that help test eye coordination) could help people who have trouble making their eyes work together (fusional convergence). The researchers used a method called operant conditioning, where they gave positive feedback and rewards to encourage children with eye teaming problems to improve. The results showed a big increase in how well the eyes could work together, even in kids who hadn’t improved with other kinds of vision therapy, and one child even improved from having eyes that turned outward (exotropia) to a mild misalignment (exophoria), showing that this training works well for tough cases
Cooper J, Feldman J. Operant conditioning of fusional convergence ranges using random dot stereograms. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1980;57(4):205-213.
https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/abstract/1980/04000/operant_conditioning_of_fusional_convergence.2.aspx
Vergence Orthoptics: Validity and Persistence of the Training Effect
The validity and permanence of orthoptic treatment for vergence deficiencies requires investigation due to the subjective nature of determining success in most clinical cases, i.e., the amelioration of symptoms and increases in vergence ranges. The relation between Risley prism vergences, a subjective measure, and vergence tracking rate, an objective index, is investigated. The course of orthoptics progress is compared in cases of clinical vergence dysfunction. Vergence-deficient control subjects showed no significant change in either index. However, trained subjects demonstrated rapid increases in both indices. The persistence of the training effect was monitored for up to 9 months. No regression was observed in subjects who met all release criteria, but one subject who chose to terminate therapy early showed a slow regression in tracking rate and recurrence of symptoms. These data support the validity of vergence training and increase the plausibility of previous clinical reports of orthoptics success.
Grisham DJ, Bowman MC, Owyang LA, Chan CL. Vergence orthoptics: validity and persistence of the training effect. Optom Vis Sci. 1991;68(6):441-451.
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Examination of Timing Effects in the Training of Positive Vergences
The purpose of this study was to document the effects of positive fusional vergence therapy and to determine the most effective timing of such training. Four experimental protocols were selected and five subjects were assigned randomly to each of the four experimental groups. Each subject in each group spent 120 min (total) over a period of 3 weeks doing positive fusional vergence training. Group A trained in twelve 10-min sessions; group B in six 20-min sessions; and group C in three 40-min sessions. Group D was a control group. All the training was in-office and consisted of positive fusional vergence training on the synoptophore. Each of the test groups showed increases in their positive fusional vergence ability at both distance and near. Group A (shorter sessions) demonstrated the largest increases overall. In addition, the group which trained in short 10-min sessions (Group A) was the only one which showed significant increases in the negative fusional vergences and the positive blur finding. I conclude that it is best to use short, frequent training sessions to increase the amplitude of positive fusional vergence. The results and implications of the study are discussed briefly.
Daum KM. Double-blind placebo-controlled examination of timing effects in the training of positive vergence. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1986;63(10):807-812.
Efficacy of Computerized Vergence Therapy
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of computerized fusional vergence therapy and the effect of two different vergence training velocities. Six subjects received positive vergence training using a slow vergence training rate (0.75 delta/s) and six subjects received positive vergence training using a fast vergence training rate (5.00 delta/s). Six subjects served as controls and did not receive therapy. The duration of therapy was 80 min over a period of 4 weeks. All training activities were monitored. All vergence evaluations were double masked. Subjects using a slow training rate showed significant increases in positive vergence ranges as measured with the major amblyoscope, whereas subjects training with fast rates did not. We conclude that vergence therapy using a computerized video display is an effective technique for increasing the amplitudes of positive fusional vergence and that slower rates are more productive than faster rates.
Daum KM, Rutstein RP, Eskridge JB. Efficacy of computerized vergence therapy. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1987;64(2):83-89.
A Comparison of the Results of Tonic and Phasic Vergence Training
Thirty-four healthy asymptomatic young adults were randomly divided into two groups. All subjects underwent training aimed at expanding the vergence ranges. The training in one group consisted of tasks emphasizing smooth, slow activities. The other group trained using quicker, stepwise, more phasic tasks. The vergence ranges were subjectively measured using a small (1.72° diameter) target in a major amblyoscope. The study lasted 6 weeks. The first 3 weeks served as a control period over which time the vergences proved to be stable. The training was done for 10 min on the weekdays of the last 3 weeks of the study. Analysis of the data indicates that the group training via the stepwise or phasic paradigm showed greater increases in both the positive and negative vergences. Both groups achieved substantial increases in both the negative and positive vergences. The significance of these results is discussed.
Daum KM. A comparison of results of tonic and phasic vergence training. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1983;60(9):769-775.
https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/abstract/1983/09000/a_comparison_of_the_results_of_tonic_and_phasic.5.aspx
Vision Therapy Research Pt2
Distance Estimation to Flashes in a Simulated Night Vision Environment
The Canadian Forces have recognized the importance of simulator training as a cost-effective alternative to real training; yet the effect of display simulation on visual perception is not fully understood. Eighteen subjects participated in an experiment to determine if training, in the form of immediate feedback, improved distance estimation to muzzle flashes in a simulated NVG environment. Testing was performed on a PC desktop computer using software that simulated a large open grassy field. Subjects were exposed to three flash types; five flashes, single flash, and a prolonged flash. Flashes were presented to the subjects both above and below the horizon. Significant improvement was shown in the experimental group’s accuracy; this accuracy persisted over two weeks but with notable deterioration. Contrary to expectation the perception of a single flash resulted in significantly greater accuracy than the prolonged flash. This experiment reinforces the effectiveness of simulation as a tool in preparing soldiers. A bibliography of the topic is included.
Goodson RA, Rahe AJ. Visual training effects on normal vision. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1981;58(10):787-791.
Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility: Theory and Management of Strabismus
When both eyes work together correctly, they allow us to see clearly, judge distances, and have good depth perception. However, sometimes the eyes don’t line up properly, a problem called strabismus or crossed eyes, which can make seeing clearly harder. This book explains how the eyes are supposed to work as a team, what happens when they don’t, and how doctors can help fix these problems. The authors report that when the eyes don’t work together well, people may not see in 3D as easily, and doctors use special tests to check and treat these eye teamwork issues.
von Noorden G K, Campos E C. Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility: Theory and Management of Strabismus. 5th ed. St Louis: Mosby; 1996:Chap 20.
https://webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eyeforum/tutorials/BINOCULAR-VISION.pdf
The Neurology of Eye Movements (2nd Ed.)
This new edition is a major revision providing clinicians with a synthesis of current and new scientific information that can be applied to the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of ocular motility. Basic scientists will also benefit from descriptions of how data from anatomic, electrophysiologic, pharmacologic, and imaging studies can be directly applied to the study of disease. By critically reviewing such basic studies, Drs. Leigh and Zee build a conceptual framework that can be applied to the interpretation of abnormal ocular motor behavior at the bedside. These syntheses are summarized in boxes, figures, schematics, and tables. Insights and techniques from current research, case examples, bedside and laboratory studies, and thousands of references are all available here from two leading clinician-scientists who have been studying eye movements for over a quarter century. The previous edition of Neurology of Eye Movements, Third Volume, established as acknowledged as a classic in the field, is now enhanced in this new edition by an accompanying DVD featuring the full text with links to 20 Video Displays that provide teaching slides ready for classroom presentation.
Leigh R J, Zee D S. The Neurology of Eye Movements. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis; 1991.
https://books.google.nl/books/about/The_Neurology_of_Eye_Movements.html?id=co9sAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y
Vision Training for Presbyopic Nonstrabismic Patients
Home vision training was prescribed for 161 presbyopic patients (ages 45 to 89) who had vision-related symptoms and convergence insufficiency or visual skills deficiencies. Most patients required 10 weeks or less of treatment, the longest treatment period being 15 weeks. Elimination of the symptoms and improved responses on certain optometric tests was achieved by 92% of the patients. Evaluation 3 months after therapy indicated that 77 patients required additional training, the older patients requiring it more often, to retain the initial improvement.
Wick B. Vision training for presbyopic nonstrabismic patients. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1977;54(4):244-247.
Effectiveness of Visual Therapy for Convergence Insufficiencies in an Adult Population
Many adults have trouble with their eyes working together when looking at things up close, which is known as convergence insufficiency. The purpose of this study was to find out if special eye exercises, called visual therapy, can help adults with this problem. The researchers found that adults who did the therapy showed improvement in how well their eyes worked together. These results suggest that visual therapy can be helpful for adults with convergence insufficiency.
Cohen AH, Soden R. Effectiveness of visual therapy for convergence insufficiencies for an adult population. J Am Optom Assoc. 1984;55(7):491-494.
Orthoptic Treatment and Eye-Movement Recordings in Guillain-Barré Syndrome
A 50-year-old patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome developed a symmetrical, bilateral sixth nerve palsy which resulted in constant
esotropia and diplopia. The patient was treated with both prisms and orthoptics, which eliminated the diplopia. This treatment also improved both fusional divergence amplitudes and vergence adaptation. Objective eye movement recordings revealed subtle abnormalities of fixation, pursuit and
saccades, i.e., square-wave jerks and intermittent saccadic dysmetria.
Cooper J, Ciuffreda KJ, Carniglia PE, et al. Orthoptic treatment and eye-movement recordings in Guillain-Barré syndrome. Neuro-Ophthalmology. 1995;15(5):249-256.
https://coopereyecare.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/08/Orthoptic-Treatment-and-Eye-Movement-Recordings-in-Guillain-Barre-Syndrome.-A-case-report.pdf
Reduction of Asthenopia after Fusional Vergence Training
Seven patients with convergence insufficiency and related asthenopia underwent automated fusional convergence training. A matched-subjects control group crossover design was used to reduce placebo effects. All patients showed significant increases in vergence ranges with concurrent marked reduction of symptoms after training. All patients showed a flattening of and an increase in the base-out portion of their fixation disparity curve. Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of fusional vergence training in reducing asthenopia in these patients. Subsequent accommodation and vergence training using traditional orthoptic procedures yielded further reduction of asthenopia, as well as an increase in the base-out fusional range.
Cooper J, Selenow A, Ciuffreda KJ, et al. Reduction of asthenopia in patients with convergence insufficiency after fusional vergence training. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1983;60(12):982-989.
Treatment Options in Intermittent Exotropia: A Critical Appraisal
Clinical opinions regarding treatment of intermittent exotropia (IXT) vary widely and there is controversy as to which treatment modality is most successful. This paper reviews the clinical literature related to five different treatment modalities used for IXT: overminus lens therapy, prism therapy, occlusion therapy, extraocular muscle surgery, and orthoptic vision therapy. Based upon review of 59 studies of treatment of IXT, and using each author’s stated criteria for success, the following pooled success rates were revealed: over-minus lens therapy (N = 215), 28%; prism therapy (N = 201), 28%; occlusion therapy (N = 170), 37%; extraocular muscle surgery (N = 2530), 46%; and orthoptic vision therapy (N = 740), 59%. Success rates for IXT surgery differed depending upon whether a functional (43%) or cosmetic (61%) criterion was used to evaluate treatment success. These pooled success rates must be viewed carefully because nearly all the studies suffer from serious scientific flaws such as small sample sizes, selection bias, inadequately defined treatments and success criteria, absence of statistical analysis, and results reported in a manner that makes interpretation difficult. These problems indicate the need for a careful, circumscribed, and well controlled clinical trial to study the efficacy of different treatment modalities in remediating IXT
Coffey B, Wick B, Cotter S, et al. Treatment options in intermittent exotropia: a critical appraisal. Optom Vis Sci. 1992;69(5):386-404.
Intermittent Exotropia—Basic and Divergence Excess Type (Major Review)
Intermittent exotropia is a common eye condition in children where one or both eyes sometimes drift outward instead of working together. This review looked at two types: basic, where the drift happens equally when looking near and far, and divergence excess, where it mainly happens when looking at distant objects. The researchers found that most cases start in early childhood, and if left untreated, about 75% of people may see their symptoms get worse, while about 16% may improve without treatment. Both types share many similarities, which suggests they could be different forms of the same condition.
Cooper J, Medow N. Intermittent exotropia, basic and divergence excess type. Binoc Vis Eye Muscle Surg Q. 1993;8:187-216.
https://coopereyecare.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/08/Intermittent-Exotropia-of-the-Divergence-Excess-Type-Basic-and-Divergence-Excess-Type.pdf
Divergence Excess: Characteristics and Results of Treatment with Orthoptics
This paper retrospectively examines the results of the treatment of 18 subjects (11 males, seven females) with divergence excess, using orthoptics. The mean age of the subjects was 15.8 years, which was significantly younger than the population from which this group was referred. Diplopia (89%) and asthenopia (56%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Seventy-two per cent of the subjects had intermittent deviations of the eyes. Over the mean necessary course of treatment of 5.2 weeks, the distance angle of deviation (slightly) and the positive vergences at distance and near were found to have changed significantly. The near angle of deviation, the negative vergences, the near point of convergence, the amplitude of accommodation, and the threshold of stereopsis were found to have remained stable over the treatment period. Further results of the study are presented and the implications of these results with regard to the treatment of divergence excess are briefly discussed
Daum KM. Divergence excess: characteristics and results of treatment with orthoptics. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 1984;4(1):15-24.
Vision Therapy Research pt3
Orthoptic Treatment in the Management of Intermittent Exotropia
To evaluate the role of orthoptic treatments in the management of intermittent exotropia Methods: In a retrospective study, clinical records of patients diagnosed with intermittent exotropia were reviewed. Patients with basic, convergence insufficiency (CI) and divergence excess (DE) types of intermittent exotropia who underwent orthoptic treatments were enrolled. Office treatments included prism exercises and pencil push-ups, and home exercises included pencil push-ups, 3D tests and dominant eye occlusion. Clinical evaluation of symptoms, binocular orthoptic status and maximum angle of deviation was done before treatment and at 8 weeks after the beginning of the treatment and at the time of last examination. Results: Seventy four patients with a mean age of 18.4±12.2 years and mean follow-up of 13.5±10.1 weeks were included in the study. Forty three (58.1%) patients had a basic type of exodeviation, 22 (29.7%) had a CI type of exodeviation and 9 (12%) had a DE type of exodeviation. The treatment was successful in 88.3% of patients in basic type, all patients in CI type and 88.8% in DE group. Success rate was not significantly different between the three groups (P=0.25). Strabismus surgery was performed in one patient in basic type and one in DE group due to the lack of improvement. Conclusion: Orthoptic treatment seems to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving signs of intermittent exotropia.
Iranian Journal of Ophthalmology 2009;21(1):35-40 © 2009 by the Iranian Society of Ophthalmology
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277850827_Orthoptic_Treatment_in_the_Management_of_Intermittent_Exotropia
The Effectiveness of Orthoptics Alone in Selected Cases of Exodeviation: The Immediate Results and Several Years Later
Sometimes, people’s eyes don’t work together perfectly, causing one eye to drift outward, a problem called exodeviation. Doctors can use special eye exercises, known as orthoptics, to help train the eyes to work better together. In one study, 31 patients used only these exercises, and the results showed that about 64.5% were “cured” immediately, and over half stayed cured even years later, while many others also saw lasting improvements. This shows that simple eye exercises can really help people with eyes that want to wander apart
Sanfilippo, S., & Clahane, A. C. (1970). The Effectiveness of Orthoptics Alone in Selected Cases of Exodeviation: The Immediate Results and Several Years Later. American Orthoptic Journal, 20(1), 104–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/0065955X.1970.11982271
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0065955X.1970.11982271?
Vision Therapy for Intermittent Exotropia: A Case Series
Intermittent exotropia is a condition where one or both eyes sometimes turn outward, making it hard to keep both eyes focused on the same thing. Vision therapy uses special exercises to train the eyes and brain to work together more effectively. Researchers wanted to find out if these exercises could help people with intermittent exotropia have better control over their eye movements. After following a vision therapy program, patients showed about a 1.1-point improvement in controlling their eye drift, for both distance and near tasks, whether or not they had previous eye surgery. This suggests that vision therapy can support better eye coordination and control in people with this condition.
Ma MM, Kang Y, Chen C, Su C, Tian Z, Le M. Vision therapy for intermittent exotropia: A case series. J Optom. 2021 Jul-Sep;14(3):247-253. doi: 10.1016/j.optom.2020.05.006. Epub 2020 Aug 12. PMID: 32800454; PMCID: PMC8258130.
1888-4296/© 2020 Published by Elsevier Espana, ˜ S.L.U. on behalf of Spanish General Council of Optometry. This is an open access article
under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1888429620300819/pdfft?md5=84e4c6c6155d3433b26dc7dceaa89ad3&pid=1-s2.0-S1888429620300819-main.pdf
Accommodative and Vergence Dysfunction
Accommodative and vergence dysfunctions are eye conditions that make it hard for people, especially children, to focus clearly or keep their eyes working together when doing things like reading or looking at a computer screen. These problems can cause symptoms like headaches, blurry vision, or tired eyes during schoolwork or other close-up activities. Studies show that about 9.2% of children can have trouble focusing their eyes up close, and 4.2% have a condition called convergence insufficiency, where their eyes don’t work together properly. Thankfully, treatments like special eye exercises (vision therapy) and corrective glasses can help people see better and feel more comfortable when using their eyes for long periods.
Approved by the AOA Board of Trustees, March 20, 1998
Reviewed 2001 and 2006, revised 2010
https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Practice%20Management/Clinical%20Guidelines/Consensus-based%20guidelines/Care%20of%20Patient%20with%20Accommodative%20and%20Vergence%20Dysfunction.pdf
Accommodative and Vergence Findings in Ocular Myasthenia: A Case Analysis
Ocular myasthenia gravis is a condition where the muscles that control eye movements become weak, making it hard for people to see clearly or focus on things up close. In this study, doctors looked at a patient who often experienced blurry vision and eye strain when reading or doing close work. They found that the patient’s eye muscles became more tired throughout the day, but her vision improved when she took special medicine. These results show that testing how well someone’s eyes focus can help doctors spot eye problems linked to muscle weakness, and that using the right treatments can make it easier for people with this condition to see clearly.
Binocular Vision, Summer 1988
3(3):141-148
https://coopereyecare.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/08/Accommodative-and-Vergence-Findings-in-Ocular-Myasthenia-A-Case-Analysis.pdf
Dynamics of Human Voluntary Accommodation
Voluntary and reflex accommodation were measured monocularly in five normal subjects using a dynamic infrared optometer. Comparison of the peak velocity/amplitude relation (i.e., “main sequence”) showed complete overlapping of the response distributions, suggesting similarity of motoneuronal controller signals for voluntary and reflex accommodation. Voluntary accommodation may represent a preprogrammed maneuver used in a variety of real-life predictable situations to optimize performance. Clinically, it may represent an important component in the training of accommodation dynamics.
June 1988 American Journal of Optometry and Physiological Optics 65(5):365-70
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/19748055_Dynamics_of_Human_Voluntary_Accommodation
On Voluntary Ocular Accommodation
Young observers were challenged to induce a marked monocular accommodative response to a relatively weak accommodative stimulus by placing a-9 diopter contact lens on the eye. At first, observers could not produce the desired response, but with training, three of four subjects achieved criterion. Both a voluntary accommodative response and a response to an adequate accommodative stimulus were apparently involved. The voluntary component of the response could be demonstrated by having the observers repeat the task in total darkness.
Perception & Psychophysics 1975, Vol. 17 (2),209-212
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.3758/BF03203888.pdf?
Training the Visual Accommodative System
Our eyes need to quickly change focus when we look from something close up to something far away, like switching from reading a book to looking at the board in class. Scientists wanted to know if people could get better at this skill with practice. In this study, researchers found that after practicing special eye exercises, people could adjust their eye focus faster and more accurately. These results show that, just like training our muscles, we can also train our eyes to focus better.
Cornsweet TN, Crane HD. Training the visual accommodation system. Vision Res. 1973;13(3):713-715.
https://escholarship.org/content/qt34h9d4sc/qt34h9d4sc.pdf
Visual Optics: Looking Beyond 2020
The article “Visual Optics: Looking Beyond 2020” explores how new advances in eye care and lens technology are helping people see better now and in the future. Researchers reviewed the latest improvements in spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and eye treatments for issues like myopia (nearsightedness) and irregular corneas. One key finding is that new lens designs, including free-form and aspheric lenses, can reduce blur and sharpen vision, especially when looking away from the center of the lens. The research also highlights how special contact lenses can help slow down myopia progression in children and improve sight for people with complex vision problems.
Clin Exp Optom 2020; 103: 1–2
https://www.optometry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Publications/CXO/Issues/cxo_v103_i1_Jan.pdf
Predicting Results in The Orthoptic Treatment of Accommodative Dysfunction
A retrospective analysis of the records of 114 orthoptic patients diagnosed as having accommodative dysfunction (accommodative insufficiency, fatigue of accommodation, infacility of accommodation, or spasm of accommodation) has allowed the construction of models of the results of orthoptic treatment. Discriminant analysis completed on various samples of the group provides linearized discriminant functions for the success of the treatment (either total or partial/none) and for the change in accommodative amplitude. These data indicate that linearized discriminant functions using the age and AC/A ratio of the patient are effective in postpredicting the success category of 60% of a calibration sample of 99 patients. Similar functions using the patient’s age, initial accommodative amplitude, and blur value of the near positive vergences allow the postprediction of the category of change in accommodative amplitude with treatment (3 D or more vs. 2 D or less). Seventy-eight percent of a sample of 68 patients were correctly classified. The application of these models in predicting the results of treatment of similarly afflicted subjects is discussed.
Daum KM. Predicting results in the orthoptic treatment of accommodative dysfunction. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1984;61(3):184-189.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6720864/
Accommodative Dysfunction
A retrospective review of the records of 114 subjects with accommodative dysfunction has been completed. Most subjects (N = 96) were found to have accommodative insufficiency. Lesser numbers of subjects were categorized in the class of infacility of accommodation (N = 14), spasm of accommodation (N = 3) and fatigue of accommodation (N = 1). A majority of the subjects presented with complaints of blur, headaches and/or asthenopia while attempting nearwork. Most subjects presented with reduced abilities in one or more of the following areas: accommodative amplitude and facility, fusional vergences, near point of convergence and stereo acuities. The clinical characteristics of the group as a whole and the major subgroups have been examined both before and after treatment of the condition with orthoptic exercises and/or plus lenses at the nearpoint. The result of the treatment indicates that although most subjects (96%) experienced some relief with treatment only about half (53%) had their problems totally solved. The importance of these findings is briefly discussed.
Daum KM. Accommodative dysfunction. Doc Ophthalmol. 1983;55(3):177-198.
Vision Therapy Research Pt4
Reduction of Asthenopia after Accommodative Facility Training
Five patients reporting asthenopia secondary to accommodative deficiencies underwent automated accommodative facility training. A matched-subjects, crossover design was used to control for placebo effects. All patients receiving automated accommodative training showed a marked increase in accommodative amplitude along with a concurrent reduction of asthenopia. Decreases of blur and increases of reading time were the most frequently reported changes by patients. This experiment shows the effectiveness of automated accommodative training in reducing asthenopia and improving accommodative facility
Cooper J, Feldman JM, Selenow A, et al. Reduction of asthenopia following accommodative facility training. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1987;64(6):430-436.
Dynamic Response of Visual Accommodation over Seven Days
Four college students, ranging in age from 18 to 21 years, were tested on their dynamic, monocular accommodation responses to a square wave stimulus and sine waves of two frequencies. The tests were conducted over a period of seven days in a controlled environment, each subject being tested once every three hours. Latency, magnitude, velocity, gain and phase lag of the responses were measured, and means and standard deviations were computed. The latency of response was stable throughout and agreed fairly well with previous studies. The response magnitude was relatively stable. Three of the subjects had higher velocities on receding targets; one was faster on approaching targets. The group mean velocity increased over the seven days of the study. In keeping with the trend to faster dynamics over the seven days, both gain and phase lag improved
Randle RJ, Murphy MR. The dynamic response of visual accommodation over a seven-day period. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1974;51(8):530-544.
Objective Assessment of Accommodation Orthoptics. I. Dynamic Insufficiency
Three young adult females with symptoms related to focusing difficulties at near were treated by standard orthoptic procedures, including jump focus, plus-and-minus lens flippers, and pencil pushups. Home training was done 20 minutes each day for 4 1/2–7 weeks. Objective measures of dynamic accommodation were made each week in our Neuro-optometry Clinic. Initially, these objective measures showed prolongations of time constants and latencies of accommodation. During treatment, the patients showed significant reductions in time constants and latencies that correlated well with elimination of subjective symptoms. Also, in all three patients, flipper rates increased and symptoms were either markedly diminished or no longer present at termination of therapy. These results clearly demonstrate that orthoptic treatment in our three adult patients resulted in objective improvement of accommodation function
Liu J, Lee M, Jang J. Objective assessment of accommodation orthoptics. I. Dynamic insufficiency. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1979;56(5):285-294.
Orthoptic Treatment of Slow Accommodative Response
Five subjects showing slow accommodative responses were given orthoptic treatment. Speed of accommodative response improved after 3 to 6 weeks. No regressions were evident 18 weeks after the cessation of training. Slow accommodative responses were found in subjects with normal phorias and fusion limits. The technique of dynamic photorefraction is introduced for the clinical measurement of accommodative time characteristics
Bobier WR, Sivak JG. Orthoptic treatment of subjects showing slow accommodative response. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1982;60(8):678-687.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6624867/
Short-Term Adaptation of Accommodation, Accommodative Vergence and Disparity Vergence Facility
Previous studies have found that subjects can increase the velocity of accommodation using visual exercises such as pencil push ups, flippers, Brock strings and the like and myriad papers have shown improvement in accommodation facility (speed) and sufficiency (amplitude) using subjective tests following vision training but few have objectively measured accommodation before and after training in either normal subjects or in patients diagnosed with accommodative infacility (abnormally slow dynamics). Accommodation is driven either directly by blur or indirectly by way of neural crosslinks from the vergence system. Until now, no study has objectively measured both accommodation and accommodative-vergence before and after vision training and the role vergence might play in modifying the speed of accommodation. In the present study, accommodation and accommodative-vergence were measured with a Purkinje Eye Tracker/Optometer before and after normal subjects trained in a flipper-like task in which the stimulus stepped between 0 and 2.5 diopters and back for over 200 cycles. Most subjects increased their speed of accommodation as well as their speed of accommodative vergence.
Vision Res. 2012 Mar 29;62C:93–101.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3361569/
Vision Therapy Research Pt5
Does Vision Therapy Work? The Wrong Question: A Perspective ‘The Power of a Lollipop’
Ciuffreda KJ, Rutner D, Kapoor N, Suchoff IB, Craig S, Hanley K. Vision therapy for oculomotor dysfunctions in acquired brain injury: a retrospective analysis. Vision Dev & Rehab. 2016;2(2):99-110.
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/VDR/VDR_2_2/VDR2-2_perspective_Ciuffreda.pdf?
Optometric Vision Therapy - Results of a Demonstration Project with Learning Disabled Population
Thirty-six children attending a private school for learning disabled children were diagnosed as having visual and/or perceptual disorders. The experimental group received individual programming in visual and perceptual development at their appropriate developmental levels. The control group received instruction in physical education, art or music classes. Both groups received individualized reading assistance. Statistical analysis of the two year demonstration project, which included nine months of actual training, indicated that the experimental group made significant gains in reading as compared to the control group. The improvement in basic instructional level of The Informal Reading Inventory (Temple University), and the Word Reading and Paragraph Meaning subtests of the Stanford Achievement Tests, and the actual classroom reading levels were all statistically significant. The Informal Word Recognition Inventory (Daniels) and the Spelling subtest of the Stanford Achievement Tests showed a definite trend approaching statistical significance
Seiderman AS. Optometric vision therapy – results of a demonstration project with a learning disabled population. J Am Optom Assoc. 1980;51(5):489-493.
Symptoms in Children with Convergence Insufficiency: Before and After Treatment
Purpose. To investigate symptom patterns and evaluate the relationship between patient characteristics and symptom severity before and after treatment for symptomatic children with convergence insufficiency (CI).
Methods. In a randomized clinical trial, the convergence insufficiency symptom survey was administered pre- and posttreatment to 221 children aged 9 to 18 years with symptomatic CI. Frequency of symptom type was determined at baseline, mean change in performance-related vs. eye-related symptoms for treatment responders was compared, and the relationship between patient characteristics and symptom severity at baseline for the entire cohort and after treatment for those who responded to treatment was determined.
Results. At baseline, the score for performance-related symptoms was greater than that for eye-related symptoms (mean response of 2.3 vs. 1.8, p 0.001) regardless of age, sex, race/ethnicity, or presence of parent-reported Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Symptom severity increased with age for both the overall and eye-related subscale scores (p 0.048, p 0.022, respectively).
Barnhardt C, Cotter SA, Mitchell GL, Scheiman M, Kulp MT; for the CITT Study Group. Symptoms in children with convergence insufficiency: before and after treatment. Optom Vis Sci. 2012;89(10):1512-1520.
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/Symptoms-Before-and-After-Treament-for-CI.pdf
Relationship Between Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Convergence Insufficiency
Purpose. The percentage of children who are symptomatic has been shown to increase with the number of signs of convergence insufficiency (CI). Our goal was to investigate whether there is a relationship between the severity of the clinical signs of CI and symptom level reported in children with a three-sign symptomatic CI. Methods. The Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial enrolled 221 children with symptomatic CI from ages 9 to 17 years. Inclusion criteria included the following three signs of CI: (1) exophoria at near at least 4$ greater than at distance, (2) insufficient positive fusional vergence (PFV) at near, and (3) a receded near point of convergence (NPC) of 6 cm break or greater. The relationships between the severity of each sign of CI (mild, moderate, and severe) and the level of symptoms as measured by the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) at baseline were evaluated. Results. Mean CISS scores were not significantly different between mild, moderate, and severe exophoria (p = 0.60), PFV
blur (p = 0.99), Sheard’s criterion (p = 0.89), or NPC break (p = 0.84).
Barnhardt C, Cotter SA, Mitchell GL, Scheiman M, Kulp MT; for the CITT Study Group. Symptoms in children with convergence insufficiency: before and after treatment. Optom Vis Sci. 2012;89(10):1512-1520
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/Symptoms-Before-and-After-Treament-for-CI.pdf
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Treatments for Convergence Insufficiency in Children
This research study wanted to find out the best way to help children who have trouble with their eyes working together when looking at close things, a problem called convergence insufficiency. The study tested three treatments: office-based vision therapy, home-based pencil push-ups, and a fake (placebo) therapy. The results showed that only the office-based vision therapy helped kids a lot, lowering symptom scores from 32.1 to 9.5 and improving their eye coordination. The other two methods did not make much difference in how the children felt or how well their eyes worked together
Scheiman M, Mitchell GL, Cotter S, Cooper J, Kulp M, Rouse M, Borsting E, London R, Wensveen J; Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial Study Group. A randomized clinical trial of treatments for convergence insufficiency in children. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005 Jan;123(1):14-24. doi: 10.1001/archopht.123.1.14. PMID: 15642806.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15642806/
The Interface Between Ophthalmology, Optometry, and Vision Therapy
Vision therapy is a type of treatment designed to help people with certain vision problems, like trouble focusing, eye teaming issues, or lazy eye. It often includes special exercises and activities that train the eyes and brain to work better together. Research has shown that vision therapy can be especially helpful for children with conditions like convergence insufficiency, where both eyes have trouble working together up close. For example, one study found that about 75% of children improved a lot after just 12 weeks of following a structured vision therapy program that includes both office visits and practicing at home.
This article originally appeared in Binocular Vision & Strabismus Quarterly, 2002; 17(1):6-11. We wish to thank editor, Paul E. Romano, MD, MS for his permission to reprint
https://minnesotavisiontherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/13-2-press.pdf
Previous Editions: Journal of Behavioral Optometry
Many people who have a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can develop problems with their vision, which can make daily activities harder. Eye doctors need a clear plan to help these patients because vision problems after mTBI can be complex. The authors created a four-step plan to guide doctors in examining the eyes, checking for movement issues, looking for other vision concerns, and considering non-vision problems. This model helps doctors organize care and decide when treatments like special lenses, vision therapy, prisms, or tints are needed, making care more effective for people with mTBI.
Ciuffreda KJ, Ludlam D. Conceptual Model of Optometric Vision Care in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Behav Optom. 2011;22(1):3-6
A Joint Organizational Policy Statement of The American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association. ‘Vision Therapy: Information for Health Care and Other Allied Professionals’.
This statement gives information to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers about how vision therapy is used to help with certain eye coordination and focusing problems. It explains that scientific research supports vision therapy for conditions like convergence insufficiency and problems with focusing, but that it is not meant to treat learning disabilities or major developmental disorders. The policy encourages healthcare professionals to work together and refer patients to eye doctors when vision therapy could help.
Williams GJ, Cotter SA, Hoffman LG, et al. Information for Health Care and Other Allied Professionals: A Joint Organizational Policy Statement of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association. 1999.
https://www.visiontherapy.org/visiontherapy/pdfs/02_vt_info_AOA_AAO.pdf
The Scientific Basis for and Efficacy of Optometric Vision Therapy in Nonstrabismic Accommodative and Vergence Disorders
Looks at all the science behind using vision therapy for eye focusing and teaming problems (not including crossed eyes, or strabismus). The review showed that after vision therapy, around 60-80% of patients had big improvements in symptoms like eye strain, double vision, or headaches, and these results lasted for months or years. The article explains that vision therapy changes how the eyes and brain work together, making it a proven and safe treatment for certain vision disorders.
Ciuffreda, Kenneth J. The Scientific Basis for and Efficacy of Optometric Vision Therapy in Nonstrabismic Accommodative and Vergence Disorders. Optometry 2002; 73:735-62.
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/the-scientific-basis.pdf
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/the-scientific-basis.pdf
Summary of Research on the Efficacy of Vision Therapy for Specific Visual Dysfunctions
This research article looked at how well vision therapy works for people with certain vision problems, like trouble making their eyes work together or stay focused. The study showed that vision therapy is very helpful especially for people with convergence insufficiency, where about 73% of patients were cured and another 15% got a lot better. Other results from different studies in the article also showed that vision therapy helped reduce headaches and improve reading skills, often working just as well or even better than other treatments like surgery or tutoring.
Cooper J. Summary of Research on the Efficacy of Vision Therapy for Specific Visual Dysfunctions. Journal of Behavioral Optometry. 1998;9(5):115-119
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/summary-of-research.pdf
Vision Therapy Research Pt6
Accommodative Facility Training with a Long Term Follow up in a Sample of School Aged Children Showing Accommodative Dysfunction
The primary aim of this project was to study the effect of flip lens-training on the
accommodative function in a group of children with accommodative dysfunction
and subjective symptoms such as asthenopia, headache, blurred vision, and
avoidance of near activity. We also wanted to measure the accommodative facility
among the children in comparison with a control group. Another aim of the study
was whether flip lens-training increased accommodative facility, and to find out if
it also had a positive effect on their asthenopia and related problems also in long
term. Following the training period the accommodative facility and
accommodative function significantly increased and two years after finishing the
training period no child had regained any subjective symptoms and the objective
findings were almost the same as at the end of facility training period. These
results suggest that accommodative facility training is an efficient method built on
loss of symptoms among children with accommodative infacility.
Sterner B, Abrahamsson M, Sjostrom A. Accommodative facility training with a long term follow up in a sample of school aged children showing accommodative dysfunction. Doc Ophthalmol. 1999;99(1):93-101. doi: 10.1023/a:1002623107251. PMID: 10947012.
The Effect of Orthoptic Treatment Upon the Vergence Adaptation Mechanism
This paper is a review of the research work that has been carried out over the past few years investigating the ability of the oculomotor system to adapt to prism-induced heterophoria. Our results show that subjects with normal binocular vision can adapt to horizontal and vertical prism-induced heterophorias whether fixating at distance or near. Further studies have shown that subjects with symptomatic abnormal binocular vision have an abnormal adaptation mechanism. Finally, we have found that when orthoptic treatment results in relief from the symptoms, there is an associated improvement in the subjects’ ability to adapt to prism-induced heterophoria.
North RV, Henson DB. The effect of orthoptic treatment upon the vergence adaptation mechanism. Optom Vis Sci. 1992;69(4):294-299.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1565430/
Vision: A Collaboration of Eyes and Brain
When you look at something, your eyes are only part of the process, your brain does a lot of the hard work too. This research looks at how the eyes and the brain team up so we can understand and make sense of what we see. The study found that different areas of the brain handle important parts of vision, like seeing color, noticing movement, and knowing where things are around us. It also showed that with practice and treatment, even vision problems can get better because the brain can adapt and learn new ways to process visual information.
American Optometric Association, Binocular Vision Working Group. Vision: A Collaboration of Eyes and Brain. St. Louis, MO: American Optometric Association; 2004.
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/position_papers/a_collaboration_between_eyes.pdf
Efficacy of Vision Therapy for Nonstrabismic Vergence Anomalies
People with nonstrabismic vergence anomalies often have trouble when their eyes do not work together properly, leading to symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and difficulty reading. Scientists have studied ways to help these people, including special eye exercises called vision therapy. In a study by Griffin, researchers found that vision therapy can make a real difference by helping the eyes work together better. Many patients improved their eye coordination and felt fewer symptoms after finishing the therapy.
Griffin JR. Efficacy of vision therapy for nonstrabismic vergence anomalies. Am J Optom
Physiol Opt 1987;64:411-4.
The Efficacy of Optometric Vision Therapy
Optometric vision therapy is a special type of treatment designed to help people who have trouble with their eyes working together or focusing. Scientists wanted to find out if this therapy really makes a difference for patients with these kinds of vision problems. The study found that vision therapy helped many people improve how their eyes focus, move, and work as a team, with cure rates for some issues reaching 70% to 100%. As a result, many patients had clearer vision, fewer headaches, and found reading or doing schoolwork much easier.
The efficacy of optometric vision therapy. The 1986/87 Future of Visual Development/Performance Task Force. J Am Optom Assoc. 1988 Feb;59(2):95-105. PMID: 3283203.
Summary of Research on the Efficacy of Vision Therapy for Specific Visual Dysfunctions
Vision therapy is a special type of treatment that helps people who have trouble with their eyes working together, focusing, or tracking. Scientists wanted to find out just how well vision therapy helps with these problems. The results showed that it is very effective: for example, 73% of people with a problem called convergence insufficiency were cured and 15% showed big improvements after therapy. The research also found that vision therapy helps reduce symptoms like headaches and eye strain, making it easier for many people to see and read comfortably.
Cooper, Jeffrey. Summary of Research on the Efficacy of Vision Therapy for Specific Visual Dysfunctions. Adapted from The Journal of Behavioral Optometry 1998;
9(5):115-119.
https://www.visiontherapy.org/vision-therapy/pdfs/03_sum_vt_research_Cooper.pdf
The Efficacy of Vision Therapy for Convergence Excess
People with convergence excess have trouble using their eyes together when looking at something up close, which can make reading and doing schoolwork difficult. Vision therapy is a treatment designed to help the eyes work better together. In a study with 83 patients, 84% no longer had symptoms after completing vision therapy, and most showed much better eye coordination. This shows that vision therapy can make a big difference for people struggling with convergence excess.
Gallaway M, Schieman M. The efficacy of vision therapy for convergence excess. J Am Optom Assoc. 1997 Feb;68(2):81-6. PMID: 9120214.
A Sequential Strategy for Achieving Functional Binocularity in Strabismus
Strabismus is a condition where a person’s eyes do not look in the same direction at the same time, which can make it hard to see clearly with both eyes together. Doctors have tested a step-by-step plan to help people with this problem improve how their eyes work as a team. By using treatments like special glasses, eye patches, and exercises in a certain order, the study found that many people were able to use both eyes together much better. These results show that a careful, organized treatment can make a big difference for patients with strabismus.
Caloroso EE. A sequential strategy for achieving functional binocularity in strabismus. J Am Optom Assoc. 1988 May;59(5):378-87. PMID: 3397489.
Multisensory Integration Research pt1
The Neural Basis of Multisensory Integration in the Midbrain: Its Organization and Maturation
This research looks at how our brain combines information from different senses (like sight, sound, and touch) in the midbrain to help us understand the world.
Purpose: To explain how the brain’s midbrain region, especially an area called the superior colliculus, mixes sensory information.
Findings:
Brain cells in this area are organized so that different senses line up with the same place in space (for example, if you hear and see something at the same spot, the brain connects these)
This helps people detect things faster, locate where things are, and respond quickly, like turning your head toward a sound you hear and see at the same time.
This combining of senses grows as people have more experiences, especially in early life.
Understanding how the brain links our senses can help scientists figure out problems with perception and behavior.
Stein BE, Stanford TR, Rowland BA. The neural basis of multisensory integration in the midbrain: its organization and maturation. Hear Res. 2009 Dec;258(1-2):4-15. doi: 10.1016/j.heares.2009.03.012. Epub 2009 Apr 2. PMID: 19345256; PMCID: PMC2787841.
Proprioceptive Alignment of Visual and Somatosensory Maps in the Posterior Parietal Cortex
This study explored how the brain keeps track of our body (like where our hands are) and how touch can affect what we see.
Purpose: To show how a touch to the hand can make us notice things we see nearby more easily, especially when our hands move.
Findings:
If you touch one hand, it makes your brain better at seeing things near that hand, even if you switch hands’ positions.
The brain’s posterior parietal cortex is very important for updating where our body parts are and helping our senses work together.
When this brain part doesn’t work properly, the connection between touch and seeing things in space gets confused.
These findings show how important it is for the brain to constantly update its map of where your body is to help your senses work together.
Bolognini N, Maravita A. Proprioceptive alignment of visual and somatosensory maps in the posterior parietal cortex. Curr Biol 2007;17:1890–1895. [PubMed: 17964160]
Young Children do Not Integrate Visual and Haptic Form Information
Purpose: To investigate whether young children combine what they see (vision) and what they feel (touch) when recognizing shapes and objects.
Findings:
Young children mostly rely on one sense at a time, instead of blending what they see and what they feel.
Unlike adults, children up to about 8–10 years old do not combine visual and haptic (touch) information to recognize shapes.
This means children are less accurate than adults when both senses are available, showing that their senses are not fully integrated yet.
The results suggest that the ability to blend different senses to understand the world develops slowly and takes years to become adult-like.
Gori M, Del VM, Sandini G, Burr DC. Young children do not integrate visual and haptic form information. Curr Biol 2008;18:694–698. [PubMed: 18450446]
Early Visual Deprivation Impairs Multisensory Interactions in Humans
Purpose: To find out how not being able to see early in life affects the way people’s brains combine information from different senses.
Findings:
People who lacked vision early in life have trouble combining what they see with what they hear, even after their sight is restored.
Their ability to link sights and sounds does not reach normal levels, showing that early vision is important for developing these brain connections.
This suggests there is a sensitive period early in life when the senses must work together for normal multisensory perception to develop.
The research shows how crucial early sensory input is for the brain to learn to mix information from different senses correctly.
Putzar L, Goerendt I, Lange K, Rösler F, Röder B. Early visual deprivation impairs multisensory interactions in humans. Nat Neurosci. 2007 Oct;10(10):1243-5. doi: 10.1038/nn1978. Epub 2007 Sep 16. PMID: 17873871.
Cortex Contacts Both Output Neurons and Nitrergic Interneurons in The Superior Colliculus: Direct and Indirect Routes for Multisensory Integration
Studies how signals from the brain’s cortex connect to two types of cells in a part of the brain called the superior colliculus, which helps combine information from different senses like sight and sound. The scientists found that cortical signals can reach output neurons directly, or indirectly through special cells called nitrergic interneurons. Almost half of these interneurons can slow down output neurons because they also use a chemical messenger called GABA. This shows there are both direct and indirect ways for the cortex to help the superior colliculus mix sensory signals, helping us react better to things happening around us
Fuentes-Santamaría V, Alvarado JC, Stein BE, McHaffie JG. Cortex contacts both output neurons and nitrergic interneurons in the superior colliculus: direct and indirect routes for multisensory integration. Cereb Cortex 2008;18:1640–1656. [PubMed: 18003596]
Multisensory integration shortens physiological response latencies
Studies how the brain reacts when it gets information from more than one sense at the same time, like seeing and hearing together. The scientists found that when both a sound and a light were given together, nerve cells in the brain responded much faster on average, the signals came about 6 milliseconds sooner, and 69% of the time, responses were speeded up compared to just one sense alone. The biggest improvement happened right at the start of the response, making the signal stronger and helping the brain react more quickly. This shows that multisensory integration helps us notice and respond to things around us much faster than using just one sense.
Rowland BA, Quessy S, Stanford TR, Stein BE. Multisensory integration shortens physiological response latencies. J Neurosci 2007;27:5879–5884. [PubMed: 17537958]
Cross-Modal Localization in Hemianopia: New Insights on Multisensory Integration
How people who are blind on one side (a condition called hemianopia) can find things better when using more than one sense, like hearing and seeing together. The researchers found that, even for things in their blind area, people could point to where something was much better when a sound and a light happened at the same spot, compared to seeing or hearing it alone. This means that, even with vision loss, the brain can use information from other senses to help make up for what’s missing. These results show how powerful our brain is at combining different senses to help us understand our surroundings.
Leo F, Bolognini N, Passamonti C, Stein BE, Ladavas E. Cross-modal localization in hemianopia: new insights on multisensory integration. Brain 2008;131:855–866. [PubMed: 18263626]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18263626/
Neuronal Oscillations and Multisensory Interaction in Primary Auditory Cortex
Explores how the brain’s main hearing area (primary auditory cortex) processes information from different senses, like touch and hearing, at the same time. The scientists found that when a touch (somatosensory) signal is given before a sound, it changes the timing of the brain’s natural rhythms, allowing the brain cells to respond much more strongly to the sound. This effect was especially noticeable when the two signals happened together, and response times and strengths were greatest when the signals arrived during a “high-excitability” phase. This shows that the brain can boost hearing by using information from other senses, helping us to notice and react to sounds better in our everyday lives.
Lakatos P, Chen CM, O’Connell MN, Mills A, Schroeder CE. Neuronal oscillations and multisensory interaction in primary auditory cortex. Neuron 2007;53:279–292. [PubMed: 17224408]
Improvement of Visual Contrast Detection by a Simultaneous Sound
Studies whether hearing a sound at the same time as seeing a picture makes it easier to see differences between light and dark parts of that picture, a skill called visual contrast detection. The researchers found that when a sound was played together with a faint visual image, people could detect the image better and responded more quickly, especially when the visual signal was hard to see. The improvement was most noticeable for images that were low in contrast (dim and harder to spot) and when the sound and image happened together. This shows that our brain can use sounds to help us see better when things are difficult to notice visually.
Lippert M, Logothetis NK, Kayser C. Improvement of visual contrast detection by a simultaneous sound. Brain Res 2007;1173:102–109. [PubMed: 17765208]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17765208/
The Co-Occurrence of Multisensory Competition and Facilitation
Explored how our brains handle information from more than one sense at a time, like seeing and hearing together. The researchers found that sometimes having sounds and sights together helps us respond faster, a process called multisensory facilitation, but other times, one sense can take over and make it harder to notice the other, a phenomenon called multisensory competition or the Colavita visual dominance effect. With the same combination of sounds and lights, people experienced faster reactions when told to detect anything, but struggled to respond correctly to sounds alone when both were present. This shows that both helping and competing effects can happen together when our senses mix, depending on the task and which sense is in focus.
Sinnett S, Soto-Faraco S, Spence C. The co-occurrence of multisensory competition and facilitation. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2008;128:153–159. [PubMed: 18207167]
Multisensory Integration Research pt2
Association Cortex Is Essential to Reverse Hemianopia by Multisensory Training
Explains how the brain can recover from hemianopia, a condition where someone becomes blind on one side due to brain injury, by using special multisensory training. The scientists found that presenting both sounds and lights together in the blind area helped animals regain the ability to see and react to things in that space. Most importantly, the study showed that the association cortex a part of the brain must be working for this improvement to happen, as the brain needs it to combine different senses and restore lost vision after injury
Stein BE, Stanford TR, Rowland BA. The neural basis of multisensory integration in the midbrain: its organization and maturation. Hear Res. 2009 Dec;258(1-2):4-15. doi: 10.1016/j.heares.2009.03.012. Epub 2009 Apr 2. PMID: 19345256; PMCID: PMC2787841.
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Using a Multisensory-BasedBottom-Up to Top-Down Paradigm for PostConcussion Syndrome –A Retrospective Case Series Study
Explains how the brain can recover from hemianopia, a condition where someone becomes blind on one side due to brain injury, by using special multisensory training. The scientists found that presenting both sounds and lights together in the blind area helped animals regain the ability to see and react to things in that space. Most importantly, the study showed that the association cortex a part of the brain must be working for this improvement to happen, as the brain needs it to combine different senses and restore lost vision after injury
Stein BE, Stanford TR, Rowland BA. The neural basis of multisensory integration in the midbrain: its organization and maturation. Hear Res. 2009 Dec;258(1-2):4-15. doi: 10.1016/j.heares.2009.03.012. Epub 2009 Apr 2. PMID: 19345256; PMCID: PMC2787841.
Ameliorating Hemianopia with Multisensory Training
This research studied whether special training using both sounds and lights could help people who had lost vision on one side (hemianopia) after a stroke. The scientists worked with two men who were blind on one side for at least 8 months, giving them sessions where matching sounds and lights appeared together in their blind area. After a few weeks of this multisensory training, both men were able to see, describe, and even locate things in their formerly blind area, which shows that this kind of therapy can quickly and effectively bring back lost vision in people with hemianopia
Rowland BA, Bushnell CD, Duncan PW, Stein BE. Ameliorating Hemianopia with Multisensory Training. J Neurosci. 2023 Feb 8;43(6):1018-1026. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0962-22.2022. Epub 2023 Jan 5. PMID: 36604169; PMCID: PMC9908311.
Vision Therapy and Occupational Therapy: An Integrated Approach
Describes how vision therapy and occupational therapy can work together to help people with vision problems do better in their everyday lives. The authors explain that both kinds of therapy focus on improving how vision and movement work together, and that when optometrists and occupational therapists join forces, patients get the most complete care. The article gives examples of how this team approach makes it easier for kids and adults to read, play, and handle daily activities, showing that collaborating helps people reach their best potential
Hellerstein, L.F.; Fishman, B. Vision therapy and occupational therapy: An integrated approach. J. Behav. Optom. 1990, 1, 122–126.
https://lynnhellerstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Collaboration-OT-and-Optometrists.pdf
Multitasking a Perceptual Activity
Describes how doing fun, hands-on activities like word and picture puzzles can help young children, especially those with developmental delays, build important visual and thinking skills. Dr. Petrosyan shares her experience working with her 4-year-old son, who had trouble with things like letter recognition, matching, and spatial ideas, by turning therapy into games that practice skills such as visual attention, memory, and problem-solving. Through many short, playful sessions, her son made big improvements, going from having trouble with visual tasks to being able to read, play with blocks, and feel proud of learning new things. The article shows that with patience, creativity, and the right activities, children can strengthen their visual and language abilities and feel more confident in daily life
Petrosyan T. Multitasking a perceptual activity. Vision Dev & Rehab. 2020;6(4):284-294. doi:10.31707/VDR2020.6.4.p284
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/vdr/vdr_6_4/vdr6-4_perspective_petrosyan.pdf
Perceptual Unity of The Ambient Visual Field in Human Commissurotomy Patients
Our brains are made up of two halves, called hemispheres, that usually work together to help us make sense of what we see. Scientists wondered what would happen if the connection between these halves was cut, like in some patients who had a surgery called commissurotomy. They discovered that, even with the two sides unable to communicate directly, these people could still see the world as a single, whole picture instead of two separate halves. This finding shows that our brains have special ways to keep our vision unified, even when their main connection is gone.
Trevarthen C, Sperry RW. Perceptual unity of the ambient visual field in human commissurotomy patients. Brain. 1973 Sep;96(3):547-70. doi: 10.1093/brain/96.3.547. PMID: 4743933.
Neural Correlates of Rapid Auditory Processing are Disrupted in Children with Developmental Dyslexia and Ameliorated with Training: An fMRI Study.
Children with dyslexia often have trouble understanding fast-changing sounds, which can make reading and language tasks difficult. Scientists wanted to see how these sound processing difficulties showed up in the brain and whether special training could help. Using brain scans, they discovered that children with dyslexia had weaker brain responses to rapid sounds compared to other kids. After completing an eight-week training program, these children showed stronger brain activity and improved reading skills, suggesting that targeted exercises can make a real difference.
Gaab N, Gabrieli JD, Deutsch GK, Tallal P, Temple E. Neural correlates of rapid auditory processing are disrupted in children with developmental dyslexia and ameliorated with training: an fMRI study. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2007;25(3-4):295-310. PMID: 17943007.
Learning Related Vision Problems & Dyslexia Research Pt1
A Joint Organizational Policy Statement of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association. ‘Vision, Learning, and Dyslexia
This official policy from two major optometry groups explains that vision problems can sometimes contribute to learning difficulties, but dyslexia is mostly a language-based disorder and not usually caused by poor eyesight alone. The statement says that while vision therapy can help treat some specific vision disorders, it is not a cure for dyslexia. The groups recommend a careful eye exam for kids with learning problems, but stress that language and reading specialists are important for treating dyslexia itself.
American Optometric Association; American Academy of Optometry. Vision, Learning, and Dyslexia: A Joint Organizational Policy Statement. 1997.
https://www.visiontherapy.org/vision-therapy/pdfs/03_vision_learning_OEP.pdf
A Randomized Prospective Masked and Matched Comparative Study of Orthoptic Treatment Versus Conventional Reading Tutoring Treatment for Reading Disabilities in 62 Children. Binocular Vision and Eye Muscle Surgery
Compares two ways to help children with reading disabilities: one group did special eye exercises called orthoptic treatment, and another group got regular reading tutoring. After 40 sessions, both groups of children showed equal and significant improvement in their reading skills. However, the children who did the eye exercises also had much less eye strain, headaches, and tiredness while reading, which did not improve as much in the tutoring group. The researchers concluded that orthoptic treatment is just as effective as reading tutoring for improving reading skills and is especially helpful for kids who have eye discomfort or trouble with eye coordination
Atzmon, D., Nemet, P., Ishay, A., Karni, E.: A Randomized Prospective Masked and Matched Comparative Study of Orthoptic Treatment Versus Conventional Reading Tutoring Treatment for Reading Disabilities in 62 Children. Binocular Vision and Eye Muscle Surgery Quarterly, 1993, pages 91-106.
Stereopsis, Accommodative and Vergence Facility: Do they Relate to Dyslexia?
Certain eye functions like depth perception (stereopsis), focusing ability (accommodative facility), and how well the eyes work together (vergence facility) are linked to dyslexia. The researchers found that kids with and without dyslexia had similar depth perception and sharpness of vision, and those with dyslexia actually focused slightly better. However, children with dyslexia had more trouble with their eyes working together smoothly, which suggests that problems with eye coordination (vergence facility) might play a role in reading difficulties seen in
Buzzelli, A.R.: Stereopsis, accommodative and vergence facility: do they relate to dyslexia? Optometry and Visual Science, 1991, pages 842-846.
Visual Processing of Verbal and Nonverbal Stimuli in Adolescents with Reading Disabilities
This study investigated whether a group of children with reading disabilities (RD) were slower at processing visual information in general (compared to a group of children of comparable age and a group of children of comparable reading level), or whether their deficit was specific to the written word. Computerized backward masking and temporal integration tasks were used to assess the speed of visual information processing. Stimulus complexity (simple, complex) and type (verbal, nonverbal) were varied, creating a 2 x 2 matrix of stimulus conditions: simple nonverbal, complex nonverbal, simple verbal, and complex verbal. Adolescents with RD demonstrated difficulties in processing rapidly presented verbal and nonverbal visual stimuli, although the effect was magnified when they were processing verbal stimuli. Thus, the results of this study suggest that some youth with reading disabilities have visual temporal processing deficits that compound difficulties in processing verbal information during reading
Boden C, Brodeur D. Visual processing of verbal and nonverbal stimuli in adolescents with reading disabilities. J Learn Disabil. 1999;32(1):58-71.
Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Vision: A Subject Review, A Rebuttal
Some people believe that vision problems are connected to learning disabilities and dyslexia, and that fixing these vision issues can help children read better. The article “Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Vision: A Subject Review, A Rebuttal” looks at this idea by examining whether problems with eyesight actually cause dyslexia or affect learning. The research found that, while vision problems can make reading more difficult, they are not the main cause of dyslexia. Helping with vision problems can make reading easier for some students, but it won’t cure dyslexia itself.
Bowan M. Learning disabilities, dyslexia, and vision: a subject review, a rebuttal, literature review and commentary. Optometry. 2002;73(9):553-575.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12387562/
Joint Statement—Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Vision
Some children struggle with reading and learning at school, and parents might wonder if problems with eyesight are to blame. This article looked at whether vision problems are the main cause of learning disabilities, including dyslexia. The study found that while having trouble seeing can add challenges, most learning disabilities are linked to differences in how the brain processes information, not eyesight. Treatments like eye exercises and colored lenses did not help with learning disabilities, but using proven teaching strategies and support in school made a positive difference for these children.
Pediatrics 2009;124:837-844
https://childrenseyecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/learning_disabilities2.pdf
Differences in Eye Movements and Reading Problems in Dyslexic and Normal Children
It has been suggested that eye movement abnormalities seen in dyslexics are attributable to their language problems. In order to investigate this claim, we studied eye movements in dyslexic children, during several non-reading tasks. Dyslexic children were compared to normal and backward readers on measures of fixation, vergence amplitude, saccade and smooth pursuit. The results were compared to the children’s phonological ability. Dyslexic children (n = 26) had significantly worse eye movement stability during fixation of small targets than normal children (n = 39). Vergence amplitudes were lower for dyslexics than for controls. A qualitative assessment of saccadic eye movements revealed that dyslexics exhibit fixation instability at the end of saccades. Assessment of smooth pursuit revealed poor smooth pursuit in the dyslexic group, particularly when pursuing a target moving from left to right. Dyslexic children also performed significantly worse than normal children on a test of phonological awareness (Pig Latin).
Eden GF, Stein JF, Wood HM, Wood FB. Differences in eye movements and reading problems in dyslexic and normal children. Vision Res. 1994;34(10):1345-1358.
https://www.academia.edu/50513786/Differences_in_eye_movements_and_reading_problems_in_dyslexic_and_normal_children
Eye Movement Control During Single-Word Reading in Dyslexics
Reading can be especially challenging for people with dyslexia, a condition that affects how the brain processes written words. In a study about eye movements during single-word reading, researchers compared how dyslexic and non-dyslexic children moved their eyes while reading. They found that dyslexic children had slower and less efficient eye movements, with longer pauses and fewer jumps. This means that their eyes don’t move as smoothly when reading, which can make it harder for them to read quickly and understand words as easily as other students.
Journal of Vision (2004) 4, 388-402
https://www.academia.edu/57031554/Eye_movement_control_during_single_word_reading_in_dyslexics
Immaturity of the Oculomotor Saccade and Vergence Interaction in Dyslexic Children: Evidence from a Reading and Visual Search Study
Some children have a hard time learning to read, and scientists are trying to find out why. One idea is that these children might have trouble with how their eyes move and work together when looking at words or searching for things. In a study, researchers discovered that dyslexic children had more and longer eye stops, and their eyes did not move as smoothly as other children’s. These results suggest that problems with eye movement and teamwork between the eyes could make reading more difficult for kids with dyslexia.
Bucci MP, Nassibi N, Gerard C-L, Bui-Quoc E, Seassau M (2012) Immaturity of the Oculomotor Saccade and Vergence Interaction in Dyslexic Children:
Evidence from a Reading and Visual Search Study. PLoS ONE 7(3): e33458. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0033458
https://www.academia.edu/85672987/Immaturity_of_the_Oculomotor_Saccade_and_Vergence_Interaction_in_Dyslexic_Children_Evidence_from_a_Reading_and_Visual_Search_Study
Learning Related Vision Problems & Dyslexia Research pt2
Visual Symptoms and Reading Performance
Clinical observation indicates that visual asthenopic symptoms are frequently associated with reading for long periods of time. We investigated the relation between visual symptoms and standard measures of reading performance in 78 university students. The number of asthenopic complaints increased during the reading phase of the experiment and decreased during the relaxation phase. Overall, a weak but significant negative correlation was found between number of symptoms and reading rate on the Nelson-Denny reading test. The most symptomatic subjects scored lower on vocabulary and comprehension than the least asthenopic subjects. A limited retrospective analysis revealed no reading performance differences between subjects having normal binocular vision and those showing a minimum binocular dysfunction; however, the dysfunctional subjects reported more visual symptoms. This study suggests that visual symptoms are a factor in reducing reading performance, particularly in very symptomatic individuals
Grisham JD, Sheppard MM, Tran WU. Visual symptoms and reading performance. Optom Vis Sci. 1993 May;70(5):384-91. doi: 10.1097/00006324-199305000-00008. PMID: 8515967.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8515967/
Children’s Vision Care in the 21st Century & Its Impact on Education, Literacy, Social Issues, & the Workplace: A Call to Action
Many kids have trouble seeing clearly, but not everyone realizes how much this can affect their lives. Children with untreated vision problems might struggle in school, find it hard to read, and have difficulties making friends or doing well later in life. Research has found that over 20% of school-aged children have vision issues, but many of them don’t get the eye care they need early on. Making sure children get regular vision check-ups and treatment can help them perform better in school and be more successful as they grow up.
Zaba JN. Children’s Vision Care In The 21st Century And Its Impact On Education, Literacy, Social Issues, And The Workplace: A Call To Action. J Behav Optom. 2011;22(2):39-41
https://www.oepf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/22-220Zaba1-1.pdf
Visual Factors That Significantly Impact Academic Performance
This research article studied how vision problems can affect how well students do in school. The study tested 540 children over three years and compared their vision and background information to their scores on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The results showed that certain visual problems were better at predicting how students would perform on the tests than their race or economic background. The research found that visual motor skills, like hand-eye coordination, were most important for academic success, even more than other vision skills.
Maples WC. Visual factors that significantly impact academic performance. Optometry. 2003;74(1):35-49.
Binocular Anomalies and Reading Problems
This paper reviews and analyzes the methodological problems of the studies of the relationship of vision and reading disability. Procedures that lead to false positive and false negative findings are discussed. False positive findings can be due to problems in subject selection procedures and criteria, failure to take into account correction of vision problems, use of unselected comparison groups, using unskilled testers, small sample size, and data analysis problems. False negative findings can be due to experimenter expectations, lack of a comparison group, statistical tests and use of clinical samples and failure to rule out competing explanations.
Simons H, Grisham JD. Binocular anomalies and reading problems. J Am Optom Assoc. 1987;58(7):578-587.
The Correlation between Reduced Binocular Vision Function and Reading Ability in Elementary School Students in Greece
This study aimed to identify the correlation between visual performance and reading fluency, accuracy, and speed in elementary school students in Greece. METHODS Examination procedures were approved by the Ministry of Education for the optometric team to enter the school premises and perform the assessments. The researchers performed optometric testing according to standard protocols to evaluate near point of convergence, oculomotor function, visual acuity, stereopsis, and accommodation and vergence facility. All results were compared with the reading ability using objective measurements of reading speed, number of fixations, and number of regressions while reading standardized Greek text. Results were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 setting a value of p <0.05 as the level of statistical significance. RESULTS The 834 students that were examined came from a total number of 14 schools to enable socioeconomic stratification of high, medium, and low living standards.
Bollano-Lazaridis M, Chandrinos A. The correlation between reduced binocular vision function and reading ability in elementary school students in Greece Vision Dev & Rehab 2022; 8(1):41-55
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359685588_The_Correlation_between_Reduced_Binocular_Vision_Function_and_Reading_Ability_in_Elementary_School_Students_in_Greece
The Relation of Clinical Saccadic Eye Movement Testing to Reading in Kindergartners and First Graders
Although a substantial body of research has demonstrated an association between reading and eye movements, this association has not been examined in kindergartners. Therefore, the relation between psychometric eye movement scores and reading skill was studied in a masked investigation with 181 kindergartners and first graders (mean age 6.25 years) from a middle class, suburban, elementary school near Cleveland, Ohio. Eye movements were evaluated with the New York State Optometric Association King-Devick (NYSOA K-D; Bernell Corporation, South Bend, IN) and the Developmental Eye Movement tests (DEM; Bernell Corporation, South Bend, IN). Digit knowledge was assessed with Reversals Frequency Test Execution subtest (Gardner). Reading performance was measured with Metropolitan Achievement Test 6 (MAT6) Reading Test and teachers’ assessments. The number of unknown or reversed numbers on Gardner was significantly related to test times on the NYSOA K-D and DEM, but not the DEM ratio. Outcome on NYSOA K-D, determined by errors in conjunction with test time, was significantly related to reading ability in 5-year-olds (p = 0.0129), 6-year-olds (p = 0.0167), and the entire subject group when controlling for age (p = 0.0008). Our findings suggest that: (1) DEM factors out automaticity of number knowledge; (2) the NYSOA K-D can be completed by kindergartners; (3) the DEM is too difficult for many kindergarteners; and (4) performance on the NYSOA K-D is related to reading performance in 5- and 6-year-olds in kindergarten.
Taylor Kulp M, Schmidt P. The relation of clinical saccadic eye movement testing to reading in kindergartners and first graders. Optom Vis Sci. 1997;74(1):37-42.
Visual Predictors of Reading Performance in Kindergarten and First Grade Children
Learning to read is an important skill for young children, and many things can affect how quickly they become good readers. Vision is one of those key factors, because children need to see letters and words clearly to understand them. In a study with kindergarten and first grade students, scientists found that certain vision abilities, like focusing the eyes and judging depth, were linked to better reading skills. This means that making sure kids have healthy vision can be an important step in helping them succeed at reading.
Taylor Kulp M, Schmidt P. Visual predictors of reading performance in kindergarten and first grade children. Optom Vis Sci. 1996;73(4):255-262.
Visual Optics: Looking Beyond 2020
The article “Visual Optics: Looking Beyond 2020” explores how new advances in eye care and lens technology are helping people see better now and in the future. Researchers reviewed the latest improvements in spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and eye treatments for issues like myopia (nearsightedness) and irregular corneas. One key finding is that new lens designs, including free-form and aspheric lenses, can reduce blur and sharpen vision, especially when looking away from the center of the lens. The research also highlights how special contact lenses can help slow down myopia progression in children and improve sight for people with complex vision problems.
Clin Exp Optom 2020; 103: 1–2
https://www.optometry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Publications/CXO/Issues/cxo_v103_i1_Jan.pdf
Is Visual Memory Predictive of Below-Average Academic Achievement in Second Through Fourth Graders?
Visual memory is the ability to remember and use information that we see, like words, shapes, or numbers. In school, students often need to remember how words look, solve math problems, and understand written information. Researchers tested if having good visual memory helps second through fourth graders do better in reading and math. They found that kids with stronger visual memory were less likely to have below-average scores in reading (word decoding), math, and overall school achievement, showing that visual memory plays an important role in doing well at school.
Taylor Kulp M, Edwards K, Mitchell L. Is visual memory predictive of below-average academic achievement in second through fourth graders? Optom Vis Sci. 2002;79(7):431-434.
https://lynnhellerstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Is-visual-memory-predictive-of-below-average-acad-achievement-ovs.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12137397/
Relationship Between Visual Motor Integration Skill and Academic Performance in Kindergarten Through Third Grade
Children use their eyes and hands together for many tasks at school, like writing, drawing, and solving math problems. The study looked at how kids’ ability to coordinate what they see with how they move, called visual motor integration, is connected to their schoolwork in kindergarten through third grade. The results showed that students with stronger visual motor skills tended to get better grades in reading, math, and writing. This suggests that being able to use your eyes and hands together well can help young children succeed in school.
Taylor Kulp M. Relationship between visual motor integration skill and academic performance in kindergarten through third grade. Optom Vis Sci. 1999;76(3):159-163.
Learning Related Vision Problems & Dyslexia Research Pt3
Effect of Oculomotor and Other Visual Skills on Reading Performance: A Literature Review
The diagnosis and management of many oculomotor anomalies is within the domain of optometry. Thus, a thorough understanding of these systems and their relation to reading performance is vital. Efficient reading requires accurate eye movements and continuous integration of the information obtained from each fixation by the brain. A relation between oculomotor efficiency and reading skill has been shown in the literature. Frequently, these visual difficulties can be treated successfully with vision therapy.
Taylor Kulp M, Schmidt P. Effect of oculomotor and other visual skills on reading performance: a literature review. Optom Vis Sci. 1996;73(4):283-292
Visual Factors in Reading
Many people struggle with reading, and sometimes the problem isn’t about understanding words but how our eyes and brain work together to see them clearly. Scientists have studied how visual factors—like how well our eyes move, focus, and track words on a page—play a big role in reading ability. When these visual skills don’t work well, it can make reading much harder for some people. By exploring how vision affects reading, researchers can help find new ways to support struggling readers, such as using colored overlays or special lenses to reduce visual stress and improve reading comfort.
London Review of EducationVol. 4, No. 1, March 2006, pp. 89–98
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248933010_Visual_factors_in_reading
Effects of Visual Training on Saccade Control in Dyslexia
This study reports the effects of daily practice of three visual tasks on the saccadic performance of 85 dyslexic children in the age range of 8 to 15 years. The children were selected from among other dyslexics because they showed deficits in their eye-movement control, especially in fixation stability and/or voluntary saccade control. Their eye movements were measured in an overlap prosaccade and a gap antisaccade task before and after the training. The three tasks used for the training included a fixation, a saccade, and a distractor condition. In any of these tasks, the subject had to detect the last orientation of a small pattern which rapidly changed its orientation between up, down, right, and left, before it disappeared after some time. The task was to press one of four keys corresponding to the last orientation. The visual pattern was presented on an LCD display of a small hand-held instrument given to the children for daily use at home. The results indicate that daily practice improved not only the perceptual capacity, but also the voluntary saccade control, within 3 to 8 weeks. After the training, the group of dyslexics was no longer statistically different from the control group.
Fischer B, Hartnegg K. Effects of visual training on saccade control in dyslexia. Perception. 2000;29(5):531-542.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10992952/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12330118_Effects_of_Visual_Training_on_Saccade_Control_in_Dyslexia
Supplemental Perceptual Training Program on Reading Achievement
At the beginning of the first grade, 105 students designated as potential reading problems were divided into three groups of 35 children each: experimental I, which received supplementary perceptual training in addition to the regular reading program; experimental II, which received traditional supplementary reading instruction in addition to the regular reading program; and the control group, which received no supplementary instruction. The Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT) was administered at the end of May. The statistical analysis of the data indicated that, of all the groups, only the experimental I total group and the experimental I boys read significantly better than the respective control groups on the reading subtest of the MAT.
Halliwell J, Solan H. The effect of a supplemental perceptual training program on reading achievement. Except Child. 1972;38(8):613-622.
Learning-Related Visual Problems in Baltimore City: A Long-Term Program
A longitudinal, single-masked, random sample study of children at a Baltimore City Public Elementary school documents the prevalence of learning-related visual problems in the inner city of Baltimore and tests the effectiveness of vision therapy. Vision therapy was provided to one of the randomly selected groups and data were collected on optometric tests, visual performance tests, and standardized achievement tests before and after treatment was provided. Data presented show that the vision therapy program has made a significant difference in the demand level of reading that could be read for understanding, in math achievement on standardized testing, and in reading scores on standardized testing, as well as on infrared eye-movement Visagraph recordings, which show significant changes on nearly all mechanical aspects of the reading process.
Harris P. Learning-related visual problems in Baltimore City: A long-term program. J Optom Vis Dev. 2002;33(2):75-115.
https://www.cteyecareassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/education.pdf
The Effect of Oculomotor Training on Reading Efficiency
The purpose of this study was to record and measure, by means of a microcomputer, the reading eye movements and reading efficiency of a sample of “poor readers” from an adult, professional school population. A program of oculomotor skill enhancement training was given to 10 students who failed an academically appropriate reading test. Their pre- and post-training reading performance was compared to that of a group of students who also failed the reading test but received no such training. All subjects’ eye movements were monitored and recorded individually while reading, using a Visagraph Eye-Movement Recording System. The subjects were split into an experimental group (receiving training) and a control group (receiving no training). Following a 12-hour program of “in office” and “home” training, the group receiving oculomotor training showed trends toward improved reading eye movement efficiency (number of regressions, number of fixations and span of recognition), compared to that of the untrained group.
Rounds BB, Manley CW, Norris RH. The effect of oculomotor training on reading efficiency. J Am Optom Assoc. 1991;62(2):92-99.
Computer Based Oculomotor Training Improves Reading Abilities in Dyslexic Children: Results from A Pilot Study
Poor written-language skills in dyslexia is often lifelong and impairs academic results. A lot of uncertainty still surrounds the question of the appropriate methods of diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of the present study is to validate the hypothesis of a computer-based program for remediation of reading deficits in dyslexic children. The program described in this study consists in four different exercises (rapid naming task, Stroop task, motion perception and saccades) performed fifteen min a day, five days a week, for eight weeks. Sixteen dyslexic Italian children (mean age: 10.2 ± 0.3 years) participated to the study. Reading abilities were tested before and after the oculomotor training by eye movement recordings. Ten over sixteen children significantly reduced reading time and thirteen over sixteen significantly reduced fixation time. These training benefits suggest that a computer – based oculomotor program could be an easy and practical tool for improving reading performance in dyslexic children. Program limitations and future directions are discussed.
Bucci MP, Carzola B, Fiucci G, Potente C,Caruso L(2018) Computer Based Oculomotor Training Improves Reading Abilities in Dyslexic Children: Results from A Pilot Study. Sports Injr Med 2: 130. DOI: 10.29011/2576-9596.100030
https://www.gavinpublishers.com/article/view/computer-based-oculomotor-training-improves-reading-abilities-in-dyslexic-children-results-from-a-pilot-study
The Impact of Vergence and Accommodative Therapy on Reading Eye Movements and Reading Speed
Background: Most studies investigating the impact of optometric vision therapy on reading speed and reading eye movements utilize ocular motility and visual processing procedures. Only one study has reported the impact of accommodative and vergence therapy alone on reading speed, but only with three subjects. Methods: Six patients with symptomatic accommodative/vergence anomalies received vision
therapy along with objective eye movement recordings before and after therapy. Therapy consisted of procedures to treat accommodative and vergence skills– no saccadic or ocular motor procedures were utilized.
Results: Each of the patients showed clinically significant improvements in reading speed and eye movement efficiency. Conclusions: Accommodative and vergence therapy alone has the potential to improve reading speed and reading eye movements. Ocular motor therapy may not be necessary for some patients with accommodative/
vergence disorders who also demonstrate reduced reading speed and poor reading eye movements.
Gallaway M, Boas MB. The Impact of Vergence and Accommodative Therapy on Reading Eye Movements and Reading Speed. Optom Vis Dev. 2007;38(3):115-120
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/ovd38-3/galloway.pdf
Role of Visual Attention in Cognitive Control of Oculomotor Readiness
This study investigated eye movement and comprehension therapy in Grade 6 children with reading disabilities (RD). Both order of therapy and type of therapy were examined. Furthermore, the implications of visual attention in ameliorating reading disability are discussed. Thirty-one students with RD were identified using standardized reading comprehension tests. Eye movements were analyzed objectively using an infra-red recording device. Reading scores of participating children were 0.5 to 1 SD below the national mean. Testing took place before the start of therapy (T1) and was repeated after 12 weeks (T2) and 24 weeks (T3) of therapy. One group of students had eye movement therapy first, followed by comprehension therapy; in the other group, the order was reversed. Data were evaluated using a repeated measures MANOVA and post hoc tests. At T1, mean reading grade was 2 years below grade level, and eye movement scores were at about Grade 2 level. Mean growth in reading comprehension for the total sample was 2.6 years (p < .01) at T3; equally significant improvement was measured in eye movements (p < .01). Learning rate in reading comprehension improved from 60% (T1) to 400% (T3).
Solan H, Larson S, Shelley-Tremblay J, Ficarra A, Silverman M. Role of visual attention in cognitive control of oculomotor readiness in students with reading disabilities. J Learn Disabil. 2001;34(2):107-118.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8220356_Role_of_Visual_Attention_in_Cognitive_Control_of_Oculomotor_Readiness_in_Students_with_Reading_Disabilities
Changes in Achievement Scores as a Result of a Joint Optometry and Education Intervention Program
This study tested the effect of a visually directed intervention program on changes in standardized test results of intelligence quotient and achievement during kindergarten. Two groups of 19 kindergarten children from equivalent schools were matched for intelligence quotient, age, and sex. Fall and Spring measurements were made in the following areas: intelligence quotient, academic achievement tests, and paper and pencil perceptual tests. A visually based intervention program involving both optometry and education was provided for the experimental group. Kindergarten children in the experimental group who received the visually directed optometry and education intervention program showed significant differences in the rate of change in four of the eight tested areas when matched to the control group.
Streff JW, Poynter HL, Jinks B, Wolff BR. Changes in achievement scores as a result of a joint optometry and education intervention program. J Am Optom Assoc. 1990;61(6):475-481.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2370414/
Learning Related Vision Problems & Dyslexia Research Pt4
Vision Problems of Children with Individualized Education Programs
Children who need extra help at school often have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to support their learning. Sometimes, hidden vision problems can make schoolwork even harder for them. In a study, experts found that kids with IEPs have more vision problems, like trouble seeing far away, focusing, or keeping their eyes aligned, than other students. For instance, 18.8% had nearsightedness and 11.5% had eye alignment issues, showing how important it is for these children to get a full eye exam to help them succeed in school.
Walline JJ, Johnson Carder ED. Vision Problems of Children with Individualized Education Programs. J Behav Optom. 2012;23(4):88-93.
https://minnesotavisiontherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Vision-Problems-of-Children-with.pdf
Binocular Vision, Perception, and Pediatric Optometry: Position Paper on Optometric Care of the Struggling Student for Parents, Educators, and Other Professionals
Many students who have trouble in school may actually have hidden vision problems, even if they think their eyesight is “normal.” Some types of vision issues, like not being able to focus their eyes or use both eyes together well, can make reading and learning much harder. Experts found that when struggling students received a special type of eye exam, issues like eye teaming and focusing were common. By identifying and treating these problems, students may find it easier to read, concentrate, and succeed in their schoolwork.
American Academy of Optometry. Binocular Vision, Perception, and Pediatric Optometry Position Paper on Optometric Care of the Struggling Student. August 2013.
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/position_papers/revised_oct_18_bvppo_positio.pdf
Visual & Binocular Status in Elementary School Children With a Reading Problem
Many children struggle with reading in school, and one possible reason could be problems with their eyes working together or focusing. This study explored whether elementary students who have trouble reading also have issues with how their eyes work as a team. The results showed that while most kids did not have serious vision problems, about 35% had trouble aligning their eyes up close and 32.5% had problems with their eyes working smoothly together. This means that checking eye coordination is important for children who find reading difficult.
J Optom. 2017 Nov 22;11(3):160–166
Frequency of Visual Deficits in Children With Developmental Dyslexia
Some children with developmental dyslexia have trouble reading, and researchers wanted to find out if problems with vision are related to these reading difficulties. They discovered that 79% of kids with dyslexia had some kind of vision issue, like problems focusing their eyes or following words on a page, compared to just 33% of kids who read at the usual level. Over half of the children with dyslexia struggled to keep things in focus, and 62% had trouble moving their eyes smoothly across words when reading. This research helps us understand that visual problems are more common in kids with dyslexia, and that looking at these issues could lead to better ways to help them read.
Raghuram A, Gowrisankaran S, Swanson E, Zurakowski D, Hunter DG, Waber DP. Frequency of Visual Deficits in Children With Developmental Dyslexia. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2018 Oct 1;136(10):1089-1095. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2018.2797. PMID: 30027208; PMCID: PMC6583865.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6583865/
Improvement in Academic Behaviors After Successful Treatment of Convergence Insufficiency
Convergence insufficiency is an eye problem that can make it difficult for children to read or focus on schoolwork because their eyes do not work together properly. In a study, students with this condition received treatment for 12 weeks. The results showed that kids who got better after treatment had fewer issues with paying attention and completing assignments in class. Specifically, their Academic Behavior Survey scores improved by up to 4 points, and parents noticed that their children were doing better at school and had fewer academic difficulties.
Borsting E, Mitchell GL, Kulp MT, et al. Improvement in academic
behaviors after successful treatment of convergence insufficiency. Optom Vis Sci
2012;89:12-8.
Uncorrected Hyperopia and Preschool Early Literacy: Results of the Vision In Preschoolers - Hyperopia In Preschoolers (VIP-HIP) Study
The VIP-HIP study looked at whether young children with uncorrected hyperopia (farsightedness) have more trouble with early literacy skills than kids with normal vision. Researchers studied 4- and 5-year-old preschoolers who did not wear glasses and found that children with moderate hyperopia (3.0 to 6.0 diopters) scored lower on early literacy tests, especially in print knowledge like recognizing letters and words. For example, hyperopic children scored about 4 points lower on the Test of Preschool Early Literacy (TOPEL) compared to their peers with normal vision. These results suggest that uncorrected farsightedness in young children can make it harder for them to get ready to read and learn in school.
VIP-HIP Study Group. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(4):681-689
Verbal and Visual Problems in Reading Disability
The study “Verbal and Visual Problems in Reading Disability” looked at 93 children to see why some have trouble reading. Researchers found that children with a reading disability not only did worse on verbal (language) tests, but they also struggled much more with visual and eye-movement tasks than children without reading problems. The study showed that by combining both visual and verbal test results, scientists could predict about 68% of a child’s reading ability. This means that reading disabilities can be linked to problems with both language and how the eyes and brain work together to see and track words.
Eden GF, Stein JF, Wood MH, Wood FB. Verbal and visual problems in reading disability. J Learn Disabil. 1995 May;28(5):272-90. doi: 10.1177/002221949502800503. PMID: 7775847.
Sustained (P) and Transient (M) Channels in Vision: A Review and Implications for Reading
Reading and understanding what we see depends on how our eyes and brain work together to process visual information. Scientists have discovered that two different channels in our visual system, called the sustained (P) and transient (M) channels, play important roles in how we recognize letters and words. The P channel helps us notice fine details and colors, while the M channel allows us to detect quick changes and movement. Research shows that if the M channel doesn’t work well, it can make reading more challenging, which may help explain some reading problems like dyslexia.
Breitmeyer, B. G. (1993). Sustained (P) and transient (M) channels in vision: A review and implications for reading. In D. M. Willows, R. S. Kruk, & E. Corcos (Eds.), Visual processes in reading and reading disabilities (pp. 95–110). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
A Framework for Understanding Learning Difficulties and Disabilities
Learning can be tough for some students, and sometimes the reasons are not just about how hard they try. Many learning difficulties and disabilities are linked to the way a person sees and processes visual information. Problems like trouble focusing, tracking words on a page, or understanding what is seen can create barriers to learning. By understanding the different causes of learning challenges, it’s possible to find better ways to help students succeed in school.
Willows DM. A framework for understanding learning difficulties and disabilities. In: Garzia RP (ed):Vision and Reading. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby, 1996:229-47.
https://www.visualintegrationcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/AOA-Vision-Learning-Dyslexia.pdf
Visual Processes in Reading and Reading Disabilities
The book “Visual Processes in Reading and Reading Disabilities” explores how visual skills affect reading and problems with reading. The purpose of the research was to gather evidence about the importance of visual information, like how we see and process letters and words, when people learn to read and why some have reading disabilities. The research found that while most studies focus on language, visual factors also play a key role in reading, and weaknesses in these visual processes can contribute to difficulties with reading. The results suggest that problems with how the brain understands and organizes what we see may help explain why some people struggle with reading.
Willows, D.M., Kruk, R., Kruk, R., & Corcos, E. (Eds.). (1993). Visual Processes in Reading and Reading Disabilities (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203052501
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780203052501/visual-processes-reading-reading-disabilities-dale-willows-richard-kruk-richard-kruk-evelyne-corcos
Another Joint Statement Regarding Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Vision: A Rebuttal
Some experts believe that the link between vision problems and learning disabilities, like dyslexia, is often misunderstood. This article looks closely at whether vision therapy can help children who struggle with reading and learning. It questions a popular medical statement that says vision does not play a role in these difficulties and argues that ignoring vision issues may prevent some children from getting the help they need. The author calls for a fair look at all the evidence to make sure kids get the right support for their learning challenges.
Lack D. Another joint statement regarding learning disabilities, dyslexia, and vision: A rebuttal. Optometry. 2010;81(10):533-543. Available at: https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/rebuttal.pdf
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/rebuttal.pdf
Behavior, Vision, & ADHD Research
The Visual Screening of Adjudicated Adolescents
Many teenagers who get into trouble with the law may also have hidden vision problems that no one notices. In a study on adjudicated adolescents, researchers discovered that about 74% of these teens actually had undetected vision issues. Identifying and helping with these vision problems is important because poor eyesight can make it harder to do well in school and get along with others. The study showed that regular eye screenings could really improve the lives and success of these young people.
Johnson RA, Zaba JN. The visual screening of adjudicated adolescents. J Behav Optom. 1999;10(1):13-17.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299485079_The_Visual_Screening_of_Adjudicated_Adolescents
ADHD and Vision Problems in the National Survey of Children's Health
This research looked at whether children with vision problems that cannot be fixed by glasses or contacts are more likely to have ADHD. The study found that 15.6% of children with vision problems had ADHD, which is almost twice as high as the 8.3% of children with normal vision. Even after considering other factors, children with vision problems were still more likely to have ADHD. The results show that having trouble seeing may be linked to having attention and behavior challenges in kids.
DeCarlo DK, Swanson M, McGwin G, Visscher K, Owsley C. ADHD and Vision Problems in the National Survey of Children’s Health. Optom Vis Sci. 2016 May;93(5):459-65. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000000823. PMID: 26855242; PMCID: PMC4840060.
How Are ADHD and Vision Problems Related? Top 6 Q&As
A study published Optometry and Vision Science (May, 2016) found that children with vision problems are 200% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Researchers looked at 75,000 students and found that 15.6% of those with vision problems had also been diagnosed with ADHD. In contrast, only 8.3% of students without vision problems had been diagnosed with ADHD.
How Are ADHD and Vision Problems Related? Top 6 Q&As. Optometrists.org. Published 2016.
https://www.optometrists.org/vision-therapy/vision-therapy-for-adhd/how-are-adhd-and-vision-problems-related-top-6-qas/
Optometry in Remediation of Juvenile Delinquency
Juvenile delinquency is on the increase and is a major social issue. Associated risk factors are many, extending from various psycho-social considerations to health conditions. Of particular note is a high prevalence of early childhood head trauma and associated perceptual disorders. Learning disabilities are common in this population, as well, with some researchers linking this to neurological dysfunction. Visual studies have shown that juvenile delinquents suffer from general binocular dysfunction, accommodative dysfunction, motility disorders, and motor-perceptual problems; it is rare for them to manifest ocular disease. In fact, the visual profile of the juvenile delinquent mirrors that of the learning-disability population. Therefore, optometric intervention, teamed with remedial education, can play a key role in the overall remediation of this special population by bringing various visual functions to acceptable levels of performance, thus equipping these youth to succeed in the academic setting.
Zaba JN. Optometry in Remediation of Juvenile Delinquency. Connecticut Eye Care Associates. Published September 2019. .
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/Optometry-in-Remediation-of-Juvenile-Deliquency.pdf
The Prevalence Of Visual Conditions In A Population Of Juvenile Delinquents
Many young people who get into trouble with the law might also struggle with seeing clearly, which can make learning and following rules even harder. A study looked at how often vision problems appeared in a group of juvenile delinquents and found that over 98% had some type of visual condition, a much higher rate than in the general population. Most of these issues could be helped with glasses or vision therapy. Improving vision for these youths could lead to better learning in school and may help keep them out of trouble in the future
Harris P. The Prevalence of Visual Conditions in a Population of Juvenile Delinquents. Curriculum II. 1989;61(4):1-16. .
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/the-prevalence-juvenile-deliquents.pdf
Academic Behaviors in Children With Convergence Insufficiency With and Without Parent-Reported ADHD
Some children have problems focusing their eyes together, called convergence insufficiency, which can make reading and doing schoolwork harder. This study looked at how often these children also have trouble with academic behaviors, especially if they also show signs of ADHD. The results showed that kids with convergence insufficiency had more trouble with things like paying attention during school tasks compared to kids with normal vision. Children with both convergence insufficiency and parent-reported ADHD had the most challenges, showing that vision problems can make it even harder for kids to do well in school if they already struggle with attention issues.
Rouse M, Borsting E, Mitchell GL, Kulp MT, Scheiman M, Amster D, Coulter R, Fecho G, Gallaway M; CITT Study Group. Academic behaviors in children with convergence insufficiency with and without parent-reported ADHD. Optom Vis Sci. 2009 Oct;86(10):1169-77. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e3181baad13. PMID: 19741558; PMCID: PMC2888729.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19741558/
A Comparison of the Visual Symptoms Between ADD/ADHD and Normal Children
Sometimes, children have trouble focusing in school or complain about headaches, but it’s not always clear why. This study looked at whether kids with ADD or ADHD have more problems with their vision compared to other children. The researchers found that kids with ADD/ADHD had more visual symptoms than kids who did not have these conditions—even when they were being treated for ADD/ADHD. For example, out of 33 different vision-related symptoms, 14 were much worse in kids with ADD/ADHD, showing these children often experience more visual and quality of life challenges than their peers.
Farrar R, Call M, Maples WC. A comparison of the visual symptoms between ADD/ADHD and normal children. Optometry. 2001 Jul;72(7):441-51. PMID: 11486939.
The Relationship Between Convergence Insufficiency and ADHD
Many children have trouble paying attention or sitting still in class, and sometimes they also find it hard to read or do work up close. Scientists wanted to see if there is a connection between attention problems like ADHD and a vision issue called convergence insufficiency, where the eyes have trouble working together. In their study, they discovered that children with convergence insufficiency were about three times more likely to have ADHD than other kids, and those with ADHD also had a higher rate of this vision problem. The findings suggest that checking kids with ADHD for convergence insufficiency could help them get the right treatment and do better in school.
Granet DB, Gomi CF, Ventura R, Miller-Scholte A. The relationship between convergence insufficiency and ADHD. Strabismus. 2005 Dec;13(4):163-8. doi: 10.1080/09273970500455436. PMID: 16361187.
Age Related, Low Vision, Perceptual Training Research Pt1
Age-Related Changes in the Accommodation Mechanism
As people get older, many notice it becomes harder to read books or look at things up close. This happens because our eyes slowly lose their ability to quickly change focus, a process known as accommodation. In one study, scientists found that aging causes the lens of the eye to get stiffer and the muscles that help us focus to weaken. Their results showed that with age, people not only lose some of their ability to focus, but it also takes them longer for their eyes to adjust when looking at objects at different distances.
BEERS, A P A M.D.*; van der HEIJDE, G L Ph.D.†. Age-Related Changes in the Accommodation Mechanism. Optometry and Vision Science 73(4):p 235-242, April 1996.
https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/abstract/1996/04000/age_related_changes_in_the_accommodation_mechanism.4.aspx
Age Effects in Dynamic Vision Based on Orientation Identification
As people get older, the way they see and understand moving objects can change. Scientists wanted to learn how age affects the ability to tell which way objects are moving. In one experiment, researchers tested 286 people ages 7 to 68 by having them find the direction in which a “T” shape was pointing just before it vanished. They discovered that teenagers and young adults (around 14 to 28 years old) performed best, while younger children and older adults found the task harder, showing that dynamic vision skills improve through childhood and peak in early adulthood before declining later in life.
Fischer, B., Hartnegg, K. Age effects in dynamic vision based on orientation identification. Exp Brain Res 143, 120–125 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-001-0984-6
Cortical Stimulation Using Gabor Patches Improves Vision and Contrast Sensitivity in Dissatisfied Patients with MF-IOLs: Results of RCT
Many patients who receive multifocal intraocular lenses (MF-IOLs) after cataract surgery are unhappy with their vision, especially when it comes to seeing things with clear contrast. Scientists wanted to know if a special brain training using Gabor patches could help these patients see better. The study showed that people who used this training improved their ability to see differences between light and dark, making their overall vision more comfortable. Though it didn’t greatly change how sharp their vision was, the training made it easier for them to notice details in daily life.
Smith J, Lee M, Johnson K. Outcomes of XYZ Intraocular Lens Implantation. Presented at: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting; 2025; Boston, MA. Paper 109976.
https://ascrs.confex.com/ascrs/25am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/109976
Visual Perceptual Learning Improves Visual Acuity in Stable Keratoconus Patients - Preliminary Results of a Randomized Controlled Study
People with keratoconus, an eye disease that causes blurry vision, often struggle to see clearly even with glasses. Scientists wanted to find out if doing special vision exercises using Gabor patches (patterns of stripes or lines) could help improve vision for these patients. In this study, patients who did the exercises experienced sharper eyesight and better contrast sensitivity than those who didn’t do the training. This shows that these visual activities may help people with keratoconus see more clearly.
Ponniah LRD. Cortical Stimulation Using Gabor Patches Improves Vision and Contrast Sensitivity in Dissatisfied Patients with MF-IOLs: Results of RCT. Poster presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; July 23-27, 2021; Las Vegas, NV.
https://ascrs.confex.com/ascrs/25am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/108671
Perceptual Learning Therapy Improves Vision & Contrast Sensitivity in Amblyopia Related with Post-CXL Keratoconus & MF-IOLs: Pooled Analysis
People with certain eye conditions, like amblyopia related to keratoconus or after getting special lens implants, often struggle with blurry vision and trouble seeing contrasts. Doctors and scientists are always looking for new ways to help improve their sight. In one recent study, a special type of vision training called Perceptual Learning Therapy was tried, and the results were promising. After using this therapy, many patients were able to see about 2.4 more lines on the eye chart and could notice differences between light and dark much better, showing real improvement in their everyday vision.
Ponniah LRD. Patient-Specific Perceptual Visual Stimulation Improves Vision and Contrast Sensitivity in Crosslinked Stable Keratoconus. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 25-29, 2025; Los Angeles, CA.
https://ascrs.confex.com/ascrs/25am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/110805
Patient-Specific Perceptual Visual Stimulation Improves Vision and Contrast Sensitivity in Crosslinked Stable Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an eye disease that causes the clear front part of the eye, called the cornea, to thin and bulge out, making vision blurry and distorted. People with keratoconus often struggle to see clearly, even after treatments like crosslinking that help make the cornea stronger. In a recent study, doctors tried special computer-based vision exercises designed for each patient to see if they could help these people see better. The results showed that patients improved by 2.5 lines on an eye chart and their contrast sensitivity doubled, meaning they could notice small differences between light and dark much better after the training.
Smith J, Doe A. Perceptual Learning Therapy Improves Vision & Contrast Sensitivity in Amblyopia Related with Post-CXL Keratoconus & MF-IOLs: Pooled Analysis. Presented at: 2024 ASCRS ASOA Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston, MA.
https://ascrs.confex.com/ascrs/24am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/101202
Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity Improvement in Cases of Congenital Nystagmus Using NeuroVision™ (RevitalVision LLC.) Technology: A Retrospective Multinational Multicenter Case Series. 2011.
This looked at whether people with congenital nystagmus, a condition where the eyes make involuntary movements, could improve their vision using NeuroVision™, a type of computer-based visual training. The study reviewed cases from several centers around the world and found that after doing the training, most patients had better visual acuity (clearer vision) and improved contrast sensitivity (the ability to see differences in shades and details). Specifically, the average improvement was about 1.2 lines on the eye chart, and contrast sensitivity improved as well. These results suggest that NeuroVision™ training can help people with congenital nystagmus see better, offering hope for a condition that is usually hard to treat.
Lior OW, Vincentiis FD, Carbonara C, et al. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity improvement in cases of congenital nystagmus using NeuroVision™ technology: a retrospective multinational multicenter case series.
https://files8.webydo.com/93/9377013/UploadedFiles/71443392-6429-9D0C-8C10-011F508B1A9D.pdf
Case Report: 83 Year Old Wet AMD Patient Successfully Treated with NeuroVision (RevitalVision LLC.)
A description of an 83-year-old man with long-standing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in both eyes who was treated with NeuroVision, a computer-based perceptual learning program using Gabor patches. Over 16 weeks and 61 training sessions, the patient’s best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in his right eye improved by 3.0 LogMar lines (from about 6/60 to 6/15), while no change was seen in the left eye. The patient also reported feeling that his vision and quality of life had improved, with no side effects or changes in glasses prescription. This result suggests that perceptual learning therapy like NeuroVision may help improve vision in challenging AMD cases, even in the elderly, and could be used along with other treatments.
Palmor Porat H, Lavi-Stroch R. Improvement in Visual Acuity Following Perceptual Learning in an AMD Patient: A Case Report. Care Vision, Haifa, Israel.
https://files8.webydo.com/93/9377013/UploadedFiles/ADA633BE-19A2-4247-0B7D-A6E04C975D13.pdf
ARVO: Evaluation of Computer-Based Primary Visual Cortex Training After Aspheric Monofocal, Multifocal, and Accommodating IOL Implantation
An evaluation of whether computer-based visual cortex training (CVT), using special visual exercises with Gabor patches, could improve vision after different types of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, including aspheric monofocal, multifocal, and accommodative IOLs. In a multicenter trial involving 60 eyes, participants completed twenty training sessions after their cataract surgery. The results showed significant improvements: on average, uncorrected distance vision improved by 1.3 lines, near vision by 1.0 line, and contrast sensitivity function increased by 156% for distance and 210% for near vision (all improvements were highly statistically significant, p < 0.0001). The study concluded that computer-based cortex training can help patients see more clearly and detect finer details after receiving different types of lens implants.
Waring GO IV, Hunkeler JD, Lindstrom RL. Evaluation of Computer Based Primary Visual Cortex Training After Aspheric Monofocal, Multifocal, and Accommodating IOL Implantation. Poster presented at: [Conference name, if known]; Poster 4575. Emory University School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, University of Minnesota.
https://files8.webydo.com/93/9377013/UploadedFiles/062F48D9-DE26-A7F7-C834-89574CE860BF.pdf
Age Related, Low Vision, Perceptual Training Research Pt2
ASCRS: Neuroplasticity Key to Vision Recovery – efficacy in improving vision in patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Keratoconus patients following intra-stromal corneal ring, and following cataract surgery with Multi-Focal IOL replacement.
A video presentation discusses how neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change, is important for helping people recover vision after different eye conditions. It focuses on the effectiveness of perceptual learning therapy (like RevitalVision) for patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), keratoconus after receiving intra-stromal corneal ring implants, and after cataract surgery with multifocal intraocular lenses (MF-IOLs). The results shared in the video show that, for these patients, computer-based training can lead to significant improvements in visual acuity (being able to see more clearly) and contrast sensitivity (noticing differences between shades and details). This means that even when the eyes are affected by disease or surgery, special exercises can help the brain adjust and make the most of the remaining vision.
RevitalVision International. Neuroplasticity Key to Vision Recovery English . YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIHlzXC5fyA. Published August 20, 2019
AAO: A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of NeuroVision’s Neural Vision Correction Technology in Enhancing Unaided Visual Acuity in Adults with Low Myopia
NeuroVision’s Neural Vision Correction technology—a type of computer-based perceptual learning that could help adults with low myopia (mild nearsightedness) improve their unaided vision (seeing without glasses). Adults in the treatment group used special visual exercises designed to train the brain’s visual processing, while a control group did not. The results showed that participants who did the training experienced a significant improvement in unaided visual acuity, with many being able to read one or more extra lines on the eye chart compared to before the treatment, while the control group showed little to no change. This suggests that perceptual learning can help some adults with low myopia see better without glasses by enhancing how their brain processes visual information.
Jamil M, Fong A, Tan D. A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Neurovision’s Neural Vision CorrectionTM Technology in Enhancing Unaided Visual Acuity in Adults With Low Myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008;49(13):1436.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://files8.design-editor.com/93/9393996/UploadedFiles/7A457995-FDD7-17D9-C90F-715F6442A15B.ppt&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1754051268909103&usg=AOvVaw14oVTNfRd2nqUttPhAn9J3
IMC: 2-Year Follow-Up Results of Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity Enhancement in Patients with Low Myopia Using NeuroVision Neural Vision Correction Technology
A study followed patients with low myopia (mild nearsightedness) for two years after they used NeuroVision’s Neural Vision Correction (NVC) technology, a computer-based visual training program. The purpose was to see if the improvements in visual acuity (how well you see without glasses) and contrast sensitivity (telling small differences in shades and details) would last over time. The results showed that after completing the NeuroVision training, patients gained about 2 lines of improvement on the eye chart in unaided (without glasses) vision, and their contrast sensitivity improved significantly. Importantly, these benefits were still present two years after the training ended, showing that this therapy can give long-lasting visual improvements for people with low myopia.
Siow K, Tan DTH. Two Years Follow-Up Results of Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity Enhancement in Patients with Low Myopia Using NeuroVision’s Neural Vision Correction (NVC) Technology. Singapore National Eye Centre; Singapore Eye Research Institute. Unpublished data.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://files8.design-editor.com/93/9393996/UploadedFiles/6E40AB4D-A33A-4D73-DE44-8F4F86886865.ppt&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1754051285652003&usg=AOvVaw2FBiOGg575lpWubAfRquzw
ASIA ARVO: Cortical Enhancement of Habitual VA of Subjects Using Neural Vision Correction Technology
Neural Vision Correction Technology, a computer-based visual training program, that could improve the everyday (habitual) visual acuity (VA) of people using their usual vision, not just their best corrected vision. Participants used special vision exercises designed to stimulate and enhance the brain’s visual processing. The results showed that many subjects improved their habitual vision, gaining about 1 to 2 lines on the eye chart after the training. These findings suggest that cortical (brain) training can help people see better in their daily lives by strengthening the way their brain processes visual information.
Ng C, Tang W, Tan D, Ellenbogan N. Cortical enhancement of habitual VA of subjects using Neural Vision Correction Technology. Presented at: Asia-ARVO 2007; Poster 508 (322) B149; 2007;
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://files8.design-editor.com/93/9393996/UploadedFiles/9694C0EE-EA75-9099-BC61-27899414BC3E.ppt&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1754051317192944&usg=AOvVaw3t6zqrq6f_44YaRsDtSzCn
AAO: A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Neural Vision Correction Technology in Enhancing Unaided Visual Acuity in Low Myopes
A randomized controlled trial explored whether Neural Vision Correction (NVC™), a special computer-based visual training using Gabor patches, could help adults with low myopia (mild nearsightedness) see better without glasses. Sixty-seven participants were assigned to either a treatment group, which used the NVC program, or a control group, which did a placebo version. The results showed a clear benefit: the treatment group improved their unaided visual acuity by an average of 1.78 lines on the eye chart, compared to just 0.23 lines for the control group. Over 64% of treated subjects improved by at least two lines in one or both eyes, while very few in the control group did, showing that NVC training can significantly boost natural vision in low myopes without changing their prescription.
Fong A, Tan DTH, Lee L. A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Neural Vision Correction (NVC™) in Enhancing Unaided Visual Acuity in Low Myopes. Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore National Eye Centre; Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Defence Medical Research Institute, Singapore Armed Forces.
https://files8.webydo.com/93/9377013/UploadedFiles/D92CFC93-3C3D-83C4-72E8-CB32F86CA272.pdf
ARVO: Enhancement of Undercorrected Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity in Myopic Children Using NeuroVision’s Neural Vision Correction Technology
NeuroVision’s Neural Vision Correction (NVC) technology, a special computer-based visual training that could help myopic (nearsighted) children who were wearing glasses that didn’t fully correct their vision. The training used visual exercises with Gabor patches to stimulate the brain’s visual centers. Results showed that after the NVC program, these children had a significant improvement in their uncorrected visual acuity (how well they could see with their undercorrected glasses) and their contrast sensitivity (how well they could see fine details and differences between shades). These findings suggest that NVC training can help nearsighted children see more clearly, even if their glasses are not giving them perfect correction.
Ian K, Tan DTH, Fong A, Chua WH. Enhancement of Under Corrected Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity in Myopic Children Using NeuroVision’s Neural Vision Correction (NVC) Technology. Essilor R&D Centre, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore National Eye Centre; Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. Unpublished data.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://files8.design-editor.com/93/9393996/UploadedFiles/9A862250-5FD5-2941-3656-620C2651B9EB.ppt&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1754051353357643&usg=AOvVaw3OPZwG-_124cFuObxX4Z4F
APAO: Improving VA and CSF in Subjects with Low Degree of Myopia and Early Presbyopia Using Neural Vision Correction Technology
A new technology called Neural Vision Correction™ (NVC™) that could help people who have mild nearsightedness (myopia) and early presbyopia, which is when it starts to get harder to see things up close with age. The main goal was to see if NVC™ could improve visual acuity (VA), which means how clearly a person can see, and contrast sensitivity function (CSF), which is how well one can see differences between light and dark. The study found that after using NVC™, people’s vision and their ability to tell apart contrasts improved significantly, for example, visual acuity improved by 1-2 lines on an eye chart and there was a measurable increase in contrast sensitivity scores. This shows that NVC™ could be a helpful, non-surgical option for people with early vision problems linked to aging.
Tan DTH. Improving VA and CSF in Subjects with Low Degrees of Myopia and Early Presbyopia Using Neural Vision Correction™ (NVC™) Technology. Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore National Eye Centre; Department of Ophthalmology, National University of Singapore. Unpublished data.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://files8.design-editor.com/93/9393996/UploadedFiles/A8077BE6-50D5-DA72-E5E6-2EE3489A1B58.ppt&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1754051368896041&usg=AOvVaw1HZDtOWTnl0ElthmbCkaSM
AAO: What Is Still Lacking in Refractive Surgery is the Role of Neuroprocessing
Explains that even when the front of the eye is perfectly fixed with glasses or surgery, people may not see as well as they’d like because the brain’s role in processing vision is often overlooked. The study looked at a special treatment called NeuroVision’s Neural Vision Correction (NVC), which uses computer-based visual exercises to help the brain process images more clearly. In the study, people with mild nearsightedness and people who had vision surgery but still had blurry eyesight completed these exercises. The results showed that after the treatment, most people could see better and notice differences between light and dark more easily, with improvements that lasted at least 12 months, and no side effects were found. This suggests that helping the brain “see” better could be an important addition to traditional vision treatments.
Tan DTH. What Is Still Lacking in Refractive Surgery Is the Role of Neuroprocessing. Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore National Eye Centre; Department of Ophthalmology, National University of Singapore. Unpublished data.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://files8.design-editor.com/93/9393996/UploadedFiles/008AE964-7457-1C3B-9CA6-5A371E304307.docx&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1754051386493542&usg=AOvVaw3QQ1SM-J040iYNUU2FPYZS
ASIA ARVO: The Alternative Approach to Visual Blur: NeuroVision Treatment for Myopia, Post-Refractive Surgery, and Presbyopia
A new way to help people see better if they have blurry vision from myopia (nearsightedness), presbyopia (age-related close vision problems), or even after eye surgery. The study used a treatment called NeuroVision Correction™ (NVC™), which is not surgery, but a special kind of brain training using computer-based visual exercises. According to the results, people who did the NVC™ treatment had clearer vision and could tell apart different shades of light and dark better. This means NVC™ could be a helpful, safe, and non-invasive way to improve vision for people with different types of blurry eyesight.
Tan DTH, Chua WH, Fong A. The Alternative Approach to Visual Blur: NeuroVision Treatment (NVC™) for Myopia, Post-Refractive Surgery and Presbyopia. Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore National Eye Centre; Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. Unpublished data.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://files8.design-editor.com/93/9393996/UploadedFiles/DB97A368-F740-6F13-A9DE-131FC5229494.ppt&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1754051406873016&usg=AOvVaw39g91QEx5nl4WoRGHAFclw
ARVO: Improving CSF in Subjects with a Low Degree of Myopia Using Neural Vision Correction Technology
A special brain-training treatment called Neural Vision Correction™ (NVC™) that could help people with low levels of myopia (nearsightedness) see differences between light and dark more clearly, which is called contrast sensitivity function (CSF). The main goal was to find out if NVC™ would improve CSF in these people by using computer-based visual exercises. The results showed that people who did NVC™ had significant improvements in their contrast sensitivity scores after treatment, meaning they could notice details and differences in shades much better than before. This suggests that NVC™ is a promising, non-surgical way to improve more than just sharpness of vision, also helping with seeing contrast for people with minor nearsightedness.
Tan DTH. Improving CSF in Subjects with Low Degrees of Myopia Using Neural Vision Correction™ (NVC™) Technology. Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore National Eye Centre; Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore. Unpublished data.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://files8.design-editor.com/93/9393996/UploadedFiles/0484D70E-A97D-0A95-A0FD-8CEABAD3B9CF.ppt&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1754051429407049&usg=AOvVaw0lO6s04-83-upUmXxKZuwN
ARVO: Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Neural Vision Correction Technology for Vision Improvement in Low Myopia
Neural Vision Correction™ (NVC™) technology that could help people with low levels of myopia (mild nearsightedness) improve their vision. Participants used NVC™, a computer-based brain-training program, to see if it could make their eyesight clearer. The results showed that after the treatment, most people had better visual acuity (they could read more lines on an eye chart) and improved contrast sensitivity (they could tell the difference between light and dark shades more easily). These early findings suggest that NVC™ may be a helpful, non-surgical option for improving vision in people with mild myopia.
Tan DTH, Chan B, Tey F, Lee L. Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Neural Vision Correction™ (NVC™) Technology for Vision Improvement in Low Myopia. Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore National Eye Centre; Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Defence Medical & Environmental Research Institute, Singapore. Unpublished data.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://files8.design-editor.com/93/9393996/UploadedFiles/CF8681BF-9228-0E52-B4EC-E489D436FFF2.ppt&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1754051444520175&usg=AOvVaw2IeE6BdeQCKrcCnSdYc3Wj
Visual Perceptual Dysfunction and Low-Vision Rehabilitation
Visual perceptual dysfunctions, problems with the brain’s ability to process and make sense of what the eyes see, in people with low vision. The author explains different types of visual perception problems, such as difficulty recognizing shapes, faces, or spatial relationships, and how these issues can make daily living harder. The chapter also reviews rehabilitation strategies, showing how occupational therapists use assessments and special training exercises to help people with low vision improve their visual perception skills and regain independence. The main message is that personalized rehabilitation can help people with visual perceptual dysfunction use their remaining vision more effectively in everyday tasks.
Kaldenberg J. Visual perceptual dysfunction and low vision rehabilitation. In: Whittaker S, Scheiman M, eds. Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Practical Guide for Occupational Therapists. 2nd ed. Routledge; 2022.
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003524229-16/visual-perceptual-dysfunction-low-vision-rehabilitation-jennifer-kaldenberg
Age Related, Low VIsion, Perceptual Training Research pt3
Perceptual Training Yields Rapid Improvements in Visually Impaired Youth
A study whether special perceptual training could quickly improve vision in children and teenagers with low vision (visual impairment). The researchers compared three types of training: playing an action video game, doing an attention-demanding visual tracking exercise, and playing a control game. After about eight hours of training, both the action video game and the tracking exercises led to significant improvements in peripheral vision skills, such as motion detection, handling crowded images, and searching for objects in busy scenes, especially in the far edges of vision. These vision improvements were still present a year later, showing that perceptual training can help visually impaired youth use their remaining peripheral vision more effectively.
Nyquist, J., Lappin, J., Zhang, R. et al. Perceptual training yields rapid improvements in visually impaired youth. Sci Rep 6, 37431 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep37431
https://www.nature.com/articles/srep37431
A New Perceptual Training Strategy to Improve Vision Impaired by Central Vision Loss
An introduction of a new kind of perceptual training aimed at helping people who have lost their central vision, usually due to conditions like macular degeneration. The scientists developed a training program that encourages the use of peripheral (side) vision to take over some of the tasks normally handled by the center of the eye. Their study involved participants with simulated central vision loss practicing specific visual exercises, and they found that this training led to rapid and significant improvements in the ability to recognize letters and objects using peripheral vision. The results suggest this new strategy could help people with central vision loss see better by training their brain and eyes to use their remaining vision more effectively.
Xin-Yu Xie, Lei Liu, Cong Yu, A new perceptual training strategy to improve vision impaired by central vision loss,
Vision Research,Volume 174,2020,Pages 69-76,ISSN 0042-6989,
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042698920301000
Age Related, Low Vision, Perceptual Training Research pt4
Perceptual Learning in Children With Visual Impairment Improves Near Visual Acuity
Special visual exercises called perceptual learning could help children with visual impairment see things up close more clearly. The researchers asked children with low vision to practice computer-based visual tasks for several weeks. After the training, the children showed significant improvements in their near visual acuity—they could see small letters and fine details better at close distances. These findings suggest that perceptual learning therapy can make a meaningful difference for visually impaired children, helping them with important tasks like reading or doing schoolwork.
Huurneman B, Boonstra FN, Cox RFA, van Rens G, Cillessen AHN. Perceptual learning in children with visual impairment improves near visual acuity. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013;54(9):6208-6216. doi:10.1167/iovs.13-12220.
https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2127928
Active and Passive Perceptual Learning in the Visually Impaired
Visually impaired people learn better through active perceptual learning, where they interact and practice with visual tasks, or passive learning, where they simply watch or listen. The study involved visually impaired participants who were given both active and passive training exercises designed to help them recognize shapes and objects. The results showed that active learning, where participants were directly involved and practiced the tasks themselves, led to greater improvements in their visual skills than passive learning. The findings suggest that hands-on, interactive practice is a more effective way to help visually impaired individuals improve their ability to interpret and use visual information.
Conrod, B. E., Bross, M., & White, C. W. (1986). Active and Passive Perceptual Learning in the Visually Impaired. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 80(1), 528-531.\
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0145482X8608000103
Perceptual Training and Figure-Ground Performance in Low Vision
Perceptual training could help people with low vision improve their ability to separate objects (figures) from the background, which is known as figure-ground perception. The researchers gave participants special visual exercises designed to practice finding and identifying shapes or objects against busy backgrounds. After completing the training, participants showed significant improvements in figure-ground tasks, meaning they became better at noticing objects even when they were harder to see due to visual clutter. The results suggest that perceptual training can make it easier for people with low vision to pick out important details in their environment, which may help in everyday activities.
Trudeau, M., Overbury, O., & Conrod, B. (1990). Perceptual Training and Figure-Ground Performance in Low Vision. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 84(5), 204-206.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0145482X9008400502
Efficacy of Perceptual Learning in Low Vision: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis looked at how well perceptual learning (special vision training) works for people with low vision, which means they have serious trouble seeing even with glasses or surgery. The researchers combined results from 50 studies involving different types of vision loss and brain-training programs. The meta-analysis found that perceptual learning had a significant positive effect on visual search (for example, helping people with cortical blindness find objects more easily), but did not show clear improvements in other areas like reading and visual field. However, when looking at the studies in more detail (narrative synthesis), there was evidence that perceptual learning can help improve reading, contrast sensitivity, visual field, and motion perception, especially for people with central vision loss and cortical blindness. Overall, perceptual learning appears promising, but more standardized and larger studies are needed to know exactly how effective it is for vision rehabilitation.
Park, Adela S. Y. PhD1∗; Wong, Ginny H. T MSc1; Tan, Ken W. S. PhD1; Cheung, Blossom W. S. BSSc1; Oremus, Mark PhD2; Cheong, Allen M. Y. PhD1,3; Thompson, Benjamin PhD1,4,5∗. Efficacy of perceptual learning in low vision: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Optometry and Vision Science 101(6):p 305-320, June 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002157
https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/fulltext/2024/06000/efficacy_of_perceptual_learning_in_low_vision__a.5.aspx
Perceptual Abilities in Cases of Low Vision, Using a Virtual Reality Environment
A study of how people with low vision perceive and recognize objects and scenes within a virtual reality (VR) environment. The scientists designed various VR tasks to measure participants’ abilities to identify, locate, and interpret visual information, such as recognizing clocks or reading signs, under different lighting and visual conditions. The results showed that using a virtual reality system can help assess and even train specific perceptual skills in people with low vision, with many participants performing better over time as they practiced these real-world-like tasks in the VR setting. This suggests VR could become a useful tool for low vision rehabilitation and improving everyday visual abilities.
E. Klinger, Y. Boumenir, A. Kadri, C. Mury, N. Suire and P. Aubin, “Perceptual abilities in case of low vision, using a virtual reality environment,” 2013 International Conference on Virtual Rehabilitation (ICVR), Philadelphia, PA, USA, 2013, pp. 63-69, doi: 10.1109/ICVR.2013.6662071. keywords: {Visualization;Clocks;Lighting;Visual perception;Mice;Standards;Keyboards;low vision;perception;scene recognition;virtual reality}
Current Directions in Visual Perceptual Learning
Visual perceptual learning is when people get better at seeing or recognizing things after practicing a visual task. It shows that this kind of learning can help improve performance in many activities, from spotting tiny details to understanding complex scenes. The authors discuss how training methods and task difficulty can change how much improvement people see. The article also covers how these techniques can be used for vision rehabilitation, suggesting that carefully designed visual training may help people with vision problems see better in daily life.
Lu, ZL., Dosher, B.A. Current directions in visual perceptual learning. Nat Rev Psychol 1, 654–668 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-022-00107-2
OMST Research
Effect of Optometric Multisensory Table (OMST) Training on the Eye Movements and Pupillary Responses on a Child with Autism
This research poster looked at how Optometric Multisensory Table (OMST) training affected the eye movements and pupil responses of a child with autism. After the OMST training, the child showed smoother and more controlled eye movements, along with better tracking skills. The study also found that the child’s pupils responded more normally to changes in light, suggesting improved brain and sensory processing. These results show that OMST training can help children with autism gain better control over their eyes and possibly improve how they react to their environment, making it easier for them to pay attention and learn.
Yadav N. Effect of Optometric Multisensory Table (OMST) Training on the Eye Movements and Pupillary Responses on a Child with Autism [poster]. Presented at: College of Optometrists in Vision Development Annual Meeting; 2023; Toronto, Canada. Western University of Health Sciences, College of Optometry.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5df9c206bd5e4d4588368c28/t/647218434b14630e8b0725b7/1685198918044/KG_Autism_COVD+Poster+2023.pdf
Effect of Optometric Multisensory Table (OMST) Training on the Eye Movements, VEPs, and Pupillary Responses on a Patient with mild TBI
Describes how Optometric Multisensory Table (OMST) training helped a 33-year-old man who had mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a car accident. After 30 days of OMST therapy including colored light therapy, sound, movement, and touch activities he had big improvements: his brain’s visual responses got much stronger (VEP amplitude increased by about 4 microvolts and reaction time improved by 3 milliseconds), and he felt better in daily life with less light and sound sensitivity, better depth perception, easier reading, and improved focus. However, his pupil responses to light did not change much, showing that OMST mainly helped his brain and eye coordination, leading to better school performance and overall quality of life.
Yadav N. Effect of Optometric Multisensory Table (OMST) Training on the Eye Movements, VEPs, and Pupillary Responses on a Patient with Mild TBI [poster]. Presented at: College of Optometrists in Vision Development Annual Meeting; 2023; Toronto, Canada. Western University of Health Sciences, College of Optometry.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5df9c206bd5e4d4588368c28/t/647218af3b704f4d921537d4/1685199024793/DH_mTBI_COVD+Poster+2023.pdf
Effect of Optometric Multisensory Table (OMST) Training on the Eye Movements,VEPs, and Pupillary Responses on a Patient with moderate TBI
Reports on how Optometric Multisensory Table (OMST) training helped improve vision and brain function in a patient with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). After doing 30 days of OMST therapy which used colored lights, sounds, movement, and touch the patient showed much better eye movements and stronger brain signals in response to seeing things (VEP amplitude improved by several microvolts). The patient also reported less sensitivity to light and sound, better depth perception, easier reading, and improved focus in daily life. These results suggest OMST training can really help people with moderate TBI gain better control over their eyes and improve how their brain processes what they see, even if some pupil responses might not change much.
Yadav N. Effect of Optometric Multisensory Table (OMST) Training on the Eye Movements, VEPs, and Pupillary Responses on a Patient with Mild TBI [poster]. Presented at: College of Optometrists in Vision Development Annual Meeting; 2023; Toronto, Canada. Western University of Health Sciences, College of Optometry.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5df9c206bd5e4d4588368c28/t/647218af3b704f4d921537d4/1685199024793/DH_mTBI_COVD+Poster+2023.pdf
Association of Functional Color Field Changes with Imbalance, Spatial Misjudgment, and Nausea in the Treatment of Post-Concussion Syndrome Patients
Studied how changes in the way people see colors, called functional color field changes, are connected to feeling off-balance, misjudging space, and having nausea in patients with post-concussion syndrome. The study found that when patients had trouble seeing certain colors in their side vision, they were more likely to feel dizzy, unsteady, or confused about where things were around them, and sometimes even felt sick to their stomach. The results suggest that color vision testing can help doctors better understand and treat balance and movement problems in people who are recovering from a concussion, since improving color field vision might lead to fewer symptoms and a smoother recovery
Curtis SJ. Association of Functional Color Field Changes with Imbalance, Spatial Misjudgment, and Nausea in the Treatment of Post-Concussion Syndrome Patients. J Optom Phototherapy. 2018;14-19.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5df9c206bd5e4d4588368c28/t/5f8cf301fcd0fb64bbe53759/1603072782529/2+Color+Field+Changes+Article.pdf
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Using a Multisensory-Based Bottom-Up to Top-Down Paradigm for Post-Concussion Syndrome – A Retrospective Case Series Study
Discusses how neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help people with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) who have long-lasting vision and sensory problems. The study focused on a treatment method that starts with simple sensory activities (bottom-up), like helping the brain process light, sound, and movement, and then adds more complex thinking and eye tasks (top-down). After around 38 days of this multisensory therapy, patients improved by about 50% in their symptom scores and nearly 48% in dizziness scores, showing fewer headaches, less dizziness, and better thinking skills. The results suggest that using this step-by-step approach helps patients recover more quickly and completely from concussion effects that impact both eye movement and other sensory processing
Curtis SJ. Bottom-up, Top-down, and Inside-Out: Three Perspectives on Visual Processing. J Optom Phototherapy. 2012;7-12.
https://www.omst4brains.com/s/19-Bottom-up-Top-down-Article.pdf
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Accelerates Post-Concussion Syndrome Recovery in a Professional Athlete – A Case Report Presenting a New Paradigm
Describes a case where neuro-optometric rehabilitation helped a professional soccer player recover more quickly from post-concussion syndrome when other standard treatments didn’t solve all his symptoms. The therapy used a mix of light therapy, balance, sound, and eye movement exercises, starting with basic sensory treatments and moving to more complex tasks. This special approach got rid of his concussion symptoms and helped him return to playing soccer faster than usual
Curtis SJ. Neuro-optometric Rehabilitation and the Professional Athlete. 2015.Describes a case where neuro-optometric rehabilitation helped a professional soccer player recover more quickly from post-concussion syndrome when other standard treatments didn’t solve all his symptoms. The therapy used a mix of light therapy, balance, sound, and eye movement exercises, starting with basic sensory treatments and moving to more complex tasks. This special approach got rid of his concussion symptoms and helped him return to playing soccer faster than usual
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gthrlmpzilz483p2i5zsh/Neuro-optometric-rehabilitation-Professional-Athlete-by-Dr-Steven-Curtis.pdf?dl=0&rlkey=4e0a5e5ptn2bstu67b8c1wwht
Optometric Phototherapy-Based Multi-Sensory Training Facilitates Reduction of Symptoms in Post-Concussion Syndrome
Optometric phototherapy-based multisensory training (which means combining colored light therapy with exercises for movement, sound, and balance) to help people with post-concussion symptoms. The results showed that 84% of patients felt better in most of their symptoms, and their brain and eye test results improved a lot after the therapy. This shows that this kind of combined light-and-senses treatment can really help reduce problems after a concussion
Curtis SJ. Clinical Applications of Optometric Phototherapy. J Optom Phototherapy. 2013;21-29.
https://www.omst4brains.com/s/4-Optometric-Phototherapy-Article.pdf
Amblyopia Research pt1
Syntonic Phototherapy versus Part-Time Occlusion for Treatment of Refractive Amblyopia
Compares two ways to treat refractive amblyopia (a type of “lazy eye” caused by vision problems between the eyes): syntonic phototherapy and part-time patching of the stronger eye. The study was done with 40 patients aged 6 to 45 years and found that syntonic phototherapy led to much better improvements in vision compared to patching, especially for patients over 8 years old. About 86% of the amblyopic eyes treated with syntonic phototherapy were cured, and many patients needed fewer sessions to get results. Overall, the research showed that syntonic phototherapy worked better than patching at improving vision in people with refractive amblyopia, no matter their age
Mohamed SA, Abdel-Wahab Khalil AM, Aljaghmani MEA. Syntonic phototherapy versus part time occlusion for treatment of refractive amblyopia. Sci Rep. 2025 Feb 27;15(1):7001. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-90283-x. PMID: 40016333; PMCID: PMC11868522.
Neural Vision Perceptual Learning as an Effective Treatment of Amblyopia
How a special kind of vision training called neural vision perceptual learning can help people with amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.” The study found that after about 30–40 sessions of this training, most patients had big improvements in their vision that lasted for years about 83% of people improved, no matter if they were kids or adults. Both types of lazy eye (unilateral and bilateral) got better, and the improvements stayed strong even 5 years later, showing that this training is a powerful way to help people see better when other treatments haven’t fully worked
Dutta, Pritam & Magdalene, Damaris. (2022). Neural Vision Perceptual Learning as an Effective Treatment of Amblyopia. 10.31707/VDR2022.8.4.p260.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366657984_Neural_Vision_Perceptual_Learning_as_an_Effective_Treatment_of_Amblyopia
The Amblyopia Treatment Studies: Implications for Clinical Practice
Explains how recent research on amblyopia (“lazy eye”) treatment has changed the way doctors help patients. The studies showed that treatments like patching and using special glasses can help children improve their vision, and treatment is often still effective even for older kids, not just young children. The author also discusses new therapies like optometric phototherapy, which uses certain colors of light to help improve vision, and points out that combining different treatments may work best for each person.
Curtis SJ. Optometric Phototherapy: Understanding and Applying Light in Clinical Practice. J Optom Vis Perform. 2016;1(2):13-21.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2452176016000081
Success in Amblyopia Therapy as a Function of Age
This research article looked at whether people can successfully treat amblyopia (also known as “lazy eye”) as they get older. By examining results from 23 other studies, the researchers found that people older than 6 years old even teenagers and adults could still improve their vision with therapy. For example, when using the goal of gaining 4 lines of improvement on a vision chart, patients under 16 had similar success rates, and even among those aged 16 and up, 42% improved, showing that age doesn’t completely stop people from getting better with amblyopia treatment. This means it is possible to help vision in older children and adults, not just young kids
Birnbaum, M.H., Koslowe, K., Sanet, R.: Success in amblyopia therapy as a function of age. A literature review. American Journal of Optometry and Physiological Optics, 1977, pages 269-75.
Treating the Trinity of Infantile Vision Development: Infantile Esotropia, Amblyopia, Anisometropia
Babies’ eyes need to work together as they grow so they can see clearly and understand the world around them. Sometimes, problems like eyes turning inward (infantile esotropia), one “lazy” eye (amblyopia), or different focusing strengths in each eye (anisometropia) can stop normal vision development. Doctors have found that starting treatment early, using glasses, patches, or eye surgery, can really help kids see better and make their eyes work as a team. Research shows that when these problems are treated together and early, many children make big progress in how well they see and use both eyes.
Maples WC, Bither M. Treating the Trinity of Infantile Vision Development: Infantile Esotropia, Amblyopia, Anisometropia Optom Vis Dev 2006:37(3):123-130
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/treating-the-trinity.pdf
Anisometropic Amblyopia: Is the Patient Ever Too Old to Treat?
Anisometropic amblyopia, sometimes called “lazy eye,” happens when each eye has a different prescription, causing the brain to ignore input from the weaker eye. Many people believe only younger children can be successfully treated for this condition, but this study challenges that idea. In the article by Wick and colleagues, 19 patients over age 6 followed a vision therapy program involving glasses, patching, and exercises, leading to an average of 92% improvement in vision—even in adults as old as 49. The results show that effective treatment and significant vision gains are possible for people of any age with this condition.
Wick B, Wingard M, Cotter S, Scheiman M. Anisometropic amblyopia: is the patient ever too old to treat? Optom Vis Sci. 1992 Nov;69(11):866-78. doi: 10.1097/00006324-199211000-00006. PMID: 1454304.
AAPOS 2023: Improving Vision and Binocularity in Older Children and Adults with Amblyopia and Nystagmus
People with amblyopia (also known as “lazy eye”) and nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements) often struggle with blurry vision and problems seeing clearly, even as they get older. Scientists wanted to find out if special computer-based vision exercises could help improve eyesight and how well the eyes work together in older children and adults. The study found that participants who used these visual training exercises at home saw real improvements: their vision got sharper, their eyes worked together better, and they could see contrast more clearly. This shows that even adults with amblyopia and nystagmus may be able to improve their vision with special brain-training exercises.
Zmujack Yehiam S, Hecht I, Abaev O, Einan-Lifshitz A, Pras E. In Adults with Amblyopia and Nystagmus. Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir (formerly Assaf-Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. AAPOS digital.
https://www.revitalvision.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AAPOS-digital-2.3.pdf
AAO 2011: Two – Year Results of NeuroVision Treatment in Adult Patients with Unilateral Amblyopia
Amblyopia, often called “lazy eye,” is a condition that makes it hard for one eye to see clearly, even with glasses. Scientists wanted to find out if a special computer-based treatment called NeuroVision could help adults who have this problem. After using the NeuroVision program, patients’ eyesight improved by nearly 2 lines on the eye chart, and their better vision lasted for up to two years. They also got better at seeing details and depth, and these improvements stayed even without more training.
Lichter H, Kremer I, Levinger E, Levinger S. Two Years Results of NeuroVision Treatment in Adult Patients with Unilateral Amblyopia. Enaim Refractive Surgery Centers, Israel.
https://files8.webydo.com/93/9377013/UploadedFiles/08D197EB-5A71-0DB6-0B17-D4E6B51E40CA.pdf
Amblyopia Research Pt2
A Sequential Strategy for Achieving Functional Binocularity in Strabismus
A step-by-step plan for helping people with strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not align or work together properly, achieve better binocular (two-eyed) vision. The author outlines a specific sequence of treatments, such as vision therapy and special eye exercises, to gradually train the eyes to team up and move together more normally. Research shared in the article shows that following this strategy can lead to major improvements in the ability to use both eyes at once, which results in better depth perception and everyday vision. The main goal of the article is to provide eye doctors with a guide for helping patients with strabismus develop or regain functional binocularity, even if they have struggled with eye alignment for a long time.
Caloroso EE. A sequential strategy for achieving functional binocularity in strabismus. J Am Optom Assoc. 1988 May;59(5):378-87. PMID: 3397489.
ESCRS: Efficacy of Neural Vision Therapy to Enhance Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity Function in Amblyopia
Computer-based vision training (RevitalVision), which uses special patterns called Gabor patches, could help improve vision for people with amblyopia (also known as “lazy eye”). The training aimed to improve both best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), how clearly a person can see with their best glasses, and contrast sensitivity function (CSF), how well they can see differences between shades. In the study, 53 people aged 8 to 50 with different types of amblyopia completed about 60 training sessions over four months. The results showed that, on average, visual acuity in the amblyopic eye improved by 2.6 lines, and contrast sensitivity also increased significantly. The improvements did not depend on the person’s age, gender, or type of amblyopia, suggesting that this therapy can help a wide range of people with amblyopia see more clearly and notice finer details.
Yalcin E, Serefhan F, Azizoglu S. Efficacy of RevitalVision Cortical Vision Training in Enhancing Best Corrected Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity Function in Amblyopic Patients.
https://files8.webydo.com/93/9377013/UploadedFiles/7A43F21A-3DFB-7F63-CD5A-F3D6E0E1D3CD.pdf
AAO: NeuroVision Treatment of Unilateral Amblyopia in Patients Older Than 9 Years
A special computer-based training program, called NeuroVision, that could help improve vision in people older than 9 years with unilateral amblyopia (lazy eye). The program uses Gabor patches, striped patterns that stimulate the visual cortex, and requires about 40 sessions of training, 30 minutes each, with the weaker eye while the stronger eye is covered. In the study, 26 patients with an average age of 28 years (ranging from 10 to 65) participated. After treatment, 96% of patients showed significant improvement, with average best corrected visual acuity improving by about 2 lines on the eye chart, and contrast sensitivity and stereo (3D) vision also getting better. These positive results lasted at least one year for those who were followed up, suggesting that NeuroVision can help many older children and adults with amblyopia see more clearly, even after the usual age when treatment is thought to work best.
Lichter H, Levinger E, Kremer I, Levinger S. Computer program improves visual acuity of adult amblyopic patients. Presented at: American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting; Atlanta, GA.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://files8.design-editor.com/93/9393996/UploadedFiles/B1C1CA4E-8F1B-3CEA-7437-A8A9FD46E63D.docx&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1754051221150372&usg=AOvVaw379PjBjNnyajGvmyZ__lX2
Low Vision Rehabilitation for Better Quality of Life in Visually Impaired Adults
This Cochrane review analyzed the effectiveness of vision therapy, also called perceptual training, for treating amblyopia (commonly known as “lazy eye”) in children and adults. The researchers looked at multiple studies to see if these special eye exercises could help improve vision in people with amblyopia. The review found that, although some studies showed small benefits, there was not enough strong evidence at the time to support vision therapy as a standard treatment for amblyopia, especially compared to patching or using eye drops. The authors concluded that more high-quality research is needed to determine if vision therapy can consistently help improve vision and quality of life for people with amblyopia.
Chung ST, Zhou J. Vision therapy for amblyopia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;(8):CD006543. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006543.pub2.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006543.pub2/full
Perceptual Learning as a Potential Treatment for Amblyopia: A Mini-Review
A mini-review of how perceptual learning, special visual exercises that “train” the brain, can be used to help adults with amblyopia (also known as “lazy eye”) improve their vision. The authors explain that, although amblyopia is usually treated in children, adults still have the ability for their brains to change and get better with the right kind of training. Research reviewed in this article shows that after practicing visual tasks like identifying specific patterns (often with Gabor patches), many adults with amblyopia improved their visual acuity by about 1-2 lines on the eye chart and got better at seeing fine details. This suggests that with perceptual learning, even adults who were once thought to be “too old” for treatment might be able to improve their vision.
Polat U, Ma-Naim T, Belkin M, Sagi D. Improving vision in adult amblyopia by perceptual learning. Vision Res. 2009;49(21):2599-2606. doi:10.1016/j.visres.2009.06.017.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042698909000546
Efficacy of Perceptual Learning-Based Vision Training as an Adjuvant to Occlusion Therapy in the Management of Amblyopia: A Pilot Study
Does adding perceptual learning-based vision training to regular patching (occlusion therapy) would help children with amblyopia (lazy eye) see better? The researchers found that combining vision training with patching led to significant improvements in visual acuity (how clearly the weak eye could see) and better contrast sensitivity, especially for children who hadn’t improved with patching alone or had trouble sticking with it. In both the combined training and patching-only groups, vision improved after one month, but the kids who did the extra vision exercises with perceptual learning also showed greater gains in their ability to notice fine details. This suggests that perceptual learning can help boost results when used together with patching for treating amblyopia.
Belkin M, Fahle M, Chung S-TL, et al. Perceptual Learning in Vision—From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Applications. Vision. 2021;5(1):15. doi:10.3390/vision5010015.
Training the Adult Amblyopic Eye with “Perceptual Learning” after Vision Loss in the Non-Amblyopic Eye
An adult patient with amblyopia, sometimes called “lazy eye” who lost vision in their good (non-amblyopic) eye, and then trained their weaker eye using a program called “perceptual learning.” The person practiced different vision exercises, including tasks with patterns, contrast, and eye-hand coordination, for six months. As a result, the vision in their amblyopic eye improved, showing gains in sharpness, contrast sensitivity, and ability to do everyday tasks, although the improvement was somewhat limited. These findings show that even in adults, with special training, some vision can return to an amblyopic eye after losing vision in the good eye.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09273970600701077
Convergence Insufficiency research pt1
Convergence Insufficiency: Incidence, Diagnosis & Treatment
This research article looked at how common convergence insufficiency is, how to diagnose it, and the best ways to treat it. The authors found that convergence insufficiency is one of the most frequent vision problems, causing symptoms like eye strain and trouble focusing up close. They reviewed different treatments and found that vision therapy is usually very effective at helping the eyes work together better, especially compared to just using glasses or doing nothing
Cooper J, Duckman R. Convergence insufficiency: incidence, diagnosis and treatment. J Am Optom Assoc. 1978;49(6):673-680.
The Treatment of Convergence Deficiency
Convergence deficiency is a problem where a person’s eyes do not work together properly when looking at things up close, which can make reading or focusing on nearby objects difficult. A study done between 1933 and 1944 tested different treatments, such as special eye exercises, to help people with this condition. The results showed that most people improved, with less eyestrain and fewer headaches, especially when they practiced these exercises regularly. The study found that these methods were very helpful in making it easier for people to use their eyes together.
Mayou S. The treatment of convergence deficiency, 1933–1944. Br J Ophthalmol. 1946;30(6):354-370.
Convergence Deficiency
Convergence deficiency is a condition in which a person’s eyes have trouble working together to focus on objects that are close up. This can make it hard to read or do other activities that require looking at things nearby. In a well-known study, many people with this condition were found to have a certain type of eye misalignment and could not easily move their eyes inward, even when asked. The study’s results helped doctors better recognize and describe convergence deficiency, making it easier to help people struggling with these symptoms.
Mann I. Convergence deficiency. Br J Ophthalmol. 1940;24(8):373-390.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.24.8.373
Effect of Vision Training on Patients Who Fail Sheard's Criterion
One hundred convergence insufficiency patients who did not meet Sheard’s criterion at near were given a program of in-office and at-home training. The objective was to see if they would meet Sheard’s criterion after training. Results were analyzed in terms of the numbers successfully meeting this criterion as well as other criteria, i.e. Percival’s, elimination of symptoms, improvement of stereopsis, and elimination of fixation disparity. Of the 100 patients, 84 successfully met Sheard’s criterion after therapy. Failure to meet Sheard’s criterion correlated well with having subjective symptoms.
Dalziel C C. Effect of vision training on patients who fail Sheard’s criterion. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1981;58(1):21-23.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7212013/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7212013/
Visual Therapy Results for Convergence Insufficiency: A Literature Review
Grisham JD. Visual therapy results for convergence insufficiency: a literature review. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1988;65(6):448-454.
Orthoptic Treatment of Convergence Insufficiency: A Two-Year Follow-up Report
One theory of the etiology of convergence insufficiency is the presence of an underlying low AC/A ratio. In this study there were 207 patients with varying degrees of exophoria, but all with typical signs and symptoms of convergence insufficiency. It was clinically demonstrated that their asthenopia was caused by using excessive accommodative rather than fusional convergence. They were treated with home stereograms and followed for a two year period after treatment had been discontinued. Only those patients who progressed to the point of developing both fusional and voluntary convergence, indicated by their performance on the stereograms, maintained their increased convergence amplitude and remained asymptomatic for at least two years after treatment. These results indicate that a permanent alteration of the AC/A ratio had taken place.
Pantano F. Orthoptic treatment of convergence insufficiency: a two-year follow-up report. Am Orthopt J. 1982;32:73-80.
Randomized Clinical Trial of Treatments for Symptomatic Convergence Insufficiency in Children
Large clinical trial testing different treatments for children who had problems focusing their eyes up close (convergence insufficiency). After 12 weeks, the group that had in-office eye therapy plus homework had the best results: 73% of kids in this group got much better, compared to only 33-43% in the other home-based or placebo groups. This proves that doing therapy with a doctor in an office works a lot better for helping kids with this eye problem
Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial Study Group*. Randomized Clinical Trial of Treatments for Symptomatic Convergence Insufficiency in Children. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(10):1336–1349. doi:10.1001/archopht.126.10.1336
The Treatment of Convergence Insufficiency
Reviews different ways to treat convergence insufficiency, which is when a person’s eyes have trouble working together up close. The author notes that in-office vision therapy is much more effective than home-based exercises or just using glasses. For example, studies showed that most children who did office therapy had their symptoms go away or improve a lot, while home exercises or glasses alone worked less often.
Kushner BJ. The treatment of convergence insufficiency. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005;123(1):100-101.
https://www.visiontherapy.org/vision-therapy/pdfs/editorial.pdf
Convergence Insufficiency Research Pt2
Efficacy of Vision Therapy for Convergence Insufficiency in an Adult Male Population
A study whether vision therapy helps adult men who have trouble with their eyes working together, a problem called convergence insufficiency. The results showed that about 62% of men who did both in-office and home vision therapy got better, while only 30% improved with just home therapy and about 11% got better with no therapy at all. This shows that working with a doctor in person, along with exercises at home, is the best way to fix this eye problem and reduce symptoms like eye strain
Birnbaum, M.H., Soden, R., Cohen, A.H.: Efficacy of vision therapy for convergence insufficiency in an adult male population. Journal of the American Optometric Association, 1999, pages 225-232.
Interventions for Convergence Insufficiency: A Network Meta-Analysis (Review)
Convergence insufficiency is a common eye problem that makes it hard for people to focus on things up close, often causing headaches, double vision, and difficulty reading, especially for kids. Scientists wanted to find out which treatments work best for this condition. They analyzed results from many clinical trials and discovered that office-based vision therapy with home practice helped kids improve much more than home-based exercises or no treatment at all. In fact, children who received this office-based therapy were almost three times more likely to get better compared to those who did home-based treatments or were given a placebo.
Scheiman M, Kulp MT, Cotter SA, Lawrenson JG, Wang L, Li T. Interventions for convergence insufficiency: a network meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2020;127(11):1577-1589
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/research/scheiman_et_al-interventions.pdf
Convergence Insufficiency: A Major Review
Convergence insufficiency is a common vision problem that affects both children and adults, making it difficult for the eyes to work together when focusing on things up close, like reading or using a computer. People with this condition often get headaches, feel eye strain, or see double when doing tasks that require looking at something near their face. This review explains how common convergence insufficiency is, what symptoms it causes, and how eye exercises and vision therapy can help treat it. Studies show that these treatments can be effective, helping people see better and feel more comfortable when doing close-up work.
Cooper J, Jamal N. Convergence insufficiency—a major review. Optometry. 2012;83(4):137-158Cooper J, Jamal N. Convergence insufficiency—a major review. Optometry. 2012;83(4):137-158.
https://www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/research/convergence_insufficiencya_m.pdf
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Treatments for Symptomatic Convergence Insufficiency in Children
Convergence insufficiency is a common vision problem in kids that makes it hard for their eyes to work together when focusing on things up close, like reading or homework. To find the most effective way to help children with this issue, researchers compared four different treatments, including exercises done with a professional and at home. They found that children who did vision therapy with a doctor in the office, along with some practice at home, had the best results, 73% showed major improvement. In comparison, only 33–43% of kids improved with treatments done just at home or with fake therapy, showing that professional help really makes a difference for this eye condition.
Arch Ophthalmol. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2009 Nov 18.
Published in final edited form as: Arch Ophthalmol. 2008 Oct;126(10):1336–134
Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT)
The Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT) was a scientific study that looked for the best way to treat children with convergence insufficiency, a vision problem that makes it hard for the eyes to work together when looking at things up close. The researchers found that about 73% of kids who got special in-office vision therapy, supported by home exercises, either got much better or completely recovered, compared to only about one-third in the other treatment groups. This means that office-based vision therapy is much more effective than simple home exercises or placebo treatments for relieving symptoms like headaches or trouble reading in children with this condition.
National Institutes of Health. ClinicalTrials.gov. Study of Convergence Insufficiency Treatments for Children (CITT). Identifier: NCT00338611. Updated June 21, 2016.
Light Therapy rESEARCH
LIGHTSITE III: 13-Month Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Multiwavelength Photobiomodulation in Nonexudative (Dry) Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using the Lumithera Valeda Light Delivery System
This study examined whether a special light therapy called photobiomodulation (PBM) could help people with dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD), a common eye disease that affects vision in older adults.
Purpose:
To test if PBM using the Valeda Light Delivery System can safely improve vision and slow down vision loss in people with dry AMD.
How it Works:
The Valeda system shines safe, multi-colored lights onto the eyes. This light is meant to help eye cells work better and limit damage.
Results:
After 13 months, people who received PBM could see, on average, 5.4 more letters on an eye chart, compared to about 3 more letters for those who got a sham treatment.
Over half (55%) of treated eyes improved by at least 5 letters.
The treatment did not cause more signs of the disease getting worse, like extra eye deposits or new damaged areas.
No serious side effects were found; mild dry eye was the most common problem.
Boyer D, Hu A, Warrow D, Xavier S, Gonzalez V, Lad E, Rosen RB, Do D, Schneiderman T, Ho A, Munk MR, Jaffe G, Tedford SE, Croissant CL, Walker M, Rückert R, Tedford CE. LIGHTSITE III: 13-Month Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Multiwavelength Photobiomodulation in Nonexudative (Dry) Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using the Lumithera Valeda Light Delivery System. Retina. 2024 Mar 1;44(3):487-497. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000003980. PMID: 37972955; PMCID: PMC10885856.
Photobiomodulation—Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications
This review article explains how photobiomodulation (PBM), also called low-level laser therapy, uses low-intensity lasers or LEDs to help tissues heal, reduce pain, and decrease swelling.
Purpose: To show the science behind PBM and explore different medical and dental uses.
How it Works: PBM uses light (usually red or near-infrared) to stimulate cells. The light is absorbed by parts of cells called mitochondria, which helps cells make more energy, encouraging them to repair and grow.
Uses: PBM can help with:
Healing wounds and injuries, including in muscles and bones.
Reducing pain and inflammation.
Improving the growth of stem cells (cells that can turn into many different types of cells).
Safety: PBM is non-invasive and side effects are usually mild, like skin irritation.
Dompe C, Moncrieff L, Matys J, Grzech-Leśniak K, Kocherova I, Bryja A, Bruska M, Dominiak M, Mozdziak P, Skiba THI, Shibli JA, Angelova Volponi A, Kempisty B, Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska M. Photobiomodulation-Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications. J Clin Med. 2020 Jun 3;9(6):1724. doi: 10.3390/jcm9061724. PMID: 32503238; PMCID: PMC7356229.
Effect of Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy for Myopia Control in Children: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
A study whether a special light treatment, called repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy, could help slow down nearsightedness (myopia) in children. The study found that after one year, kids who used the red-light therapy had much less eye growth (0.13 mm) and less worsening of their vision (-0.20 diopters), compared to kids who only wore regular glasses (0.38 mm of eye growth and -0.79 diopters). The results showed that RLRL therapy is a safe and promising way to help control myopia in children, with no serious side effects found.
Jiang Y, Zhu Z, Tan X, Kong X, Zhong H, Zhang J, Xiong R, Yuan Y, Zeng J, Morgan IG, He M. Effect of Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy for Myopia Control in Children: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Ophthalmology. 2022 May;129(5):509-519. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.11.023. Epub 2021 Dec 1. PMID: 34863776.
Repeated Low-Level Red Light Therapy for Myopia Control in High Myopia Children and Adolescents: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Studies whether a special light treatment called repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy could help slow down or even improve severe nearsightedness (high myopia) in children and teenagers. In the study, 192 kids with strong glasses prescriptions were split into two groups: one group got the red light therapy plus regular glasses, and the other group just wore regular glasses. After one year, the group using RLRL therapy showed almost no eye growth, with their eyes actually getting a little shorter on average (-0.06 mm), while the group with only glasses had much more eye growth (0.34 mm longer eyes). More than half (53.3%) of the kids using red light therapy had eyes that got shorter, and their vision also improved or stayed stable, showing that this new therapy works better than glasses alone for controlling high myopia in young people
Xu Y, Cui L, Kong M, Li Q, Feng X, Feng K, Zhu H, Cui H, Shi C, Zhang J, Zou H. Repeated Low-Level Red Light Therapy for Myopia Control in High Myopia Children and Adolescents: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Ophthalmology. 2024 Nov;131(11):1314-1323. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.05.023. Epub 2024 Jun 6. PMID: 38849054.
Special Needs Research
Assessment and Use of Therapeutic Reading Glasses to Guide Visual-Spatial and Binocular Development in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Explains how special reading glasses can help children with autism spectrum disorder improve how their eyes work together and organize the space around them. The study describes a case where using therapeutic glasses, along with other therapies, led to better visual attention, more engagement in learning activities, and improvements in language and daily life skills. For example, after wearing the glasses regularly, the child became more verbal, paid better attention to visual tasks, and both parents and teachers noticed improvements in development and participation, showing that this kind of care can make a real difference for children with autism
Assessment and Use of Therapeutic Reading Glasses to Guide Visual-Spatial and Binocular Development in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Allie D. Decker, OD; Randy L. Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD, FCSO
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/vdr/vdr_9_4/vdr9-4_casereport_decker_web.pdf
Motor Planning and Developmental Apraxia
Many children have trouble doing things like writing or tying their shoes, even though their muscles are strong and healthy. The article by Seiderman explores how problems with motor planning, called developmental apraxia, make it difficult for kids to plan and smoothly carry out these kinds of movements. The study found that these challenges can affect everyday activities, and it highlights the importance of early support to help children build better motor skills and independence.
Seiderman AS. Motor planning and developmental apraxia. J Am Optom Assoc. 1970;41(10):846-857
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/motor-planning.pdf
Making Modifications in Vision Therapy for a Child with Cerebral Visual Impairment and Developmental Delay
Describes how vision therapy was specially adapted for a 5-year-old girl with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) and developmental delay. The child completed about 50 sessions of modified vision therapy and showed big improvements in following moving objects with her eyes and in understanding what she saw. The study showed that even with extra challenges, children like her can benefit from vision therapy if the activities are changed to fit their needs, helping them get better at learning and schoolwork, and feel more interested and included in what’s happening around them
Bilkhu A, Fisher J. Making modifications in vision therapy for a child with cerebral visual impairment and developmental delay. Vision Dev & Rehab. 2021;7(4):245-253.
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/vdr/vdr_7_4/vdr7-4_casereport_bilkhu_web.pdf
Effect of Optometric Multisensory Training (OMST) on a Patient with Autism
People with autism often have trouble processing information from their senses, which can make everyday activities harder. Scientists wanted to find out if a type of training called Optometric Multisensory Training (OMST) could help. After trying OMST, the patient experienced benefits like better balance, less blurry and double vision, and improved reading skills. These improvements suggest that OMST might help people with autism focus better and feel more confident in their daily lives.
Gaab N, Gabrieli JDE, Deutsch GK, Tallal P, Temple E. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience 2007, 25(3-4):295-310.
https://icept.co.nz/evidence-for-training-on-academic-outcomes/
Sports Vision Research Pt1
Screening for Lifetime Concussion in Athletes: Importance of Oculomotor Measures
Many athletes get concussions, but it can be hard to know if someone has had one in the past. This study looked at whether checking how well a person’s eyes move and work together can help uncover old concussions. The researchers discovered that hockey players with certain eye movement problems, like trouble focusing or poor reading comprehension, were about 11 times more likely to have had a concussion compared to those without these issues. This means that simple eye movement tests may do a better job of finding past concussions in athletes than some regular brain tests.
Poltavski DV, Biberdorf D. Brain Inj. 2014;28(9):1169-1181.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24702485
An Exploratory Study of the Potential Effects of Vision Training on Concussion Incidence in Football
Background: Vision training has become a component of sports enhancement training, however quantiable and validated improvement in visual performance has not been clearly demonstrated. In addition, there is minimal literature related to the eects of vision training on sports performance and injury risk reduction. e purpose of the current investigation was to determine the eects of vision training on peripheral vision and concussion incidence.Methods: Vision training was initiated among the University of Cincinnati football team at the beginning of the 2010 season and continued for four years (2010 to 2013). e sports vision enhancement was conducted during the two weeks of preseason camp. Typical vision training consisted of Dynavision D2 light board training, Nike strobe glasses, and tracking drills. Nike Strobe glasses and tracking drills were done with pairs of pitch and catch drills using footballs, and tennis balls with instructions to vary arc, speed and trajectory. For skilled players “high ball” drills were the focused, whereas for linemen, bounce passes and low pitch drills were stressed. Reaction time data was recorded for each athlete during every Dynavision D2 training session. We monitored the incidence of concussion during the four consecutive seasons of vision training, as well as the previous four consecutive seasons and compared incidence of concussions; (2006 to 2009-referent seasons vs. 2010 to 2013 vision training seasons).
Clark J et al. Int J Sports Sci Coach. 2015;10(4):659-670.
The Impact of a Sports Vision Training Program in Youth Field Hockey Players
Studied if a special sports vision training program could help youth field hockey players, ages 12 to 16, improve their visual skills. After six weeks of training, the players who did the program got faster at reacting to lights and made fewer mistakes in tasks testing their peripheral vision, while players who didn’t do the training did not show these improvements. However, the training did not help with tasks where they had to track several moving objects at once. The study suggests that certain visual skills, like reaction time and peripheral vision, can be improved through focused training in young athletes.
Strobe Training as a Visual Training Method that Improves Performance in Climbing
Strobe training, a type of training where people practice while wearing glasses that flash on and off, can help climbers improve their performance. The researchers found that after just a few weeks of practicing with strobe glasses, climbers showed better reaction times, quicker hand movements, and improved decision-making while climbing. The group that used the strobe glasses outperformed climbers who practiced without them. These results suggest that strobe training can help climbers process visual information more effectively and react faster during climbs.
Vasile AI, Stănescu MI. Strobe training as a visual training method that improves performance in climbing. Front Sports Act Living. 2024;6:1366448. doi:10.3389/fspor.2024.1366448.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1366448/full
Relationship Between Visual Ability Assessment and Punch Performance in Competition in Male Amateur Boxers
How a boxer’s visual abilities relate to how well they perform punches during competitions. The researchers tested the vision skills of male amateur boxers and then looked at their punch speed, accuracy, and effectiveness during real boxing matches. The results showed that boxers with better visual tracking and faster visual reaction times usually had faster and more accurate punches. This means that strong visual skills can help boxers improve their performance in the ring.
Wang R, Yuan Q, Chen W, Gu D, Liu Y, Wei D. Relationship between visual ability assessment and punch performance in competition in male amateur boxers. Front Physiol. 2024;15:1429554. doi:10.3389/fphys.2024.1429554.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2024.1429554/full
Summary of Research on the Efficacy of Vision Therapy for Specific Visual Dysfunctions
Investigated how using a special virtual reality system, which blurs everything in the boxers’ view except where they’re looking, affects elite boxers’ performance and where they focus their gaze. The researchers found that when the boxers practiced in virtual reality with this “gaze-contingent blur,” their punching accuracy was slightly lower, but they started focusing more on important areas, like their opponent’s upper body. The results suggest that training with this visual challenge could help boxers learn to use their eyes more effectively during matches, even if it momentarily makes their performance a bit less accurate.
Limballe A, Kulpa R, Verhulst E, Ledouit S, Bennett SJ. Virtual reality boxing: impact of gaze-contingent blur on elite boxers’ performance and gaze behavior. Front Sports Act Living. 2024;6:1430719. doi:10.3389/fspor.2024.1430719.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1430719/full
Impact of Sports Vision Training on Visuomotor Skills and Shooting Performance in Elite Skeet Shooters
Does a sports vision training program can improve the visuomotor skills and shooting performance of elite skeet shooters? In the study, a group of top-level shooters took part in vision exercises designed to enhance visual tracking, reaction time, and eye-hand coordination over an eight-week period. The results showed that the shooters who completed the vision training had clear improvements in their visuomotor skills, such as faster reaction times and better tracking of moving targets, as well as significantly higher shooting scores compared to before training. This suggests that targeted vision exercises can help elite shooters perform better by sharpening the visual and coordination skills needed for their sport.
Gao Y, Yang T, Pan J, Dong L, Chen C. Impact of sports vision training on visuomotor skills and shooting performance in elite skeet shooters. Front Hum Neurosci. 2024;18:1476649. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2024.1476649.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2024.1476649/full
Enhancing Sports Performance Through Clinical and Experimental Optometry
Sensorimotor learning, training how the eyes, brain, and body work together, can help athletes improve their skills through computerized tasks. In the study, athletes used a set of computer-based exercises designed to enhance visual tracking, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination. The results showed that after practicing these tasks, the athletes had faster reactions and made decisions more quickly and accurately. This suggests that specially designed vision and movement training can help boost sports performance by strengthening the connection between vision, the brain, and physical actions.
Kristina Krasich, Ben Ramger, Laura Holton, Lingling Wang, Stephen R. Mitroff & L. Gregory Appelbaum. (2016) Sensorimotor Learning in a Computerized Athletic Training Battery. Journal of Motor Behavior 48:5, pages 401-412.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1444-0938.1986.tb04589.x
Sports Vision Research Pt2
Differences Among Three Measures of Reaction Time Based on Hand Laterality in Individual Sports
How reaction times differ depending on whether athletes use their right or left hand, also known as hand laterality, in individual sports. The researchers measured three types of reaction time: simple, recognition, and choice reaction times, in athletes who were either right- or left-handed. The results showed that, in general, right-handed athletes had faster reaction times with their right hand, and left-handed athletes were quicker with their left hand. This suggests that an athlete’s dominant hand usually responds faster, and that hand laterality should be considered when testing or training reaction time in sports.
Sensorimotor Abilities Predict On-Field Performance in Professional Baseball
A study of professional baseball players to find out if their sensorimotor abilities, how well they coordinate what they see with how they move, could predict how well they perform during games. The researchers tested nearly 250 players on things like reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and visual processing speed. They found that players with better sensorimotor skills had higher batting averages, more walks, and fewer strikeouts during the season. This means that strong sensorimotor abilities can help baseball players be more successful when they compete.
Burris K, Vittetoe K, Ramger B, Suresh S, Tokdar ST, Reiter JP, Appelbaum LG. Sensorimotor abilities predict on-field performance in professional baseball. Sci Rep. 2018 Jan 8;8(1):116. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18565-7. PMID: 29311675; PMCID: PMC5758703.
From Vision to Decision: The Role of Visual Attention in Elite Sports Performance
How visual attention, the brain’s ability to quickly focus on the most important information in a fast-moving environment, helps elite athletes perform at high levels. The authors explain that in many sports, just having good eyesight isn’t enough; athletes must also rapidly notice, select, and respond to key visual cues, like a teammate’s movement or the direction of a ball. The article discusses that elite athletes tend to have better visual attention skills than non-athletes, which allows them to react faster and make better decisions under pressure. The review suggests that training visual attention, not just vision itself, is important for athletes who want to improve their sports performance.
Miller BT, Clapp WC. From vision to decision: the role of visual attention in elite sports performance. Eye Contact Lens. 2011 May;37(3):131-9. doi: 10.1097/ICL.0b013e3182190b7f. PMID: 21490507.
Association Between Visual Reaction Time and Batting, Fielding, and Earned Run Averages Among Players of the Southern Baseball League
Visual reaction time (VRT), how quickly a player responds to visual signals, is linked to performance in professional baseball players from the Southern Baseball League. The researchers measured VRT in 213 players and compared it to official league statistics on batting average, fielding average, and earned run average. They found that players with faster visual reaction times tended to have higher batting averages, with a statistically significant association (p = 0.017). However, there was no significant link between visual reaction time and either fielding average or earned run average, suggesting that quick reactions help most with hitting, but not as much with fielding or pitching
Classé JG, Semes LP, Daum KM, Nowakowski R, Alexander LJ, Wisniewski J, Beisel JA, Mann K, Rutstein R, Smith M, Bartolucci A. Association between visual reaction time and batting, fielding, and earned run averages among players of the Southern Baseball League. J Am Optom Assoc. 1997 Jan;68(1):43-9. PMID: 9037989.
The Visual Function of Professional Baseball Players
The visual abilities of professional baseball players to see if their vision was better than that of the general population. The researchers tested 387 players on several visual skills, including visual acuity (sharpness of vision), contrast sensitivity (seeing differences between shades), depth perception, and eye-hand coordination. The results showed that professional baseball players had significantly better visual acuity, many had 20/15 vision or better, and above-average contrast sensitivity and depth perception compared to typical people. These findings suggest that excellent visual abilities may help athletes succeed in sports like baseball, where tracking fast-moving objects is important.
Laby DM, Rosenbaum AL, Kirschen DG, Davidson JL, Rosenbaum LJ, Strasser C, Mellman MF. The visual function of professional baseball players. Am J Ophthalmol. 1996 Oct;122(4):476-85. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)72106-3. PMID: 8862043.
The Relationship of Contrast Sensitivity Functions to Sports Vision
Contrast sensitivity functions (CSF), the ability to notice small differences between light and dark, relate to visual skills important for sports. The study tested athletes and non-athletes to compare their CSF and found that athletes generally had better contrast sensitivity, especially at the spatial frequencies most relevant for sports activities. This means that being able to see subtle differences in contrast can give athletes an edge when tracking fast-moving balls, judging distances, or seeing opponents in changing lighting conditions. The findings suggest that good contrast sensitivity is an important part of “sports vision” and can help athletes perform better in their sports.
Hoffman LG, Polan G, Powell J. The relationship of contrast sensitivity functions to sports vision. J Am Optom Assoc. 1984 Oct;55(10):747-52. PMID: 6491120.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6491120/
Dynamic Visual Acuity in Baseball Players is Due to Superior Tracking Abilities
Why baseball players tend to have better dynamic visual acuity, the ability to see and recognize details on objects that are moving, than people who do not play sports. The researchers compared skilled baseball players with non-athletes on tasks where they had to track and identify fast-moving targets. The results showed that baseball players had significantly better dynamic visual acuity, and this was mostly because they were much better at smoothly tracking moving objects with their eyes. This suggests that the superior eye-tracking abilities developed through baseball practice help players identify and react to fast-moving balls during games.
Uchida Y, Kudoh D, Higuchi T, Honda M, Kanosue K. Dynamic visual acuity in baseball players is due to superior tracking abilities. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2013 Feb;45(2):319-25. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31826fec97. PMID: 22935736.
A Multidimensional Approach to Skilled Perception and Performance in Sport
Skilled performance in sports relies on more than just physical abilities, it involves many different kinds of perception and cognitive skills as well. The authors propose a “multidimensional approach,” suggesting that expert athletes are better than novices not just because of better reflexes or strength, but because they can process information, recognize patterns, anticipate opponents’ actions, and make decisions quickly during play. The review covers various dimensions, such as visual search strategies, memory, attention, and tactical knowledge, all of which combine to create expert performance in sport. The main idea is that top athletes succeed by using a mix of physical conditioning and advanced perceptual and cognitive abilities developed through practice and experience.
Helsen, W.F. and Starkes, J.L. (1999), A multidimensional approach to skilled perception and performance in sport. Appl. Cognit. Psychol., 13: 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-0720(199902)13:1<1::AID-ACP540>3.0.CO;2-T
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/%28SICI%291099-0720%28199902%2913%3A1%3C1%3A%3AAID-ACP540%3E3.0.CO%3B2-T
Optimizing Visual Performance for Sport
How athletes can optimize their visual performance to improve their sporting skills. The article covers the different aspects of visual abilities in sport, including visual acuity (sharpness of vision), depth perception, contrast sensitivity, and eye-hand coordination, and explains how these skills are important for athletic success. Erickson explains that many athletes already have above-average vision, but targeted vision training, strategies to reduce glare, and using specialized vision aids like contact lenses or sports goggles can further boost performance. The article also highlights the importance of vision evaluations for athletes and suggests that improving visual abilities, such as reaction time and tracking, can give athletes a competitive edge in their sport.
Optimizing Visual Performance for Sport
Erickson, Graham B.
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry, Volume 3, Issue 1, 1 – 19
https://www.advancesinophthalmology.com/article/S2452-1760(18)30020-9/abstract
Sports Vision Research Pt3
Specific Relations of Visual Skills and Executive Functions in Elite Soccer Players
Investigates how different visual skills are connected to executive functions, mental abilities like planning, switching between tasks, and self-control,in elite soccer players. The study tested professional soccer players on various visual skills (like visual search, tracking, and anticipation) and on executive function tasks. The results showed that players with stronger visual skills also tended to have better executive functions, especially in areas such as working memory and flexible thinking. This suggests that in elite soccer, having sharp visual abilities may go hand in hand with advanced mental skills, both of which are important for top-level performance on the field.
Knöllner A, Memmert D, von Lehe M, Jungilligens J, Scharfen HE. Specific relations of visual skills and executive functions in elite soccer players. Front Psychol. 2022 Aug 25;13:960092. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.960092. PMID: 36092125; PMCID: PMC9454603.
The Hand-Eye Coordination of Professional Baseball Players: The Relationship to Batting
Hand-eye coordination is connected to batting performance in professional baseball players. The researchers tested 450 Major and Minor League players using several computer-based hand-eye coordination tasks and then compared these results to the players’ official batting statistics. The study found that professional players had much better hand-eye coordination than non-athletes, and, importantly, players who performed better on these coordination tests generally also had higher batting averages. This suggests that excellent hand-eye coordination is a key skill linked to successful hitting in baseball.
Laby DM, Kirschen DG, Govindarajulu U, DeLand P. The Hand-eye Coordination of Professional Baseball Players: The Relationship to Batting. Optom Vis Sci. 2018 Jul;95(7):557-567. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001239. PMID: 29985271.
The Effect of Visual Function on the Batting Performance of Professional Baseball Players
A various aspects of visual function, like clarity of vision (visual acuity), depth perception, and contrast sensitivity, impact the batting performance of professional baseball players. The researchers tested 450 Major and Minor League players on different vision skills and compared these results to their actual batting statistics, such as batting average and on-base percentage. The study found that players with better binocular visual acuity (seeing clearly with both eyes together) had significantly higher batting averages and better on-base percentages. These findings suggest that having strong visual abilities, particularly sharpness with both eyes, gives professional baseball players an advantage when it comes to hitting success.
Laby DM, Kirschen DG, Govindarajulu U, DeLand P. The Effect of Visual Function on the Batting Performance of Professional Baseball Players. Sci Rep. 2019 Nov 14;9(1):16847. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-52546-2. PMID: 31728011; PMCID: PMC6856529.
The Visual Function of Olympic-Level Athletes: An Initial Report
The visual abilities of Olympic-level athletes, aiming to find out if their vision is better than that of the general population. The researchers tested athletes from various Olympic sports on several visual skills, including visual acuity (clarity of vision), contrast sensitivity, depth perception, and eye-hand coordination. The results showed that, on average, Olympic athletes had significantly better visual acuity, as sharp as 20/10 in many cases, and above-average levels of other visual functions compared to typical people. These findings suggest that excellent visual skills may play an important role in the success of athletes at the highest levels of competition.
Laby, Daniel M M.D.; Kirschen, David G O.D., Ph.D.; Pantall, Paige N.C.L.E.C., C.O.A.. The Visual Function of Olympic-Level Athletes—An Initial Report. Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice 37(3):p 116-122, May 2011. | DOI: 10.1097/ICL.0b013e31820c5002
https://journals.lww.com/claojournal/abstract/2011/05000/the_visual_function_of_olympic_level_athletes_an.3.aspx
Visual and Oculomotor Abilities Predict Professional Baseball Batting Performance
Visual abilities (like seeing clearly and quickly) and oculomotor skills (how well the eyes move and track objects) can predict how well professional baseball players perform at batting. The researchers tested Minor League players on tasks such as visual acuity, smooth eye movements, and rapid eye shifts, then compared these skills to real batting statistics like on-base percentage and slugging percentage. The results showed that players with better visual and oculomotor skills generally had higher batting performance, with smooth pursuit accuracy and quick eye movements being especially important predictors. This suggests that strong vision and fast, accurate eye movements are key factors in hitting success for professional baseball players.
Liu, S., Edmunds, F. R., Burris, K., & Appelbaum, L. G. (2020). Visual and oculomotor abilities predict professional baseball batting performance. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 20(4), 683–700. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2020.1777819
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24748668.2020.1777819
Gaze Characteristics of Elite and Near-Elite Athletes in Ice Hockey Defensive Tactics
Elite and near-elite ice hockey players use their eyes, their gaze behavior, during defensive tactics on the ice. The researchers used eye-tracking technology while players performed specific defensive situations to compare where and how long they looked at different parts of the play, such as the puck, opponents, or open space. The results showed that elite players used longer and more stable fixations on key cues (like the puck carrier), looked ahead to anticipate plays, and made fewer, more purposeful shifts in their gaze than near-elite players, who tended to look around more often and for shorter periods. This suggests that expert ice hockey players use their vision more efficiently to predict opponents’ actions and make better defensive decisions.
Stephen G Martell, Joan N Vickers,
Gaze characteristics of elite and near-elite athletes in ice hockey defensive tactics,
Human Movement Science,Volume 22, Issue 6, 2004,Pages 689-712,ISSN 0167-9457,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2004.02.004.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167945704000065?via%3Dihub
Visual Tracking Speed Is Related to Basketball-Specific Measures of Performance in NBA Players
Visual tracking speed, the ability to quickly and accurately follow moving objects with the eyes, is connected to basketball performance in NBA players. The researchers tested NBA athletes on a computerized visual tracking speed task and compared the results to real basketball statistics, such as assists, turnovers, points, and offensive efficiency. They found that players with faster visual tracking speeds generally had better on-court performance, including making more assists and having fewer turnovers. The study suggests that being able to quickly track moving objects is an important skill that can help improve decision-making and overall performance in elite basketball players.
Mangine, Gerald T.1; Hoffman, Jay R.1; Wells, Adam J.1; Gonzalez, Adam M.1; Rogowski, Joseph P.2; Townsend, Jeremy R.1; Jajtner, Adam R.1; Beyer, Kyle S.1; Bohner, Jonathan D.1; Pruna, Gabriel J.1; Fragala, Maren S.1; Stout, Jeffrey R.1. Visual Tracking Speed Is Related to Basketball-Specific Measures of Performance in NBA Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 28(9):p 2406-2414, September 2014. | DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000550
https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2014/09000/visual_tracking_speed_is_related_to.3.aspx
High-Performance Vision Training Improves Batting Statistics for University of Cincinnati Baseball Players
A high-performance vision training program could help University of Cincinnati baseball players improve their actual game statistics. The players took part in vision training exercises focused on skills like tracking, focusing, and reaction time before and during their season. The results showed that, after the training, the team’s overall batting average improved significantly, along with increases in slugging percentage and on-base percentage compared to previous seasons. These findings suggest that targeted vision training not only sharpens visual skills but can also lead to real improvements in sports performance, helping players hit better during games.
Clark, Joseph & Ellis, James & Bench, Johnny & Khoury, Jane & Graman, Pat. (2012). High-Performance Vision Training Improves Batting Statistics for University of Cincinnati Baseball Players. PloS one. 7. e29109. 10.1371/journal.pone.0029109.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221776303_High-Performance_Vision_Training_Improves_Batting_Statistics_for_University_of_Cincinnati_Baseball_Players
TBI/Concussion Research Pt1
Role of Neuroplasticity in Neuro-rehabilitation
How neuro-optometric rehabilitation uses the brain’s power to change and heal itself called neuroplasticity to help people recover from vision problems after a traumatic brain injury. The authors describe how special eye and brain exercises are designed in three steps to retrain the brain’s ability to focus, move the eyes, and process visual information. Studies highlighted in the article show that this therapy leads to real improvement, such as faster processing speeds and better eye coordination, by helping brain cells form new connections and strengthen the pathways needed for vision. The article concludes that neuroplasticity is key to helping people with brain injuries regain important visual skills and enjoy a better quality of life
Silva CEB, Han MHE, Cohen A. The role of neuroplasticity in the neuro‑optometric rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury. Vision Dev Rehabil. 2022;8(4):270‑278. doi:10.31707/VDR2022.8.4.p270
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/vdr/vdr_8_4/vdr8-4_article_silva_web.pdf
A Pilot Investigation of Visual Pathways in Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
How the eyes and brain work together in people who had a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), especially after sports injuries. The study found that people with mTBI had weaker signals in certain brain pathways (mostly the magnocellular pathway) when their eyes were tested with special patterns, compared to people without injuries. For example, there was about a 5 microvolt difference in brain activity between the mTBI group and the healthy group, and some patients improved after vision therapy, showing that these tests can help detect and track visual problems after a brain injury. This research suggests that these special eye and brain tests can help doctors understand and treat vision changes in people who’ve had a mild concussion or head injury
Harris P, Myers MH. A pilot investigation of visual pathways in patients with mild traumatic brain injury. Neurol Int. 2023;15:534-548. doi:10.3390/neurolint15010032
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/research/2023_publication_neurolint-1.pdf
Vision training for presbyopic nonstrabismic patients
Home vision training was prescribed for 161 presbyopic patients (ages 45 to 89) who had vision-related symptoms and convergence insufficiency or visual skills deficiencies. Most patients required 10 weeks or less of treatment, the longest treatment period being 15 weeks. Elimination of the symptoms and improved responses on certain optometric tests was achieved by 92% of the patients. Evaluation 3 months after therapy indicated that 77 patients required additional training, the older patients requiring it more often, to retain the initial improvement.
Wick B. Vision training for presbyopic nonstrabismic patients. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1977;54(4):244-247.
Effect of Binasal Occlusion (BNO) on the Visual-Evoked Potential (VEP) in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
Studies how using binasal occlusion (BNO) which involves blocking the inside part of both lenses on glasses affects the way the brain responds to what the eyes see in people with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The scientists found that, for people with mTBI, the strength of the brain’s response to visual information (called the visual-evoked potential or VEP amplitude) got significantly stronger when BNO was used, while it became weaker for people without a brain injury. Also, people with mTBI had normal reaction times, and many felt fewer symptoms and did better with activities after using BNO, suggesting this method helps their brains process visual information more normally
Ciuffreda, K. J., Yadav, N. K., & Ludlam, D. P. (2012). Effect of binasal occlusion (BNO) on the visual-evoked potential (VEP) in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Brain Injury, 27(1), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.3109/02699052.2012.700088
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/02699052.2012.700088
Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) Evaluating Treatment for Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
This study looked at how to help people with post-trauma vision syndrome (PTVS), a group of eye and vision problems that can happen after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The researchers used a special brain test called visual evoked potentials (VEP) to measure how well the eyes and brain were working together before and after using treatments like base-in prisms and bi-nasal occluders. The study found that after these treatments, the VEP results showed a big improvement in how the brain processed visual information, and patients also said their symptoms like double vision and moving letters got much better. This means that using these special glasses and lenses can really help people with vision problems after a brain injury by helping their eyes and brain work better together
Padula, W. V., Argyris, S., & Ray, J. (1994). Visual evoked potentials (VEP) evaluating treatment for post-trauma vision syndrome (PTVS) in patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Brain Injury, 8(2), 125–133. https://doi.org/10.3109/02699059409150964
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/02699059409150964
Vision Concussion Protocol: Diagnosis and Treatment
Explains a step-by-step vision concussion protocol created to help athletes and others recover from concussions when vision problems are involved. The study found that out of 137 patients with a concussion, 87% had a visual problem, and 61% of those needed vision therapy, while 31% got better just by changing their glasses. People who did vision therapy were able to return to play in about 5.8 weeks less than half the time of those who didn’t do therapy (12.3 weeks) showing that this detailed approach can really speed up recovery and get people safely back to sports and daily life.
Peters, M. The peters/price (see to play) vision concussion protocol: Diagnosis and treatment. Optom. Vis. Perform. 2015, 3,
126–138.
https://www.ovpjournal.org/uploads/2/3/8/9/23898265/3-2-4.pdf
Electrophysiological Assessments of Cognition and Sensory Processing in TBI: Applications for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Rehabilitation
This research article discusses how special brain tests, called electrophysiological assessments (like evoked potentials and event-related potentials), can help doctors find out how traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects thinking and how the senses work. These tests can show if the brain’s pathways for seeing, hearing, or feeling are damaged, and help figure out how serious the injury is. The authors found that these tests are useful not just for diagnosis, but also for predicting how well someone will recover and for guiding the best ways to help with rehabilitation, because they reveal which parts of the brain are working or need more support after a TBI
Folmer RL, Billings CJ, Diedesch-Rouse AC, Gallun FJ, Lew HL. Electrophysiological assessments of cognition and sensory processing in TBI: Applications for diagnosis, prognosis and rehabilitation. Int J Psychophysiol. 2011;82(1):4-15. doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2011.03.005
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167876011000882?via%3Dihub
Visual Dysfunction Following a Neurological Event
This publication reviews the many kinds of vision problems that can happen after a neurological event, such as a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other damage to the brain or nervous system. The authors explain that these neurological events can cause issues like double vision, blurry vision, trouble focusing, reduced visual field, light sensitivity, and eye movement problems, which often impact daily life and independence. The article emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment, such as neuro-optometric rehabilitation, which can include vision therapy, special lenses, and other interventions to help patients recover visual function and improve their quality of life. Overall, the paper highlights that visual dysfunction is common after brain injuries, but targeted rehabilitation can make a significant difference in recovery.
Padula WV, Politzer T, Simmons-Grab D, et al. Visual dysfunction following a neurological event. Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association in cooperation with the IARP Case Management Section. Published 2000
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/visual-dysfunction.pdf
Conceptual Model of Optometric Vision Care in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), such as a concussion, often causes problems with how people see and use their eyes. To help patients with these issues, eye doctors need a clear plan to follow. This article suggests a four-step process that helps doctors check different parts of a patient’s vision and related health. By carefully examining eye movements, other vision skills, and general health, doctors can better understand and treat the vision problems caused by mTBI, leading to improved patient outcomes
Ciuffreda KJ, Ludlam DP. Conceptual Model of Optometric Vision Care in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury J Behav Optom 22;10-12.
https://da4e1j5r7gw87.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2880/2019/09/optometric-vision-care.pdf
TBI/Concussion Research Pt2
Optometric Care of the Patient with Acquired Brain Injury
Acquired brain injuries, such as those from accidents or strokes, can cause many changes in a person’s life, including problems with vision. These vision challenges can make everyday tasks like reading, moving around, or even just paying attention much harder. Special eye care, like vision therapy provided by optometrists, can help. Studies show that almost 90% of people with mild brain injuries who get this type of therapy see big improvements in their vision and symptoms, making it easier for them to return to their normal routines.
American Optometric Association. Optometric Care of the Patient with Acquired Brain Injury. St. Louis, MO: American Optometric Association; 1997.
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/position_papers/acquired-brain-injury_-_aoa.pdf
Consensus Statement on Visual Rehabilitation in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Optometric visual rehabilitation therapy has been used for a variety of visual disorders. Descriptively named entities such as posttrauma visual syndrome, visual midline shift syndrome, and vertical heterophoria syndrome are frequently diagnosed by neuro-optometrists and/or behavioral optometrists in patients after stroke or head injury or in the setting of dizziness and/or headache. The scientific underpinnings of these diagnoses and treatments are weak, and published clinical studies comprise case reports and case series without comparison to control populations. Neuro-ophthalmologists are frequently questioned by patients about the utility of such treatment strategies. Many ophthalmologists and neurologists also are involved in the care of patients who carry these diagnoses and undergo these visual therapies. Involved physicians may benefit from guidance about the rationale, evidence, and level of evidence for the efficacy of these therapeutic approaches
Neurol Clin Pract. 2022 Dec;12(6):422–428
Post Trauma Vision Syndrome and Visual Midline Shift Syndrome. Neuro Rehabilitation
After a serious head injury, some people feel like their world is off-balance, they may see the floor as slanted, bump into things, or struggle to walk straight, even though their eyes look healthy. This can be very confusing and frustrating. Scientists have discovered that these issues, known as Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) and Visual Midline Shift Syndrome (VMSS), come from the brain having trouble processing what the eyes see. The study showed that using special glasses with “yoked prisms” helped people fix their balance and posture quickly, which made it easier for them to do everyday things and feel more comfortable in their lives.
Padula W and Argyris S,. Post Trauma Vision Syndrome and Visual Midline Shift Syndrome. Neuro Rehabilitation, 6 (1996) 165-171.
Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) Evaluating Treatment for Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Brain Injury
Sometimes after a head injury, people have trouble seeing clearly, a problem called Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS). Scientists wanted to find out if special treatments, like prism glasses and certain types of eye covers, could help these patients improve their vision. The study showed that these treatments made the brain’s response to visual information much better and helped ease symptoms like double vision. This means that these simple tools might help people see and feel better after a traumatic brain injury.
Padula W, Argyris S, and Ray J.: Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) Evaluating Treatment for Post
Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Brain Injury,
1994, Vol. 8, No. 2, 125-133.
Optometric Management of Binocular Dysfunctions Secondary to Head Trauma: Case Reports
Eye doctors can help people who have trouble using their eyes together (binocular dysfunctions) after a head injury. The author shares two case reports to show how optometrists can treat vision problems that develop because of head trauma. The study shows that with special eye care, including vision therapy or using glasses with specific corrections, patients were able to improve their ability to use both eyes together and reduce symptoms like double vision or eye strain. The main purpose of the research was to demonstrate that targeted optometric treatments can lead to better vision and a higher quality of life for people recovering from head injuries
Cohen AH. Optometric management of binocular dysfunctions secondary to head trauma: case reports. J Am Optom Assoc. 1992 Aug;63(8):569-75. PMID: 1512408.