Combined in-office and home-based eccentric viewing training for central vision loss
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an eccentric viewing training (EVT) programme delivered in a real-world setting (home exercises) by combining a traditional EVT technique with biofeedback training using microperimetry. The authors investigated potential relationships between visual function parameters post training. The study included 27 patients aged 79.7 (SD 12.2) years; 17 females and ten males. There were an average 6.85 (SD 3.11) in-clinic biofeedback sessions. Distance visual acuity averaged 0.80 logMAR pre-treatment to 0.59 post. Near visual acuity was N29.15 pretreatment to N10.44 post. Contrast sensitivity was an average 16.89 (2.5% contrast) pre to 20.85 (1.25% contrast) post treatment. P1 value for fixation stability increased from 31.15 to 60.52 and P2 increased from 60.93 to 91.63. All were significant improvements. Bivariate contour ellipse area 63% value improved from 14.60 to 4.73; 95% value improved from 42.08 to 9.58. The results provide evidence that structured home exercises improve visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and fixation stability in patients with permanent bilateral central vision loss. Limitations of this study are the small sample size and retrospective design. Further large-scale research is required to evaluate EVT effect further.

Effectiveness of visual and acoustic biofeedback eccentric viewing training in conjunction with home exercises on visual function; a retrospective observational review.
Kelly N, Vukicevic M, Koklanis K.
STRABISMUS
2023;31(1):55-65.