2nd Global Pediatric Ophthalmology Congress

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the RevitalVision training in enhancing Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and Contrast Sensitivity (CS) in a group of patients affected by nystagmus.

Materials & Methods: 12 patients, ranging in age from 10 to 45 years (median age 25.9), 9 males and 3 females with nystagmus and low vision: 5 cases with congenital nystagmus, 3 with albinism, 3 with congenital cataract (treated surgically) and 1 case with multiple sclerosis were studied. Each patient underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including measurement of visual acuity (BCVA) using LogMar ETDRS charts, contrast sensitivity using the FACT TEST. Moreover we carried out a reading speed test, an examination of the Extra Ocular Movement (EOM), a Cover Test at near and distance (CT), Stereopsis (arc/sec) and a biomicroscopy of the posterior segment. Each patient followed a rehabilitation protocol including the administration of two questionnaires (GH-12 and SF-36) before and after treatment in order to measure self-esteem, role limitations due to physical functioning, social functioning and mental health. Neurovisual rehabilitation training sessions, both individual and customized, lasting about 35 minutes each with either eyes opened in order to train the cerebral cortex by means of contrast stimulus with decreasing size (Gabor Patch) were done. The treatment program consisted of 50 sessions to be administered to the patient on alternate days (at least three times a week) for a total of about 100 days.

Conclusion & Significance: At the end of the treatment, all patients reported subjective improvement in their vision. The functional training using RevitalVision, therefore, appears to be a promising therapy for the functional visual enhancement also in patients with a high visual impairment.