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Speaker touts benefits of computer-based vision training
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NEW YORK — A vision training program designed to enhance vision after cataract surgery and LASIK and reduce the need for reading glasses was one of the top ten recent advances in optometry featured by a speaker here at International Vision Expo. Jim Owen, OD, FAAO, told attendees that RevitalVision (Lawrence, Kan.) is a computer-based cortical vision training program designed to "train the brain to see better."
The program can also be used to improve sports vision, night driving, low myopia and amblyopia.
Dr. Owen explained how it works. "The test creates a baseline for contrast sensitivity and neural processing," he said. "Then the system creates a training program."
He said a study conducted in 2004 involving amblyopes showed 2.5 lines of improvement to 20/30.
Durrie, Slade and Waring conducted a study in patients worse than 20/20 after LASIK. By using what he called a NeuroLASIK program, the patients gained 1.56 lines of visual acuity.
"This could also work for the 20/30 or 20/40 age-related macular degeneration patient," Dr. Owen said. "We know that the retina is not transmitting as many signals to the brain. Can you improve this process to get patients back to 20/25?" The training is conducted in the patient's home on his or her computer.
"Patients come in, I do an exam, send an e-mail to RevitalVision with the patient?s e-mail address and they send the patient the software," Dr. Owen said. "There's an average improvement of two lines of visual acuity and 100% in contrast sensitivity." He said he's using the RevitalVision program on high school baseball players and has seen improvement. "The kids want to keep doing it when they see how it improves their game," he said.
Other "top ten" developments Dr. Owen listed included image-guided cataract laser surgery, dual-optic and variable focus IOLs and corneal collagen cross-linking, a procedure he believes optometrists should be able to perform.
Disclosure: Dr. Owen has no direct financial interest in the products mentioned in this article, nor is he a paid consultant for any companies mentioned.