Abstract
Several visual field training programs have been designed to improve vision in patients with visual field loss due to cerebral lesions. Using vision restoration training, several investigators studied predictors of training outcome. However, until now there are no studies testing whether these factors also predict the stability of the visual improvements after a long trainingfree interval. The aim of the present study was therefore to analyse whether predefined variables predict the success of vision restoration training and the stability of the outcome.
The sample consisted of 23 patients with postchiasmatic lesions who participated in a six months visual training. Stability of visual field improvements were tested in a follow-up session after a training-free period longer than three years. Visual field sizes were tested by suprathreshold high-resolution perimetry (24°) and conventional automatic near-threshold perimetry (90°). Factors for therapy success and stability at follow-up were analysed using multiple linear regression.
Overall, training-related improvements and their stability were related to few variables. Similar to studies which measured the training outcome immediately after training, in the present follow-up study the size of the transition zone between intact and defect areas of the visual field showed the strongest correlation with training-induced improvement of the visual field. Patients with high improvements of the number of detected stimuli immediately after training experienced also the greatest decrease of their detection rate after the training-free interval. Training results were stable in those patients who had lower training success. Based on these observations we conclude that regular training sessions may be necessary for consolidation especially in cases of large improvements of stimulus detection.
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