AUTHOR=Misawa Mariana , Pyatova Yulia , Sen Atri , Markowitz Michelle , Markowitz Samuel N. , Reber Michael , Daibert-Nido Monica TITLE=Innovative vision rehabilitation method for hemianopsia: Comparing pre- and post audio-luminous biofeedback training for ocular motility improving visual functions and quality of life JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2023.1151736 DOI=10.3389/fneur.2023.1151736 ISSN=1664-2295 ABSTRACT=Background: Homonymous hemianopsia (HH) corresponds to vision loss in one hemi-field secondary to retro-chiasmal injury. Patients with HH experience difficulties in scanning and orientation in their environment. Near vision daily activities such as reading can also be impaired. There is an unmet need for standardized vision rehabilitation protocols for HH. We investigated the effectiveness of biofeedback training (BT), used for vision rehabilitation in patients with central vision loss, in individuals with HH. Methods: In this prospective pilot pre/post study, twelve participants, with HH consecutive to brain injury, performed 5 weekly BT sessions for 20 minutes each under supervision using the Macular Integrity Assessment microperimeter. BT consisted of relocation of the retinal locus 1- 4° towards the blind hemi-field. Outcomes measured post-BT were paracentral retinal sensitivity, visual acuity (near vision), fixation stability, contrast sensitivity, reading speed, and visual functioning questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Bayesian paired t-tests. Results: Paracentral retinal sensitivity significantly increased by 2.7 ±0.9 dB in the treated eye in 9/11 of the participants. Significant improvements with medium-to-large effect size were observed for fixation stability (8/12 participants), contrast sensitivity (6/12 participants) and near vision visual acuity (10/12 participants). Reading speed increased by 32.5 ±32.4 words per minute in 10/11 participants. Quality of vision scores improved significantly with large effect size for visual ability, visual information and mobility. Conclusion: BT led to encouraging improvements in visual functions and functional vision in individuals with HH. Further confirmation with larger trials is required.