What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Homonymous Hemianopia include visual field expansion techniques such as prisms, compensatory training, and the use of virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMDs). Side effects of these treatments can vary. Prisms may cause visual distortions and discomfort, while compensatory training can be time-consuming and may not be effective for all patients. VR HMDs, which simulate a 3D environment for visual field expansion, are generally well-tolerated but can cause mild side effects such as eye strain, headaches, and motion sickness. These side effects are typically temporary and subside with continued use or adjustment of the device.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no specific FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of Homonymous Hemianopia. However, innovative approaches such as the use of virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays to simulate a 3D environment for visual field expansion are being studied. These VR systems aim to improve mobility and hazard detection in individuals with visual field loss, offering a promising non-pharmacological intervention.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to VR Head-Mounted Displays for Homonymous Hemianopia patients include augmented reality (AR) devices, advanced prism glasses, and digital vision enhancement systems. These technologies aim to enhance visual field expansion and improve mobility.

← Back to Search

Behavioural Intervention

Virtual Reality Obstacle Detection for Visual Field Loss

Q: What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

The most common treatments for Homonymous Hemianopia include visual field expansion techniques, such as the use of prisms and virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays. Prisms work by shifting images from the non-seeing side to the seeing side, thereby expanding the visual field. VR head-mounted displays create a simulated 3D environment that helps patients practice and improve their visual-motor coordination and hazard detection in a controlled setting. These mechanisms are crucial for Homonymous Hemianopia patients as they enhance their ability to navigate their environment safely and independently, improving their overall quality of life.

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Jae-Hyun Jung, PhD

Research Sponsored by Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Able to independently move short distances

Visual field loss, either peripheral field loss (<30 degrees diameter) or hemianopic field loss (blind in half of visual field)

Must not have

Any self-reported history of seizures (any type) in the last 6 months

Patients with any self-reported physical or mental disabilities, including cognitive dysfunction, balance problems, or other deficits that could impair their ability to respond to the stimuli presented in this study

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up through study completion, an average of four months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial uses a VR headset to help people with visual field loss practice detecting and avoiding virtual pedestrians. The headset shows 3D images of people walking towards the user while they walk in a real-world setting. This helps improve their ability to avoid collisions in a safe environment.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for people with visual field loss, such as hemianopia or tunnel vision. Participants must have binocular vision within normal limits, at least partial peripheral vision, and a visual acuity of no worse than 20/100 in the weaker eye. They should be over 14 years old, healthy enough for sessions up to 3 hours, understand English, consent voluntarily, and move independently.

What is being tested?

The study is testing a new virtual reality (VR) system designed to help individuals with visual field loss detect obstacles while walking. It involves wearing a VR headset that simulates real-world environments and oncoming pedestrians in three dimensions.

What are the potential side effects?

While not explicitly stated, potential side effects may include discomfort from wearing the VR headset, motion sickness due to virtual reality exposure, eye strain from prolonged use of the device or temporary disorientation after using the VR system.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I can walk by myself for short distances.

Select...

I have lost vision in either half or the outer parts of my field of vision.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I have had a seizure in the past 6 months.

Select...

I do not have any physical or mental disabilities that would affect my participation.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ through study completion, an average of four months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~through study completion, an average of four months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and through study completion, an average of four months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Response time

Secondary study objectives

Error rate

Head movement range

Pedestrian detection rate

+1 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Field expansion viewExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Various configurations of field expansion views will be additionally displayed on HMD

0 / 4Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The most common treatments for Homonymous Hemianopia include visual field expansion techniques, such as the use of prisms and virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays. Prisms work by shifting images from the non-seeing side to the seeing side, thereby expanding the visual field. VR head-mounted displays create a simulated 3D environment that helps patients practice and improve their visual-motor coordination and hazard detection in a controlled setting. These mechanisms are crucial for Homonymous Hemianopia patients as they enhance their ability to navigate their environment safely and independently, improving their overall quality of life.

Effect of movement and vision on visual-motor adjustment to optical rearrangement.Wayfinding and Glaucoma: A Virtual Reality Experiment.Disparity vergence responses before versus after repetitive vergence therapy in binocularly normal controls.