What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Homonymous hemianopia treatments primarily focus on compensatory strategies to help patients adapt to their visual field loss. Saccadic compensatory training teaches patients to shift their gaze towards the blind side, bringing visual information into the seeing hemifield for processing. Biofeedback Training (BT) enhances this by using microperimetry instruments to provide real-time feedback on eye movements, improving oculomotor control. These treatments are crucial as they help patients better navigate their environment, read, and perform daily activities, thereby improving their quality of life.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Oculomotor control training therapies, including Biofeedback Training (BT) using microperimetry instruments, are generally well-tolerated. Common side effects may include eye strain, headaches, and temporary visual discomfort due to the intensive nature of the eye movement exercises. These side effects are typically mild and transient. There is no significant evidence of long-term adverse effects associated with these therapies. Patients should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider to ensure the benefits outweigh any potential discomfort.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There is no specific mention of prior FDA approvals for the treatment of Homonymous Hemianopia in the provided context. However, Biofeedback Training (BT) is highlighted as a promising technique for oculomotor control training, which helps patients adapt to visual field loss by intentionally shifting their eyes to bring visual information from the blind hemifield into the seeing hemifield. This method aims to improve visual field adaptation and processing, offering a potential rehabilitation approach for patients with Homonymous Hemianopia.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to Biofeedback Training (BT) for Homonymous Hemianopia patients include: 1) Virtual Reality (VR)-based visual rehabilitation, which uses immersive environments to train eye movements and visual processing. 2) Augmented Reality (AR) devices that overlay visual cues to assist in compensating for visual field loss. 3) Advanced neurostimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which may enhance neural plasticity and visual processing. 4) Eye-tracking technology integrated with computer-based training programs to improve saccadic movements and visual field awareness.

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Biofeedback Training for Hemianopia

N/A

Waitlist Available

Research Sponsored by University Health Network, Toronto

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

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

Must have

Aged 18-90 years old

Be older than 18 years old

Must not have

Lack of ability to perform the tests and training

Both eyes with media opacity that impairs microperimetry testing

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 1 week post biofeedback

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing Biofeedback Training (BT) for patients with vision loss on one side due to brain injury. BT uses real-time feedback like sounds or lights to help patients improve their eye movements. This can help them see better by bringing visual information from their blind side into their seeing side. Biofeedback has been explored for various eye conditions and visual impairments, showing potential in improving visual functions.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals aged 18-90 with hemianopia, a type of vision loss after brain injury from stroke, surgery, or trauma. Participants must be able to follow visual and auditory instructions but haven't had low vision rehabilitation before.

What is being tested?

The study tests biofeedback training (BT) as a new technique for improving eye movement control in people with hemianopia. It aims to help patients adapt by learning to shift their gaze into the blind field of vision.

What are the potential side effects?

Biofeedback training is generally considered safe; however, potential side effects are not detailed in this summary. Typically, BT might cause fatigue or discomfort due to intense concentration during sessions.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

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

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I am between 18 and 90 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

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

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I am unable to perform certain tests or training.

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Both of my eyes have a condition that affects certain vision tests.

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I have received treatment to improve my low vision.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 1 week post biofeedback

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~1 week post biofeedback

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 1 week post biofeedback for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

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

Primary study objectives

Fixation stability

Near vision

Quality of Life Questionnaire scores

+3 more

Secondary study objectives

Contrast Sensitivity

Stereopsis

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

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

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Group AExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The patients will undergo baseline assessment and receive the intervention, being assessed after the intervention.

Group II: Group BActive Control1 Intervention

The patients will perform the same tests for assessment as in group A, however, no intervention will be done. They may enrol in the study as group B after completing group B participation.

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Biofeedback training

2013

N/A

~420

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

Homonymous hemianopia treatments primarily focus on compensatory strategies to help patients adapt to their visual field loss. Saccadic compensatory training teaches patients to shift their gaze towards the blind side, bringing visual information into the seeing hemifield for processing. Biofeedback Training (BT) enhances this by using microperimetry instruments to provide real-time feedback on eye movements, improving oculomotor control. These treatments are crucial as they help patients better navigate their environment, read, and perform daily activities, thereby improving their quality of life.

Training in oculomotor tracking: occupational health aspects.Target predictability influences the distribution of coordinated eye-head gaze saccades in patients with homonymous hemianopia.