Abstract
Purpose. This study evaluated whether 3D-based vision training (VT) with visual cortex-activated auditory frequency entrainment and bilateral orbital electrical stimulation (ES) could prevent the progression of myopia among schoolchildren. Methods. In this two-stage, randomized, crossover, single-blind study, pre- and post-logMAR visual acuity and refractive error from 27 schoolchildren with myopia (≤−0.50 D) were evaluated among four groups: (1) sham control with no VT, frequency following response (FFR), or ES (control group); (2) 3D-based VT only (VT group); (3) VT with FFR generated through visual cortex-activated auditory entrainment (VT-FFR group); and (4) VT with FFR and bilateral orbital ES (VT-FFR-ES group). In stage 1, the intervention was administered for 30 min to all groups using a randomized crossover design. In stage 2, the intervention was administered for 30 min/day, 3 days a week, for 4 weeks to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention. Results. Compared with the pre-test, post-test logMAR visual acuity after a single intervention was not significantly different in control and VT groups, but significantly improved in the VT-FFR (−0.08 ± 0.11) and VT-FFR-ES groups (−0.13 ± 0.14). Compared with the pre-test, post-test refractive error by spherical equivalent in VT-FFR-ES group for the 4-week intervention was significantly (<0.001) improved (0.21 D) compared with the control group (−0.1 D). Conclusions. The multicomponent physiotherapeutic intervention of 3D-based VT with auditory FFR and bilateral orbital ES can inhibit the progression of myopia. This intervention can be used as a noninvasive physiotherapeutic approach to prevent or reduce the severity of myopia.
Highlights
Myopia, known as near-sightedness, is one of the most common types of refractive errors and can lead to blindness
High myopia is associated with complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, visual impairment, and blindness [1,4,5,6]
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that uncorrected refractive errors are the main reason for 42% of visual impairments and 3% of blindness [7]
Summary
Known as near-sightedness, is one of the most common types of refractive errors and can lead to blindness. It is a worldwide public health issue. High myopia is associated with complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, visual impairment, and blindness [1,4,5,6]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that uncorrected refractive errors are the main reason for 42% of visual impairments and 3% of blindness [7]. 80% of visual impairments are avoidable, and even a 50% reduction in the rate of developing myopia can decrease the prevalence of high myopia by as much as 90% [7,8]. Eliminating the main causes of all preventable and treatable blindness and improving vision health are paramount [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
