Eccentric viewing training for low-vision rehabilitation in patients with central scotoma

Abstract

Objective The aim was to evaluate the value of subjective eccentric viewing (EV) training in vision rehabilitation in patients with central scotoma. Background EV, also known as eccentric fixation, involves identifying a functioning area of the retina that has reasonable sensitivity, and is as close to the fovea as possible, and to learn to use it effectively, which is known as preferred retinal locus. Materials and Methods The direction of EV was monitored in 33 low-vision patients with bilateral central scotomas, the preferred retinal locus was identified, and the preserved visual field was found. The patients were divided randomly into two groups regarding their use of optical low-vision devices with EV training. After 2 months of training, changes in near and far best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reading speed were evaluated. Results After 2 months of EV training, near BCVA and mean reading speed significantly improved. Regarding the use of low-vision devices, the group that used low-vision devices with EV training showed significant improvement in the near and far BCVA than the group that did not use low-vision device. Conclusion EV training can be used as a very effective method for low-vision rehabilitation in patients presented with central scotomas, and it can give very good results using simple and inexpensive equipment.