The Effect of Visual Training on Existing Myopia

Abstract

SUMMARY 1 In an attempt to improve the visual acuity, a series of 54 selected cases of myopia was given a course of visual training which was preceded and followed by a complete ophthalmologic examination. 2 The technique of training, which was based on standard accepted procedures in this field, was given by an optometrist while the pre- and post-training examinations were made by a group of ophthalmologists. 3 Thirty, or 55.5 per cent. of the cases showed no change in their acuity, while 12, or 22.2 per cent., showed a definite improvement, the best results being obtained in the cases with small amounts of myopia. Twelve patients, that is 22.2 per cent., showed a change so slight as to be excluded in the results. The change in the improved group averaged 27 per cent. Eleven of the 12 improved patients were recheclced at an interval of 15 to 23 months following completion of training. Five of these retained their improvement, while only one showed worse than pre-training acuity. 4 There was no change in the refractive error, nor significant alteration in the ocular neuromuscular mechanism. It was thought that the improvement probably occurred because of an improved reception due to stimulation of the visual effort, as the best results occurred in those patients with a pre-training acuity less than would be expected from their refractive error since 73 per cent, of this type improved. 5 Visual training has a definite, but limited, value in some myopic patients, preponderantly in those whose vision does not correspond with their known myopia. The effectiveness of visual training must be increased if it is to be generally applicable. Visual training merits further study from the ophthalmologist particularly in relation to progress in myopia. 640 South Kingshighway (10). The optometrists associated with this project concur fully with the above results, interpretations, and conclusions.