Vision Rehabilitation Using Microperimetric Biofeedback Training in Age- Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease affecting retinal tissue that may cause central vision loss. Microperimetric Biofeedback Training (MBFT) is a visual rehabilitation to train patients who have lost foveal fixation to relocate the locus to an area of the retina with better sensitivity. Objective To determine the impact of MBFT on the quality of vision in patients with AMD. Methods This study was a prospective, interventional, comparative study with subjects of patients diagnosed with AMD in the National Eye Center Cicendo Eye Hospital. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, intervention and non-intervention, with balance block randomization. The intervention group would receive six MBFT training sessions of 10-minute time duration each. Results The number of subjects enrolled in this study was 36, with 18 patients in each group. A statistically significant improvement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was found after the intervention, from 1.24 ± 0.416 logMar to 0.83 ± 0.242 (P < 0.001). A statistically significant improvement for near vision acuity (NVA) was also observed, from 1.02 ± 0.307 logMar to 0.69 ± 0.278 logMar (P < 0.001). In addition, reading rate increased, from 40.83 ± 30,411 words/minute to 65.06 ± 31,598 words/minute (P < 0.001). Similarly, a comparison of changes in BCVA, NVA, and reading rate between intervention and non-intervention groups showed a significant difference (P < 0.001). Conclusion Microperimetric biofeedback training significantly and positively impacts visual acuity, near vision acuity, and reading rate in patients with AMD.