Most patients with visual field defects are eligible for Vision Restoration Therapy and may benefit from the treatment. However, there are certain conditions in which VRT may not be suitable. Those with photosensitive seizure disorder, certain eye diseases, and significant cognitive deficits may find that their condition interferes with VRT. In addition, we recommend that patients suffering from acute diseases of the central nervous system or eye delay therapy until the acute phase is over.

Vision Restoration Therapy after a stroke or brain injury can enhance a person’s visual field through its non-invasive program. 88% of VRT patients have mentioned receiving at least one significant benefit from VRT in an area of their daily activity.¹ Get patient perspectives on the impact of VRT or read more about therapy benefits. VRT can help recover Hemianopia, Quadrantanopia and, Scotoma type of vision loss, which are common after a stroke or TBI.

¹ Mueller I, Poggel DA, Kenkel S, Kasten E and Sabel BA. Vision Restoration Therapy after brain damage: subjective improvements of activities of daily life and their relationship to visual field enlargements. Visual Impairment Research 2003; 5: 157-178 (NovaVision sponsored study)

Management believes that vision restoration works by stimulating the brain to heal itself through a process called neuroplasticity. Vision loss following a stroke or a traumatic brain injury stems from damage to the brain. Stimulating the brain in consistent, precise ways can help it to reorganize and heal, leading to partial or full recovery of vision.

Given the complexity of the brain and that the study of neuroplasticity is in its infancy, some questions were originally raised that vision restoration was occurring through eye movements instead of through self-repair in the brain.

A study conducted using an eye tracker, which monitors eye movement, showed that patients keep their eyes within 2 degrees to either side of the central fixation point 99 percent of the time.¹

Other evidence that VRT is not attributed to eye movement is a study conducted at Columbia University that used an fMRI which shows changes in brain activity after VRT suggesting cerebral reorganization.²

¹Marshall RS, Ferrera JJ, Barnes A, Zang X, O'Brien KA, Chmayssani M, Hirsch J and Lazar, RM. Brain Activity Associated With Stimulation Therapy Of The Visual Border Zone In Hemianopic Stroke Patients. Neuro Rehabilitation Neural Repair. 2008 22(2):136-44.Epub 2007 Aug 14
² E. Kasten et al. Behavioural Brain Research 175 18-26 5)Marshall R. et al. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2008 22(2):136-44. Epub 2007 Aug 14

Management believes that vision rehabilitation  restoration works by stimulating the brain to heal itself through a process called neuroplasticity. Vision loss following a stroke or a traumatic brain injury stems from damage to the brain. Stimulating the brain in consistent, precise ways can help it to reorganize and heal, leading to partial or full recovery of vision.

Given the complexity of the brain and that the study of neuroplasticity is in its infancy, some questions were originally raised that vision rehabilitation restoration was occurring through eye movements instead of through self-repair in the brain.

A study conducted using an eye tracker, which monitors eye movement, showed that patients keep their eyes within 2 degrees to either side of the central fixation point 99 percent of the time.¹

Other evidence that VRT is not attributed to eye movement is a study conducted at Columbia University that used an fMRI which shows changes in brain activity after VRT suggesting cerebral reorganization.²

If you are interested in undergoing vision restoration therapy after suffering a stroke or brain injury, call NovaVision Patient Services to verify your candidacy and to locate a prescribing doctor in your area. A neuro-ophthalmologist, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or neurologist will determine if you are a candidate for VRT, and if you are, the doctor will write a prescription. After paying for the therapy you will complete a couple of tests to evaluate your vision deficit, and NovaVision clinicians will analyze the test results to create and send you a customized therapy program. You may contact NovaVision by email or call us at 1.888.205.0800 to ask questions or request more information.