Abstract
Purpose: :
To establish a series of visual function and performance tests for monitoring progress in patients with artificial vision.
Methods: :
Approaches to restore vision with visual prosthesis will not replace the physiological function of the photoreceptors. Since the patients will not be familiar with the perceptions obtained from use of retinal implant devices, it is a major point of interest to assess their adaptation to the artificial stimulation. The Retinal Implant System is a learning visual prosthesis. Tailoring the system and training the patient will be essential to optimize the results achieved from artificial vision. A step–by–step approach to documentation of the visual perception from blind to light detection, light localisation, motion detection, light orientation, spatial resolution and function performance will be presented for the course of the postoperative period. A method for exact grading of visual perception and a new mobility test for blind and very low vision patients were developed for evaluating short–term and long–term outcomes.
Results: :
Untreated RP–patients who were nearly blind or had very low vision were tested. Stability and reliability of test performance were evaluated. The new mobility test proved to be applicable for repeated testing. Moreover various levels of visual impairment from near blind to severe visual impairment can be reliably identified with our test battery.
Conclusions: :
These tests are capable of demonstrating efficacy of a visual prosthesis and monitoring outcomes. The tests provide a means for generating quantitative feedback for optimizing the tuning process and corresponding post–operative training of the patient.
Keywords: retina • low vision • visual search