Abstract:
NeuroVision's NVC vision correction technology is a non–invasive, patient–specific treatment based on visual stimulation and facilitation of neural connections responsible for vision. It involves the use of an internet–based computer generated visual training regime using patient specific stimuli based on Gabor patches, to sharpen contrast sensitivity function (CSF) and visual acuity. We evaluated the efficacy of NVC treatment in enhancing unaided visual acuity (UAVA) and unaided contrast sensitivity function (UACSF) in low myopes.
Two groups of patients: a) 20 adults with low myopia (mean cycloplegic spherical equivalent of –1.08D (range 0 to –1.75)) constituted a non–randomized, prospective pilot study ("S") of NVC treatment performed at SERI; and b) 20 adults with low myopia (mean cycloplegic spherical equivalent of –1.41D (range –0.25 to –2.5)) underwent commercial ("C") NVC treatment at SNEC. Mean number of treatment sessions was 32. Investigations included manifest and cycloplegic refraction, LogMAR UAVA and sinusoidal grating CSF (Sine Wave CS charts). Pilot study patients were followed up for 12 months after completion of treatment.
Subjects comprised 23 males and 17 females with a mean age of 34 years (range 16 to 55 years). All completed treatment. Mean pretreatment LogMAR UAVA was 0.385, and this improved to 0.12 after treatment, (improvement of 2.65 ETDRS lines). Maximum improvement was 6.0 lines. Mean manifest refractive error remained unchanged. Eyes with a higher refraction showed greater improvement in UAVA and UACSF. Mean UACSF improved at all spatial frequencies to within the normal range.84.2% of the eyes improved CSF in 3 spatial frequencies or more. (S–68.4%, C– 100.0%), and this was for at least 12 months. No side–effects were encountered.
Results of the NVC treatment suggest that this technology is able to improve UAVA and UACSF in adults with low myopia. A large–scale, placebo–controlled randomized clinical trial is currently underway.
Keywords: myopia • contrast sensitivity • refractive surgery: other technologies