Abstract
Purpose :
Acoustic biofeedback has shown to be a useful technique in the rehabilitation of many eye diseases. We performed a case control study in order to observe if this technique may improve visual performance in patients who underwent surgery for macula off retinal detachment.
Methods :
41 eyes of 41 patients,27 males and 14 females,were enrolled. Mean was age of 58.24 ±14.05 (range: 27-88). All eyes were affected by macula off retinal detachment.28 underwent scleral buckle with cryotherapy and drainage of subretinal fluid (ab externo technique),while 13 underwent PPV (pars plana vitrectomy) with silicone oil tamponade. After the surgery all patients were divided into two groups randomly: group A was composed of 21 eyes,14 of which were treated with the ab externo technique and 7 with PPV;group B included 20 eyes,14 of which underwent ab externo technique and 6 PPV.Inclusion criteria were: patients with macula off detachment operated with internal ab technique or PPV. Exclusion criteria were: patients operated for the second time for relapse or complications of the first surgery,patients with other ocular pathologies (macular hole,AMD,macular edema of various etiology,advanced glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy),patients with cognitive impairment, hearing loss or any other reason that may have affected the rehabilitation. Group A received acoustic biofeedback rehabilitation while group B did not;this was performed after 15 days from withdrawal of cycloplegic drops,(in case of scleral buckling),and from silicon oil removal in case of PPV. Data on mean retinal sensitivity,fixation stability by means of BCEA were collected using Nidek MP-1 microperimeter and BCVA was evaluated using ETDRS chart. Acoustic biofeedback was performed using the same machine. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t-test. P values less than 0,05 were considered statistically significative.
Results :
Mean retinal sensitivity improved significantly in group A in comparison with group B (p <0,001). BCEA improved significantly after treatment in group A in comparison with group B (P= 0,005).18 weeks after biofeedback training BCVA was significantly higher in group A in comparison with group B (P= 0,005).
Conclusions :
Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that acoustic biofeedback may boost visual performance in eyes who underwent surgery for macula off retinal detachment.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.