Vision rehabilitation using microperimetric biofeedback training in age-related macular degeneration

Int J Ophthalmol. 2023 Jun 18;16(6):933-938. doi: 10.18240/ijo.2023.06.16. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Aim: To determine the impact of microperimetric biofeedback training (MBFT) on the quality of vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration (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, Indonesia. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, intervention and non-intervention with 18 patients in each group. The intervention group would receive six MBFT training sessions of 10-minute time duration each.

Results: A statistically significant improvement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was found after the intervention, from 1.24±0.416 to 0.83±0.242 (logMAR; 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 to 65.06±31.598 words/min (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: MBFT significantly and positively impacts visual acuity, NVA, and reading rate in patients with AMD.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration; microperimetric biofeedback training; vision rehabilitation.