The visual performance test: indications for compensational visual rehabilitation training and first results

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Homonymous visual field defects significantly impact daily functioning.
• Compensatory search strategies are crucial for individuals with visual field loss.
• Quantifying functional deficits and rehabilitation outcomes requires objective measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of a visual performance test in patients with homonymous visual field defects.
• To identify patients who have not adapted to their visual handicap.
• To quantify the effectiveness of training compensational search saccades.

Main Methods:

• A visual performance test was administered binocularly to 38 patients.
• The test involved identifying high-contrast icons on a low-contrast background.
• Training of compensational search saccades was implemented and its effects monitored.

Main Results:

• The visual performance test demonstrated a correlation with patients' practical visual abilities.
• The test successfully identified patients with poor adaptation to their visual field defects.
• The test was capable of monitoring the benefits of visual rehabilitation training.

Conclusions:

• The visual performance test is a valuable tool for assessing functional vision in patients with visual field defects.
• The test can guide and monitor visual rehabilitation interventions.
• It aids in understanding patient adaptation to visual handicaps and improving daily life functionality.