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Low Vision and Plasticity: Implications for Rehabilitation
Gordon E Legge1, Susana T L Chung2
1Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455;
Annual Review of Vision Science
|May 24, 2017
Summary
Plasticity in low vision refers to brain and perceptual changes after visual impairment, aiding daily activities. Understanding these adaptations is key for effective low vision rehabilitation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Low vision significantly impacts daily living activities.
- Plasticity is defined as adaptive brain/perceptual changes post-visual impairment, independent of pathology.
- Understanding visual system adaptation is crucial for low vision research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the levels of the visual system where plasticity occurs.
- To examine the influence of age and visual experience on plasticity.
- To discuss whether plastic changes are spontaneous or require training and their role in rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Review of contemporary research findings.
- Integration of traditional clinical and psychophysical methods.
- Utilizing advancements in retinal imaging, noninvasive brain imaging, and eye tracking.
Main Results:
- Plasticity occurs at various levels of the visual system.
- Age and visual experience modulate plastic changes.
- Evidence suggests both spontaneous and training-induced plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Plasticity plays a significant role in how individuals with low vision adapt.
- New imaging and tracking technologies enhance the assessment of visual adaptation.
- Research findings offer tools to guide low vision rehabilitation strategies.
Keywords:
contrast sensitivitycritical periodretinavisual acuityvisual cortexvisual deprivationvisual fieldvisual impairmentMore Related Videos
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