Effect of visual perception training on binocular visual function reconstruction in patients after strabismus surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Vision Science

Background:

• Intermittent exotropia is a common strabismus in children.
• Strabismus surgery aims to correct eye alignment but may require further visual rehabilitation.
• Binocular visual function and perception are crucial for optimal visual outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of visual perception learning software training (VPT) in improving binocular visual function after strabismus surgery in children with intermittent exotropia.
• To compare the outcomes of VPT with basic binocular vision training.

Main Methods:

• Ninety children with intermittent exotropia were randomized into a control group (basic binocular vision training) and a VPT group (VPT post-surgery).
• Evaluations included tertiary visual function, visual perception, Newcastle Control Score (NCS), and ocular position retraction rate at 3 and 12 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• The VPT group showed significantly higher rates of simultaneous perception, binocular fusion, and stereo vision compared to the control group (P<0.05).
• VPT significantly improved grating sharpness, texture perception, and motion perception (P<0.01).
• The VPT group had a lower NCS and a reduced ocular position retraction rate at 12 months (8.89% vs 26.67%, P=0.03).

Conclusions:

• VPT is effective in promoting binocular visual function reconstruction in children with intermittent exotropia post-strabismus surgery.
• VPT helps reduce strabismus severity and the rate of ocular position retraction.