Vision Improvement in Keratoconus Patients Trained With Perceptual Learning: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Visual Science

Background:

• Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye condition affecting visual acuity.
• Current spectacle correction may not fully restore vision in all KC patients.
• Perceptional learning (PL) offers a potential non-invasive method for visual rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of PL in improving spectacle-corrected vision in KC patients.
• To assess the maintenance of visual gains after PL cessation.
• To determine if PL is a viable therapeutic option for KC patients with suboptimal spectacle correction.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
• Non-progressive KC patients received 3 months of PL or placebo training.
• Outcomes measured included visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and quality of life at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• PL group showed significant improvement in spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) compared to placebo (P = .0006).
• Nearly 50% of PL participants achieved a ≥2 line CDVA improvement, sustained at 6 months.
• Enhanced contrast sensitivity was observed in the PL group, particularly at moderate spatial frequencies.

Conclusions:

• Three months of PL effectively improved vision in KC patients.
• Visual gains from PL were maintained for at least 3 months post-treatment.
• PL presents a promising therapeutic approach for KC patients experiencing unsatisfactory vision with spectacles.