Evaluation of a Self-Guided Eye Movement Training for Individuals with Central Vision Loss

To evaluate reading performance following an 8-week self-guided eye-movement training programme in people with central vision loss.

Thirty-three adults with a retinal disease affecting the central retina, a documented central scotoma and best-corrected visual acuity between 6/21 and 6/120 in the better-seeing eye were enroled. Of these, 25 participants completed a self-guided eye-movement training programme in a clinical setting, for 2 h per week over 8 weeks. To assess the feasibility of remote delivery, eight participants engaged with the same training platform at home. The primary outcome was maximum reading speed, measured binocularly using Minnesota Low Vision Reading (MNREAD) acuity charts. Visual acuity, depression, adaptation to vision loss and self-reported visual function measures were collected at baseline and following the training period.

Reading speed increased significantly from baseline following training, by an average of 23 + 24.6 words per minute (wpm), representing a 55% gain. Median reading speed increased by an average of 22.6 wpm for the in-clinic group (n = 25) and 24.3 wpm for the home-based group (n = 8). These findings suggest that self-guided training can enhance reading performance effectively and may be suitable for implementation in both clinical and remote settings.

The self-guided eye movement training programme offers an effective and accessible approach to improve reading performance in individuals with central vision loss. This approach has the potential to complement standard care while broadening access to vision rehabilitation services across both clinical and remote settings.

NCT01853930 (5-10-2013).