Computer-based primary visual cortex training for treatment of low myopia and early presbyopia.

PURPOSE The NeuroVision technology is a noninvasive, patient-specific, perceptual learning program based on visual stimulation and facilitation of neural connections at the cortical level, involving a computerized visual training regimen using Gabor patches, to improve contrast sensitivity and visual acuity. The efficacy of NeuroVision in enhancing uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and unaided contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in patients with low myopia or early presbyopia was evaluated. METHODS Seventeen patients with low myopia (up to -1.75 D) and 21 patients with early presbyopia (up to +2.50 D add) were recruited in 2 clinical sites. Eleven myopic and 18 presbyopic patients underwent the NeuroVision program (treatment group), and 9 patients performed visual examinations only, serving as a control group. RESULTS The low myopia treatment group achieved a mean improvement of 2.2 logMAR lines in unaided VA, from 0.42 to 0.20 logMAR. Unaided CSF improved at all spatial frequencies (1.5, 3, 6, 12, 18 cpd). The early presbyopia treatment group achieved a mean improvement of 2.2 logMAR lines in near UCVA, from 0.47 to 0.25 logMAR. Near unaided CSF also improved at all spatial frequencies. The control patients in both arms of the study have not shown any significant change in vision. Additionally, the mean refractive error in all groups remained unchanged after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Results to date suggest that the NeuroVision technology is effective in improving UCVA and unaided CSF in low myopia and early presbyopia.