NovaVision® Vision Restoration Therapy was developed to help the 2.2 million people in the US1 with neurological vision loss who may have been told vision loss due to stroke or brain injury was untreatable. FDA-cleared in 2003, NovaVision Vision Restoration Therapy has been proven to improve the vision and quality of life for stroke and TBI survivors through daily non-invasive Therapy that targets the zone between the patient's seeing and non-seeing areas of the brain.
Vision rehabilitation therapy is performed on a leased, FDA-cleared medical device twice-daily for six months at home. During each session, patients focus on a central point displayed on the device's screen and respond every time they see light stimuli appear. The light stimuli are presented in the area most likely to recover visual function, an area which will change as therapy progresses and vision is improved. Therapy is regularly updated and monitored. Patients are advised to take breaks during therapy and to take one day off per week of therapy.
Over the past decade, leading scientists have begun to explore the brain's ability to restore function after injury, or neuroplasticity. As understanding of the brain's functions has increased, the medical field has begun to recognize neuro rehabilitation therapies that stimulate recovery. Vision Restoration Therapy is one type of neuro rehabilitation that is targeting the vision center of the brain. Since the early 1990's, NovaVision has studied how the brain regains function within the visual system. Contrary to what many doctors were taught in medical school, findings over the past 10 years have supported that vision loss after a stroke or TBI can be reversible and function can be restored through targeting the brain's visual repair mechanisms. Research has shown that repeated exposure to stimuli targeting a vision deficit could help activate the brain to restore vision.
In a recent retrospective study, more than 70 percent of VRT patients who completed this method of vision rehabilitation after a stroke or TBI showed measurable improvements in their vision2. To read more research findings, click here. To view top medical centers that helped bring the therapy to patients, click here.
Following is a real life example of what the field of vision looked like for one patient before and after therapy. His central field of vision increased by 8.5 degrees, which made a significant difference in his ability to enjoy life. This is a fairly typical patient case with VRT.
Performing VRT helps many patients restore vision, as well as independently and confidently resume important activities that help them get their lives back to normal:
"I was told there was nothing I could do about the vision I lost from my stroke. Fortunately, I discovered NovaVision and Vision Restoration therapy (VRT). After performing VRT, it's easier to read. I also can watch the entire TV and enjoy going to the movies."
-R.M. a retired physician, began Vision Restoration Therapy three years post-stroke
Nearly 90% of VTR patients have mentioned at least one significant benefit as a result of VRT. On average, patients recover 5 degrees of central vision, which is a critical for many daily activities. Clinical data has shown that what may sound like a small degree of difference can make an exponential difference in the daily lives of patients2. For more research findings, click here. To read patient testimonials, click here.
For survivors of stroke or TBI, the first step to begin vision restoration therapy is to be evaluated by a doctor. All VRT patients need to send NovaVision: a prescription, a VRT vision exam form completed by an eye doctor, and payment for therapy to receive treatment. NovaVision will contact the patient and arrange to have the VRT device sent to the patient's home.
Vision Restoration Therapy typically lasts for six months. During this period, the patient will perform daily vision therapy sessions six days per week in different sessions totaling one hour her day. The patient's deficit and abilities are carefully considered in designing an optimal therapy program, which will be evaluated and updated on a regular basis by NovaVision. After every month of therapy, a report of patient progress is sent. After five months, the patient's progress is carefully reviewed to see if the patient is still progressing and should continue beyond six months of therapy. At this time, it may be recommended that the patient visit his or her doctor to determine whether to continue and if appropriate, receive another prescription. Therapy can continue as long as patient continues to see benefits.
Results with VRT, like any other therapy, occur as a result of hard work and daily commitment. Because therapy is paid for on a monthly basis, sessions that are not used are lost. Most patients have found it helpful to establish a set schedule for therapy sessions and keep caregivers and loved ones very involved in the therapy process. We also recommend contacting NovaVision Patient Services Representatives should any concern or issue arise with your treatment. The Patient Services team is here to offer ongoing patient support and encouragement.
To learn more about patient eligibility, patient start-up process or prescribing Vision Restoration Therapy, visit our diagnosis page. To view or become part of the Physician directory of prescribing doctors, visit the Physician Directory.