This page explains who is eligible for traumatic brain injury or stroke vision rehabilitation using Vision Restoration Therapy, as well as the steps required in the treatment, success rates, results patients can expect, and more.
Vision Restoration Therapy is indicated to treat visual deficits caused by neurological disorders such as stroke, head injuries, optic nerve injuries, or brain tumors. Damage from these disorders often affects the visual pathway to the brain, thus causing defects in the field of vision. Visual field deficits include hemianopia, quadrantanopia, scotoma, and constriction (tunnel vision).
Although Vision Restoration Therapy may have positive effects on several forms of visual impairments, presently VRT is only indicated to provide the victims of stroke, traumatic brain injury, and related injuries with vision rehabilitation.
Most patients with visual field deficits caused by a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or a related injury are eligible and may benefit from vision rehabilitation through VRT. However, there are certain conditions where VRT may be contraindicated. Photosensitive epilepsy, ocular inflammation, and significant cognitive deficits may interfere with the ability to effectively complete VRT. In addition, it is recommended that patients suffering from acute central nervous system or eye disease delay beginning Vision Restoration Therapy until the acute phase is over.
Most of the improvements patients describe in case studies involve day-to-day activities, such as reading, decrease in injuries from falls and bumps, various activities in daily living, etc. We have had some patients who could not drive prior to performing Vision Restoration Therapy who now have their license again, though we haven’t done any research on the relationship between VRT and the ability to drive safely.
More than 1,000 patients have been treated with Vision Restoration Therapy. In a recent retrospective study, more than 70 percent of patients who completed VRT showed measurable improvements in their vision that enhanced their quality of life.
The physician at the NovaVision™ Partner Center will evaluate the patient’s progress to determine if additional therapy will be beneficial.
The initial phase of Vision Restoration Therapy takes approximately six to seven months, although we have seen patients continue to improve for over two years.
There is no set age limit, as long as the patient can perform the therapy.
No; we have seen patients improve many years after their injury. Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT) even benefited a patient injured in World War II.
For more information, please consult our Vision Restoration Therapy FAQ and Partner Center FAQ. You may also call NovaVision Client Services at 1.866.663.0800 or contact us over email.