How VRT Works
VRT is designed to strengthen the visual information processing of residual neuronal structures that have survived following acute lesions of the nervous system resulting from trauma, stroke, inflammation, or elective surgery for removal of brain tumors. By repeated activation through the course of the therapy, VRT is designed to improve the neuronal efficacy of such residual cells, i.e., patients use the program to train and improve their impaired visual functions, and thus regain useful vision in the area of the visual field deficit.
While the patient focuses on a central fixation point on a computer screen, light stimuli are repetitively presented in the transition zones between the intact and damaged visual field. These areas have the highest potential to improve. Light stimuli parameters (i.e., size and brightness) are determined to address each patient’s unique needs. Patients are made to respond to the repetitive stimulation, such that visual processing in the areas of impaired vision is repetitively activated over the course of the therapy leading to recovery of visual function.
The VRT therapy program starts with a diagnostic evaluation of the patient’s vision to help NovaVision learn more about the patient’s visual needs and response patterns. During the diagnostic process a map of visual sensitivity is produced based on the frequency of detection at each point. In addition, the reaction time of the patient is recorded. NovaVision then uses this information to construct the most appropriate therapy for the patient. Future months of therapy are determined by the progress of the patient as they undergo their VRT schedule.
