Comparative Efficacy of Saccadic and Biofeedback Training in Homonymous Hemianopia

This training type involves the use of microperimetry. Microperimetry is a visual field test that incorporates perimetry and retinal imaging and is a standard ophthalmic clinical technology. It allows for direct observation of the fundus, but uses an eye-tracking system to compensate for involuntary eye movements. A program designed to train patients to direct and hold their gaze at an eccentric location programmed by the controller will be used. When the participant directs their gaze towards the pre-programmed location, a sound of increasing frequency is emitted to let them know they are approaching the correct location. The sound stabilizes into a solid tone when the patient is gazing directly at the trained location (biofeedback) and they are asked to attempt to hold their gaze at this location for as long as possible.

Participants will be assigned to participate in an at-home reading program. The reading exercises consist of worksheets with letter and number combinations of increasing complexity and font sizes. They are intended to increase accuracy in identifying letters and numbers. Worksheets will initially be dispensed with larger font type and spacing and be graded at weekly intervals towards regular, newspaper-size print and spacing over the course of training.