Computer technique could help partially sighted 'see' better

The new research has found that a computer-based technique developed and assessed by Durham University improved partially-sighted people's ability to 'see' better. It may eventually improve and broaden the portfolio of rehabilitation techniques for partially-sighted patients.

The study, published in the academic journal, Brain, tested the technique on patients who suffer from a condition affecting their sight called hemianopia.

Hemianopia affects over 4,000 people in the UK each year. Sufferers lose half of their visual field due to stroke or other brain injury. They are heavily dependent on others as they struggle with balance, walking, finding things around the house, and they are not normally able to drive.

The study, which tested patients' visual ability before and after the training, found that patients became faster and more accurate at detecting objects, such as coloured dots or numbers, on a computer screen.

The researchers believe the test helped patients to compensate for their lost vision by exploring their 'blind field' more, which is the part of the visual field affected by the brain damage. Further research is needed to pinpoint exactly why the technique helps patients to 'see' better but the scientists believe it is likely due to improved attention, concentration and awareness of their visual problems.

The study findings offer hope that people who receive regular training like this could live more independently in their day-to-day lives because their visual ability would be improved.

Lead researcher, Dr Alison Lane, from Durham University's Psychology Department, said: "This research shows us that basic training works in getting people to use their 'poor' visual side better.

"Although we are not yet sure why this happens, we think it might be because training increases their attention, concentration and awareness of their 'blind' field.

"We think attention is key in improving people's abilities to use their limited vision."

She added: "This simple technique is a very viable rehabilitation option and in future could be easily accessible at low cost to everyone who needs it."

Currently, there is no widely available treatment for people who experience visual loss following brain damage because of the lack of scientific evidence that existing therapies are effective, according to the study authors.

The Durham study compared two types of rehabilitation techniques -- one focused on exploration and the other on attention. Neither training option is currently available on the NHS although alternative training programmes can be bought privately.

The research, which tested 46 patients, found that the basic attention training without the need for patients to move their eyes extensively was for the most part as effective at rehabilitation as the more specialised exploration technique.

The scientists say patients may even be able to see similar improvements in their vision by playing mainstream computer games, particularly those whereby you need to scan virtual environments with your eyes.

Professor David Mendelow, a neurosurgeon at Newcastle General Hospital and professor of neurosurgery at Newcastle University, said: "Hemianopia is often not recognised and is probably much more common than realised. Patients and their families find it very difficult to understand this problem of 'half blindness'.

"At Newcastle General, we have trained our occupational therapists to recognise this visual problem and we can now identify patients with hemianopia at an early stage.

"The Neurosciences Unit at Durham University, where we refer patients on to, is to be congratulated on demonstrating how successful this kind of visual retraining can be."

The research was funded by the Medical Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, and supported by the charity Action for Blind People.

CASE STUDY -- Nichola Burlison from Low Willington, County Durham*

Nichola Burlison, who is married with two young children, has hemianopia. Nichola, who is 31 years old, suffered severe brain damage after a car accident eight years ago.

She spent six months in hospital and had to re-learn all basic skills such as walking, talking, dressing and eating. After contact with Action for Blind People, Nichola took part in Durham's research.

She said: "The training has made a big difference to me. Although I still struggle with basic things like crossing the road, reading, cooking, I feel so much more confident. I am more comfortable with reading and I don't miss words at the start of sentences anymore. I also move my eyes around, both to the left and right, because I am more aware that I can do that.

"I was really surprised that I could do more than I thought after the training. It gave me a big boost and I would love for other people in my position to become aware of this as it may help them too.

"I wish I had time to keep on doing the training more often but it is tricky with two little ones in the house. If the software was available on a games console or something like that, it would be a huge benefit to me because I could spend a quick five minutes here and there on my way to work or on my lunch break."

*Please note that we are not able to give any further biographical details due to the nature of the case study's employment.

FACTS ABOUT HEMIANOPIA

• Hemianopia is a type of homonymous visual field defect, which means people lose vision on the same side in both eyes.
• The translation for hemianopia is 'half blindness'.
• Hemianopia is caused by injury to the brain itself such as from stroke or trauma. It can also be as a result of certain surgical procedures, or a tumour in the visual processing part of the brain.
• There are 4,271 cases of hemianopia diagnosed annually in the UK, and 230 cases a year in the North East.