The good news: A combined 10.1 million Americans, the American Heart Association and Centers for Disease Control estimate, have survived a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). The bad news: Of these, 1.5 million have experienced vision loss, a number increasing by more than 90,000 each year. These survivors often have difficulty with daily activities such as reading, walking and watching TV, which can affect their confidence and independence because these people see only part of everything they look at.
Until recently, stroke and TBI survivors had to tolerate vision loss and had no rehabilitation option. Previously only speech, physical and occupational therapies were provided. Now, regardless of when the injury occurred, stroke and TBI patients have the ability to regain some of their vision through NovaVision VRT Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT).
VRT And How It Works
VRT is the first FDA-cleared medical device providing therapy to help restore vision. The therapy is completed at home for approximately an hour a day for six to seven months. VRT is based on the scientific principle of neuroplasticity, a new understanding of brain function in which healthy areas in the brain can compensate for injury and adjust their activity in response to stimulation.
Benefits of VRT
Fifteen years of clinical research support the therapy and over 1,000 patients have been treated. For many, vision improvements through VRT have enhanced the quality of life by making daily activities easier. R. Lewis, a patient who completed VRT seven years after his stroke, stated, "Since I began my daily VRT regimen, my walking is more sure-footed and I have better balance and coordination." He also states he has regained the ability to play catch with his grandchildren.
How Patients Participate
NovaVision VRT is offered at leading medical, eye and rehabilitation institutions across the United States. Some examples include: Emory Eye Center in Atlanta, the Neurological Institute of New York at Columbia University Medical Center, Sharp Healthcare in San Diego, Kresge Eye Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit and HealthSouth Sunrise Rehabilitation Hospital in South Florida. The therapy is customized, evaluated and updated monthly to optimize patient results. Patients can travel to any NovaVision Partner Clinic for the initial and final evaluations.