M P Simos, K Fitzmaurice, L Abel
La Trobe University, Orthoptics, Melbourne, Australia
AIM:
Rehabiliation strategies which incorporate relocation of fixation can be very time consuming to teach. A preliminary study indicated that accurate refixation movements could be made to tactile stimuli when the direction of relocation was predictable. This study further explores the use of tactile stimuli, removing the element of predictability. In addition, the study will apply the use of tactile stimuli in combination with peripheral visual stimuli to improve the efficacy of refixation training.
METHODS:
Eleven participants were assessed for accuracy of eye movements to vibratory stimulation applied to the fingertips in the absence of any visual stimuli. Participants were instructed at the finger being stimulated. Ten subjects with centre field loss due to macula disease will be assessed for accuracy of eye movements to vibratory stimulation in addition to peripheral visual stimulation.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
The preliminary study demonstrated significant accuracy, however the target location was predictable. The current study has demonstrated that accuracy is lost in the absence of any other sensory information (p<0.001). Preliminary analysis indicates that refixation accuracy also decreases over time. It is proposed that with the additional input of peripheral vision, refixations movement will regain accuracy and further the additional tactile stimulus will decrease the time taken in learning to relocate fixation during rehabilitation. Data is currently being collected for this component of the study.
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