Compensatory visual field training for patients with hemianopia after stroke

Twenty-one patients with hemianopia received 4 weeks of compensatory visual field training. Detection of and reaction time to visual stimuli were meas ured with eyes fixating (condition A) and with use of exploratory eye movem ents (condition B) before and after training. Twenty-three healthy individu als served as control subjects for measurements of parameters during both c onditions. Patients with hemianopia to either side showed a marked improvem ent of detection and reaction time during condition B, but minimum or no ch ange during condition A. Improvements were maintained 8 months after traini ng. Activity of daily living skills also improved in all patients. The size of scotoma on computerized perimetry, in contrast, remained unchanged. Tra ining improved detection of and reaction to visual stimuli without restitut ion of the visual field defect. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.