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Mei X, Tsang L, Jacques T, Sabel BA, Leung CKS, Chan JCH, Thompson B, Cheong AMY. Glaucoma Rehabilitation Using ElectricAI Transcranial Stimulation (GREAT)-Optimizing Stimulation Protocol for Vision Enhancement Using an RCT. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:25. [PMID: 39302646 PMCID: PMC11421665 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.9.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose We compared the effect of three different transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) protocols delivered to the occipital lobe on peripheral vision in patients with glaucoma. Methods A double-masked, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 35 patients with glaucoma. We compared three different tES protocols: anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) against sham stimulation. Each patient attended four stimulation sessions (a-tDCS, tACS, tRNS, and sham) in a random order with at least 48 hours between visits. Stimulation involved placing an anodal electrode over the occipital lobe (Oz) and cathodal electrode on the cheek for 20 minutes. High-resolution perimetry (HRP) and multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) measurements were made before and immediately after stimulation. Changes in HRP detection accuracy/reaction time and mfVEP signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)/latency were analyzed using linear mixed models. Results Compared to sham, HRP detection accuracy was significantly improved after a-tDCS in both the central 20-degree (b = 0.032, P = 0.018) and peripheral analysis (b = 0.051, P = 0.002). Additionally, mfVEP SNR was significantly increased (b = 0.016, P = 0.017) and the latency was shortened (b = -1.405, P = 0.04) by the a-tDCS in the central 20-degree analysis. In the peripheral analysis, there was a trend toward an enhancement of SNR after a-tDCS stimulation (b = 0.014, P = 0.052), but it did not reach statistical significance; latency was increased after tACS (b = 1.623, P = 0.041). No significant effects were found in comparison to other active tES protocols. Conclusions A single session of a-tDCS enhances perceptual and electrophysiologic measures of vision in patients with glaucoma. However, the small magnitude of changes observed in HRP (3.2% for accuracy in central and 5.1% in peripheral) did not exceed previous test variability and may not be clinically meaningful. Translational Relevance a-tDCS holds promise as a potential treatment for enhancing visual function. However, future studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects and clinical relevance of this intervention using validated measures of perimetric changes in the visual field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Mei
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - LaiLin Tsang
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Theodore Jacques
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bernhard A Sabel
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Benjamin Thompson
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Allen Ming Yan Cheong
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Birch EE, Duffy KR. Leveraging neural plasticity for the treatment of amblyopia. Surv Ophthalmol 2024; 69:818-832. [PMID: 38763223 PMCID: PMC11380599 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Amblyopia is a form of visual cortical impairment that arises from abnormal visual experience early in life. Most often, amblyopia is a unilateral visual impairment that can develop as a result of strabismus, anisometropia, or a combination of these conditions that result in discordant binocular experience. Characterized by reduced visual acuity and impaired binocular function, amblyopia places a substantial burden on the developing child. Although frontline treatment with glasses and patching can improve visual acuity, residual amblyopia remains for most children. Newer binocular-based therapies can elicit rapid recovery of visual acuity and may also improve stereoacuity in some children. Nevertheless, for both treatment modalities full recovery is elusive, recurrence of amblyopia is common, and improvements are negligible when treatment is administered at older ages. Insights derived from animal models about the factors that govern neural plasticity have been leveraged to develop innovative treatments for amblyopia. These novel therapies exhibit efficacy to promote recovery, and some are effective even at ages when conventional treatments fail to yield benefit. Approaches for enhancing visual system plasticity and promoting recovery from amblyopia include altering the balance between excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms, reversing the accumulation of proteins that inhibit plasticity, and harnessing the principles of metaplasticity. Although these therapies have exhibited promising results in animal models, their safety and ability to remediate amblyopia need to be evaluated in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen E Birch
- Crystal Charity Ball Pediatric Vision Laboratory, Retina Foundation, Dallas, TX, USA; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Kevin R Duffy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Park AS, Thompson B. Non-invasive brain stimulation and vision rehabilitation: a clinical perspective. Clin Exp Optom 2024; 107:594-602. [PMID: 38772676 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2024.2349565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques allow targeted modulation of brain regions and have emerged as a promising tool for vision rehabilitation. This review presents an overview of studies that have examined the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for improving vision and visual functions. A description of the proposed neural mechanisms that underpin non-invasive brain stimulation effects is also provided. The clinical implications of non-invasive brain stimulation in vision rehabilitation are examined, including their safety, effectiveness, and potential applications in specific conditions such as amblyopia, post-stroke hemianopia, and central vision loss associated with age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, the future directions of research in this field are considered, including the need for larger and more rigorous clinical trials to validate the efficacy of these techniques. Overall, this review highlights the potential for brain stimulation techniques as a promising avenue for improving visual function in individuals with impaired vision and underscores the importance of continued research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Sy Park
- Centre for Eye & Vision Research, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Benjamin Thompson
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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4
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Jia S, Mei X, Chen L, Chan LH, Tsang C, Suen V, Li T, Zaw MW, Liu A, Thompson B, Sabel B, Woo G, Leung CKS, Yip SP, Chang DHF, Cheong AMY. Glaucoma Rehabilitation using ElectricAI Transcranial Stimulation (GREAT)-study protocol for randomized controlled trial using combined perceptual learning and transcranial electrical stimulation for vision enhancement. Trials 2024; 25:501. [PMID: 39039582 PMCID: PMC11264395 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08314-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma patients with irreversible visual field loss often experience decreased quality of life, impaired mobility, and mental health challenges. Perceptual learning (PL) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) have emerged as promising interventions for vision rehabilitation, showing potential in restoring residual visual functions. The Glaucoma Rehabilitation using ElectricAI Transcranial stimulation (GREAT) project aims to investigate whether combining PL and tES is more effective than using either method alone in maximizing the visual function of glaucoma patients. Additionally, the study will assess the impact of these interventions on brain neural activity, blood biomarkers, mobility, mental health, quality of life, and fear of falling. METHODS The study employs a three-arm, double-blind, randomized, superiority-controlled design. Participants are randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups receiving: (1) real PL and real tES, (2) real PL and sham tES, and (3) placebo PL and sham tES. Each participant undergoes 10 sessions per block (~ 1 h each), with a total of three blocks. Assessments are conducted at six time points: baseline, interim 1, interim 2, post-intervention, 1-month post-intervention, and 2-month post-intervention. The primary outcome is the mean deviation of the 24-2 visual field measured by the Humphrey visual field analyzer. Secondary outcomes include detection rate in the suprathreshold visual field, balance and gait functions, and electrophysiological and biological responses. This study also investigates changes in neurotransmitter metabolism, biomarkers, self-perceived quality of life, and psychological status before and after the intervention. DISCUSSION The GREAT project is the first study to assess the effectiveness of PL and tES in the rehabilitation of glaucoma. Our findings will offer comprehensive assessments of the impact of these treatments on a wide range of brain and vision-related metrics including visual field, neural activity, biomarkers, mobility, mental health, fear of falling, and quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05874258 . Registered on May 15, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Jia
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Xiaolin Mei
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Lilin Chen
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Lok Hin Chan
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Celia Tsang
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Venus Suen
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Tingni Li
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Myo Win Zaw
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Amanda Liu
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ben Thompson
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Bernhard Sabel
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - George Woo
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Christopher K S Leung
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Shea-Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dorita H F Chang
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Allen M Y Cheong
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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Contemori G, Maniglia M, Guénot J, Soler V, Cherubini M, Cottereau BR, Trotter Y. tRNS boosts visual perceptual learning in participants with bilateral macular degeneration. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1326435. [PMID: 38450381 PMCID: PMC10914974 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1326435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Perceptual learning (PL) has shown promise in enhancing residual visual functions in patients with age-related macular degeneration (MD), however it requires prolonged training and evidence of generalization to untrained visual functions is limited. Recent studies suggest that combining transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) with perceptual learning produces faster and larger visual improvements in participants with normal vision. Thus, this approach might hold the key to improve PL effects in MD. To test this, we trained two groups of MD participants on a contrast detection task with (n = 5) or without (n = 7) concomitant occipital tRNS. The training consisted of a lateral masking paradigm in which the participant had to detect a central low contrast Gabor target. Transfer tasks, including contrast sensitivity, near and far visual acuity, and visual crowding, were measured at pre-, mid and post-tests. Combining tRNS and perceptual learning led to greater improvements in the trained task, evidenced by a larger increment in contrast sensitivity and reduced inhibition at the shortest target to flankers' distance. The overall amount of transfer was similar between the two groups. These results suggest that coupling tRNS and perceptual learning has promising potential applications as a clinical rehabilitation strategy to improve vision in MD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Contemori
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Marcello Maniglia
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Jade Guénot
- Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
| | - Vincent Soler
- Service d’Ophtalmologie Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Marta Cherubini
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Benoit R. Cottereau
- Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
| | - Yves Trotter
- Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
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He Q, Zhu X, Fang F. Enhancing visual perceptual learning using transcranial electrical stimulation: Transcranial alternating current stimulation outperforms both transcranial direct current and random noise stimulation. J Vis 2023; 23:2. [PMID: 38054934 PMCID: PMC10702794 DOI: 10.1167/jov.23.14.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverse strategies can be employed to enhance visual skills, including visual perceptual learning (VPL) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES). Combining VPL and tES is a popular method that holds promise for producing significant improvements in visual acuity within a short time frame. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive evaluation regarding the effects of combining different types of tES and VPL on enhancing visual function, especially with a larger sample size. In the present study, we recruited four groups of subjects (26 subjects each) to learn an orientation discrimination task with five daily training sessions. During training, the occipital region of each subject was stimulated by one type of tES-anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 10 Hz, high-frequency random noise stimulation (tRNS), and sham tACS-while the subject performed the training task. We found that, compared with the sham stimulation, both the high-frequency tRNS and the 10-Hz tACS facilitated VPL efficiently in terms of learning rate and performance improvement, but there was little modulatory effect in the anodal tDCS condition. Remarkably, the 10-Hz tACS condition exhibited superior modulatory effects compared with the tRNS condition, demonstrating the strongest modulation among the most commonly used tES types for further enhancing vision when combined with VPL. Our results suggest that alpha oscillations play a vital role in VPL. Our study provides a practical guide for vision rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing He
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Zhu
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Fang
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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7
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Navarro PA, Contreras-Lopez WO, Tello A, Cardenas PL, Vargas MD, Martinez LC, Yepes-Nuñez JJ. Effectiveness and Safety of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation for Vision Restoration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neuroophthalmology 2023; 48:93-110. [PMID: 38487361 PMCID: PMC10936670 DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2023.2279092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness and safety of non-invasive electrical stimulation (NES) for vision restoration. We systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NES with sham stimulation, for vision restoration between 2000 and 2022 in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. The main outcomes were as follows: visual acuity (VA); detection accuracy; foveal threshold; mean sensitivity as the parameter for the visual field; reading performance; contrast sensitivity (CS); electroencephalogram; quality of life (QoL), and safety. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool. The certainty in the evidence was determined using the GRADE framework. Protocol registration: CRD42022329342. Thirteen RCTs involving 441 patients with vision impairment indicate that NES may improve VA in the immediate post-intervention period (mean difference [MD] = -0.02 logMAR, 95% confidence intervals [CI] -0.08 to 0.04; low certainty), and probably increases QoL and detection accuracy (MD = 0.08, 95% CI -0.25 to 0.42 and standardised MD [SMD] = 0.09, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.77, respectively; both moderate certainty). NES likely results in little or no difference in mean sensitivity (SMD = -0.03, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.48). Compared with sham stimulation, NES increases the risk of minor adverse effects (risk ratio = 1.24, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.54; moderate certainty). The effect of NES on CS, reading performance, and electroencephalogram was uncertain. Our study suggests that although NES may slightly improve VA, detection accuracy, and QoL, the clinical relevance of these findings remains uncertain. Future research should focus on improving the available evidence's precision and consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William Omar Contreras-Lopez
- Departament of Neuromodulation, NEMOD Research Group, Bucaramanga, Colombia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander FOSCAL, Floridablanca, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB), Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Alejandro Tello
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB), Bucaramanga, Colombia
- Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Centro Oftalmológico Virgilio Galvis, Floridablanca, Colombia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander FOSCAL, Floridablanca, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Pedro Luis Cardenas
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB), Bucaramanga, Colombia
- Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Centro Oftalmológico Virgilio Galvis, Floridablanca, Colombia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander FOSCAL, Floridablanca, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | | | - Luz Catherine Martinez
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB), Bucaramanga, Colombia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander FOSCAL, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Juan José Yepes-Nuñez
- School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá DC, Colombia
- Department of Epidemiology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá DC, Colombia
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Silva AE, Lehmann R, Perikleous N, Thompson B. The temporal dynamics of visual crowding in letter recognition: Modulating crowding with alternating flicker presentations. J Vis 2023; 23:18. [PMID: 37768277 PMCID: PMC10540873 DOI: 10.1167/jov.23.10.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual crowding reduces the visibility of a peripherally presented group of stimuli. This is especially challenging for peripheral reading because adjacent letters or characters perceptually crowd one another. We investigated the temporal course of spatial visual crowding by sequentially alternating the visibility of the target and flanking letters within a trigram letter stimulus presented 9° below fixation. We found that alternation rates of roughly 3 Hz released half of the total effect of crowding, whereas 10 Hz alternation rates elicited near-crowded performance. Furthermore, we found a robust performance asymmetry whereby presenting the target first elicited better performance than presenting the flankers first, an effect resembling forward masking. These results held for conditions of high, medium, and low spatial crowding. Future work will determine whether the alternation rates found in the current study can improve peripheral reading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Silva
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca Lehmann
- Aalen University, Optics and Mechatronics, Aalen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Niki Perikleous
- Aalen University, Optics and Mechatronics, Aalen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Thompson
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research, Hong Kong, SAR China
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Chen X, Hall K, Bobier WR, Thompson B, Chakraborty A. Transcranial random noise stimulation and exercise do not modulate ocular dominance plasticity in adults with normal vision. J Vis 2022; 22:14. [PMID: 36107124 PMCID: PMC9483237 DOI: 10.1167/jov.22.10.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Chen
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Kennedy Hall
- Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA
| | - William R. Bobier
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin Thompson
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research, 17W Science Park, Hong Kong
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Arijit Chakraborty
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA
- College of Health Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
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10
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陈 霞, 廖 孟, 蒋 苹, 刘 陇, 龚 启. [Abnormal spontaneous brain functional activity in adult patients with amblyopia: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study]. SHENG WU YI XUE GONG CHENG XUE ZA ZHI = JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING = SHENGWU YIXUE GONGCHENGXUE ZAZHI 2022; 39:759-766. [PMID: 36008340 PMCID: PMC10957354 DOI: 10.7507/1001-5515.202203072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Amblyopia is a visual development deficit caused by abnormal visual experience in early life, mainly manifesting as defected visual acuity and binocular visual impairment, which is considered to reflect abnormal development of the brain rather than organic lesions of the eye. Previous studies have reported abnormal spontaneous brain activity in patients with amblyopia. However, the location of abnormal spontaneous activity in patients with amblyopia and the association between abnormal brain function activity and clinical deficits remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to analyze spontaneous brain functional activity abnormalities in patients with amblyopia and their associations with clinical defects using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. In this study, 31 patients with amblyopia and 31 healthy controls were enrolled for resting-state fMRI scanning. The results showed that spontaneous activity in the right angular gyrus, left posterior cerebellum, and left cingulate gyrus were significantly lower in patients with amblyopia than in controls, and spontaneous activity in the right middle temporal gyrus was significantly higher in patients with amblyopia. In addition, the spontaneous activity of the left cerebellum in patients with amblyopia was negatively associated with the best-corrected visual acuity of the amblyopic eye, and the spontaneous activity of the right middle temporal gyrus was positively associated with the stereoacuity. This study found that adult patients with amblyopia showed abnormal spontaneous activity in the angular gyrus, cerebellum, middle temporal gyrus, and cingulate gyrus. Furthermore, the functional abnormalities in the cerebellum and middle temporal gyrus may be associated with visual acuity defects and stereopsis deficiency in patients with amblyopia. These findings help explain the neural mechanism of amblyopia, thus promoting the improvement of the treatment strategy for amblyopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- 霞 陈
- 四川大学华西医院 眼科(成都 610041)Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
- 四川大学 华西临床医学院 眼视光学系(成都 610041)Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - 孟 廖
- 四川大学华西医院 眼科(成都 610041)Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
- 四川大学 华西临床医学院 眼视光学系(成都 610041)Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - 苹 蒋
- 四川大学华西医院 眼科(成都 610041)Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
- 四川大学 华西临床医学院 眼视光学系(成都 610041)Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - 陇黔 刘
- 四川大学华西医院 眼科(成都 610041)Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
- 四川大学 华西临床医学院 眼视光学系(成都 610041)Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - 启勇 龚
- 四川大学华西医院 眼科(成都 610041)Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
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Battaglini L, Di Ponzio M, Ghiani A, Mena F, Santacesaria P, Casco C. Vision recovery with perceptual learning and non-invasive brain stimulation: Experimental set-ups and recent results, a review of the literature. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2022; 40:137-168. [PMID: 35964213 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-221261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vision is the sense which we rely on the most to interact with the environment and its integrity is fundamental for the quality of our life. However, around the globe, more than 1 billion people are affected by debilitating vision deficits. Therefore, finding a way to treat (or mitigate) them successfully is necessary. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aims to examine options for innovative treatment of visual disorders (retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, optic neuropathy, refractory disorders, hemianopia, amblyopia), especially with Perceptual Learning (PL) and Electrical Stimulation (ES). METHODS ES and PL can enhance visual abilities in clinical populations, inducing plastic changes. We describe the experimental set-ups and discuss the results of studies using ES or PL or their combination in order to suggest, based on literature, which treatment is the best option for each clinical condition. RESULTS Positive results were obtained using ES and PL to enhance visual functions. For example, repetitive transorbital Alternating Current Stimulation (rtACS) appeared as the most effective treatment for pre-chiasmatic disorders such as optic neuropathy. A combination of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and visual training seems helpful for people with hemianopia, while transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (tRNS) makes visual training more efficient in people with amblyopia and mild myopia. CONCLUSIONS This narrative review highlights the effect of different ES montages and PL in the treatment of visual disorders. Furthermore, new options for treatment are suggested. It is noteworthy to mention that, in some cases, unclear results emerged and others need to be more deeply investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Battaglini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy.,Centro di Ateneo dei Servizi Clinici Universitari Psicologici (SCUP), University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Neuro.Vis.U.S, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Di Ponzio
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy.,Istituto di Neuroscienze, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Ghiani
- Department of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Federica Mena
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Clara Casco
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy.,Centro di Ateneo dei Servizi Clinici Universitari Psicologici (SCUP), University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Neuro.Vis.U.S, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Using noise for the better: The effects of transcranial random noise stimulation on the brain and behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104702. [PMID: 35595071 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Van der Groen, O., Potok, W., Wenderoth, N., Edwards, G., Mattingley, J.B. and Edwards, D. Using noise for the better: The effects of transcranial random noise stimulation on the brain and behavior. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV X (X) XXX-XXX 2021.- Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) is a non-invasive electrical brain stimulation method that is increasingly employed in studies of human brain function and behavior, in health and disease. tRNS is effective in modulating perception acutely and can improve learning. By contrast, its effectiveness for modulating higher cognitive processes is variable. Prolonged stimulation with tRNS, either as one longer application, or multiple shorter applications, may engage plasticity mechanisms that can result in long-term benefits. Here we provide an overview of the current understanding of the effects of tRNS on the brain and behavior and provide some specific recommendations for future research.
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Non-invasive neurostimulation modulates processing of spatial frequency information in rapid perception of faces. Atten Percept Psychophys 2021; 84:150-160. [PMID: 34668174 DOI: 10.3758/s13414-021-02384-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study used high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) to examine how low and high spatial frequency filtered faces are processed. Response times were measured in a task where healthy young adults categorised spatially filtered hybrid faces, presented at foveal and peripheral blocks, while sham and high-frequency random noise was applied to a lateral occipito-temporal location on their scalp. Both the Frequentist and Bayesian approaches show that in contrast to sham, active stimulation significantly reduced response times to peripherally presented low spatial frequency information. This finding points to a possible plasticity in targeted regions induced by non-invasive neuromodulation of spatial frequency information in rapid perception of faces.
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