Improvement in activities of daily living after visual training in patients with homonymous visual field defects using Goal Attainment Scaling.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the most common cause of homonymous visual field defects (HVFDs). Yet, there is no standard protocol for composing a rehabilitation program.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we assess ADL gain of visual training for vision restoration in HVFD patients by means of Goal Attainment Scaling.

METHODS: Thirty-five patients trained two predefined regions of the visual field successively at home. In each region we compared the effects of both training rounds, one of which was thus 'directed' and the other 'undirected'. Visual fields were measured with Humphrey and Goldmann perimetry. QoL was assessed with three stroke-related questionnaires and ADL with Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS).

RESULTS: Visual training improved the visual field for both Goldmann (ECSG = 5.82±0.94 mm; p = <0.001; n = 31) and Humphrey (0.79±0.20 dB; p = <0.001; n = 28) perimetry. All standardized stroke questionnaires were significantly improved after training (p < 0.039; n = 29), but showed no significant relation with either type of field improvement (p > 0.359). About 75% of the patients improved on their (personalized) GAS score. Interestingly, after both training rounds the GAS score increased in proportion to the extent of visual field improvement, for Goldmann border shift (p = 0.042; r = 0.38; n = 29) but not for Humphrey sensitivity increase (p = 0.337; r = 0.192; n = 28). Multiple regression revealed that GAS score was linearly related to the directed training component for Humphrey perimetry, but not for undirected training.

CONCLUSION: Together these data suggest that (1) visual training aimed at vision restoration leads to visual field improvement and (2) the extent of visual field improvement is linearly related to the improvement of personal activities of daily living as evaluated by means of GAS. In conclusion, a personalized evaluation to assess treatment success showed the clinical significance of a visual training for vision restoration.