Clinical Significance of Visual Training in Improving Visual Function After Retinal Detachment in Adolescents.

ABSTRACT

Context Epidemiological data has shown that retinal detachment (RD) can occur at any age but has a poor prognosis in the adolescent population, which can cause huge obstacles to their life and learning. Although medications can achieve some curative effect, they have potential side effects and differences in individual efficacy. Objective: • The study intended to explore the clinical significance of visual training in improving recovery of postoperative visual function after external reduction of retinal detachment in adolescent patients. Design: The research team designed a prospective randomized controlled study. Setting: The study took place at Guiyang First People's Hospital in Guiyang, Guizhou, China. Participants: Participants were 110 adolescents with retinal detachments who underwent external reduction surgery, each on one eye for 110 eyes in total, and who were patients at the hospital between June 2015 and June 2019. Intervention The research team assigned 52 participants to the visual-function training group, the intervention group, and 58 participants to the control group, according to the random-number-table method. Each group participated in training method for six months. Outcome Measures: To compare the groups, the research team measured visual function using the Visual Function scale (VF), binocular fusion function using the Worth Four Light Test (W4LT), and stereoscopic vision using the Titmus Stereo Test. The team obtained preoperative and postoperative data-at baseline, one day before surgery and postoperatively at one month and 3 months, and postintervention at 6 months. Results: Both groups had visual impairment after surgery. For visual function, the intervention group's scores after surgery increased gradually and were significantly higher than those of the control group at each follow-up time (P < .05). No significant difference in binocular fusion function existed between the groups at baseline or at one month after surgery (P > .05). At 3 months after surgery and postintervention, the proportions of participants in the intervention group with normal binocular fusion function were 86.54% and 88.46%, respectively, compared to that of the control group, at 68.97% and 70.69%, respectively. The intervention group's recovery was significantly better than that of the control group at 3 months after surgery and postintervention, at P < .028 and P < .022, respectively. No significant difference existed between the groups in stereoscopic vision at baseline, at 9.62% and 12.07%, respectively (P > .05). The proportion of participants in the intervention group with normal, binocular, stereoscopic vision increased gradually, and at one and 3 months after surgery and postintervention was 67.31%, 82.69%, and 88.46%, respectively. The intervention group's recovery was significantly better than that of the control group at one and 3 months after surgery and postintervention, at P < .028, P < .010, and P < .013, respectively. Conclusions: Visual training can effectively promote the recovery of visual function after external reduction of RD in adolescents and improve patients' prognoses. Moreover, long-term persistence can achieve significant effects, making the training worthy of clinical promotion.