Data from: Biofeedback fixation training in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from geographic atrophy

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive cause of central vision loss with
limited rehabilitation options. This prospective case series aimed to
evaluate the effects of biofeedback fixation training (BFT) on visual
function and vision-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with GA.
Eighteen patients with total central vision loss in one eye underwent BFT
on the fellow eye (study eye) using the Macular Integrity Assessment
(MAIA) system, which was used to select a new, previously chosenpreferred
fixation locus (PRL) to stabilize fixation or adopt a new fixation locus.
Patients were followed for an average of 13.2 months (3-26 months).
Functional outcomes included best corrected visual acuity (ETDRS chart),
reading performance (Radner test), and contrast sensitivity (Spot Checks
test). MAIA parameters comprised average retinal sensitivity, fixation
distance, and stability (P1, P2), and changes in the bivariate contour
ellipse area (BCEA). Vision-related QoL was assessed using the National
Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25). Following
BFT, visual acuity, reading ability, and contrast sensitivity improved
significantly (p < 0.02), fixation stability and NEI-VFQ-25 scores
showed a positive trend. These findings indicate that BFT is a feasible
and promising rehabilitation approach for patients with GA.