KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — VISTA Eye Specialist (VISTA), one of the leading Eye Specialists in Malaysia, announces the launch of a neurorehabilitation software – Vivid Vision – that uses virtual reality (VR) games to help binocular vision disorders such as lazy or squint eye, giving new hope for patients unable to treat their conditions with the usual therapies.
“No one in the right mind would tell you to play games to improve your eyesight. But in this case, it really helps!” Exclaims Dr. Aloysius Joseph Low, Chief Consultant Ophthalmologist at VISTA.
Lazy Eye (Amblyopia), a vision disorder in which the eye fails to achieve normal vision even with prescription glasses or lenses, affects about 5% of people, typically during infancy or early childhood. Lazy Eye causes blurriness of vision or depth perception issues – causing major inconveniences, affects learning and resulting in a loss of confidence or possibly depression. The patient’s social and academic life could possibly be affected, as simple chores or activities can be compromised and lead to possibly permanent vision loss.
“Generally, patching (covering the strong eye to work the weaker eye) or Vision Therapy (eye exercises) is introduced to help patients recover vision. However, these are thought to be most effective for kids below 10. After that, the effectiveness drops significantly,” adds Dr. Vienne Tai, Consultant Ophthalmologist.
“It is disheartening to tell distraught patients and parents, that there is nothing much we can do – and that they could be like that forever. But now, almost half of the patients going through the program at our center are in their teens, and the therapy is making a remarkable difference for them,” says Carol Heng, Regional Center Manager at VISTA.
While traditional treatments has proved to be effective in restoring vision, there are challenges – the kid’s willingness to comply with the patching regimen and the need to constantly return to the clinic for treatment.
“Sadly, many patients or their family give up,” says Dr. Tai. “However, with gamification of the therapy, compliance is no longer an issue. Vivid is also available with a home kit which the patient can receive the therapy from home, thus increasing effectiveness, reduces travel and cost, and convenient for the patient.”
“While the program takes time and effort, the results have been amazing and better than our expectations,” says Carol. “Parents are grateful that there is now something that can help their kids regain their vision, and fulfil their full potential in life.”
Source: PRN Newswire
