FDA-cleared light-stimulation-based VRT restores neurological sight loss

Boca Raton, FL--Millions of people worldwide suffer without hope from neurological vision loss due to brain or optic nerve injuries like stroke, tumors, or trauma--often needlessly. For many, such partial blindness can be reversed and a measure of sight permanently restored with NovaVision's non-invasive visual stimulation-based Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT) technology. Nearly 90% of VRT patients surveyed cite at least one significant improvement in their functionality as a result of the FDA-cleared program. 88% of patients note a considerable improvement in overall quality of life. VRT clinical studies have further shown measurable vision gain in more than two thirds of cases.

These staggering vision recovery and patient satisfaction results are no surprise given that the science behind VRT has been validated by 15 years of academic research, with clinical studies published worldwide in more than 30 leading journals. All support the efficacy of NovaVision's neurostimulation therapy approach which can be prescribed by any eye doctor or neurologist in the U.S.

FDA-cleared in 2003, VRT has been proven to improve the vision and quality of life for stroke and brain injury survivors through daily non-invasive computer-based therapy sessions. The company attributes the improvement to neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the nervous system to modify its structural and functional organization and reorganize in order to compensate for injury, as was initially identified by Gilbert and Weisel in 1990. NovaVision’s VRT device uses the eyes as conduit to deliver light-based stimuli to the brain to trigger and accelerate neuroplasticity. The VRT diagnostic program maps areas where vision may be improved, while proprietary algorithms generate a customized neurostimulation strategy specific to each patient that activates the appropriate region within the brain's vision-processing areas. Vision Restoration Therapy is performed at home on a leased, computerized device twice daily for six months.

"On average patients can permanently recover around 5 degrees of central vision and, in some cases, dramatically more, which is a critical gain for conducting many daily activities," notes Tom Bridges, NovaVision VP of sales and marketing. "While 5 degrees may sound like a small difference, clinical data shows it can have an exceptional impact on patient’s lives whether it be through decreased risk of collisions or falls--a well documented problem in those with vision loss, to reading, watching TV, grooming, hobbies and sports, and, in those cases with greater visual recovery, the ability to drive again. Perhaps most important is the fact that so many of our patients report they gained their self esteem and independence back to a much higher degree."

"Unlike other therapies that help patients simply compensate for, or adjust to, their vision loss, VRT can actually permanently restore visual function and, thus, has a more significant impact on a patient's emotional and physical well-being," continues Bridges. "While other rehabilitation modalities such as speech, physical and occupational therapy have been established as a standard of care for stroke and traumatic brain injury victims, our innovative Vision Restoration Therapy addresses a previously unmet need for vision recovery."

Consumers concerned they may be visually impaired may log on to take NovaVision’s free Online Neurological Vision Loss Test at www.helpforvisionloss.com/NVisionTest.html.

With headquarters in Boca Raton, FL, Vycor Medical (OTCBB:VYCO) subsidiary NovaVision researches, develops, and provides science-driven neurostimulation therapy and other medical technologies that restore sight to patients with neurological vision impairments.

SOURCE: NovaVision; www.novavision.com

Posted by:Gail Overton

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