Relearning to See in Cortical Blindness. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Melnick, Michael D.; Tadin, Duje; Huxlin, Krystel R.
• Is Part Of: Neuroscientist. Volume 22:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 199
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: V1 -- stroke -- perceptual learning -- vision loss -- vision rehabilitation; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1177/1073858415621035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-8584

Abstract

The incidence of cortically induced blindness is increasing as our population ages. The major cause of cortically induced blindness is stroke affecting the primary visual cortex. While the impact of this form of vision loss is devastating to quality of life, the development of principled, effective rehabilitation strategies for this condition lags far behind those used to treat motor stroke victims. Here we summarize recent developments in the still emerging field of visual restitution therapy, and compare the relative effectiveness of different approaches. We also draw insights into the properties of recovered vision, its limitations and likely neural substrates. We hope that these insights will guide future research and bring us closer to the goal of providing much-needed rehabilitation solutions for this patient population.