Therapy benefits stroke patients with vision loss

Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have designed a computer-based therapy for stroke victims who have suffered partial vision loss.

The therapy repeatedly stimulates blind areas of vision using on-screen patterns. Dr Arash Sahraie, reader in visual neuroscience at the University of Aberdeen, explained: 'The basic principles behind Neuro-Eye Therapy are similar to those of physiotherapy following a stroke. If muscles are affected following brain injury, patients are asked to repeat a pattern of limb movements in order to improve their mobility.

'In the same way, after daily use of the programme over a six-month period, patients have reported an improvement in their sight as well as a range of other benefits, including being able to get about more easily.'