Introduction

Exercise and training is one of the most common and oldest ways to increase the performance of the human body. We exercise and learn since birth, in school, in sports, in every situation of life. This process can be optimized and developed to achieve even higher increases in our bodily functions. Here we think first and foremost of sports. 

However, this training can also be used to improve or, in the ideal case, completely compensate for weaknesses, disabilities or limitations.

The team at SmartMedo GmbH is working on such methods. We develop training systems to improve bodily functions in order to help people with weaknesses, disabilities, or limitations to cope better with these issues. 

With the use of state-of-the-art technologies, it has become possible to make this training simple and comfortable. The exercises are no longer strenuous, are short in duration, and therefore do not cause any strain. 

The training system we have developed trains and improves the visual function of the eye and the visual perception of the brain. This very important sensory function is threatened and impaired by countless diseases. One of the most common is age-related degeneration of the central retina. This is called age-related macular degeneration or AMD. The Medical Eye Trainer (M.E.T.) has been tested in two studies for this disease.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

AMD is the most common cause of severe visual impairment in industrialized countries. Hardly any other condition in our society has such a serious effect on those affected. Visual acuity is drastically reduced and a central scotoma, i.e. a central visual field loss, may develop.

This often leads to severe visual impairment, making even simple tasks extremely difficult. Think of any activity from your everyday life and try to do it with your eyes closed—a frightening thought. In addition, the risk of developing this condition increases rapidly with age.

The Medical Eye Trainer (M.E.T.)

It is an application that can be installed on mobile devices and has shown significant success in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration in two studies.

The interface of the software is designed as follows: In the center is a laughing smiley, which serves as a fixation point for the patient to ensure optimal gaze direction. The screen is divided into four independent rows. A pattern of white and black squares runs in each of them. To achieve maximum stimulation of the eye, the directions of movement of successive rows are exactly opposite. This stimulus pattern is precisely matched in size and speed for optimal stimulation of the eye.

Studies have shown that this impressively simple concept is a very effective form of training. In the study, test subjects suffering from age-related macular degeneration were instructed to complete daily exercise sessions using the program. One eye is completely shielded from light, while the other eye is presented with the stimulus for a period of 90 seconds. A significant improvement was demonstrated.

Hypothesis of the effect

On the one hand, improved visual performance can be achieved by shifting the fixation point away from the destroyed center to peripheral, i.e., outer, areas of the retina not damaged by the disease - briefly called: Fixation shift.

On the other hand, the strong and alternating stimuli acting on the eye cause a reorganization and increased cooperation of neurons in the retina. This optimizes signal processing, which leads to increased visual performance.