FEDOROV RESTORATION THERAPY

 

INTRODUCTION:

Fedorov Restoration Therapy claims to be a non-invasive and non-surgical way to naturally restore or improve vision, with stable outcomes and without risks of side effects.

https://www.restorevisionclinic.com/

These positive outcomes are accomplished through the application of weak electrical current pulses which stimulate partially-damaged retinal cells and improve the conductivity of signals to the brain. The therapy cannot replace damaged cells or regenerate optic nerves; instead, it increases the functionality of preserved cells on the retina and enhances the activity along optic nerves.

In addition, electrical stimulation therapy influences brain electrophysiology on a network level. This, in turn, affects the sensitization of deafferented regions or the synchronization (entrainment) of neuronal network firing with long-lasting (plasticity) changes.

The application of electrical stimulation therapy (repetitive transorbital alternating current stimulation) is based on the potential of the vision system to adapt to functional and structural changes that can be induced by external influence. For example, by using electrical current impulses. Clinical experience has shown that, if such activation is performed for several weeks, it can cause significant changes (induced plasticity of visual system) in the functional state (activation) of the entire brain-vision system.

Results can be achieved through therapeutic electrical stimulation that activates the retinal ganglion cells, improves the signal conductivity through visual pathways (including the optic nerve), and embodies the visual cortex reserves, resulting in an optimal, functional state of the whole brain and improving the vision system. Treatment by properly adjusted impulses (electric current therapy) focuses on non-invasive electrical activation of retinal neurons using impulses with different shapes and ranges through electrodes located around the eyes (periorbitally).

External electrical signals applied to the retina can cause functional activity in the visual cortex (prestriate area) located deep in the brain.

In a study published in the journal Brain Stimulation, 446 patients with optic nerve lesions received repetitive transorbital alternating current stimulation (rtACS). Current bursts (<1000 μA, 5-20 Hz) were applied to induce phosphenes for one or two 10-day stimulation periods. Efficacy was assessed by monocular measurements of visual acuity and visual field (VF) size. EEG recordings at rest (n = 68) were made before and after treatment and global power spectra changes were analyzed.

The study reported that rtACS improved VF size in the right and left eye by 7.1% and 9.3% (p < 0.001), respectively. VF enlargements were present in 40.4% of right and 49.5% of left eyes. Visual acuity (VA) significantly increased in both eyes (right = 0.02, left = 0.015; p < 0.001). A second 10-day course was conducted 6 months in a subset of 62 patients and resulted in additional significant improvements of VA.

REFERENCE: Fedorov A, Jobke S, Bersnev V, Chibisova A, Chibisova Y, Gall C, Sabel BA. Restoration of vision after optic nerve lesions with noninvasive transorbital alternating current stimulation: a clinical observational study. Brain Stimul. 2011 Oct;4(4):189-201. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2011.07.007. Epub 2011 Oct 6. PMID: 21981854.

WHEN IS TREATMENT RECOMMENDED?:

Indications for treatment include different forms of vision deterioration marked by a decrease in visual ability, different types of visual field defects, or a combination of the two. We consider each case individually and can discuss with you after reviewing your medical records whether treatment is recommended. The following diseases and consequences respond positively to treatment:

OPTIC NERVE DAMAGE:

• Glaucoma (glaucomatous optic neuropathy)
• Ischemic lesion (anterior arterial and non-arterial ischemic neuropathy)
• Central retinal artery /vien occlusion
• Traumatic injuries (traumatic optic nerve atrophy or traumatic optic neuropathy)
• Brain tumor or non-tumor mass (post-tumor optic neuropathy)
• Hydrocephalus, including Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
• Neuromyelitis Optica and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD)
• Optic neuritis by Multiple Sclerosis
• Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)
• Toxic damages of the optic nerve (due to different medicine or methanol poising)
• Congenital optic nerve atrophy including Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH)
• Optic disc drusen (ODD) or optic nerve head drusen (ONHD)
• Radiation neuropathy

DISEASES OF THE RETINA:

• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Stargardt’s macular degeneration
• Other form of rode-cone retinal dystrophies
• Dry type of Age related Macular Degeneration
• Dystrophic chorioretinitis (for myopia)
• Angiopathy, or the initial stage of retinopathy in diabetes

MONO- OR BI-LATERAL AMBLYOPIA

HEMIANOPIA FOLLOWING STROKE, TRAUMA OR BRAIN TUMOR:

• Ischemic stroke
• Cerebral hemorrhage
• Traumatic injuries
• Tumors
• Inflammatory processes

 CONTRA-INDICATIONS:

Fedorov Restoration Therapy is not recommended for vision loss caused by:

• Cataract or pathology of cornea
• Age-related diminished ability to focus on near objects (presbyopia)
• Astigmatism or hyperopia
• Visual impairments caused by retinal bleedings or detachment
• Vision deterioration due to diabetic retinopathy
• Blindness or light perception