Targeted shortwave diathermy with perceptual training for severe traumatic optic neuropathy patients

Abstract Purpose Patients with severe traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) have limited improvement in visual function despite therapy. The objective of this study was to investigate whether targeted shortwave diathermy combined with perceptual training may enhance visual function in patients with severe TON after endoscopic optic nerve decompression (EOND) surgery.Methods Eighteen severe TON patients after EOND surgery were included and received targeted shortwave diathermy (SWD) therapy and perceptual training. Visual function, visual evoked potential (VEP), and diffusion tensor imaging were evaluated.Results Patients with severe TON obtained significant improvements in best-corrected visual acuity and color vision scores at 10 and 16 weeks after rehabilitation (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation showed that the age of the subject was positively associated with the visual functions. And the visual acuities of two children were completely lost before and after surgery and visual acuity was regained at the light perception level approximately 2 months after rehabilitation. Additionally, the mean P100 amplitude and diffusion tensor imaging values of affected nerves were changed after 10 weeks of rehabilitation. Pearson correlation showed that the VEP and diffusion tensor imaging parameters were significantly correlated with the visual functions after rehabilitation.Conclusions Targeted SWD combined with perceptual training exhibited beneficial effects on severe TON patients after EOND surgery. Additionally, the current study reported the first evidence of visual function recovery 74 days after complete visual loss in child with TON when combined rehabilitation was performed.The trial registry name: Targeted shortwave diathermy with perceptual training for severe traumatic optic neuropathy patients. URL: ClinicalTrials.gov PRS: Record Summary NCT05140486.Contact ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05140486.