Haase developed a method which is intended to improve binocular vision called the
MKH method (short for:
Mess- und Korrektionsmethodik nach H.-J. Haase), which has become known in German-speaking countries in particular. The method consists in a measurement of an alleged angular misalignment (referred to as
associated phoria or
hidden strabismus, also called
"" in German language) that is different from
heterotropia or
heterophoria, and involves the use of prisms for its correction. In the MKH method, this alleged misalignment is assessed by the
Polatest apparatus and subsequently the patient is instructed to use prism glasses in daily life to correct for the alleged misalignment, with the prism glasses made according to the Polatest results. The MKH method claims to reduce
eye strain-related symptoms. It has found some application in German-speaking countries and claims to achieve unimpaired binocular vision, however it has received little scientific recognition and is not accepted by mainstream medical practice, either internationally or in Germany. The method does not appear to show better results than conventional spectacle prescriptions, and the practice of MKH has been criticized as contravening the rule to
first do no harm. The German association of ophthalmologists ( (BVA)) issued a statement warning that the use of the MKH method could in fact lead to use of prisms of increasing strength, ultimately requiring the patient to undergo
strabismus surgery that would have otherwise been unnecessary. The vision therapy approach that is widespread in the U.S. and which has led to
recover stereopsis in a number of persons, most notably
Susan R. Barry, is diametrically opposed to the use of prisms in the manner that is advocated in the MKH method. In particular,
Frederick W. Brock spoke against the use of an
amblyoscope during training, because in his view the patient needed to take the correct binocular posture (aiming the two eyes such that they simultaneously look at the same target in space) when fusing, otherwise the training would not be likely to succeed. In any case, tentative studies have been undertaken whether some synergy can be found between the U.S. approach to vision therapy and the German approach of MKH. == Awards ==