What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Treatments for amblyopia, such as perceptual learning and video games, are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. These interventions aim to improve visual acuity and contrast sensitivity by engaging the brain's plasticity. Common side effects may include eye strain, headaches, and temporary visual discomfort due to the intensive visual exercises. Traditional treatments like patching the stronger eye can cause skin irritation and social discomfort, while atropine drops may lead to light sensitivity and blurred vision in the treated eye.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The provided context does not mention specific FDA approvals or related drugs for the treatment of Lazy Eye (Amblyopia). However, it does reference a study using psychophysical measures to explore neural plasticity in both adults and children with amblyopia. This suggests that research is ongoing to find effective treatments that leverage the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself, potentially through perceptual learning and other neuroplasticity-based interventions.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives for treating amblyopia in 2024 include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS). These neuromodulation techniques have shown potential in enhancing neurocognition and improving visual outcomes in various neurological conditions. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) based therapies and advanced video game interventions continue to be explored for their ability to promote neural plasticity and improve visual acuity in amblyopia patients.

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Video Games + Perceptual Learning for Lazy Eye

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Roger W Li, OD, PhD

Research Sponsored by Nova Southeastern University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Amblyopia: interocular VA difference of 0.1 logMAR or more

Must not have

Any ocular pathological conditions

Nystagmus

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 9 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial involves adults and children with amblyopia practicing visual tasks or playing video games using their weaker eye. The goal is to improve vision by taking advantage of the brain's ability to adapt and change. By using their weaker eye over time, participants may see improvements in their visual abilities. Video games have been shown to be effective in improving vision and promoting brain adaptability in amblyopia treatment.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for both adults and children who have normal vision or amblyopia, commonly known as 'lazy eye', where there's a noticeable difference in visual sharpness between the eyes. People with any eye diseases or involuntary eye movement (nystagmus) cannot participate.

What is being tested?

The study is testing new treatments for lazy eye by using video game vision training, perceptual learning exercises, and traditional occlusion therapy which involves covering the stronger eye to improve the weaker one.

What are the potential side effects?

While not explicitly stated, potential side effects may include eyestrain, headaches, or dizziness from intensive visual tasks. Traditional occlusion therapy might cause discomfort from wearing an eye patch.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I have a difference in vision between my eyes.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I have an eye condition.

Select...

I experience involuntary eye movements.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 9 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~9 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 9 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in stereoacuity before and after the intervention

Change in visual acuity before and after the intervention

Secondary study objectives

Change in contrast sensitivity before and after the intervention

Change in positional (or Vernier) acuity before and after the intervention

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Video GamesExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will be required to play video games for a period of time: 1-2 hrs per session, 4-5 sessions/week for \~1-6 months

Group II: Perceptual learningExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will be required to practice a visual discrimination task (e.g. visual acuity, position acuity, contrast sensitivity, \& stereoacuity) for a period of time: 1-2 hrs per session, 4-5 sessions/week for \~1-6 months

Group III: Occlusion therapyActive Control1 Intervention

Participants will be required to cover the dominant eye during the day in order to push the brain to use the fellow amblyopic eye: 1-2 hrs per session, 4-5 sessions/week for \~1-6 months

0 / 3Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) include patching the stronger eye, atropine drops, and vision therapy exercises. These treatments work by forcing the brain to use the weaker eye, thereby strengthening its neural connections and improving visual acuity. The study on neural plasticity using psychophysical measures highlights the potential of perceptual learning and video games to enhance visual processing in the amblyopic eye. This matters for Lazy Eye patients because it leverages the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize, offering a non-invasive and engaging way to improve vision.

Current concepts of mechanical and neural factors in ocular motility.Training of efficient oculomotor strategies enhances skill acquisition.