Comparing patch-free therapy to traditional patching for amblyopia in children

Patch-free Occlusion Therapy

Not applicable Interventional Retina Foundation of the Southwest · NCT05440448

This study is testing if a new patch-free therapy works better than traditional patching for treating amblyopia in young children.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorRetina Foundation of the Southwest Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05440448 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of patch-free occlusion therapy compared to standard adhesive patch therapy in young children diagnosed with amblyopia. The study involves a randomized allocation of participants to either treatment group, with baseline assessments of visual acuity and other related metrics. Over a 12-week period, children will undergo their assigned therapy at home, with adherence monitored using a Theramon sensor. Visual outcomes will be measured at multiple intervals to determine which method yields better results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3-10 years with specific types of amblyopia and a significant interocular visual acuity difference.

Not a fit: Patients with coexisting ocular or systemic diseases, developmental delays, or severe myopia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve visual outcomes and adherence to treatment in children with amblyopia.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific patch-free method is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 3-12 years
* male and female
* strabismic, anisometropic, or combined mechanism amblyopia (visual acuity: 0.3-0.8 logMAR)
* interocular visual acuity difference ≥0.3 logMAR
* wearing glasses (if needed) for a minimum of 8 weeks with no change in visual acuity at 2 visits ≥4 weeks apart
* child's ophthalmologist and family willing to forgo standard patching treatment during the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prematurity ≥8 wk
* coexisting ocular or systemic disease
* developmental delay
* myopia \> -3.00D

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Amblyopia
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.