Improving vision in adults with amblyopia using optical correction

Spectacle Correction for the Treatment of Amblyopia

Not applicable Interventional Centre for Eye and Vision Research · NCT05394987

This study is testing whether wearing special glasses can help improve vision in adults with amblyopia, a condition where one eye doesn't see as well as the other.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 39 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre for Eye and Vision Research Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Waterloo, Ontario and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05394987 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of optical correction on visual functions in adults with amblyopia, a condition characterized by reduced visual acuity due to abnormal visual experiences in early life. Participants aged 18-39 with specific types of amblyopia will receive spectacles to assess improvements in their best corrected visual acuity and other visual functions. The study aims to explore the potential for neuroplasticity in adults and how refractive correction can enhance vision. Functional measures related to vision, binocular vision, and eye movements will be utilized to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-39 with anisometropic or mixed mechanism amblyopia and specific visual acuity criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with other ocular anomalies causing reduced visual acuity or those currently undergoing amblyopia treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved visual acuity and overall visual functions in adults suffering from amblyopia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested that optical correction can improve visual functions in amblyopia, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-39 (inclusive) years of age
* Anisometropic amblyopia (difference of ≥0.50D spherical equivalent or ≥1.50D astigmatism between eyes) or mixed mechanism amblyopia (strabismus and anisometropia)
* Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the amblyopic eye of 0.3 logMAR to 1.0 logMAR (inclusive)
* BCVA in the non-amblyopic eye of 0.1 logMAR or better, and an interocular VA difference of 2 logMAR lines or more
* Difference of 1.00D or more between current refractive correction and study prescription
* Good general health

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other pathological ocular anomalies known to cause reduced visual acuity
* Presbyopia (based on amplitude of accommodation)
* Inability to tolerate prescribed refractive correction in spectacles (e.g., due to aniseikonia)
* Contraindication to cycloplegic eye drops
* Currently under amblyopia treatment/therapy
* Inability to comprehend test instructions and/or provide consent
* Eccentric fixation
* \>-6.00DS of myopia in either eye with spectacles
* Bilateral amblyopia
* Presence of amblyopia that is not due to strabismus and/or anisometropia
* Presence of (current or previous) psychiatric, visual, or neurological disorders

Where this trial is running

Waterloo, Ontario and 1 other locations

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 AmblyopiaBinocular visionSuppressionPlasticityOptical correction
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.