tDCS for paediatric amblyopia
Official title: Effectiveness of tDCS in Paediatric Amblyopia.
Run by Universidad de Murcia · NCT07547670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) can improve vision for children aged 4–14 with amblyopia who didn’t get enough help from patching.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidad de Murcia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Murcia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 2, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07547670 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 4–14 with strabismic or anisometropic amblyopia that has not adequately responded to patching per PEDIG criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with ocular pathology, significant neurological or cranial conditions, or other contraindications may not benefit from tDCS.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind trial investigates the safety and effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) when added to or compared with standard care in children with strabismic or anisometropic amblyopia that did not respond to patching. Participants will receive several sessions of tDCS, a sham control, and assessments of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereopsis, with objective biomarkers from EEG and other measures. The study aims to determine if tDCS produces meaningful, lasting improvements and whether it can be a faster or complementary option to occlusion therapy. Outcomes include changes in vision and potential cortical neuroplastic changes, particularly relating to GABAergic activity in the visual cortex. Safety and tolerability will be closely monitored throughout.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, tDCS could provide an additional or faster option to improve vision in children with amblyopia who do not respond to patching.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary pediatric data from the same team have shown improvements after three tDCS sessions, but broader, confirmatory results are needed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 4-14 years. * Strabismic amblyopia resistant to patching (PEDIG criteria). * Anisometropic amblyopia resistant to patching (PEDIG criteria). Exclusion Criteria: * Ocular pathology. * Nystagmus. * Mental disability. * Cognitive delay. * Neurological problems incompatible with treatment. * Pacemakers. * Intracranial electrodes. * Implanted defibrillators. * Cranial pathologies. * Cranial lesions. * Withdrawal will occur upon adverse events, protocol deviation, refusal, or loss to follow-up.
Where it's running
-
University of Murcia
Murcia, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr. Francisco Javier Valiente Soriano, Optics and Optometry
- Email: fjvaliente@um.es
- Phone: +34 670 25 58 48
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.