Using virtual reality to improve eye coordination and focusing problems
Effectiveness of Vision Therapy in a Virtual Reality Headset
This study is testing whether a fun virtual reality game can help people with eye coordination and focusing problems feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OculoMotor Technologies Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 2 sites (Newark, New Jersey and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04691427 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality vision therapy, specifically designed to treat convergence insufficiency. Participants will engage in a custom video game using a virtual reality headset, which incorporates eye-tracking technology to objectively monitor their eye muscle responses and symptoms of eyestrain. The study aims to assess improvements in eye coordination and focusing abilities before and after the intervention. By utilizing an entertainment device, the study seeks to provide a novel approach to vision therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 9 years and older with a CISS score of 16 or higher and good visual acuity.
Not a fit: Patients with certain ocular or systemic conditions, such as strabismus or diseases affecting ocular motility, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly enhance the treatment of eye coordination issues, leading to improved quality of life for patients with convergence insufficiency.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in therapy is gaining traction, this specific application for convergence insufficiency is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 9 years and older * CISS score ≥ 16 * Best-corrected distance visual acuity of 20/25 or better in each eye * Random dot stereopsis appreciation of 500 seconds of arc or better * Parent or subject understands the protocol and is willing to enroll in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Constant strabismus at distance or near * Vertical heterophoria ≥ 2 ∆ at distance or near * ≥ 2 line interocular difference in best-corrected visual acuity * Near point of accommodation \> 20 cm in either eye as measured by push-up method * Manifest or latent nystagmus * Non-strabismic binocular vision and accommodative disorders associated with known disease of the brain * Diseases known to affect accommodation, vergence, or ocular motility such as multiple sclerosis, Graves orbitopathy, myasthenia gravis, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson disease * Any ocular or systemic medication known to affect accommodation or vergence such as anti-anxiety agents (e.g., Librium or Valium), anti-arrhythmic agents (e.g., Cifenline, Cibenzoline), anti-cholinergics, bladder spasmolytic drugs (e.g., Propiverine), hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, phenothiazines (e.g., Compazine, Mellaril, Thorazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Elavil, Nortriptyline, Tofranil) * Inability to comprehend and/or perform any study-related test or procedure
Where this trial is running
Newark, New Jersey and 1 other locations
- OculoMotor Technologies — Newark, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
- The Eye Institute at Salus University — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Completed)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tara L Alvarez, PhD — OculoMotor Technologies
- Study coordinator: Chang Yaramothu, PhD
- Email: cto@omtvr.com
- Phone: 9735585456
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.